The Idaho Springs siftings-news., 1912-10-19

Wnen you appeared at this house |
assisted his escape"
But, claire, how came you here?
Why did you leave PHILADELPHIA
Because have a brother, sir, whom
can only meet in secret" she replied
quletly. i came without thought of
danger. for war has not cost us friends
in this country; our home has re-
mained until now untouched by van
dals. and l felt amply protected by
those who accompanied me upon the
rfde-our old house servants" She
knelt at the side of his chair, her
head bowed upon his arm, and his
hand stroked her hair 81 regret II |
have seemed unmaidenly, or done
what you may deem wrong, father, for
1t has all seemed right to me-"
The colonel looked at us silently for
| what seemed a long while, his fingers
fondling the tresses OF the girls hair
Ihis situation leaves me in an en-
barrassing predicament," he admitted
at last slowly. Il hardly know what Is
my duty either as father, or an Off
| Ger OF the king. No matter what his
purpose may have been this man pen
etrated our lines in disguise; he ad-
mlttedly exercised command Of those
| 1rreguiars who attacked and routed
| Delavans column, and has since been
prowling about disguised as a coun-
tryman. Merely because my daughter
confesses to friendship between
them can hardly justify me in setting
him at liberty"
| He paused, rising to mis- feet, his eyes
on my face. The girl lifted her head,
looking up at him.
Major Lawrence, l shall hold you
prisoner of war, referring your case
to Sir Henry Clinton. In the mean
while you shall receive every consid-
GRAFTON possible in accordance with
your rank. | am now going to join my
men In pursuit of Fagin. Captain
Grant. you will accompany me, and,
Mr.. Seldom, shall leave you in charge
OF the prisoner until We return"
He took a step toward the door;
then turned to his daughter
Il shall expect you to be ready to
ride with Us on our return to Philadel-
phia, Claire" he said kindly. 1T is
evidently not safe for you to remain
here alone"
Very well, father
"Come, Grant, we shall have to ride
hard to overtake our men,"
The captain started reluctantly
scowling at me as he passed.
Il should enjoy having the privilege
of being left in charge here" he said
for my benefit.
mo doubt. sir" returned Mortimer
cold,y. But l have already selected
Mr.. Seldom for that duty"
They left the house together, and
watched them ride past the window.
followed by a dozen soldiers. AS they
disappeared Seldom turned his eyes
to my face. He was rather pleasant
looking young man. but possessed an
aggressive chin.
while have no orders to that ef-
feet major" he said quietly, Il would
take the responsibility OF accepting
your parole"
Are you not rather reckless?"
"Oh. l think not" smilingly. 81
would have you give 1t to Mistress
Mortimer-surely under those condi-
tions you would never run away"
She stole a swift glance at me,
shaking her head.
That would be too strong an i'm
prisonment," l responded instantly
Under all conditions / prefer not to
give my parole"
Very well, SIR" more stifly, his
geniality vanishing with my rather
curt refusal. Then l shall take all
necessary precautions to prevent es-
cape" He stepped aside to the hall
door. "You may send two men in
here, Ferguson"
They entered quietly. glancing about
with some curiosity, but taking posi-
tion on either side Of me at Seldon's
| command. Claire stood beside the
table in silence, her glance out the
window. Only as we wheeled about to
leave the room did her eyes meet
mine, That swift glimpse beneath the
| dark lashes caused me to leave the
/, room with swiftly beating heart At
the door I stole another glance back
ward, but she had sunk into chair,
her face concealed in her hands. With
| Seldom ahead, and the two guards be-
hind, l tramped down the stairs into
the basement, and was again locked
within the walls Of the strong room.
| AS the lock clicked l sat down upon
the bunk far from being disheartened
Fate had been playing strange pranks,
but was not left without hope. for
felt assured I had read correctly the
swift message Of those uplifted blue
eyes. She had not wished me to ac-
cept parole; then there must be some
plan Of escape already formulated In
her mind. could only wait quietly,
striving to solve the meaning of those
suddenly uplifted blue eyes, and the
promise they contained.
| CHAPTER Xxx.