Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1912-06-29

odds and ends I arrived finally at rne
opposite entrance This door was
closed. but unlocked. opening into the
narrow hall through which Miss Jean
had first conducted me into the house.
My heart bounded with exultation
as struck a match and recognized my
surroundings. The exit leading to the
garden was at my right. and before
the flame died 1 had my hand on the
latch j found the door securely lock
ed, the key gone l tested my strength
vainly against its solid panels; evident
ly 1 must discover some other passage
leading out. and the only opportunity
would be found on the floor above. /
overheard voices from the library.
But this isn't war" There was no
installing Judge Dunn's voice He
has no rights as a soldier. for he is not
here in course of duty"
What do you mean:" 1t was a wo-
man who asked this. but not Miss
Denslow, and I thought of the judges
daughter.
He MEANS" said some one else.
quickly breaking in as if impatient.
that this man came here as an out
law. Bill Daniels has returned. l
don't know who he is, and don't care.
but he's working with Daniels and
probably wearing that uniform merely
to gain entrance here. He's no MEM
Der of Rosecrans' staff. but Daniels
spy, and I'm for treating him as such.
1t was Donald he asked after, wasn't
it, Jean?'
Eyes, the reply so low could bare
~ hear. but / believe he is what he
claimed to be-"
haIf
haven't seen the fellow. but 1 under
stand he is young and good looking.
That makes virtue enough for a wo-
man. l suppose he whispered some
sweet things to you also"
HE behaved like a gentleman" the
voice grown stronger from indignation
He treated me with respect, which is
more than you seem inclined to do"
You are extremely tender toward
Yankees since you rode off with one
the other night"
81 certainly have discovered that the
color of the uniform does not make the
man"
What are you two quarreling
over?" the judges voice broke in i'm
patiently. Miss Jean has done her
full duty and needs no Gliding from
any of us. If l knew who this man
was and what brought him here 1 could
decide his treatment mighty quick"
What would you do?''
IF he's q Yankee officer. turn him
over to Johnston as prisoner of war:
II he is a spy for Bill Daniels, hang
him to the nearest tree"
In the intense silence / could dis
tinguish the quick indrawing of breath.
a murmur OF gruff tones. and then
woman's voice.
Have him in here and let him make
answer for himself. Surely the three
of you are not afraid of one man?"
heard new. deeper voice speak.
did you say he was armed?"
He carried two revolvers in his
belt
Then we should go prepared Have
you weapons with you. lieutenant?"
No: they are in my room. 1 will
run up and get them "
Crouching behind the hatrack,
caught merely glimpse of the mans
back as he raced up the circular stair
case three steps al a time. but he wore
a short gray jacket and long caval-
~ boots. we'll splaShed with mud. Per-
haps could get upstairs before the
officer had secured his weapon and slip
into some room having a window. 1t
would not be much of a drop TO the
ground. l turned to the. right. circled
the head of the stairs and opened the
first door yielding to my touch took
a single step within and stopped as
helpless to move as though paralyZed.
one hand clutching my revolver. the
other still upon the knob of the door.
! stared at only one object-a motion
less body lying outstretched upon the
floor.
Could it be possible this was the
same officer who had just passed mp
the stairs? / would be connected with
the crime.
l sprang forward. aroused to action
by the fear that Gripped me and peer
ed out. AS 1 leaned across the window