The Arvada enterprise., 1914-06-04

he seemed to be or not 1t seemed
like treachery to him. this uncertain
ty. It would be q simple matter to
corroborate Mr.. Arrelsford at once,
and It occurred to her that she had no
option. But coincident with the ques-
ton flashed into her mind something
she had forgotten which made 1t
possible for her to answer in another
way. Thus. she understood that the
life Of her lover hung upon her de-
cision.
With one brief. voiceless prayer to
God for guidance. she turned to Gen.
eral Randolph. and It was well that
she spoke when she did, for the pause
had become insupportable to Thorns
at least. He had made up his mind
to relieve the dilemma and confess his
guilt SO that the girl would not have
to reproacb herself with betrayal Of
her lover or her cause. that she might
not feel that she had been found want
ing at the critical moment. Indeed,
Thorne would have done this before
but his duty as soldier en1oined up
on him the propriety, the imperative
necessity. of playing the game to the
very end. The battle was not yet over.
1t would never be over until he faced
the firing party.
And then Edith's voice broke the
silence that had become 80 tense with
emotion.
"Mr. Arrelsford Is mistaken. Gen.
eral Randolph" she said quietly, Cap.
tain Thorne has the highest authority
in this Office"
Arrelsford started violently and
opened his mouth to speak. but Gen
eral Randolph silenced him with a
look. The blood of the old general was
up. and 1t had become impossible for
anyone to presume In the least degree.
Thorne started, too. The blood rushed
to his heart. He thought he would
choke to death. What did the girl
mean?"
"The highest authority, sir" con-
tinued Edith Varney. slowly drawing
out the commission, which every one
but she had forgotten In the excite
ment. "the authority of the president
Of the Confederates States of Amer
ica."
Well. she had done 1t for veal or for
woe. She had made her decision. Had
1t been q wise decision? Had she
acted for the best? What interest
had governed her. love for Thorne,
love for her country. or love for her
own peace Of mind? 1t was In the
hands Of General Randolph now. The
girl turned slowly away unable to sus-
tain the burning glances of her lover
and the vindictive stare of Arrelsford.
whats thiR?" said General Ran.
dolph. "Umph! A majors commits
sion. In command Of the telegraph
department. Major Thorne. l. congrat-
ulate you"
That commission, General Ran
dolph!" exclaimed Arrelsford. his
voice rising. ''let me explain how
She"
That will do from you. SIR" said
the general. you have made enough
trouble as 1t is. suppose you claim
that this Is a forgery. too"
Let me tell you. sir" persisted the
secret service agent.
you have told ME enough as It 10.
Sergeant, take him over to headquar-
ters."
Fall in there!" cried tho sergeant
Of the guard. Two of you take the
prisoner. Forward march,"
Two men sei3ed Arrelsford, and the
rest Of them closed about him. To do
thn &sso hn stale
struggle and was only marched on, at
the point OF the bayonet. protesting
and crying:
For Gods sake. he's In the Yankee
secret service! He'll send that dis.
patch out. His brother brought in the
signal tonight"
All the way down the corridor he
could be heard yelling and struggling.
General Randolph paid not the slight.
est attention to him. He stepped over
to the telegraph table beside which
Thorne stood-and with all the force
OF which he was capable the young
man could hardly control the tremb.
ling OF his knees.
Major Thorne." he said reprovingly
us Thorne saluted him, "all this delay
has been your own fault. II you had
only had sense enough to mention this
before we would have been saved n
damned lot Of trouble There's your
commission. sir" He handed It to
Thorne. who saluted him again as one
In dream. Come. gentlemen" he
said to his officers. Il can't under.
stand Why they have to be so cursed
shy about their secret service orders!
Lieutenant Foray?"
"Yes. SIR"
Take your orders from Major
Thorne"
"Yes. sir" returned Foray.
Good night" said the general. for.
getful OF the fact apparently that
EDITH Varney was stiil standing by the
window.
Good night. sir" answered Thorre.
Foray moved over to the table at
the right. while Thorne 'oaped to lis
former position. and his hand sought
the key. AT last he could send his
message. there was nothing to prevent
him or iutprrunt him now ho mn. e.,