The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1912-08-11
CoRgEighs, 4. O McClurg a o., IA
CHAPTER XXxV.
A Confession Of Love.

] could scarcely believe my eyes az
the mantel swung slowly outward, re-
vealing the black hole beyond.
glanced about helplessly, and sprans
TO the door to call back Farrell. He
was not in the upper hall, but as my
eyes swept its length I remembered q
half-burned candle in the chamber op-
posite. By the time / returned with Il
lighted, the mantel had turned on its
pivot, leaving the way clear. The mar
row stair was vacant, stretching down
into the black depths. / listened, my
heart throbbing, but no sound came
from below. Gould she be there
Was there any other secret passage
by which she could have Disappeared
] shuddered at memory of what It
meant to be shut up in that dismal
hole, without the companionship Of
light. Fearful Of some accident
paused long enough to wedge a heavy
piece Of furniture in the opening, and
then, shading the bit of candle, began
cropping my way down. had reached
the lower floor before the pickering
,
her presence. Then saw & girl lying
head down upon the table. My hand
touched her arm before she moved,
but then she faced me, wild-eyed, the
pistol cleaning in the candle-light.
"ClaireI Claire!" exclaimed,
startled at her sudden movement
Surely you know me-"
For the instant she did not, her
eyes full of terror.
mol mol" she cried Historically
''Oh, 1t cannot bel 1t is a dreamI You
-you-tell me who you are?"
I caught her hand, the pistol fall
ing to the floor, and placed the candle
stick upon the table.
at is no dream, dear. I am Allen
Lawrence, and l have come for you
know look disreputable enough, but
there has been hghting-surely you
know me now"
She caught her breath quickly,
clinging to me with both hands-hel
eyes softening as she studied my face
"Allen-Allen Lawrence!" she re
peated softly. "Oh, can scarcely be
heVe 1t true. Let me feel Of you. l.
1 believe l was going insane-ths
dark, the awful dark, and, and no way
Out-no way out"
Yes, yes, I understand" wills
pered, drawing her to me. 81 was hid
den here once, remember. But It Il
over with now"
''But-how did you find a way ID
met FL never thought until it was
all over that I had shut myself in hers
to die. l was so frightened. / Just
ran and hid. Oh, you cannot conceive
what had gone through"
She drew away from me, and again
hid her face on the table.
"Oh. but can, Claire" and benz
over her, my hand fondling her hair
II was there In the hail below, ready
even then to act in your defense.
heard all that was said, saw all thai
was DONE"
"You-you were thereF' sobbing out
the words. you saw me kill him?''
yes, and had you delayed another
instant should have done it,
'"Then-thsn," she glanced up, tear,
dimming her eyes, you do not blam.
me? You do not think me a wicked
wretch"
II think you brave, noble woman
! burst forth. How could I feel 9th
erwiseS Look up, little girl; I wan,
to see your face. No, don't shrinl
back from me. There is no cause.
know the whole story without YOU
speaking q word. You asked me t.
come back to help you, and came"
Yes" she whispered, 81 know
You have been so good"
'Goodi I loved you, dear. From The
moment l lifted you out of the way O.
that mob in Philadelphia, have love-
| you. I did not understand much tina,
| occurred, but I have never doubts 81
| you. Now / realize the cause Of YOU
masquerade and know you were tusti
fed. I can bring you good news-Eris
| is not a traitor, but was a prisoner
captured by Fagin, and held at Grants
request. We found him bound ano
under guard out yonder, as We ap
! preached the house"
"And he is here now7~
Eyes; he was hurt in the fight, and
is still unconscious, but win live"
His reputation"
els safe. Washington believes he
brought him the news Of Clinton's
route Of march. and win never know
! otherwise"
She arose to her feet, standing
straight and slender before me, the
pickering light Of the candle on hen
face.
Major Lawrence" she began, q
wish to get out of here-it seems like
a grave to me-but I must speak first
Oh, am so glad I have accomplished
what endeavored to do for my broth
er. Captain Grant tried to make me
believe him a deserter, but would
not. When he failed to come back Il
me as he had promised, could hardly
determine what my duty was. knew
his pans, his orders, and the though
| came that I should carry these on