River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1912-10-03
CHAPTER XIV.
Again the Lady.

Again EF1e Lady,
/ must think gapidly, and act as
quickly. Yet, if phat Grant had said
was true, that he Mad already posted
guards on each siCa the house, then
escape by daylight was practically i'm
possible. From all could see there
was no concealment close at hand,
and while the fellows were without
arms, yet their numbers were sufficient
to make any attempt at running their
lines extra hazardous. And | had much
at risk, for if taken it would be as a
spy, and not a mere prisoner of war.
There was no place for concealment in
the library, but there might be up
stairs, in the attic, or on the roof
The chance was worth the trial, and
there could be no better time for such
an experiment than while the three Off
GERS were at breakfast Whatever
servants remained about the house
would be busily employed also, and
probably l should have the entire up
per portion to myself. Deciding to
make the venture / had my hand on
the knob of the door, when it was
opened quietly from without, and l
was startled by the sudden appearance
of Peter Whatever excitement may
have prevailed among the other mem
bers Of this peculiar household this
model servitOr remained with dignity
unruffled. He surveyed me calmly,
rubbing his bald head with one hand.
You will pardon the delay, sir" he
said calmly. But circumstances have
arisen changing the original plans.
Will you kindly accompany me?"
But where, Peter? l don't wish to
be seen by these new arrivals"
Have no fear, sir" condescending-
ly, and with an authoritative wave of
the hand. "The officers are at table,
and will know nothing of our move
ments."
l followed meekly enough, and he
led the way up the broad stairs to the
second story, turning to the left in the
upper hail, and coming to a pause be-
fore a partially opened door. A glimpse
within made me deem it a music room,
although | could see merely along one
wall.
you will enter, sir, while l return
to the guests below"
With one glance into this perfectly
expressionless countenance, half sus-
picious of some new trick, / stepped
across the threshold. The curtains
were drawn, and the room seemed
dark after the sun-glare of the hall.
advanced a step or two, almost con-
WINGED the apartment was unoccupied,
when a voice addressed me.
Under more favorable conditions,
Major Lawrence, it would give me
pleasure to welcome you to the hOspi-
talities of Elmhurst."
l swung about as on pivot and saw
her standing with one hand upon the
high back of a chair, her blue eyes
smiling merrily. felt the hot rush Of
blood to my cheeks, the quick throb of
pulse, with which recognized her. l
was so surprised that, for the instant.
the words l sought to utter choked in
my throat.
You have not suspected?" she
asked. "You did not know this was
my home?"
NOlh4AS "oo AaA lhGA -AAOm MY
thoughts" / exclaimed hastily. "All |
knew of your home was that 1t was
situated somewhere in the Jerseys. But
wait, perhaps begin to understand
the lieutenant who brought me here;
his voice has been echoing in my ears
all night in familiarity. He is some
near relative of yours-this Eric?"
'Oh, you have overheard? You
know the name through hearing Cap
tain Grant speak?"
Yes; / could not very well help do
ing so. Peter had stationed me in the
library, but there was nothing said
between you two to make me suspect
your identity"
You supposed me to be the lieuten-
anti"
why should I not? The voice was
the same; at least sufficiently similar
to deceive me, and he never addressed
you in way to arouse my suspicious.
Is your brother named Eric?"
Eyes; / told you, did not, that we
are twins? The physical resemblance
between us is very strong; no doubt
our voices sound alike also, or would
to a comparative stranger. Will you
not be seated, Major? We shall not
have long to converse, and there Is