The Hickman courier. [volume] (Hickman, Ky.) 1859-current, 1912-04-04

'"sh nave FIonlec ot wei
come Again."
but dim figure in the afternoon, but
now ! saw him for a tall. slender man,
somewhat swarthy Of face. with black
hair and moustache. and a keen eye,
attired In the green and white OF the
Queens Rangers He smiled. but with
a sarcastic curl 10 the upper Mp not
altogether pleasant.
your pardon. Mistress Claire" he
said boldly. sweeping me with a super
cflious glance. but am | mistaken in
believing this waltz was pledged 10
met"
by mistake. captain" her lips
smiling, her eyes steady. 1T seems
] overlooked promise made during
the afternoon"
"oh. indeed" he turned toward me,
staring insolently. The hero OF the
rescue. presume"
felt the restraining pressure OF her
hand upon my sleeve. and her voice
replied calmly. before | succeeded In
finding words
This 10 the gentleman who protect
ed me from the mob. n that IL what
you mean. Permit me TO present Cap
tain Grant OF the Queens Rangers.
Leutenant-pardon my having already
forgotten your name"
"Fortcsque." | stAmmered, intensely
hating the necessary deception.
"Ah. yes-Lieutenant FortesQue OF
the Fortyseoond British Foot"
We bowed coldly. neither extending
. hand. the captain twisting his mus
tAche a. be continued staring at me.
"Fortesque." be repeated slowly.
''Fortesqus: not Of this garrison. l DO
leve"
NO. from New YORK; coolly. I 70
grst having interfered with your pro
gram
Don't mention a.: there are other
ladies present. and. no doubt. your
gallant act was worthy the reward q
pleasant evening. sir" and he with
drew aside. stifiiy military. Eager 10
lose as little as possible OF the meas
ure. swung my partner forward.
catching glimpse again Of the mans
face AZ We circled.
Pleasant disposition" I vsntursd.
without meaning 10 be uncivil.
"0h. very" and her eyes met mine
frankly. But you must not quarrel
with him; that Is his one specially.
you know"
is the warning on your account.
or my own1"
both. perhaps. Captain Grants
family and mine are neighbow-or
were before war intervened-and be-
tween our fathers exists a lifelong
friendship. I could never consent TO
be the cause OF his quarreling with
anyone. and ! have reason to know
how quick tempered he is"
Il have little use for any man who
svaggers about seeking trouble" re-
turned, as she hesitatsd. at has been
my experience that there 10 usually
cowardice back OF such a disposition"
Noe in this case" earnestly. Gap
tain Grants courage has been sum
aently tested already | warn you
not 10 presume on your theory 30 far
as he Is concerned. advise the safer
course "
What Is thatg"
Her eyes met mine. smiling slightly
and yet grave enough In their depths
ITO let this one dance prove sum
cisnt reward for pour act Of rescue
"You request this9"
~oh, you must NOT place the entire
burden OF decision on me. sir. l can
only suggest"
HAS Captain Grant any authority
20 dictate who shall be your partner =
H.r lashes lifted. and then fell DO
fore my gaIs.
"He AT ieast assumes the power
ana GENERALLY with fair success.
must ask 10 be- excused from discuss
,ns this rnattsr further now, but-out,
hsr voice ,rembled to q whisper. II
am sure your safety depends upon
your leaving me-
Astonished by these words. sudden
" wondering II she suspected me-
scarcely comprehending what sns
meant. | stared into her face as We
circled the room. Grant stood sunny
against the wall where we left MIN,
his eyes fastened moodily on ths
crowd; realised his presence. yS
nv whole thought was concentrated
ON the girl. the strands OF her haif
brushing my lips. her steps lightly foi
lowing the music, her eye downcas.
into the cheeks there came hush Oh
mink and she glanced up TO read the
surprise in my face.
.Do need to say more'
~Yss, you must" l insisted. you can
never believe l would leave you DO
cause OF personal fear" ~, +,
IT did not know-at nrst now :
| -.r.. n win require q higher mouve