Atlanta Georgian. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1912-1939, 1913-07-06

at once knew TO De Harper. Behind him rode
a black in livery, and two youths in uniform
brought up the rear Instead of taking the
road that led by the encampment, they turned
short to the left and entered the hills.
Wondering who this unknown but powerful
friend of her brother could be, Frances glided
across the fields, and using due precautions
in approaching the dwelling, regained her res
idence undiscovered and in safety.
1t wanted yet an hour to the termination Of
the shortest period that the peddler had fixed
as the time necessary to effect his escape
Even Harper, powerful and we'll dihposed as
he acknowledged himself to be, had laid great
stress upon the importance of OBTAINING the
Virginians during that hour. She, however,
had not time to rally her thoughts, before
Dunwoodie entered one door, as Miss Peyton,
with the readiness of female instinct, retired
through another
The countenance of Peyton was 1usned, and
an air of veXation and disappointment per
vaded his manner
Twas imprudent, Frances; nay, it was
unkind," he cried, throwing himself in a chair
ito fly at the very moment that had assured
him of safety! l can almost persuade myself
that you delight in creating points of olffRr-
ence in our feelings and duties"
I'm cur duties there may very possibly be a
difference" returned his mistress, approach
ing and leaning her slender form against the
wall; but not in our feelings, Peyton You
must certainly rejoice in the escape of
Henry"
There was no danger impending. He had
the promise of Harper; and 1t is a word never
to be doubted Oh! Frances! Frances! had
you known the man, you would never have
distrusted his assurance nor would you have
again reduced me to this distressing alterna-
tive"
"What alternative?" asked Frances, plying
his emotions deeply, but eagerly Selling upon
every circumstance to prolong the interview
What alternatve Am not compelled to
spend this night in the saddle to recapture
your brother, when l had thought to lay my
head on its pillow, with the happy conscious
ness of having contributed to his release? You
make me seem your enemy; who would
cheerfully shed the last drop of blood in your
service 1 repeat, Frances, it was rash; it was
unkind it was sad, sad mistake
She bent toward him and timdly took one
of his hands, while with the other she gently
removed the curls from his burning brow.
"Why go at all, dear Peyton?' she asked.
You have done much for your country, and
she cannot exact such sacrifice as this at
your hand"
Frances. Miss Wharton" exclaimed the
youth, springing on his feet, and pacing the
floor with a cheek that burnt through its
brown covering, and an eye that sparkled with
wounded integrity; ut is not my country, but
my honor that requires the sacrifice. Has ne
not fed from a guard of my own corps? But
for this | might have been spared the blow!
to deception and artifce, their horses are
swift of foot, and their sabres keen. We shall
see, before to-morrow's sun, who will presume
to hint that the beauty of the sister furnished
a mask to conceal the brother! Yes yes; l
should like, even now" he continued Laughing
bitterly, Ito hear the villain who would dare
to surmise that such treachery existed"
stop! DunWoodie, | conjure you cried
Frances, gasping for breath, as she noticed
that the hand of the clock still wanted many
minutes to the desired hour; before you go
on your errand of fastidious duty, read this
note that Henry has left for you, and which,
doubtless, he thought he writing to the
friend of his YOUTH
Frances, l excuse your feelings; but the
time will come when you will do me justice.
That time is now" she answered, extend
ing her hand, unable any longer to feign a
displeasure that she did not feel.
Where got you this note?" exclaimed the
youth, gancing his eyes over its contents.
Poor Henry, you are indeed my friend! II
any one wishes me happiness it is you!'
He does, he does" cried Frances eagerly;
"he wishes you every happiness; believe what
he tells you; every word is true"
q do believe him. lovely girl, and he refers
me to you for its confirmation. Would that
l could trust equally to your affections
"You may, Peyton," said Frances looking
up with innocent confidence toward her lover.
Then read for. yourself and verify your
words" interrupted Dunwoodie, holding the
note toward her
read the following:
tainties. leave you Peyton, unknown to all
hut I recommend him to yOur