The Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1???-1928, 1912-06-13
CHAPTER XIV.
Entombed.

had not suspected ii; however OBJ
vious it may appear now to those who
read this tale, the possibility that she
had been masquerading in an officers
uniform. indulging in warlike deeds,
had never once occurred to me. She
was so thoroughly feminine that her
acknowledgment came as a distinct
shock. I had, it is true, seen SUN
Client of life to be of charitable mind,
and yet there was that within me
which instantly reyolted. She read all
this in my face, but fronted me with
out the culver of an eyelash, firmly
Withdrawing her hand.
at is easy to perceive your disap
prevail" she said more coldly, but
have no further explanation to make.
| am sorry to have you think i'll Of
me, but | felt that perhaps You might
realize my action was justified
III Is not that / FASTENED to ex
plain, ashamed Of myself. Il have not
lost faith in you. But ! was brought
up in a strict school; my mother was
almost puritanical in her rules Of con
duct, and | have never entirely out
grown her conception Of feminine lin
itations. / am sure you have only done
what is right and womanly, DO not
permit my first surprise to end our
friendship"
THAT Is for you to determine, Major
Lawrence, have confessed, and thus
cleared my conscience Of deceit. Some
day you may also learn the cause of
| my action, but in the meantime 1t
must bear your disapproval. However
we need discuss the matter nc
longer"
She sprang to the door, and glanced
out into the hall, stepping back once
more as Peter appeared. His eyes
swept the room in silent observation
Captain Grant and the two officers
with him have concluded their meal
Mistress Claire" he announced calm
ly, "and one Of them has gone for
| file Of soldiers to begin the search o.
the house"
Very well, Peter; go back and as
sist them. I will see 10 the safe con
cealment Of Major Lawrence"
| He bowed graciously, ana disap
peared.
you have not given me your par
/ DONE / implored as our eyes agaii
| met -a,
| There Is nothing to pardon to m,
knowledge. respect you because o
your sense Of propriety, but we canno
talk longer now You must enter tn
passage at once"
i you will give me your hand first?
| Gladly" and | felt it's firm pres
sure, her face frightened by a smile
Now let us remember rather tn
danger, the necessity of conccalmen
and not delay too long. Wait a M
ment, major; Is it true you absolatel
trust me-"
'It certainly is"
Il am going to put that to the ties
You have papgrs you desire to civ
at once into the hands of Genera
Washington. You may be detane
|
here some time, but have with m
an Indian who could take them acroS
the Delaware tonight. 1t is not tn
first time he has made that journc
VIII you confde them to me?"
Our eyes were looking directly I'M
each other. may have hesitated a
! instant, confused by the unexpecte
/, request. yet there was something
the expression Of the girls face whiC
swept doubt swiftly aside. Without
word | took them from an inner poe
Of, and gave them TO her. The re
9 lips smiled, the blue eyes brightenin
% a"Tonepah shall leave within Il
hour" she promised, TRUSTING Il
= small packet into the bosom of h
dress. Now step within, major, and