The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1912-12-27

GEAR, am Dafe Tor the present from
his mysterious spell. and you will be
compelled to face the danger alone, az
here comes Lieutenant Hammsrsmith
to claim the dance rye promised
him"
Before Mrs. Brennan could inter
| fere. the laughing girl had placed her
hand on the Heutenant's blue sleeve,
and, with knocking goodbye flung
backward over her shoulder, vanished
in the crowd, leaving us standing
there alone.
The lady waited in much apparent in
difference. gently tapping the floor
with her neatly shod foot
would you be exceedingly angry
Il were to ask you to dancer"
Questioned. stealing surreptitiously
glance at her proudly averted face.
Angry? Most assuredly not" In
apparent surprise. yet trust you
will net ask me. I have been upon
The floor only once tonight. l am
not at all in the mood"
IF there were chairs here should
venture to ask even greater favor
that you would consent to sit out this
yet with me-"
She turned slightly. lifted her eyes
Inquiringly to mine, and her face
frightened.
mo doubt we might discover seats
without difficulty In the anteroom."
she answered, indicating the direction
by a glance. There do not appear to
be many 'sitters' at this ball. and the
few who do are not crowded"
The apartment contained, as she
prophesied. but few occupants, and
conducted her to the farther end of
It, where we found comfortable
divan and no troublesome neighbors.
As glanced at her now, marked
a distinct change In her face The
old indifference, SO well assumed
while we were In the presence Of
others, had utterly vanished as by
magic. and she sat looking at me in
anxious yet impetuous questioning
Captain Wayne" she exclaimed.
her eyes never once leaving my face,
what does this mean? this masquer-
adei this wearing Of the Federal uni
form this taking OF anothers name?
this being here at ailf'
IF should say that came hoping
to see you again." answered. scarce
knowing how best to proceed or how
far to put confidence in her, what
would you thinkf"
III that 10 true, that you were ex.
tremely foolish to take such risk for
so small reward" she returned calm
ly. Nor. under these circumstances.
would remain here so much as q
moment to encourage you. But II IL
not true This is no light act: your
very life must lie. in the balance, or
you could never assume such risk"
II would trust you gladly with my
life or my honor" replied soberly.
IT had less faith In you l should
not be here now. understand that
am condemned to be shot as a spy
at daybreak."
shot? On what authority Who
told your"
"on the order OF General Sheridan.
Ny informant was Lieutenant Cation.
OF HIS staff"
"shot? As SPY? Why. It surely
cannot be! Frank said Captain
Wayne. believe me. knew absolute
ly nothing of all this. Do you think
l should ever have rested II had
dreamed that you were held under so
false q charged promised you I
| would see General Sheridan on your
behalf. Frank" she bit her lip i'm
| patiently--'T was told. that is. was
led to believe that you were had been
sent North as prisoner Of war late
last night. Otherwise should have
insisted upon seeing you-on plead
ing your cause with the General him
self. The major and breakfasted with
him this morning. but your name was
not mentioned. for I believed you
safe"
She aid not appear to realize, SO
deep was her present indignation and
| regret, that my hand had found rest
ing place upon her own. lY
you must believe me. Captain
Wayne; could not bear to have you
feel that could prove such an In
CRATE"
You need meyer suppose should
think that" I replied. with an earnest
ness Of manner that caused her to
| glance at me In surprise, Il con-
ndently expected to hear from you all
day. and finally when no word came
l became convinced some such. mis-
conception as, you have mentioned
must have occurred, Then 1t became
my turn to act upon, my own behalf
II would preserve my life; yet never
for one moment have I doubted you
or the sincerity Of your pledge to
me"
She waited quietly while couple
passed us and sought seats nearer the
door.
Tell me the entire story" she said
gently.
As quickly as possible l reviewed
the salient events which had occurred
since our last meeting. Without deny
ing the presence Of Major Brennan
during my stormy meeting with Gen.
eral Sheridan. did not dwell upon It.
nor mention the personal ARRAY that