The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1912-02-17

NV Y NJ
With a Crash She Brought the Iron
Skillet Down With All Her Strength.
aside the heavy cupboard, and as the
light swept In. sprang forward into the
rude shed. With another bound. gath
ering her skirts as she ran. she was
up the steps and had burst into the
outer room. A moment later I also
stood In the doorway. gazing upon a
scene that made my blood like fire.
The fighting had evidently ceased
suddenly with her first cry. Maria
stood painting I'm one corner, the dead
~ skillet again In her hand, her hair
hanging in wisps down her back Still
unconscious from the blow he had re-
ceiyed. one fellow lay outstretched on
the floor. his head barely missing the
hot ashes OF tho fireplace; while his
companion nursed HIS bruises and
scowled from safe refuge behind the
table. The unshayen faces OF several
others OF the gang were peering curl
ously IN through the open door /
know now ! saw all this, for the
picture OF 1t is upon the retina OF
memory, but at the moment every
thing | appeared TO perceive or hear
occurred I'm the centre OF the room.
The man who had posed as the lead
er stood there alone facing us, his
expression strange mixture OF
amazsmsnt and delight He was a
powerfully built man. with keen gray
eyes deeply set In their sockets. His
right hand rested heavily upoa the
hih OF cavalry sabre, the scabbard
OF which was concealed beneath the
folds OF the long brown coat he wore
AS Mrs. Brennan burst through the
doorway he stepped eagerly forward.
his eyes Frightening, and they met
with clasped hands
us II possible-Edith?" he cried, as
i. the recognition could scarcely be
credited
"oh, Frank" she exclaimed. eager
ly, 1T seems all too good to be true.
How came you here?'
Hunting after you, my fair lady.
Did you suppose you could disappear
as mysteriously as you did last night
without my being early on the trail?
Have these people injured you In any
way And he glanced about him
with threat in his gesture.
"oh, no. Frank" hastily: every one
has been most kind. II was a mere
mistake. But how strangely you are
dressed how very rough you lookl"
He laughed. but still retained his
warm clasp OF her hands.
Not the pomp and circumstance OF
glorious war which you expected,
girl?' he asked lightly. "But we have
all sorts OF conditions 10 meet down
here, and soon learn In Rome TO do as
the Romans do"
AS he finished speaking he per
ceiyed me for the first time, and his
face changed instantly into cold stern.
ness. saw him sweep one hasty |
glance around, as though he suspected |
that ] might not be alone, and his |
hand fell once more upon his sword |
hilt. In posture suggestive OF readi-
ness for action.
Who have we here?" he asked,
staring at me In amazement. "A John
ny Reb?"
Whatever | am" | rotored, my /
gorge rising suddenly az his contempt. |
uous term. and stepping out into the
room before him, Il at least wear the |
uniform OF my service and rank, and /
not the nondescript uniform OF
guerilla"
The scornful words stung him:
noticed the quick flush OF anger in his
eyes, and was not sorry
You are insolent. sir. Moreover.
you 50 too far. FOR as Il chances you
are well within our lines. and we viii
see to what extent honor Is. consistent
with the work OF a spy. The uniform
OF your service. indeedl" he echoed
holly, pointing as he spoke across the
room; that cavalry cloak over yonder
tells It's own story Peters. steele. mr.
rest this fellow"
Frank. don't do that" she urged
earnestly. You mistake; that was
the cloak / wore"
III he heard her he gave no sign
Bind him." was the stern order. az
The two men advanced. use your
belts IL you have nothing else handy"
Angry as ] most assuredly was.
swept also by a new emotion which
lid not IN the least comprehend.
yet fully realized the utter helpless.
ness OF my position in point Of re-
sistance They were twenty to one.
However much J loneed 20 graphic