Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1912-07-18

arbor, the leaden messenger chugEing
into the wood just above my head.
Two carbines barked from a window
Of the lower door. their name showing
like red cash in the night. stuc.
my leg through the shattered pane. felt
the clasp with my shoe and pressed 1t
back. An instant later. with foot and
hand, I had forced down the sash and
swung my body In through the open
ing.
It was ticklish Job to let 90 my
grip on the gutter, but my left hand
found purchase on the frame Of the
window, and squirmed in inch by
inch. expecting every instant second
slDt from the fellow In the arbor. AZ
l finally dropped to the door his mus
ket exploded, the bullet singing through
the open window, burying itself In the
ceiling and showering me with plas-
ter.
The noise Of crashing glass ana my
fall to the floor would hardly alarm
the girl, even IL she remained on guard
In the hall, as there had been so much
Of similar disturbance during the past
half-hour. If tho door Of this room
was unlocked, and ! could surprise
her, the rest would be easily accom-
plished. l crossed the room softly,
and tried the knob. which yielded.
Looking first toward the fireplace l
saw nothing, and 1t was moment or
two before perceived her, sitting on
low stool, the cooked carbine across
her knees, at the head OF the stairs.
She was sufficiently in earnest, no
doubt; indeed. the tntenseness Of her
attitude. the grip Of her fingers on
the weapon, her very posture. exhib-
ited determination. And yet tho
women In her was equally apparent
the quick trembling Of her shoulders,
the occasional uplifting Of one hand
as II she swept aside gathering tears.
could perceive ore white cheek, and
the fluffy brown Of her hair, although
the light was so dim that she seemed
little more than shadow. In that mo-
ment of indecision would have
| given the world to go to her. to clasp
her In my arms and stand beside her
through right or wrong. She could
respect and admire worthy enemy,
but she would despise weakling,
even If his lack Of manhood came
through love Of her. Besides. she
was doing this for Donald. She had
said this was war, and would bear
my part In 1t.
Even as she leaped to her feet, CIV
ing vent to faint cry Of startled
fear. had grasped the barrel Of her
gun and held 1t safely.
"You said, Miss Denslow, this was
war;" began sternly. land now It
Is my turn. Give me the carbine."
She released her grasp Of 1t, her eyes
on my face. They were not angry.
but soft from unshed tears.
I'll am sorry" l stammered lame.
". 'sthat must hold you prisoner,
but you have proved too dangerous
to be permitted to go free"
"How did you get heref Where
did you come from?' she questioned.
II came out through the window Of
one room and In through the window
OF another. Some Of your friends shot
at me, but their craftsmanship was
poor. You must have a pretty low
opinion Of Yankees to suppose one
would lie idle very long under lock and
key"
She sank back upon the chair, her
face buried in her hands. a wave Of
| pity swept over me.
Don't be angry" I urged.
FL am not angry at you,'' and she
looked up at me. the tears visible II
respect you more because you have not
yielded. But-but l have failed failed
utterly. am angry with myself. hu-
! inflated. miserable y
There was noise behind. and i
wheeled about quickly. throwing up
the carbine. " Brien stood in the door
way through which 1 mad come. star
| ing at us. s5ss
II got toired waitin'. sor.'' he said,
$50 l thried me luck It the gutter
! route. !"
Very good" returned. driven by
| his presence to action. .And now.
Miss DenslOw. shall be, compelled to
lock you MP for awhile. e
She rosa 70 her feet, no longer look
ing Mt me. 81,
Where
be room you were IN when first
| came uDstairs.''
Very Wen. =
She followed me without word of
protest. her head bent forward: held
hsoI'ens the door glancinS within to see
the nature Of the apar tment Then her
eyes nplifted and met mine. and rails
ed my cap se N sss s
Believes me. regret this IS
Hhere fs no necessity for apology.
You merely do your duty 4 she return.
sspl Qutet1y y am ] rebel still"