Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1913-07-31
Illustrations AEL.B Barnes

ing done. | have learned how to fight
in the past few years-Heaven knows
l have had opportunity-and rather
enjoy the excitement. How far would
your word go with Molly. do you
think? Or with the Major?"
That remains to be seen"
Does it? Oh, | understand. You
must still consider yourself quite the
lady-killer. Well, let me tell you
something-she ia engaged to Lieu
tenant Gaskins.''
His hand-grip frightened on the rail-
but there was no change in the ex-
preston of his face.
$50 had heard. presume that
hardly would have been permitted to
happen but for the existence of Mr.
Dupont, BY the way. which one Of
you ladies shot the Lieutenant"
1t was a 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 may
be, the officers Of the fort are con-
WINGED that she probably fred the
shot; that the Lieutenant knows her
identity, and is endeavoring to shield
her from discovery"
why do they think that? What
reason can they have for such q con-
clusion? Was she SEEM"
"Her footprints were plainly Wis.
ible, and the revolver used was a
small one-a '36'-such as a woman
alone would carry in this country. l
have said so to no one else, but | saw
her, crouching in the shadow OF the
barrack wall.
'You-you saw her? Recognize
herr"
yes"
"And made no attempt at arrest?
Have not even mentioned the fact to
others? You must have a reason ?"
81 have. Mrs. Dupont, but we will
not discuss 1t now. / merely wish
you to comprehend that II 1t is to be
war between US, am in possession OF
weapons.
She had not lost control Of herself,
yet there was that about her hesitan-
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 a
point OF weakness in her armor. The
mystery OF 1t remained unsolved. but
this woman knew who had shot Gas
kins; knew, and had every reason to
guard the secret. He felt her eyes
anxiously searching his face, and
laughed a little bitterlys
you perceive, madam, he went on,
encouraged by her silence, 81 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 it necessary for your happiness
to remain the guest Of the Melon.
alds?"
She Strengthened up. turning her
eyes away.
Probably not for long, but It is no
threat of yours which influences me.
1t does not even interest me to know
who sho: Lieutenant Gaskins. He is
svulgar little prig, only made possible
by the possession of money. How.
ever, when decide to depart, shall
probably do 30 without consulting
your pleasure" She hesitated, 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 we're 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,
fly, tapping the astonished officer
lightly with her fan, "but was once
quite well acquainted with Sergean,
Hamlin when he was major Of the
Fourth Texas infantry during the late
war. He and my husband we're init,
mates. Naturally was delighted to
meet him again"
The captain stared at the mans
rigid figure"
Good Lord, ] never knew that
Hamlin," he exclaimed. "Glad 10
know 1t, 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
years now. and hanged IL knew any
thing about him, except that he was
good soldier Were you ready to
go, Mrs. DupontT
"Oh, yes; we have exhausted all
our "reminiscences. Goodby, Sergeant;
80 glad to have met you again"
She extended her ungloved hand, Z
single diamond glittering In the light
He accepted It silently, aware Of the
slight pressure OF her fingers. Their
the Captain assisted her through the
window. and the falling curtain veilet
them from view.