The Cairo bulletin., 1912-06-12
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 concealment 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 il taken il would be as u
spy, and not a mere prisoner OF war.
There was no place for cQncealment in
the library. but there might be up
stairs, in the attic, or on the roof.
The chance was 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 | should have the entire up
per portion to myself. Deciding to
make the venture | had my hand on
the knob of the door, when it was
opened quietly from without, and |
was startled by the sudden appearance
Of Peter. Whatever excitement may
have prevailed among the other N en-
beers of this peculiar household this
model seryitor remained with dignity
unruffled. 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? | don't wish to
be seen by these new arrivals"
, Have no fear, sir" condeseending-
y, 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-
| tore a partially opened door A glimpse
within made me deem it music room,
although could see merely along one
| wall
you will enter, sir, while return
TO the guests below"
| With one glance into this perfectly
| expressionless countenance, half sus-
| picious of some new trick, stepped
across the threshold. The curtains
were drawn. and the roor seemed
| dark after the sun-glare of the hall.
advanced a step or two, almost con
| WINGED the apartment was unoccupied
when voice addressed me.
Under more favorable conditions
Major Lawrence, 1t would give ms
pleasure to welcome you to the hospi
talities of Elmhurst."
! swung about as on pivot and saw
her standing with one hand upon thu
high back of chair, her blue eye'
smiling merrily. felt the hot rush 0
blood to my cheeks, the quick throb 0
pulse, with which / recognized her.
was so surprised that, for the instant
the words | sought to utter choked II
my throat.
"You have not suspected sh
asked. "You did not know this wa
my homer"
Nothing was farther from m
thoughts" exclaimed hastily. "An
knew Of your home was that 1t wa
situated somewhere In the Jerseys Blu
walt, perhaps begin to understand
the lieutenant who brought me here
his voice has been echoing In ms ear
all night in familiarity. He is som
near relative of yours--this Eric?"
ooh, you have overheard? fo
know the name through hearing Car
tain Grant speak,"
Eyes; could not very we'll help dc
= ing so. Peter bad stationed me In tn
l library, but there was nothing sal
between you two to make me suspec
: your identity"
"You supposed me to be the lieuter