The Lee County journal. (Leesburg, Ga.) 1904-19??, 1912-07-04

J 7
HPardon Me, Gentlemen" She Said
softly, Abut Perhaps Can Explain
Much Of This Mystery"
him with bow, and remained stand
ing, her eyes upon her father. Not
once had she even glanced toward Ell
Their Grant or me, but noticed the
deep flush Of color on cheek eYidenc-
ing her excitement. What was she
going to explain? How account for
the strange actions Of the past few
days? How came she to be here at
all? Would she confess the truth
openly before us all, or would she feel
justified in concealment? could not,
did not, doubt the honesty Of the girls
Intent, and yet was 1t possible for her
to compel these men to accept her YER
sion Of all which had occurred? Would
she venture falsehood to protect me.
or to save herself?"
I'll have already explained much, :
/ fastened to say, thinking she might
wish to know.
81 overheard what has already been
said" she returned quickly, but with
out looking toward me, "and appreci-
ate the care with which my name has
thus far been guarded. Now ] am
ready to make my own explanation. :
"But, first, Claire" said her father
soberly, "how does it happen you are
here? We supposed you in the hands
OF Red Fagin, and squadron of my
men are out now tracking the fel-
lows
Il was not in the house when they
came, father; Peter and were back Of
the stables, fortunately mounted. We
we're obliged to ride hard, as we were
chased several miles. and returned as
soon as 1t appeared SAFE"
"And Eric?"
"He departed before Captain Grant
arrived" she replied unhesitatingly,
"and must be already safe within his
own lines"
at was Eric, then?"
"Who else could it be? Surely Cap
tain Grant told you as much"
The coloneIs eyes wandered about
the little group, and his doubt and be
wilderment were clearly evident.
"Do you know Eric's purpose In
coming here? in presuming to act as
an officer in Deiavan's company? 2"
Gle did not inform me, sir"
"You know this man?"
She turned, and looked at me fol-
the first time, a silent plea in her blue
eyes.
II do-he is Major Lawrence of Gen
eral Washington's army" her voice
low, but distinct. Il have known him
since the Continental troops were first
ouartered in Philadelphia"
/ started slightly, yet as instantly
recovered my outward composure
realizing that this strange girl again
purposed protecting me from exposure
even at the expense of a falsehood.
Indeed; you were doubtless aware
then that he was within Sir Henry
CIinton's lines as spy?"
''Far from 1t, she laughed easily
not glancing toward me, but permit
ting her eyes to rest upon the Devil
dered face Of Captain Grant. ''Why
that idea is perfectly absurd. Did you
tell my father so ridiculous story
captain?"
did II What else could say" he
groWled Indignantly. "He was within
our lines In British uniform"
Her long lashes yelled the blue
depths modestly.
ssYet there might be other reasons
for such masquerade, gentlemen" she
confessed. Would it be impossible
think you, that he should have taken
SO great q risk to again meet with
me3a
There was a silence following the
simple question, broken by Seldon's
laugh, as he slapped his knee in ap
probation
Good enough. By Gadl" he ex
claimed heartily. sTbe lass has cleared
the mystery with a word. The fellow
would be a poor soldier indeed to fail
In such a test-eh, Grant,"
The Ranger scowled at him In sui
len response, his face dark with pas
sion.
"HelPs acrel This thing may touch
your humor, but not mine. What is
the meaning Of your words. Mistress
ClaireY Are yeu shameless, forgetting
the pledge between us2"
She turned her face toward him al
a queen might, her head held high
her cheeks flaming.
you have said your answer once
for all, Captain Grant. There is nj
pledge between us"
"But. daughter. broke In the colonel
still bewildered by this sudden explo
sion. a can scarcely comprehend;
surely 1t was understood that you were
afianced to this son Of an aid neigh
Dor
Understood yes. BY those who kind
" arranged the affair. but the fac
that I might possess a heart Of ny
own was entirely overlooked As &
child 1 permitted Zou 70 plan my fu