Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1913-02-06

You are right" said the man. She
dragged herself away from him. He
would not retain her against her Will,
ana without struggle he released her
hand. you are right. Don't mind
what ] said Miss varney. l have for
gotten myself. believe me-" He drew |
further away from her. 81 came to
make brief call. to say goodbye
and"
He turned and walked toward the
hall door. after making her low bow,
and 1t was not without feeling OF JOY
that she noticed that he walked un-
steadily, blindly.
"Oh, Captain Thorne." she said, Just
as Ne reached the door, 81"
He stopped and looked back.
Before you go want TO ask your
advice about something"
"My advice?'
Eyes, it seems to be a military mat
ter, and"
What is tt7" asked Thorne, turning
back.
What do you think this means?"
said the girl, handing him the folded
dispatch.
She had intended to look him full in
the face as he took II, but at the last
moment her courage failed her. She
looked away and did not see the In.
slant but quickly mastered start or
surprise. She was only conscious that
Thorne had possessed himself OF the
document.
What is it?' asked Thorne, holding
1t in his hand.
That is what want you to tell
me-" said the girl.
ooh, don't you know" said Thorne,
now entirely master Of himself.
No" answered the girl, but there
was something in her voice which now
fully aroused the suspicious OF the
man,
ut appears to be q note from some
one" he said casually, but 1t Is so
dark in here. With your permission,
! will light some Of the candles on the
table, and then we can see what 1t Is
He took one of the candles from the
sconces on the wall and lighted the
candelabra that stood on the nearest
table. Holding the paper near the
light, he glanced around rapidly, and
then read It, giving no outward evil
dence OF his surprise and alarm, al
though the girl was now watching him
narrowly. He glanced at her and then
looked at the paper again, and slowly
read aloud its message
tDriubt ho uofd vary
deliberately. lymph Plan 3? Attack
tonight, plan g. This seems to be in
some code. Miss Varney, or a puzzle"
ut was taken from Yankee pris-
oner."
From Yankee prisoner!" he ex-
claimed In brilliantly assumed sur
prise.
Yes. one captured today. He Is
down at Libby now. He gave it to one
OF our servants. old Jonas, and"
That's little different" said
Thorne, examining the paper again.
ut puts another face on the matter.
This may be something important. At
tack tonight" he read again. Plan
8, use telegraph This sounds i'm
portant to me, Miss Varney. 1t looks
to me Ike a plot to use the depart
ment telegraph lines. To whom did
Jonas give it,"
ITO no one"
well, how did you"
1--WE took it away from him." an
swered Edith.
This was a very different statement
from her original intention. but for
the moment the girl forgot her part
"Oh," said Thorne. Il think that
was a mistake"
"A mistaken
YES"
But why7"
You should have let him deliver 1t.
but 1t is too late now. Never mind"
He turned toward the door.
Edith caught him by the arm. Was
he going out TO certain death or what?
What are you going to do?" she
asked breathlessly.
Find Jonas, and make him tell for
whom this paper was intended. He Is
the man we want"
The girl released him, and caught
her throat with her hand.
Captain Thorne," she choked out,
and there was Joy and triumph in her
face, they have lied about you"
Thorne turned to her quickly,
Lied about mel" he exclaimed.
What do you mean?"
He caught the girls hands IN his
and bent over her.
Don't be angry" pleaded Edith, II
didn't think It would be like this
Yes, yes, but what do you mean2
Edith sought to draw her hands
away from him, but Thorne would not
be denied.
81 must know he said.
Let me go" pleaded the girl, don't
you understand"
But what she might have said furth-
er was interrupted by the sharp. stern
voice OF the corporal outside, He
spoke loud and clearly, there was no
necessity for precaution now.
This way! Look out for that side,
will your"
Thorne released the hands of the
woman he loved and stood listening.
Edith Varney took advantage of such
diversion to dart through the upper
door, the nearer one, into tho hall.
i don't want to be here now" she
said. as she few away.
Thorne's hand went to his revolver
which hung at hIs belt He had not