Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1915-10-28
CHAPTER VlI-Continued.

CHAPTER vlI-continued.
MY lips were dry, but I nodded. hal,
fearful might be slipping into some
trap although her words and name,
were surely innocent enough.
we were acquaintances, no,
friends" replied, hoping the rotor,
might cause her to change the subject
Most Of the boys seemed to Hike
him. He was very pleasant to me, and
1 had a splendid time. met one
cadet named Raymond; he had DARK
hair and eyes,"
"Oh, yes" / managed to answer
now desperately alert. There was
another in the class-James R., | be-
lieve."
Il did not learn his first name, but
when l heard that Lieutenant Ray
mond was coming here, I hoped II
might be he. That was why was sc
deeply interested 1t Is not such a
common name, you know"
l made some answer, and she sat
there silently, her face turned now to
ward the fire in the crate. The profile
held me in fascination, as l wondered
what these seemingly innocent ques
lions could signify. Anyhow, let the
truth be what it may, there was nc
other course left for me, but to keep
On with the deception. was In the
heart of the enemy's country, in dis
guise, my life forfeit in case of disccv'
cry, and the time had not come when
/ could entrust her with SO dangerous
secret.
The wind ratified the blinds, and the
rain beat heavily against the side OF
the house. The thought of venturing
out into the storm, not knowing where
l could seek shelter, was not an allur.
ing one. Nor had | any excuse to urge
for immediate departure; indeed as a
gentleman and soldier my duty called
me to remain for her protection. She
could not be left alone in this desc,
late house. 1t was my steady gaze
that reused the lady from whatever
dream the flames of the CRATE had
given her. She turned her head to
meet my eyes-then sat suddenly
erect, the expression of her face In
stantly changing, as she stared De-
yond me at the open door. l wheeled
about to look, startled at the move
ment. A man stood in the doorway.
water streaming from his clothes on to
the floor. l was on my feet instantly,
a hand gripping my revolver, but be-
fore l could whip 1t from the leather
sheave, the girl had taken the single
step forward, and grasped my sleeve
do not fire!" she exclaimed. HE
Is not a fighting man"
The fellow lifted one arm, and
stepped forward full into the light. he
was a man of years, unarmed, TALL
ungainly figure, scraggly beard at
his chin, and a face like parchment
His eyes were two deep wells. solemn
and unwinking.
Peace to you BOTH" he said grave
ly. II ask naught save fire and shell
ter"
ITO these you are welcome, the girl
answered, still clinging to my arm.
You travel alone?"
Even as my master in rags ana pow
erty, having no place wherein 10 lay
my head. The foxes have holes tue
birds of the air have nests-you hho"
me, young woman?
Yes: you are Parson Nichols.
IAN unworthy soldier of the cross. l
address the daughter of Major Har'
woodland this young man.
Lieutenant Raymond of the Federal
army" she explained simply. HE
sought refuge here from the storm
The mans eyes searched my face
but without cordially, without express
sion of any kind. Saying nothing ne
crossed to the fireplace, and held Out
his hands to the warmth OF the piaze'
The girls eyes met mine almost ques'
tioningly. Then she stepped forward.
I'VE were just completing our meal,
.he sale softly. There is not muen'
but we will gladly share what VIC
have"
The flesh needeth nothing ne an
.vered not even looking around, ana
the spirit liveth on the bread OF n, ~
seek only converse with you ine
young man is an officer"
"Yes-on recruiting service
"You know him well? You 'FuS'
him!" s,e
"IL have not known him long sne
replied hesitatingly. and gianeine Dasn :.
1t me. yet have confidence In hin.
The man did not answer. OF m oss
md. after . moment q si'sacs A"-
lsksd: