The citizen. (Frederick City, Md.) 1895-1923, 1913-07-04
CORyRIoHI lsle BY a. .ncllpo "a

Hofo Hdu OppOrtunlty-and rather
ENJOY the excitement. How far would
your word go with Molly. do you
think? Or with the Major?"
mat remains to be seen"
Does it? Oh, | understand You
must still consider yourself quite the
lady-killer. Well, let me tell YOU
something-she is engaged to Lieu,
tenant Gaskins."
His hand-grip frightened on the rail.
out there was no change in the ex-
preston of his face.
so | had heard. I presume that
hardly would have been permitted to
happen but for the existence of a Mr..
Dupont. By the way, which one of
you ladies shot the Lieutenant?"
1t was chance fire, and Hamlin
was not sure of its effect, although
she drew quick breath. and her voice
faltered.
"Shot-Lieutenant Gaskins?"
Certainly; you must be aware of
that"
oh, | knew he had some alterca-
ton. and was wounded: he accused
you, did he not? But why bring us
into the AFFAIR.""
Because some woman was directly
concerned in it. Whoever she NAV
be. the officers of the fort are con.
WINGED that she probably fired the
shot; that the Lieutenant knows her
identity. and is endeayoring to shield
her from discovery"
Why do they think that? What
reason can they have for such con.
clusion? Was she SEEM"
Her footprints we're plainly Wis.
ible. and the revolver used was a
small one-a '36'-such as a woman
alone would carry in this country /
have said so to no one else, but saw
her, crouching in the shadow of the
barrack wall
"You-you saw her? Recognized
herr"
Yes"
And made no attempt at arrest?
Have not even mentioned the fact to
Il have, Mrs. Dupont, but we will
not discuss it now. | merely wish
you to comprehend that If it is to be
war between US, am in possession of
weapons"
She had not lost control of herself,
yet there was that about her hestan-
cy Of speech, her quick breathing.
which evidenced her surprise at this
discovery 1t told him that he had
played a good hand, had found
mystery of it remained unsolved, but
this woman knew who had shot Gas
kins; knew, and had every reason to
guard the secret. He felt her eyes
anxlously searching his face. and
laughed little bitterly.
You perceive, madam. he went on,
encouraged by her silence, Il am not
now exactly the same unsuspecting
youth with whom you played so cas-
lily years ago. | have learned some
Of life's lessons since; among them
how to fight fire with fire. 1t is a
trick of the plains. DO you still con
slider 1t necessary for your happiness
to remain the guest of the Melon
alds?'
She Strengthened up. turning her
eyes away.
Probably not for long, but 1t is no
threat of yours which influences me
1t does not even interest me to know
who sho; Lieutenant Gaskins. He is
a vulgar little prig, only made possible
by the possession of money. How
ever, when | decide to depart, | shall
probably do so without consulting
your pleasure" She hesitateG, her
voice softening as though in change
of mood. Yet | should prefer part
ing with you in friendship. In asking
you to meet me tonight | had no in
tention of quarreling; merely yielded
to an impulse of regret for the past"
The heavy curtain draping the win
dow was drawn aside, permitting the
light from within to flash upon them
revealing the figure OF man in uni
form.
Pardon my Interruption he ex-
planned, bowling, but you were gone
so long, Mrs. Dupont, feared some
accident
She laughed lightly.
You are very excusable. No doubt
have been here longer than | sup
posed"
The officers eyes surveyed the
soldier standing erect, his hand lifted
in salute. The situation puzzled him
Sergeant Hamlin, how are you
here? On leave?"
Yes. sir"
"Of course this is rather unusual,
Captain Barrett" said the lady hast
lily, tapping the astonished officer
lightly with her fan, but | was once
quite well acquainted with Sergeant
Hamlin when he was a major of the
Fourth Texas infantry during the late
war. He and my husband were init
mates. Naturally was delighted TO-
meet him again"
The captain stared at the mans
rigid figure"
Good Lord, l never knew that,
Hamlin," he exclaimed. Glad to
know it, my man. You see." he ex-
planned lamely, I'VE get all kinds Of
fellows in the ranks, and are not in
terested in their past history. I've had
Hamlin under my command for two
wars now. and hanged II | knew any