Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-06
Continued from Last SunJ y.
CHAPTER XIII.
The Hunted Brother PIdVs Cupid.


~ RANGES and her brother, who thought
his companion had passed through the
= door, continued conversing on the latter's
situation for several minutes when the for
mer urged the necessity of expedition on his
part, in order to precede Dunwoodie from
whose sense of duty they knew they had no
escape. The captain took out his pocketbook
and wrote few lines with his pencil; then
folding the paper. he handed it to his sister.
Frances" he said, you have this night
proved yourself to be incompatible woman.
AS you love me, give that unopened to Dun
woodie, and remember that two hours may
save my life"
81 will will; but why delay? Why not fly
and improve these precious moments?"
Your sister says well, Captain Wharton"
exclaimed Harvey, who had re-entered unseen;
1--WE must go at once. Here is food to eat as
we travel"
But who is to see this fair creature in
safety?" cried the captain. 81 can never de-
sert my sister in such a place this"
Leave me! leave mel" said Frances; 81
can descend as l came up. Do not doubt me;
you know not my courage nor my strength"
81 have not known you, dear girl, 1t is true;
but now, as learn your value, can quit you
here? Never, never!"
captain Wharton" said Birch, throwing
open the door, you can trife with your own
lives, if you have many to spare I have but
one, and must nurse it. Do l go alone, or
not?"
GO, go, dear Henry" said Frances, embrac-
ing him; go; remember our father; remem-
Der Sarah" She waited not for his answer,
but gently forced him through the door, and
closed 1t with her own hands
For a short time there was a warm debate
between Henry and the peddler; but the lat
ter finally prevailed, and the GREATNESS girl
heard the successive plunges, they went
down the sides of the mountain at a rapid
rate.
Immediately after the noise of their depart
ure had ceased, Harper reappeared He took
the arm of Frances in silence and led her from
the hut. The way seemed familiar to him;
for, ascending to the ledge above them, he led
his companion across the tabeland tenderly,
pointing out the little difficulties in their
route, and cautioning her against injury.
"You have this night saved your brother
Miss Wharton. 1t would not be proper for me
to explain why there are limits to my ability
to serve him, but if you detain the horse
for two hours, he is assuredly safe. After
what you have already done, l can believe you
equal to any duty. God has denied to me
children, young lady, but if it had been His
blessed will that my marriage should not have
been childless, such a treasure as yourself
would l have asked from His mercy But you
are my child; all who dwell in this broad land
are my children. and my care; and take the
blessing of one who hopes yet to meet you in
happier days"
He then mounted his horse and lifting his
hat rode toward the back of the mountain,
descending at the same time and soon
hid by the trees Frances sDrang forward
with a lightened heart, and taking the first
path that led downward in few minutes she
reached the plain in safety While busted in
stealing through the meadows toward the
house, the noise of horse approaching startled
her and she felt how much more to be
apprehended from man, in some situations,
than from solitude. Hiding her form in the
angle of fence near the road, she remained
quiet for a moment and watched their passage.
A small party of dragons, whose dress was
different from the Virginians passed at a
brisk trot. They were followed by a gentle
man, enveloped in large cloak, whom she