Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-06-22

g Man.
they took the scent soon, for the Virginia horse
are low III the county"
Are they in much force?" asked Mr. Whar-
ton, suspending all employment in anxiety.
Il did not count them"
Frances was the only observer of the change
in the manner Of Birch, and, on turning to Har-
per, he had resumed his book in silence. She
took some Of the ribbons in her hand-laid
them down agan-and bending over the goods
so that her hair, falling in rich curls, shaded
her face, she observed blushing with a color
that suffused her neck
Il thought the Southern horse had marched
toward the Delaware"
1T may be So" said Birch; II passed the
troops at a distance"
During the movements created by the con
clusion Of the purchase, Captain Wharton had
ventured to draw aside the curtain, so as to
admit a view of his person, and he now in
quired Of the peddler who had begun to col
lect the scattered goods, at what time he had
left the city.
AT early twilight" was the answer.
so lately?" cried the other in surprise;
and then correcting his manner, by assuming
a more guarded air he continued, could you
pass the pickets at so late an hour?"
Il did" was the laconic reply
You must be well known by this time, Har-
very, to the officers of the British army, "cried
Sarah, smiling knowingly on the peddler
Il know some of them by sight" said Birch
gIancing his eyes round the apartment, TAX
ing in their course Captain Wharton, and rest
ing for an instant on the countenance of
Harper
Mr.. Wharton had listened intently to each
speaker in succession and had so far lost the
affectatiOn of Indifference, as to be crushing
In his hand the pieces of china on which he
had expended so much labor in endeavoring
to mend it.; when, observing the peddler tying
the last knot in his pack he asked abruptly:
Are we about to be disturbed again with
the enemy?"
who do you call the enemy?" said the ped
dler, raising himself erect and giving the
other a look before which the eyes of Mr.
Wharton sunk in instant confusion.
"All are enemies who disturb our peace"
said Miss Peyton, observing that her brother
was unable to speak. But are the royaI
troops out from below"
'Tis quite likely they soon may be-" re-
turned Birch, raising his pack from the floor.
and preparing to leave the room
CHAPTER V.
Fate Like Major Andres.
The party sat in silence for many minutes
after the peddler had withdrawn Mr. Whar-
ton had head enough to increase his uneasi-
ness without in the least removing his an
prehensions on behalf of his SON The can
tain was impatiently wishing Harper in any
other place than the one he occupied with
such apparent composure, when the stranger
suddenly broke the silence by saying:
IF any apprehensions of me induce Can
tain Wharton to maintain his disguise / wish
him to be undeceiyed; had motives for be-
traying him, they could not operate under
present circumstances"
The younger sister sank into her seat col
orless and astonished Miss Peyton dropped
the tea-tray she was lifting from the table.
ana Sarah sat with her purchases UNDECIDED
in her lap, In speechless surprise Mr. Whar-
ton was stupefed but the captain. hesitatfng
moment from establishment sprang into the
middle of the room and exclaimed, as he tore
off the instruments Of his disguise:
Il believe you from my soul and this tire
some imposition shall continue no longer Yet
am at a loss to conceive in what manner
you should know me-"
You really look so much better in your
proper person. Captain Wharton" said Har-
per, with slight smile, " | would advise Won
never to conceal it in future. There is enough
to betray you, if other sources of detection
were wanting" as he spoke, he pointed to
picture suspended over the mantelpiece which
exhibited the British officer in his regimentals
Il had fattered myself" cried young Whar-
ton, with a laugh that | looked better on
the canvas than in masquerade You may
be a close observer, sir"
Necessity has made me one" said Harper
rising from his seat
Frances met him as he was about to with
draw, and taking his hand between both her
own said with earnestness, her cheeks mat
Ting with their richest vermillion, You can
not-yOu will not betray my brother
For an instant Harper paused in silent ad-
miration OF the lovely peader, and then. fold
ing her hands on his breast, he replied solemn
ly: Il can not and will not he released her
hands, and laying his own on her head gently,
continued: If the blessing of a stranger can
profit you, receive it." He turned and, bow
ing low, retired with a delicacy that was
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