Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1912-01-18

low yonder, and remain there until 1
return. Better post sentry on the
hill here"
1T will be done, Captain"
Il shall not, probably, be absent
more than an hour, so don't permit the
men to stray"
dot is 1t, Captain. I will be NIT
dem all over"
l rode down alone into the thick
woods at the foot of the hill, and dis
mounting, tied my horse to sapling.
Then on foot I struck across the
fields, my intention being to come in
by the way Of the negro quarters at
the rear in hope Of meeting some one
from whom I might inquire relative
to the great house and its inmates.
1t was slight upward trend OF
land had to traverse, and although
the house was a most slightly object
and stood upon the very summit of the
elevation, yet SO surrounded was 1t
with trees, both fruit and ornamental,
was enabled to make but little Of its
situation until l approached the out
DAAAAAsAO0s
could perceive any negroes about
the slave quarters. Yet the place did
not bear the appearance Of desertion.
There were horses in the stable, q cat
was curled up on one of the cabin
door steps, and smoke continued to
pour in dull yellow cloud from the
kitchen chimney. Altogether there
was much in the situation to puzzle
ever, and no longer regretted that
had exercised some caution in my ap-
proach.
The orchard, with the remains OF
garden, lay between the house and the
stable, protected by low fence of
whitened pickets. So far as l could
observe. It contained no occupant, and
l pushed open the gate and started
down a narrow cinder-path which led
between two rows of low bushes. To
right OF me was an extensive grape
arbor, completely covered with vines,
the fresh green leaves forming a de-
lightful contrast to the deep blue sky
beyond. AS l came opposite an open
ing leading into this arbor I suddenly
caught the futter of drapery and
stopped instantly, my heart throbbing
like frightened girls. 1t was quite
dark beneath the vine shadow, and |
could make out no more than that
woman stood there. her back toward
me, busted at some task. Possibly
she felt my presence, for all at once
she glanced around, and upon per-
ce1vtng me gave vent to a quick ex-
clamation Of. terror.
Pardon me-" said hastily, and re-
moving my hat, "but you have nothing
to fear"
There was moments hesitancy on
her part, and knew l was being scru.
tinized by a pair of bright eyes.
Surely" said a familiar voice, II
cannot be mistaken-you are Captain
Wayne"
Before I could even answer she
stepped forth from her partial con-
cealment and advanced toward. me
with cordially extended hands. 1t was
Celia Minor.
well, of all men!" she cried gay
ly, her dark eyes smiling most kind
ly welcome. And Edith and | were
speaking about you only yesterday.
That is, was, for really do not re-
call now that Edith made any remark
apropos of the subject. You have no
idea, Captain Wayne, what hero l
have made you out to be. 1t would
make you positively vain if | should
confess; why, Arthur has actually be-
come so jealous that he has almost
forbidden me even to mention your
name in his presence. So when l
want to talk about you am compelled
to go to Edith. She hasn't power to
stop me, you know, but I'm sure
must bore her awfully. And then to