Licking Valley courier. [volume] (West Liberty, Ky.) 19??-current, 1912-08-15

Out nv way Jul
Eyes, yes, l understand" I whis-
pered, drawing her to me. 81 was hid
den here once, remember. But It is
over with now"
"But-how did you find way to
me? II never thought until 1t was
all over that had shut myself in here
to die. was SO frightened. l just
ran and hid. Oh, you cannot conceive
what l had gone through"
She drew away from me, and again
hid her face on the table.
ooh, but can, Claire" and l bent
over her, my hand fondling her hair.
81 was there in the hall below, ready
even then to act In your defense. /
heard all that was said, saw all that
was DONE"
"You-you were there?" sobbing out
the words. "You saw me kill him."
Eyes, and had you delayed another
instant should have done It,"
"Then-then," she glanced up, tears,
dimming her eyes, you do not blame
me? You do not think me a wicked
wretch? ?"
AZ think you brave, noble woman"
l burst forth. "How could l 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 a word. You asked me to
come back to help you, and l came"
yes" she whispered, II know.
You have been so good" ~
Good loved you, dear. From the
moment lifted you out of the way Of
that mob in Philadelphia, have loved
you. / did not understand much that
occurred, but have never doubted
you. Now | realize the cause of your
masquerade and know you were JUST.
fed. can bring you good news-Eric
is not traitor, but was a prisoner,
captured by Fagin, and held at Grants
request. We found him bound and
under guard out yonder, as we ap-
preached the house."
"And he IL here now?"
"Yes; he was hurt in the fight, and
Is still unconscious, but will live"
"His reputation"
as safe. Washington believes he
brought him the news of Clinton's
route of march. and will never know
otherwise"
She arose to her feet, standing
straight and slender before me, the
pickering light Of the candle on her
face.
Major Lawrence" she began, 81
wish to get out of here-it seems like
grave to me-but must speak first.
Oh, am so glad have accomplished
what endeavored to do for my broth.
er. Captain Grant tried to make me
believe him deserter. but l would
not. When he failed to come back to
me as he had promised, l could hardly
determine what my duty was knew
his plans, his orders, and the thought
came that / should carry these Out
myself. We looked sufficiently alike
so that this could be done with little
danger Of discovery. He had uni
forms concealed here, and l felt driver
to impersonate him. do not insist
that did right do not know-only
1t seemed right to me. Then-then'
her voice faltered, 81 met you, agar
and again, and II began to doub
myself. | had no one to conflde in
no one to advise me. / was slmpl,
compelled to go ahead, and keep m!
own secret. The only ones knew
could absolutely trust were our oil,
house servants"
you doubted me, event"
Yes, at first, but you must no
blame me. We met strangely; 20,
were q gentleman and an officer;
felt sure Of this, and was tempted of
times TO tell you my story. But befes'
l dared do so, you-you spoke OF othe
things and-and then was afraid"
Afraid OF what?" and | caught he
hand in mine. That 2 knowledge Q
, what you were attempting to accom-
plish would turn me agains. your"
Her eyes fell, shaded by the lon
lashes.
yes; once. do you remember a
, most began aaeonfession, when 20
, spoke Of your Sald-fashioned mother
| and her conception of womanhoot
) How could | tell you then that ha
| dressed as man. and played the PAL
I of spy? IL thought you might d
spise me. and--and | wished 80 {
retain your respect. 1t was an acc
dent we were with Delavan that nigh
We were endeavoring to waylay
courier. and rode suddenly into h
party. | had to invent tale ON Ii
8 spur OF the moment. Major Lawreno
: now that you know all, tell me II
| one thing must know before we joi
2 the others-would you wish your ow
e sister to do. as | have done"
: mot to pass through the danger
a surely" l returned eagerly, "but
}. should. rejoice at her loyalty, and
/ proud of her. Claire, Claire, thel
3 has never been in my heart aught br
:. love for you. As Lady Of the BlendC
n Rose. as daughter of a colonel
y Queens Rangers, even in the DISCUS
Q of dragon, have never question:
I? the depth OF your womanhood. On,
g guessed you British spy, yet ceas'
/? not to love you. Am ] to have n
il reward? You know little Of me,
Il you say, but as an officer and a gent
! 2zzENzTfzTTTNI ~. .1Ely