The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1912-01-27

ltiS idut Nnfch am ittlt dis POSED 10
overlook. For your information per
! NIT me to state, | am Colonel Curran.
! sixth Ohio Light Artillery, and am
t not accustomed TO being halted on the
road by every drunken tool who sports
a uniform"
He stopped short in complete sur
| prise. staring at me through the dark
ness, and doubted not was perfect
| ly able to distinguish the CLINT Of but
| tons and CLEAN of braid
Your pardon, sir" he calculated at
| last. II mistook you for some run
away soldier. But failed to catch
your words: how did you name your
self"
Colonel Curran. OF Major-Generai
Halleck's staff"
The hell yOu are! CCrran had q
full gray beard a month ago.
He took a step forward. and before
could recover from the first numbing
shock OF surprise WAS peertng !ntently
into my face
Damn it," he cried, Juggling
SASicuSiS al n iCSolSCf III LaS OCIt, 1
know that face, You are the measly
Johnny Reb | brought In day before
yesterday"
There came a quick flutter of drap-
cry at my side, and she. pressing me
firmly backward. fae d him without
word.
The mans extended arm dropped to
his side as though pierced by bullet.
and he took one step backward,
shrinking as II his startled eyes be-
held ghost.
"Edith?" he cried. as though doubt
ing his own vision. and the ring OF
agony In his voice was almost piteous
Edith! My God! You here. at mid
night, alone with this man?'
However the words. the tone. the
gesture may have stung her. her face
remained proudly calm. her voice cold
and clear.
Il certainly am. Major Brennan"
she answered. her eyes never once
leaving his face. And may | ask
what reason you can have to object?'
Reason" His voice had grown
hoarse with passion and surprise.
my God. how can you ask? How
can you even face me? Why do you
not sink down in shame? Alone
here."-he looked about him into the
darkness-"at such an hour, in COM
pany with a Rebel, a sneaking. COW
ardly spy. already condemned to be
shot. BY Heaven! he shall never live
to boast Of it,"
He flung up his revolver barrel to
prove the truth Of his threat. but she
stepped directly between US. and
shielded me with her form.
Put down your pistol" she ordered
coldly. Il assure you my reputation
is in no immediate danger unless you
shoot me, and your bullet shall GER
tainly find my heart before It ever
reaches Captain Wayne"
Truly. you must indeed love him."
he sneered.
So close to me was she standing |
that l could feel her form tremble at
this insult. yet her voice remained
Your uncalled-for words shame
me, not my actions. In being here
with Captain Wayne tonight l am
merely paying a simple debt OF honor
"a double debt. indeed. considering
that he was condemned to death by
your lie. while you deceived me by
another"
Did he tell you that?"
HE did not Like the true gentle
nan he has ever shown himself to be.
he endeavored to disguise the facts.
% withhold from me all knowledge
If your dastardly action. know 1t
by the infamous sentence pronounced
against him and by your falsehood to
me-"
Edith. you mistake" he urged anx-
ously IL was told that he had
,een sent North"
She drew deep breath. as though
The could scarcely grasp the full au-
lacity of his pretence to ignorance.
You appeared to be fully informed
,ut now as to his death sentence"
Yes, | heard of Ii while away, and
telling yon as soon as |
cached our quarters"
! could feel the scorn Of his miser.
BILE deception as 1t curled her lip. l
nd her figure seemed to straighten
etween us.
Then" she said slowly. you will
oubtless agree that ! have done no I
,ore than was right. and will there
ore permit him this chance OF escape
rom so unmerited fate: for you