Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-03-13

/ against a host OF Infatuated ruffians
! seeking to protect helpless women
They wore tierent uniforms. they
followed different flags, BY the fortune
Of war they we're enemies. yet theJ
could fight and die in defense Of The
weak thanked God upon my knees
/ that I had been privileged to know
such men and could call them friends
/ No nobler. truer, manlier deed at arms
was ever donel Yet, mark you nc
sooner is that duty 0 ler-searcely are
! their dead comrades buried--when
they forget every natural instinct Of
! Of gratitude, of true manliness. and
spring at each others throat like two
maddened beasts ! care not what
the case may be-the act is shameful
and an insult to every woman Of this
household Even as ] came upon the
field voices we're clamoring for ano;h
er shot, in spite Of the fact that one
man stood already wounded Wan
may be excusable. but this is not war
Gentlemen. you have fired your last
shot on this field. unless you choose
to make me your target"
She stood there as a queen might
and commanded an obedience no man
among us burst refuse. Brcnnan's
flushed face paled. and his lips trem-
bled as he sought TO make excuse
Edith" he protested, you do not
know, you do not understand There
are wrongs which can be righted IN
no other way"
Il do not care to know" she an.
swered coldly. nor do ever expect
to learn that murder can right a
wrong
Murder! You use strong terms.
The code has b.sn recognized for cen
turtles as the last resort OF gentle
men"
THE codel Has It, indeed? What
gentlemen? Those OF the south ex-
cluslvely Of late. That might posi-
bly, pardon your opponent, but not you.
for you know very we'll that IN the
north no man Of any standing would
ever venture to resort to II. Moreover.
even the code presupposes that men
shall stand equal at It's bari am in.
formed that Captain Wayne fired In
the air"
lie hesitated. feeling doubtless the
uselessness OF further protest. yet she
permitted him small opportunity for
consideration. Major" she said quiet
ly but firmly. u ShouId be pleased to
have you escort me to the house"
These words. gently as they
were spoken. still constituted a com
mand. Her eyes were upon his face,
and doubt not he read within them
that he would forfeit all her respect u
he failed 20 obey Yet he yielded with
exceeding poor grace.
AS II seems impossible to con
tinue." he admitted bitterly. u sup
pose may as well go" He turned
and fronted me. his eyes glowing
But understand. sir. this Is merely
cessation, not an ending"
| bowed gravely. not daring to trust
my voice In speech. lest should yield
to the temptation of my own temper
Captain Wayne" she said. CHANGING
back across his broad blue shoulder
and | thought there was a new quail
ity in her voice. the sting had some
way gone out OF It. Il shall esteem
# a kindness II you will call apon
me before you depart"
with pleasure, | FASTENED TO re-
ply. my surprise at the request al
most robbing me OF speech, but |
shall be compelled TO leave at once.
as my troop is already under or
ders."
II shall detain you for only a
moment. but after what you have
passed through on our behalf | am
unwilling you should depart without
realizing our gratitude You win find
me in the library. Come. Frank. ]
am ready now"
We remained motionless. Watching
them until they disappeared around
the corner OF the shed. Brennan
walked with stern face. his step
heavy. she with averted eyes. a slight
smile OF triumph curling her lip. Then
Moorehouse stopped and picked ny
the derringer the Major had thrown
away,
by thunder, but she's right" he
exclaimed emphatically. II tell you
that's a mighty fine woman Blame
me. II she didn't face us like 9
queen"
No one aIss cred. and without ex
changing anU' d sr word we walked TO
gether TO the house There | found
the remnant OF my troop STANDING
beside their horses, chatting with q
dozen idle Yankee cavalrymen who
were lounglng on the wide steps
The time had come when | mus
say a final farewell and depart. No
the slightest excuse remained for fur
Their delay. dreaded tho ordeal. bu
no escape Was possible. and | EN-
tered the house for what | well knew
was TO be the last time, My mint
was gravely troubled, | knew no
/ what TO expect. how Far | might ven
/ ture TO hope Whs had she desires
to see me againg Surely the publi
reason she offered could not be III,
/ real one. Had she only been free
maid whose hand remained he
own 10 surrender as she pleased.
should never have hesitated. neve
have doubted her purpose; but no,
that could not be.
As | knocked almost timidly a, N
closed library door a gentle yoic
said. Gene" and entered, my hear
throbhng like a frightened girl
She stood waiting me nearly ia ia
center of that spacious apartment
dressed in the same light raiment 81,
4 y al Yvossr, v,ftb,,se e,a h,v .~rslott o,