The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-07-16


vi course. now I was there, the only
sensible thing for me to do would
have been TO ride openly to the front
door. and thus learn all I desired. But
what man who loves, who Ia continual
v swayed by hopes and fears. by
strength and weakness. ever does the
sensible thing? had certainly I'm.
tended doing so at the start. but now
my nerve failed me. She was the
wife OF another. I could not confess
l had ventured 20 come 10 her ic love
nor could I look into those clear, hon.
eat, questioning eyes and lie.
Haiti" I ordered. "Sergeantl"
i am here, Captain"
Take your men down into that hoi.
low yonder. and remain there until !
return. Better post a sentry Oh the
hill here"
1T win DO done, Captain"
II shall not. probably, be absent
more than en- hour. so don't permit the
men 60 stray"
Dot is 1t. Captain. will be NIT
dem all over"
I rode down alone into the thick
woods at the foot Of the hill. and dis
mounting. tied my horse to a sapling.
Then on foot struck across the
nelds. 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
70 the great house and It's inmates.
IL was a slight upward trend of
land I had to traverse. and although
tne house was n most slightly object
snd stood upon the very summit of the
elevation. yet so surrounded was Il
with trees. both fruit and Ornamental,
I was enabled TO make but little of it's
situation until approached the out
buildings. i met with no ore. nor
could ! perceive any negroes about
the slave quarters. Yet the place did
not bear the appearance OF desertion.
There were horses In the stable. a cat
was curled up on one Of the cabin
door steps. and smoke continued 10
pour In a dull yellow cloud from the
Kitchen chimney. Altogether there
was much In tho situation to puzzle
ever. and I no longer regretted that
had exercised some caution I'm my an.
proach.
The orchard, with the remains OF n
garden. lay between the house and the
stable. protected by low fence of
whitened pickets. So far as | could
observe. II contained no occupant. and
4 pushed open the gate and started
down n narrow cinder.path which led
between two rows of low bushes. To
right OF ne 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 care opposite ar open
sng leading ihso this arbor I suddenly
caught the futter OF drapery and
stopped instantly. my heart throbbing
Hike frightened girls. II was quite
dark beneath the vine shadow. and I
could make out no more than that a
woman st,od there. her back toward
me. busied at some task. Possibly
she felt my presence. for all at once
she glanced around. and upon per-
oeiying me gave vent TO a quick ex-
clamation OF terror.
Pardon ne" I said hastily. and re-
moving my hst, but you have nothing
90 fear"
There was a moments hesitancy on
her part. and | knew was being scru.
unixed by q pair Of bright eyes.
Surely" said familiar voice. "I
cannot be mistaken--you are Captain
Wayne"
Before I could even answer she
stepped forth from her partial con.
cealment and advanced toward mo
with cordially extended hands. It was
Celia Minor.
We'll. OF all men," she cried gay
ly. her dark eyes smiling a most kind
ly welcome. And Edith and | we're
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
have made you out 10 be. II would
make you positively vain II | should
confess; why. Arthur has actually be-
ccine 80 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
10 90 TO Edith. She hasn't power tn
stop me, you know. but I'm sure I
must bore her awfully. And than IN