The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1915-11-06


listening for some sound OF guidance
from below. l could hear the soft
breathing OF the girl at my side, but
she did not speak OF move. She had
overheard all that was said: she must
also realize fully the object OF these
men. and the desperation OF our posi-
ton. Would she continue to trust
met To believe IN my purpose, or had
he words OF betrayal spoken by Anse
cowan and Kelly left sting OF sus-
picion behind? IL they had, would l
dare TO confess the truth. fully reveal
my identity. and thus leave the fate
Of my secret mission In her hands?
Her sympathies must naturally be
with the Union forces: she would see
the issues from the viewpoint OF her
father. That would have nothing TO
10 with these banditti. but later might
greatly interfere with the work to
which had been assigned. | had two
iuties 10 perform-to the army. and to
this helpless girl; which was para
mount IL by any chance they clashed7
could not answer. but l did compre-
bend which came first--I must save
Noreen Harwood from the merciless
clutch OF Anse Cowan. must remain
with her Loyalty. until she was safe in
the protection OF friends. Possibly
could accomplish this, and still retain
my secret.
us there any other way out OF here.
Miss Noreen?" asked, scarcely above
a whisper, amy opening leading to the
roof"
Il have never seen one. though often
up here when / was a child"
Then our only means OF escape is
by the ladder, and we dare not venture
that until assured those fellows have
really left. DO you hear any sound
below?"
We both listened In breathless ST.
lence, but no noise reached Us with
any distinctness. | thought caught
the echo OF voice, but IL sounded
from outside the house-possibly
someone yelling report from the
stable.
Shall l risk exploring?' asked
doubtfully. There is surely no one
on this floor except Nichols, and /
Judge he has been knocked out for
some time. We can hardly wait here
for him TO recover. and give us free
passage. What action do you think we
ought TO take?"
Il certainly have no desire TO re-
main here longer than is necessary.
she answered calmly, "but do not be
lieve those men have all left the house.
Some may be outside in the storm
searching for trace OF us, but there are
1 others surely on guard below Did
you hear that? A knife fell on the
floor; someone is eating In the dining
room"
Il am going to lift the scuttle; pos
sibly some light may filter up the
stairs"
| was Obliged TO loosen IL by the In
seTtion OF my knife blade, yet th+
clamp yielded with but little noise
and | peered eagerly down the open
ing. There was lamp burning In the
lower hall. the reflection sufficiently
bright to reveal the general situation
No men were visible. nor did i heal
any voices in conversation. One thinl
was certain--the upper hall was com
pletely deserted, for | could see aloni
its entire length. lifted my head, anC
glanced back TO where the girl re
! NAMED silent. and motionless. Ml
eyes. long accustomed to the darkness
could distinguish her outlines, ever
the dim contour OF her face. She sa
upright on the rough flooring, appar
emily regarding me intently.
DO you find the way left clear?"
so far as the upper hall Is con
cerned-yes There is light burn
ing below. although | can perceive M
movement. They may be in the dininl
room, but | do not believe they vii
search up here again"
"No?" The slight rising infection
stung me. What did her action mean
{, Why should she so suddenly ASSUME
that tone with me? The sooner | knew
the better
Il beg your pardon. Miss Harwood,
L balu quietly Dut IAN W uhuci ohoh
why you should speak TO me in thi
manner. You have shown confidence
trust, I'm my former efforts TO serv
you. and / am Just as eager now to b
OF service"
you mean you wish me TO hav
complete confidence in your"
Certainly. ! can do nothing other
wise"
There was an instant OF silence, d
which her breathing was plainly aud
BILE. Beneath the shadow OF an uplifi
ed hand felt that her eyes were upo
my face.
Very well. then" she said finall,
her voice more expressive OF interes
III is surely no more than natural tina
! should desire 20 know whom ! hav
the honor OF talking with"
But do you not know"
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