The Clovis news. [volume] (Clovis, N.M.) 1907-1929, 1912-09-19

delphia victors. and o am not
afraid TO tell you. / have learned
much today, and 20 back to report to
Washington that the exchange OF Brit
ism commanders means the carly cvac
ualion Of the city. When we meet
again you win not be q lady Of the
Blended Rose, nor win be wearing
this uniform
Her eyes sparkled brightly into
mine, then dropped demurely.
"I-l rather like the col0rs you are
wearing now. and am sure this dress
is most becoming. III have a pas
sion Tor masquerade"
'T recognize that. but have already
discovered wherS ] can read the truth
beyond the masque-what is occurring
now2"
She turned to look, attracted as I
had been by the change and hustle
about us. A few feet from where we
stood conversing, large folding doors,
previously concealed by draperies,
were suddenly flung wide open, re
veallng a magnificent dining hall
Dazzled by the magnificent spectacle,
turned to my companion. unable to
resist temptation. She must nave In
stantly read the purpose In my face,
for she grasped my sleeve.
mo; you must not think Of remain
ing a moment longer. There will be
a seat reserved for me, and Captain
Grant Is coming this way now Some
thing is wrong, ! am sure; have no
time to explain, but promise me you
viii leave here at Once-at once"
Her eyes, her words. were SO In
sistent / could not refuse, although as
glanced about / felt convinced
There was no danger in this assem-
blage, not a familiar face meeting
mine. At the instant Grant came up,
eIbowing his way through the press
and staring insolently into my eyes
even as he bowed politely to the lady
beside me-.
"At least this Is my privilege" he
insisted, unless there be another pre-.
vious engagement Of which / am isno'
rant"
"Oh, no" and she rested her hands
on the green sleeve, smiling from his
face into mine. I'VE were waiting tol
YOU to come. Goodnight, Lieutenant
F~ortesque."
They had taken a step or two, wher
Grant halted, holding her arm tightly
as he glanced back to where ! stood
would Lieutenant Fortesque spare
: me a moment after 1 have found TIT
lady a seat?' he questioned politely.
GLADLY, If you do not keep me-
waiting too long"
"Then there will be no delay. Shall
we say the parlor belowT
; j bowed, conscious Of the mute az
Zeal In the lady's face, yet with M
excuse for refusal.
1 GAS well there as anywhere, sir.
: Once again we bowed with all tn
: punctilious ceremony OF mutual dis
s like. and he whispered something int
her ear as they disappeared In tn
stream Of people. My cheeks burne
7 with indignation at his cool insolenc'
2 What could it mean? Was he merel
s seeking a Quarrel2 or was there SONS
thing else concealed behind this r.
y quest? Il. either case knew not hoy
to act. and yet felt no inclination t
a avoid the meeting. Studying over tn
situation / pushed my way throug
y the crowd across the floor Of the bal
room. There were a few people sti
lingering on the stairs, but, except fo
. the servants, the parlors below wer
deserted. / walked the length OF on
2 Of the great rooms, and halted !
e front Of a fireplace to await Grant
coming. ! was eager to have this a
fair settled, and be off. I compr'
ie hended now the risk ] had assume
e. by remaining so long, and began
. feel the cords of ENHANCEMENT dra1
- ing about me. There was a door o
posite where I stood, and, starin
toward tt, I saw &c open slightly, an
back In the darkness, Che beckonir
of a hand. Startled, yet realizing thl
it must mean me, I stepped close
gripping the hilt Of my sword, ha
%suspecting treachery.
Quick, " and 7 recognized the dee
@contralto Of the voice Don't stop
questions there is not a moment
lose"