Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1912-02-08
CHAPTER xxxI.-continued.

"a mere waste of powder, I fear"
was my reply, given thoughtlessly.
when the rush finally comes we are
likely to be without sufficient ammu-
milton to repel 1t. hardly expect
those fellows out there will ever
leave without q determined effort to
carry the house by storm. have no
doubt they are simply drawing all this
fire In the hope that our ammunition
will thus be uselessly expended. It
is an old army trick, and one am sur
prised to see so experienced an officer
as Major Brennan yield to. In my
judgment they will make an effort to
rush US as soon as there is sufficient
light"
8But why not warn him?"
6BSii Major Brennan would scarcely vel
IA one any interference on my part"
But surely, as a soldier, he must
'alue the advice of another SOLDIER"
Possibly you forget" explained,
striving to speak as lightly of 1t as
might be. that there is lack Of
friendship between Major Brennan
and myself"
''Still?" she asked. Truly thought
that might ell be over. Even II It sur
vived until now, this noble act of
yours in coming to our defense should
have earned you his gratitude. He
he has never once mentioned your
name to me since that night"
mot even when came here with
my troop. believer"
fact with the other. supposed It
mere oversight, or that he believed
the mention Of your name would not
greatly interest me. Surely, Captain
Wayne, you are not keeping open this
unhappy wound?"
ION my word, no; but regret to
confess 1t is very far from being
closed"
'He-Major Brennan does not know,
then, that you are here now with me?"
She evidently hesitated to ask this
question.
Certainly not" in surprise at her
apparent innocence. you cannot have
supposed / had been sent here by
him to talk with your"
II did not know. I do not think
realized" she stammered, vainly
seeking for words with which to make
clear her bewilderment. Il imagined
you might have come at his sugges-
ton to see that we were amply pro-
aected. This is all so very strange
He does not even know you are here
with u.s."
mo-" I admitted reluctantly. Per
haps have no excuse even for being
here at all. Ny duty as a soldier Is
certainly elsewhere, but could not
rest content until knew you were in
q position Of safety. Believe me, Mrs.
Brennan, have intended no indiscre-
don, but I was informed by a soldier
that you were being held here under
ire"
Her hand touched mine impulsIvely,
and It was warm and throbbing.
II can merely thank you with all
my heart, Captain Wayne, and assure
you both understand and appreciate
your purpose. But truly do not wish
any trouble to occur again-you will
go back to your post viii you mott
You can serve me best In that way,
and retain the gratitude and admira-
tion have ever felt for you"
AT once, Mrs. Brennan" / returned
earnestly. Il realize have done
wrong in ever coming here as have.
II 10 my first act Of disobedience to
orders in all my military life. But
ten me FIRST that / have forfeited
neither your confidence nor your
lfr1endship?"
She paused q moment then added
quickly, as though In sudden rush Of
fssling: NO friend stands higher In
my esteem than you-now please go'
Captain Wayne"
Az ! crept back through the DARK
hess, passing beneath the piano into
Shs front room, which was hilod with
he choking fumes Of powder. ny