American Falls press. [volume] (American Falls, Idaho) 1907-1937, 1912-09-05
Very we'll, indeed" her eyes falling,
because it was myself"
CHAPTER XIV,


read this tale, the possibility that she
mad been masqueradlng In an officers
1nlform, indulging in warlike deeds
had never once occurred to me. She
was so thoroughly feminine that her
acknowledgment came as a distinct
shock. | had, it is true, seen sufi.
cient Of life to be Of charitable mind,
and yet there was that within me
which instantly revolted. She read all
his in. my face, but fronted me with.
put the culver of an eyelash, firmly
withdrawing her hand.
1T is easy to perceive your disap-
proyal," she said more coldly, "but ]
have no further explanation to make.
l am sorry to have you think i'll of
me. but / felt that perhaps you might
realize my action was justified"
1T Is lot that" l fastened to ex-
plain, ashamed Of myself. 81 have not
lost faith in you. But l was brought
up In a strict school; my mother was
almost ~puritanical in her rules of con-
duct, and l have never entirely out
grown her conception of feminine linn
1tations. | am sure you have only done
what is right and womanly. Do not
permit my first surprise to end our
friendship"
That Is for you to determine, Major
Lawrence. l have confessed, and thus
cleared my conscience Of deceit. Some
day you may also learn the cause Of
my action, but in the meantime it
must bear your disapproval. However,
we need discuss the matter no
longer"
She sprang to the door, and glanced
out into the hall, stepping back once
more as Peter appeared. His eyes
swept the room in silent observation.
Captain Grant and the two officers
with him have concluded their meal,
Mistress Claire" he announced calm
ly, and one Of them has gone for a
file Of soldiers to begin the search Of
the house"
Very well. Peter; go back and as
sist them. | will see to the safe con-
cealment Of Major Lawrence"
He bowed %graciously. and disap-
peared.
you have not given me your par
DON" | implored as our eyes again
met.
There is nothing to pardon TO my
knowledge. l respect you because of
your n of propriety, but we cannot
talk longer now. You must enter the
passage at once"
You will give me your hand frst?'
Gladly and l felt its firm pres
sure, her face frightened by a smile.
Now let us remember rather the
danger. the necessity Of concealment,
and not delay too long. Wait a mo-
ment. major; is it true you absolutely
me?"
1T certainly is"
Il am going to put that to the test.
You have papers you desire to give
at once into the hands of General
Washington. You may be detained
here some time, but l have with me
Indian who could take them across
the Delaware tonight. 1t is not the
time he has made that journey.
VIII you confide them to me?"
Our eyes were looking directly into
each other. I may have hesitated an
Instant, confused by the unexpected
request, yet there was something in
expression of the girls face which
swept doubt swiftly aside. Without a
took them from an inner pock-
ct, and gave them to her. The red
tnG CnilaH tho h1,,a W.. hri-kto~;or
"Tonepah shall leave within the
hour" she promised, thrusting the
small packet into the bosom of her
dress. Now step within, major, and l
will close the door"
I did as she requested, hearing the
click of the lock behind me, and be.
Ing as instantly plunged into dark
ness. | waited a moment, my foot upon
first narrow stair, listening. No
sound reached me from without, and,
with her animated face still before me
n memory, l began to slowly feel my
way down the circular staircase. There
was nothing dangerous about the pas.
but with only the bare stone wall
% touch with the hand | was obliged
% grope along blindly. The huge
chimney had evidently been erected
merely for cOncealment, and l mar
1eled at the ingenuity of it's construc-
ion. l failed to count the steps, but
went around and around so many
lines, pressed against the smooth
wall, that I knew l must be well below
he basement of the house before l
inally stood at the bottom. | CROPPED
Onward in the intense darkness, feel
ng with outstretched hands. The first
encountered was q rough table.
he surface of which | explored, dis
covering thereon a c~andlestick with
lint and steel beside it. With relief
struck a spark, and a yellow fame
evealed my surroundings.
What | saw was a low room some
fifteen feet square, the walls and roof
.pparently of stone securely mortared,
he only exit the narrow circular
tairs. The floor was of earth. OPP {
me was a bunk slightly elevat-
a. CONTAINING a blanket or tuO and a 4