The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-06-14

last night Otherwise | should have
insisted upon seeing you-on plead
Ing your cause with the General him
self. The major and breakfasted with
him this morning, but your name was
not mentioned, for l believed you
safe"
She did not appear to realize, so
deep was her present Indignation and
regret, that my hand had found a rest
ing place upon her own.
"You must believe me, Captain
Wayne; / could not bear to have YOU
feel that l could prove such an in
CRATE"
"Yod need never suppose should
think that" l replied, with an earnest
ness OF manner that caused her to
glance at me in surprise. 81 con-
fidently expected to hear from you all
day, and finally when no word came
l became convinced some such mis-
conception as you have mentioned
must have occurred Then it became
my turn to act upon my own behalf
II would preserve my life; yet never
for one moment have I doubted you
or the sincerity of your pledge to
me"
She waited quietly while a couple
passed us and sought seats nearer the
door.
Tell me the entire story" she said
gently.
AS quickly as possible / reviewed
the salient events which had occurred
since our last meeting. Without deny
Ing the presence Of Major Brennan
during my stormy meeting with Gen.
eral Sheridan, did not dwell upon 1t,
nor mention the personal ARRAY that
had occurred between us. Even had
not supposed the man to be her
husband l should never have taken
advantage Of his treachery 10 advance
my own cause. AS l concluded there
was a tear glistening on her long
lashes, but she seemed unconscious
OF 1t, ana made no attempt to dash
1t away.
You have not told me ALL" she
commented quietly. But l can under.
stand and appreciate the reason for
your silence. lnow Franks impetu
osity, and you are very kind, Captain
Wayne, to spare my feelings, but you
must not remain here; every moment
OF delay increases your danger. Sher-
idan and those of his staff who would
surely recognize you were expected
back before this, and may appear at
any moment-yet how can you get
away? how Is 1t possible for me to
assist your"
There was an eager anxiety in her
face that piqued me. Like most lovers
l chose to give 1t wrong interpre-
tation'
"You are anxious to be rid Of me?"
asked. ashamed of the words even
as uttered them.
THAT remark is unworthy OF Jou,"
and she arose to her feet almost
haughtily. my sole thought in this
rs the terrible risk you incur in re-,
naming here"
Your interest then is personal to
me. may believer"
II am loyal woman" proudly,
and would do nothing whatever to
imperil the cause of by country;
but your condemnation is unjust. and
! am. In a measure, responsible for it,
l assist you, Captain Wayne. for your
own sake, and in response to my in.
dividual sense of honor"
Have you formulated any plan?"
she asked quickly, and her rising color
made me feel that she had deciphered
my struggle in my eyes.
Only to walk out under protec.
tion Of this uniform, and when once
safe in the open to trust that same
good fortune which has thus far be-
friended me-"
She shook her head doubtfully, and
stood a moment In silence, looking
thoughtfully at the moving figures in
the room beyond.
IL fear it cannot be done without
arousing suspicion she said at last,
slowly. II chance to know there are
unusual precautions being taken to-
night, and the entire camp Is doubly
patrolled. Even this house has
Gordon of guards about it, but for
what reason | have not learned No."
she spoke decisively, there is no 9TH
er way. Captain Wayne, l am going
to try to save you tonight but in doing
80 | must trust my reputation in your
keeping"
Il will protect 1t with my life"
Protect 1t with your silence, rather.
/ know you to be a gentleman, or l
should never attempt to carry out the
only means Of escape which seems at
all feasible. Discovery would place
me in an extremely embarrassing posi-
tion, and must rely upon you to pro.
tect me from such possibility"
II beg you," l began, "do not com
promise yourself In any way for my
ua'ya