The Pensacola journal. (Pensacola, Fla.) 1898-1985, 1912-07-21

why 40 you suppose tbatE
Because while at General washing
toms headquarters he mentioned that
you had asked permission to take your
father-Colonel Mortimer, of the
Queens Rangers-to his home at Elm
hurst You left, as 1 understand, an
hour or two ahead of US. Am right?"
Eyes, sir; this is Colonel Mortimer's
party
Then we will pass on without de
tanning you longer, as we ride in
haste. met your father once; may
| ask iw his wound is serious?''
Serious, yes, but not mortal; he
was shot in the right side when Monk
ton fell. His horse was hit at the
same time, and the animals death
struggles nearly killed his rider. The
surgeon says he may be lame for
life"
1 reached out my hand. and with
lust an instant's hesitation, he return
ed the clasp warmly.
Ny father is suffering too much for
me to ask that you speak to him,
Major lawrence he said little stiff.
~ Perhaps later, at Elmhurst,
understand perfectly interrupt
ed. I am very glad to have met you.
We shall ride within g short distance
OF Elmhurst. Shall | leave word there
that you are coming?''
"oh, no." quickly, his horse taking
step backward. as though to a sud.
den tug of the rein. ''That would be
useless, as there is no one there"
indeed 1 thought possibly your
sister"
The lad shook his head, glancing to
ward the carriage. The slight motion
made me think again of the wounded
man we were OBTAINING, and remind
Ing me as well of my own duty.
Then goodnight, sir. Sergeant, we
will trot on"
The lad touched my sleeve, even as
pricked my horse with the spur, and
| drew the rein taut in surprise.
What is it?''
Gould you send your men forward
and ride with me a moment? You
could catch up with them easily with
In a mile or two II have a word
l wish to say to you-alone.
The voice was low, tremuIous: the
request one l saw no reason to re
fuse
Why, certainly. Sergeant, take
your men down the road at an easy
trot. will join you presently"
They went by us like shadows, leav
ing cloud of dust behind. The how
spoke brief word to those in charge
OF the carriage, and 1t also began to
move slowly forward.
We will go ahead" he said. suitins
the action to the word. What I wish
to say will not take long"
Within a minute, riding side by side
our horses walking rapidly, we were
out OF sight of the Jumping shadow OF
the ambulance. l glanced aside curl
ously at my companion, noting the
outlines of his slender, erect figure
wondering vaguely what his message
could be. Had Claire spoken to him
or me? Was he going to tell me about
his sister? We must have ridden a
quarter of mile before he broke the
silence.
Major Lawrence" he began. and
noticed the face was not turned IN.
ward me- II am sure you are de
ceived, although you act the ri
we'll"
I hardly understand"
On, but I am sure you do. Il
could not permit you to go away de
spising me-"
But, my boy, this is a. MYSTERY
Do you mean to insist you do not
know-haVe not recognized me?"
what can you mean?"
Merely that am Claire Mortimer,
and lifting the hat, the young off
Ger was revealed in the dim light a,
my lady. Surely you knew"
But l did not" insisted, earnest
~ recovering from my surprise, and
leaning forward to look into her face
Why should 1? General Washington
told me 1t was Eric who came for his
father. Why should suspect IN this
darkness?''
FL represented myself as Eric
she stRmmered.
And was it you also who rode int
our lines yesterday, telling Of Gin
toms whereabouts9
Yes" hesttatingly, her eyes lifting
to my face.
But you must listen to me, Major
Lawrence; you must learn why I die
| SO unwomanly an act"
First answer one question"
Gladly"
Is there an Eric Mortimer"
There is" she answered frankly,
my brother. 1t was for his sake
| did all thiS.-
A moment sat in my saddle 81
lently, our horses walking side by side
through the night, while endeavored
to grasp the meaning OF her comics
| sion knew that she was riding bare
headed, her face turned away.
Go on" l said at last, tell me the
whole story"
Il will" firmly, her head uplifted. q
was tempted TO do so at Elmhurst