The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-06-18


ColdIy.
was to act Stepping instantly in front
OF the shrinking girl and facing him,
l said sternly:
II do not know who you may chance
to be. SIR, nor greatly care. yet your
words and actions imply an insult to
this lady which am little disposed to
overlook. For your information per
NIT me to state, l am Colonel Curran:
Sixth Ohio Light Artillery, and am
not accustomed to being halted on the
road by every drunken fool who sports
uniform"
He stopped short In complete sur
prise. staring at me through the dark
ness. and l doubted not vas perfect
ly able 70 distinguish the CLINT of but
tons and gleam of braid.
Your pardon. sir" he calculated at
last. Il mistook you for some run
away soldier. But I failed to catch
your words; how did you name your
self?"
Colonel Curran. Of Major-General
Halleck's staff"
THE hell you are! Curran had a
full gray beard month ago"
He took a step forward, and before
l could recover from the first numbing
shock OF surprise was peering intently
into my face
Damn IT," he cried, tugging
viciously at revolver in his belt, 81
know that face! You are the measly
Johnny Reb brought in day before
yesterday"
There came quick flutter Of drap
cry at my side. and she. pressing me
firmly backward, faced him without q
word.
The mans extended arm dropped to
his side as though pierced by a bullet,
and he took one step backward,
shrinking as IL his startled eyes be-
held ghost.
Edith" he cried. as though doubt.
Ing his own vision, and the ring OF
agony In his voice was almost piteous
Edith! My God! You here, at mid
night, alone with this MANI"
However the words, the tone, the
gesture may have stung her, her face
remained proudly calm. her voice cold
and clear.
II certainly am. Major Brennan"
she answered, her eyes never once
leaving his face. "And may ask
what reason you can have to object 2"
Reason" His voice had grown
hoarse with passion and surprise
My God. how can you ask? How
can you even face me? Why do you
not sink down In shame? Alone
here. e."-he looked about him into the
darkness-"at such an hour, In COM
pany with a Rebel, a sneaking, cow
ardly spy. already condemned to be
shot. BY Heaven! he shall never live
to boast OF it!'
He flung up his revolver barrel to
prove the truth of his threat, but sne
stepped directly between us, and
shielded me with her form.
"Put down your pistol" she ordered
coldly. IL assure you my reputation
is I'm no immediate danger unless you
shoot mo. and your bullet shall GER
tainly find my heart before 1t ever
reaches Captain Wayne"
Truly. you must indeed love him."
he sneered
SO close to me was she standing
that I could feel her form tremble at
this insult. yet her voice remained
emotionless.
Your uncalled-for words shame
me, not my actions. In being here
with Captain Wayne tonight am
merely paying simple debt OF honor
"a double debt. indeed, considering
that ne was condemned 10 death by
your lie. while you deceived me by
another"
Did no tell you that?'
lie did not Like the true gentle
man he has ever shown himself to be,
no endeavored TO disguise the facts.
10 withhold from mo all knowledge
OF your dastardly action. know IL
by the Infamous sentence pronounced
against him aud by your falsehood to
me-"
Edith. you mistake" he urged anx-
iously. 'I-I was told that he had
been sent North"
she drew deep breath, as though
she could scarcely grasp the full au-
daclty Of his pretence to ignorance.
You appeared to be fully informed