The Grenada sentinel. [volume] (Grenada, Miss.) 1868-1955, 1913-07-25
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household. And you interior.
ins' plan to drive me forth from this
peasant birds nest. Really you amuse
me. Mr.. Sergeant Hamlin."
But I have not proposed anything
OF that nature" the man said quietly,
rising TO his feet. 1T Is, of course.
nothing to me. except that Miss Nc
donald has been very kind and seems
a very nice girl. As | knew some.
thing OF you and your past, | thought
perhaps you might realize how much
better 1t would be to retire grace
fully"
You mean that as q threat! You
intend to tell herr"
Not unless It becomes necessary.
am o proud Of the story myself"
Their eyes met. and there was no
shadow OF softness In either face. The
woman's lips curled sarcastically.
Really. you take yourself quite Be-
iousiy. do you not? One might think
you still Major Of the Fourth Texas,
and heir to the old estate on the Bra
EOS. You talked that way to me
once before. only to discover that |
mad claws with which to scratch.
Don't make that mistake again. Mr..
Sergeant Hamlin, or there will be
something more serious than scratch
ing done. | have learned how to fight
IN the past few years-Heaven knows
| nave had opportunity-and rather
enjoy the excitement. How far would
your word go with Molly, do you
think? Or with the Maori"
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 is engaged to Lieu
tenant Gaskins."
His hand-grip frightened on the rail,
but there was no change in the ex
preston of his face.
so l had heard. | presume that
hardly would have been permitted to
happen but for the existence Of q Mr.
Dupont. By the way, which one o.
: you ladies shot the Lieutenant"
: 1t was a chance fire, and Hamlir
was not sure OF its effect, although
; she drew a quick breath. and her voics
= faltered.
"Shot-Lieutenant Gaskins?"
Certainly; you must be aware o
THAR"
"Oh, I knew he had some alteroa
e ton. and was wounded; he accuse,
you, did he not! But why bring u
into the AFFAIR.""
g Because some m was directl
concerned In it. Whoever she ma,
be. the officers Of the fort are cor
J. WINGED that she probably fred tn
shot; hat the Lieutenant knows he
y identity, and is ~endeavoring to shiel
y her from discovery"
3. why do they think that? Wha
t. reason a they have for such a COZ
clusion? Was she SEEM"
Her footprints we're plainly vii
Pile. and the revolver used wal
small one-a '36'-such as a woma
alone would carry In this country.
have said SO to no n else, but l sa'
her, c%rouching IN the shadow Of tn
barrack wall.
"You-you saw her! Recognize
herr"
Yes"
And made no attempt at arrest
Have not even mentioned the fact
others? You must have a reason
81 have, Mrs. Dupont, but we wi
not discuss 1t now. l merely wis
you to comprehend that If it is to
war between US, l am in possession
Weapons"
She had not lost control of hersel
vet there was that about her hesita
cy OF speech. her quick breathin
which evidenced her surprise at tn
discovery. 1t told him that he h;
played a good hand. had found
point of weakness in her armor. II
mystery of it remained %unsolved. b
this woman knew who had shot Ga
kins: knew, and had every reason
guard the secret. He felt her ey
by anxiously searching his face. al
laughed a little bitterly.
m You perceive. madam, he went @
re encouraged by her silence. II am n
IN now exactly the same u~nsuspectil
youth with whom you played SO Ell
ily wears ago. / have learned sol
It'll of life's lessons since; among the
es, how to fight fire with fire. 1t is
full trick of the plains. Do you still &C
of slider It necessary for your happine
Oh. to remain the guest Of the McDt
ia aldsr .
She Strengthened up. turning b
ar eyes away.
Probably not for long. but 1t Is
rec threat OF yours which influences q
a 1t does not ever interest me to KIN
as who she: Lieutenant Gaskins. He