The Cairo bulletin., 1912-07-11
Copyright 4. G. McClurs q CO, loIi.

She caught her breath auickI,
ciinging to me with both hands-he
eyes softening as she studied my face
"Allen-Allen Lawrence!" she re
peated softly "Oh. can scarcely be
heye 1t true. Let me feel of you. l.
| believe was going insane-tht
dark, the awful dark. and. and no wa,
out--no way out"
I Yes. yes. understand" I wbis
pered. drawing her to me. II was hid
den here once. remember. But 1t ID
over with now"
"But-how did you find a way To
me! II never thought until It was
all over that had shut myself In here
10 die | was SO frightened | lust
ran and hid Oh, you cannot conceive
what had gone through"
She drew away from me, and again
hid her face on the table.
"Oh, but I can, Claire" and I bent
over her. my hand fondling her hair.
4 was there In the hall below, ready
even then to act in your defense. I
| heard all that was said, saw all that
was done"
"You-you were there?" sobbing out
the words. "You saw me kill him? ?"
Yes, and had you delayed another
instant ! should have done IT."
"Then--then,' she glanced up. tears
dfmming her eyes, you do not blame
me-. You do not think me wicked
wretch"
i think you brave, noble woman"
| burst forth. How could feel 9th.
erWise? Look up, little girl; want
to see your face No, don't shrink
back from me. There is no cause. |
know the whole story without your
speaking word. You asked me to
come back to help you. and came"
Yes" she whispered, Il know.
You have been so good"
Good! ] loved you. dear. From the
moment lifted you out of the way of
hat mob In Philadelphia, have loved
you. | did not understand much that
occurred, but have never doubted |
Fou Now | realize the cause OF your |
masquerade and know you were iusti-
lied. can bring YOU good news--Eric
Is not a traitor, but was prisoner.
captured by Fagin, and held at Grants
request we found him bound ana |
under guard out yonder. as we ap-
preached the house" a
And he is here now?"
Yes; he was hurt In the fight, and
is still unconscious, but will live"
His reputation"
is safe. Washington believes he
brought him the news of ClInton's
route of march, and will never know
She arose to her feet, standing
straight and slender before me, the
hiokering light OF the candle on her
lace.
Major Lawrence" she began, 81
Wish to get out of here--it seems like
! grave to me--but must speak first
IN, am SO glad have accomplished
what ! endeayored to do for my broth
'r. Captain Grant tried to make me
'eileVe him a deserter, but | would
'ot. When he failed to come back to
ne as he had promised, | could hardly
determine what my duty was. / knew
lis plans. his orders, and the thought
anne that ! should carry these out
nyseH. We looked sufficiently alike
o mat this could be done with little
anger of discovery. He had uni
orms concealed here, and felt driven
impersonate him. / do not insist {
nat ! did right; do not know--only I
: seemed right to me. Then-then"
er voice faltered, Il met you, again
nd again. and ii began to doubt
1yself | had no one to confide In,
Q one to advise me. | was simply
ompelled to go ahead, and keep my
wn secret. The only ones knew
oufd absolutely trust were our old
ouse servants"
You doubted me. even7"
Yes, at first. but you must not
lame me. We met strangely; you
ere gentleman and an officer;
nc sure OF this, and was tempted oft
mes to tell you my story. But before
dared do so. you--you spoke OF other
'ings and--and then | was afraid"
Afraid of what?" and l. caught her
ana In mine. THAT a knowledge OF
nat you were attempting to accom-
ism would turn me against your
Her eyes fell. shaded by the long
shes.
Yes; once, do you remember al.
ost began q confession, when you
oke OF your old-fashioned mother.
10 her conception of womanlood.
ow could tell you then that had
essed as man, and played the part
a spy? II thought you might de- 70
Use me. and--and / wished 90 to
tam your respect. 1t was an acct. ha
Mt weswere with Delavan that night. do
g, were endeavoring to waylay a i
nrier, and rode suddenly into his
rty. | had to invent a tale on the
ur OF the moment. Major Lawrence.
W that you know all. tell me the
thing ] must know before we Join
others--would you wish your own
ter to do as / have done?"
Not to pass through the dangers. .
ely" ! returned eagerly, "but /"
'uid rejoice at her loyalty, and be boz
'ud Of her. Claire. Claire, there "
never been In my heart anghtsbut END
M a9 NJ IA