The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1912-01-30

tnlng appeared 10 perceive or hear
occurred IN the centre of the room.
The man who had posed as the lead
er stood there alone facing us, his
expression strange mixture OF
amazement and delight. He was a
powerfully built man, with keen gray
eyes deeply set In their sockets. His
right hand rested heavily upon the
hilt of cavalry sabre, the scabbard
of which was concealed beneath the
folds OF the long brown coat he wore.
AS Mrs. Brennan burst through tho
doorway he stepped eagerly forward.
his eyes Frightening. and they met
with clasped hands.
is 1t possible-Edith?" he cried, as
l. 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 a threat in his gesture.
"Oh, no, Frank" hastily; every one
has been most kind. 1t was a mere
mistake. But how strangely you are
dressed! how very rough you look!"
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 to meet down
here, and soon learn in Rome to do as
the Romans do"
AS he finished speaking he per-
ceived me for the first time. and his
face changed instantly into cold stern
ness. l 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
nit, In posture suggestive of readi-
ness for action
Who have we here2" he asked.
staring at me in amazement. "a John
ny Reb?"
Whatever l am" / retored, my
gorge rising suddenly at 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 a
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 go too far, for as II chances Won
are we'll within our lines. and we will
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, ar.
rest this fellow"
Frank, don't do that" she urged
earnestly. You mistake; that was
the cloak 1 wore"
If he heard her he gave no sign.
Bind him." was the stern order, as
the two men advanced. use Your
belts II you have nothing else handy"
Angry as l most assuredly WIS.
swept also by a new emotion which I
dld 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 I longed to graphic
with him who Knocked me. the very
thought was insanity; my only DOS
slDle chance OF escape lay In flight.
TO realize this was to act. I leaned
backward, trusting for a clear field In
my rear, and an opportunity to run for
IT, but the door by which / had Just
entered was now closed and barred
Bungay had made sure his retreat.
The man, watching my every move
ment, with sword half drawn in his
hand, saw instantly that was secure
ly trapped, and laughed In scorn.
You are not making war on women
now" he said with a cutting sheer.
You will not find me SO easy a vic
tim"
The taunt stung me, but more the
tone and manner OF the speaker, and
the hot blood of youth cast all caution
to the winds. With O single spring.
forgetful of my own wound, was at
his throat, dashed aside his uplifted
hand, and by the sheer audacity of my
sudden, unexpected onset, bore him
back crashing to the floor. He strug-
gled gamely, yet / possessed the ad-
vantage of position, and would have
punished him severely, but for the
dozen strong hands which instantly
laid hold upon me, and dragged me
off. still fighting madly, although as
helpless as a child.
My opponent instantly leaped to his
feet and started forward, drawing q
revolver as he came. His face was
deathly white from passion, and there
was look in his eyes which told me
he would be restrained now by no
rule of var.
You cowardly spyl" he cried. and
my ears caught the sharp click as he
drew back the hammer. do you
think / will let that blow 20 I'M
avenged?"
Il assuredly trust not" 1 answered,
gazing up at him from behind the gun
muzzles With which was yet securely
Tinned to the floor. But II you are.
as l am led TO believe, Federal Off
Ger, with some professions to being
also gentleman, and not the outlaw
your clothes proclaim, you will at
least permit me to stand upon my feet
and face you as a man. II am a SPY.
as you seem inclined TO claim. there
are army courts to fry mo. ~ moi