Licking Valley courier. [volume] (West Liberty, Ky.) 19??-current, 1912-07-03

"This situation leaves me in an en-
barrassing predicament," he admitted
at last slowly. 81 hardly know what is.
my duty either as father, or an Off
Ger Of the king. No matter what his
purpose may have been this man pen
etrated our lines in disguise; he ad-
mittedly exercised command of those
irregulars who attacked and routed
Delavan's column, and has since been
proving about disguised as a coun-
tryman. Merely because my daughter
confesses to friendship between
them can hardly justify me in setting
him at liberty"
He paused, rising to his feet, his eyes
on my face. The girl lifted her head,
looking up at him.
Major Lawrence, l shall hold you
prisoner of war, referring your case
to Sir Henry Clinton. In the mean
while you shall receive every consid-
Grafton possible in accordance with
your rank. am now going join my
men in pursuit Of Fagin. Captain
Grant, you will accompany me, and,
Mr.. Seldom, shall leave you in charge
Of the, prisoner until We return"
He took step toward the door;
then turned to his daughter.
II shall expect you to be ready to
ride with us on our return to Philadel-
phia, Claire" he said kindly. 1T is
evidently not safe for you to remain
here alone"
Every well, father"
"Come, Grant, we shall have to ride
hard to overtake our men,"
The captain started reluctantly
ocowling at me as he passed.
81 should enjoy having the privilege
of being left in charge here" he said
for my benefit.
mo doubt, sir" returned Mortimer
coldly. But l have already selected
Mr.. Seldom for that duty"
They left the mouse together, and I
watched them ride past the window,
followed by dozen soldiers. AS they
disappeared Seldom turned his eyes
to my face. He was rather pleasant
looking young man, but possessed an
aggressive chin.
while have no orders to that ef-
feet, major" he said quietly, 81 would
take the responsibility of accepting
your parole"
Are you not rather reckless?"
"0h, / think not" smilingly. "a
would have you give 1t To- Mistress
Mortimer-surely under those, condi
tons you would never run away.
She stole a swift glance at me
shaking her head.
THAT would be too strong an i'm
prisonment," responded instantly
Under all conditions l prefer not t.
give my parole"
very well, SIR" more stifiy, iii
geniality vanishing with my ratheI
curt refusal. "Then | shall take al
necessary precautions to prevent es
cape" He stepped aside to the hal
door. "You may send two men II
here, Ferguson"
They entered quietly, glancing abou
with some curiosity, but taking posi-
ton OH either side Of me at Seldom
command. Claire stood beside tn
table In silence, her glance out tn
window. Only as we wheeled about t
leave the room did her eyes NICE
~. That swift glimpse beneath tn
t--.4 lashes caused me to leave tn
room with swiftly beating heart. A
the door stole another glance bacl
ward, but she had sunk into chair
her face concealed in her hands. wit
Seldom ahead, and the two guards bt
hind, / tramped down the stairs int
the basement, and was again locke
within the walls Of the strong room
AS the lock clicked l sat down upo
the bunk far from being disheartenet
Fate had been playing strange prank
but was not left without hope, fC
! felt assured had read correctly th
swift message of those uplifted blu
eyes. She had not wished me to o
cept parole; then there must be som
plan Of escape already formulated
her mind. l could only wait quietl
striving to solve the meaning of tho'
suddenly uplifted blue eyes. and Il
promise they contained.