The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1912-05-19

~
Caught Hsr-the Animal Dasrino For
ward Beneath the Double Burden
Into the Open Field
then. nor forbid. But there is Captain
Grant seeking me. II do not speak
Of gratitude, 1t is nevertheless In my
heart. sir" she swept me a curtsey, to
which bowed hat in hand, "and now
au revoir."
stood as she left me, staring while
she crossed the lawn and Joined a
dark-faced officer Of Rangers. Once
she glanced back over her shoulder,
and then disappeared in the crowd
Of jewellers.
I had not intended to remain In
Philadelphia through the night. Al
ready had secured the information
sought, and now must consider the
safesL and quickest method Of escape.
It seemed to me this night, given up
10 revelry, afforded the best possible
opportunity for my safely passing the
British guard lines. Tomorrow disci-
pima would be resumed, the soldiers
would return to their posts and the
citizens of the city would again ap-
pear on the streets. This would great
~ intensity my danger. for, at any
moment, 1 might encounter some one
who knew me, who might denounce
me to the authorities.
That this was the exact truth Of the
situation could not be denied, yet,
now, every reckless impulse Of my
disposition urged me to remain; the
invitation Of those laughing blue eyes,
the challenge read in the lady's fair
face, the unsolved mystery of her iden-
tity, all combined In q temptation
found 1t impossible to resist. For
dance with her, possible understand
ing. was willing to venture life itself.
1t must have been nearly nine
O'Clock when, In company with
young cornet, rode up to the house
given up to festivities, and, turning
over our horses to the care Of cavalry
grooms, climbed the wide steps to the
door leading into the hall.
All was q riot of color, rich, bewil-
dering, with smiling faces, and laugh
ing lips everywhere. In such a spot,
amid such surroundings, war seemed
a dream. far-off delirium-
Ny companion disappeared, and,
to escape the pressure Of those surg
ing back and forth through the wide
doorway. I found passage close to the
wall. and half circled the room, finally
discovering hating place in the re-
cesses Of a window, where, partially
concealed myself by flowing curtains.
I could gaze out over the brilliant as
semblage. Half ashamed Of the plain
ness of my own attire, and feeling
stranger and ar alien, was yet con-
sciously seeking the one face which
had lured me there.
Enough conversation reached me 70
disclose q promised display OF fire.
works on the lawn. and almost imme-
diately a ma tficent bouquet of rock
cts shot up the black sky, inumi-
mating everyt lg with a glare Of FIRE.
This was fol ed by the lighting up
Of the triumphal arch, and the burst
ing Of balloons high overhead. Attract
ed by the spectacle, l was staring out
at the dazzling scene, when a voice
spoke at my shoulder.
"'Tis a relief to see even one soi
/ der present ready for duty"
/ turned to look into pair Of steady
blue eyes. with bit Of hooking laugh
ter in their depths. the face revealed
clearly in the glare Of the rockets.
Necessity only" managed to re-
ply. Il can be as gorgeous as these
others, h; ! brought bag with me. "
No doubt; every British regiment
tries to Guido the others IN ribbons
and gold lace. Really they become
tiresome with such foppery in war
times. See how they play tonight,
like children, the city practically IN
guarded from attack" she waved an
ungloved hand toward the dark with
out II venture there are men out
yonder, sir, who are not dancing and
laughing away these hours"
My cheeks burned
you mean Washington's troopsf'
"Ayei I saw them here IN Philadel-
phia before Sir william came" her
voice lowered, yet earnest, "and they
are not playing at war; grim, silent,
soberfaced men, dressed in odds and
ends, not pretty to look at; some tat.
tered and hungry, but they fight hard.
Mr.. Conway was telling US yesterday
of how they suffered all winter long,
while We danced and Toasted here,
Washington himself sleeping with the
snow drifting over him. You do not
know the Americans, for you are not
long across the water. but they are
not the kind to be conquered by such
child's play as this"
You are an American, then?"
asBy birth YES unhesftatinoIv s~TVe