The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1912-09-27
CHAPTER XIV.
Again the Lady.

! must think rapidly, and act as
quickly. Yet, If what Grant had said
was true, that he had already posted
guards on each side the house, then
escape by daylight was practically i'm
possible. From all / could see there
was no c~oncealrnent 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 1t would be as q
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 al 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 1t was
opened quietly from without, and |
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
unrufled. 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."
followed meekly enough, and he
led the way up the broad stairs to the
second story, turning to the left in the
upper hall, and coming to a pause be-
lore a partially opened door. A glimpse
within made me deem 1t a music room.
although could see merely along one
wall.
You will enter, sir, while I return
70 the guests below"
With n glance into this perfectly
expressionless countenance, half sus.
picious Of some new trick, | stepped
across the threshold. The curtains
We're drawn, and the room seemed
aark after the sun-glare of the hall. |
advanced a step or two, almost con-
nnced the apartment was unoccupied,
When a voice addressed me.
Under mor favorable conditions,
MAJOR Lawrence, 1t would give me
pleasure to welcome you to the hospl-
alties Of Elmhurst."
swung about as on a pivot and saw
aer standing with one hand upon the
msh back OF a chair, her blue eyes
smiling merrily. | felt the hot rush of
Oood to my cheeks, the quick throb of
pulse with which l recognized her. |
was so surprised that, for the instant,
ne words sought to utter choked in
my throat.
lou have not suspected" she
aSAed' You did not know this was
my homer"
Nothing was farther from my
thoughts" exclaimed hastily. "All /
anew OF your home was that 1t was
situated somewhere In the Jerseys, But
sal'. perhaps l begin to understand
Se lieutenant who brought me here:
~ voice has been echoing In my ears
hlsht In familiarity. He is some
uear relative Of yours-this Eric?"
w. you have overheard? You
~" the name through hearing Cap
nln Grant speak,"
les; could not very well helm do.
~ 80 Peter had stationed me In the
ary' but there was nothing said
Soa "eeh you two to make me suspect
your Identity"
anti" "e " oe the leuten-
~ WY should ! not? The voice was
same; at least sufficiently similar
u, Ssee'Ee me, and he never addressed
i I a way to arouse my suspicious.
youf brother named Eric?"
ara We, | told you, did / not, that we
NlnsT The physical resemblance
q, y. US is very strong; no doubt
70 'oices sound alike also, or would
aot imperative stranger. VIII you
Aa,e seated. Major? We shall not
Ons y converse, and there is