Rural Retreat times. [volume] (Rural Retreat, Va.) 1892-1918, 1912-01-05

those in authority every excuse for the
exercise of extreme military power.
Yet of one thing was firmly re-
solved-no thoughtless word of mine
should ever endanger the reputation
of Edith Brennan. Right or wrong, |
would go to death of dishonor be-
fore would speak without her author
ity. Love and pride conspired to
make this decision adamant
Come" said Cation, briefly, and
turned and accompanied him without
thought of resistance At the front
door he ordered the little squad of
waiting soldiers to fall in, and taking
me by the arm, led the way down
the gravelled path to the road. was
impressed by his seeming careless
Less, but as we cleared the gateway
he spoke, and his words helped me
to comprehend
Captain Wayne he said quietly. so
that the words could not be over
heard, you do not recognize me, but
| was the officer who conducted you
to headquarters when you brought the
1
must perform the duty given me. but
| wish you to understand that l wholly
believe your word"
He stopped, extended his hand, and
| accepted 1t silently.
There must be some grave personal
reason which seals your lips?" he
questioned
There is"
II thought as much | CHANGED, to
overhear the words, or rather a por-
ton of them, which Brennan whis-
pered. and have no doubt if they were
explained to the General he would feel
more kindly disposed toward you"
1t was asked as a question, and
felt obliged to reply.
"I appreciate deeply your desire to
aid me, but there are circumstances
involving others which compel me for
the present to silence. Indeed my pos
sible fate does not SO greatly trouble
me. only that possess a strong de-
sire to have freedom long enough to
cross swords with this major of yours.
The quarrel between US has become
bitterly personal, and | hunger for a
chance to have 1t out. Do you know,
is he man who would fight?"
The young fellow stiffened slightly
I'VE are serving upon the same
staff" he said more abruptly, "and
while we have never been close
friends, yet | cannot honorably take
sides against him. He has been out
twice within the last three years to
my knowledge, and is not devoid
either of courage or skill. Possibly,
however Sc arrival of his wife may
make him less fire-eater.'
His wife?''
stopped SO suddenly that he in
voluntarily frightened his grip upon my
arm as though suspicious of an at
tempt to escape.
do you" asked. gaining some
slight control over myself. "refer to
the lady who came in with his party
last evening""
Most certainly; she was presented
to all of us as Mrs Brennan she has
been assigned rooms at his quarters.
and she wears wedding-ring. Far
too fine woman in my judgment for
such master. but then that is not so
uncommon mistako in marriage
Why, come to think about it, you must
have met her yourself. Have you
reason to suspect this is not their
relationship"
Not in the least" l FASTENED to
answer, fearful lest my thoughtless
exclamation might become the basis
for camp gossip. Indeed was
scarcely in the lady's presence at all
coming in as was left in charge OF
the sergeant"
Perhaps he felt that he had already
said too much. for we tramped on in
silence until we drew near a large,
square white building standing direct
y beside the road
This is the old Culverton tavern,
known as the Mansion House," he
said. 1T is a tremendous big build
Ing for this country. with as fine
ballroom in it as have seen since
leaving New York We utilize it for
almost every military purpose, and
amo.lg others some of the strong
rooms in the basement are found val
liable for the safe-keeping of i'm
portant prisoners
We mounted the front steps as he
was speaking. passing through a cor
don of guards, and in the wide hall
way | was turned tower 20 the officer
il charge
Goodnight. Captain" said Cation
kindly extending his hand You may
rest assured that ! shall say all can
in your favor. but it is to be regretted
that Brennan has great Influence just
now at headquarters. and Sheridan is
not a man to lightly overlook those
! hasty words you spoke to him"
could only thank him most warm
| ly for his interest, realizing fully
from his grave manner my desperate
| situation, and follow my silent con
ductor down some narrow and steep
stairs until we stood upon the cement
ed floor of the basement Here a
! heavy door in the stone division wall
was opened; | was pushed forward
into the dense darkness within. and