Iron County news. [volume] (Hurley, Wis.) 1913-1950, 1915-12-25
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none too careful"
Whitloek fiddled with the tassel OF
his sword, evidently far from satisfied
himself. yet unwilling to make final
decision unaided.
1 hardly know Just what to do" he
confessed reluctantly. Ordinarily.
you know, lady's word would be suf-
hcient. but somehow, I-I-wen this
looks just little queer. What do
you think. lieutenant?"
That the fellow ought to be taken
before Major Halves and made to ex-
plain what purpose brought him here.
have no desire to question Miss
HARDWOOD; indeed, l am perfectly will
ing to accept her statement But this
man is not civilian-he is a soldier;
he has had military training. He
should be made to account for him
self, sir" The speakers eyes fell
upon the preacher, huddled back in
the corner. now clearly revealed by
the gray daylight which was stealing
in through the windows. "Hullo! here
have overlooked. Who are your"
Nichols shuf1ed forward, looking
woebegone and miserable, his cheek
distigured by Cowan's blow, sneak
and coward written all over him. His
shifting eyes met mine, and he must
have read in my gaze threat he dare
not ignore. Twice his mouth opened
and closed before he could make
words issue.
"One of Cowan's gang?"
God be praised-no. Made to serve
that human fend by force. / am a
minister of the Gospel"
"You!" The lieutenant broke into
laugh. by Jove. you fit the part.
Whitlock. did you ever hear of the
fellow?"
The captain rubbed his glasses.
Are you the Baptist preacher at
Cane Ridge?" he asked doubtfully.
For twenty years have minis
aered to that congregation; the young
woman can vouch for my labor"
Then. presume you are also &C
quainteG with this fellow?" CUES
toned Raymond impatiently.
Nichols turned his glance again in
my direction, but his gray face was
devoid of interest.
q have no knowledge of the young
man." he asserted solemnly "but |
knew the old Judge we'll. The resem-
blance is strong. and l have no doubt
but he is a son. The father was a
Christian and a gentleman"
"And a rebel. l presumed"
Judge Wyatt died before the break
ing out of the war. sir. but was known
throughout these parts as Unionist"
There was a client pause. Whitlock
fumbling at his eyeglasses, Raymond.
a perplexed frown on his face, staring
first at Nichols and then at me, as
though more than half convinced he
was being made a fool of. The girl
had seated herself in a chair, and was
leaning forward, her face hidden. The
lieutenant turned and STROBE across
the room, glancing out the window
then back again.
NGtAB VIC SdhuOt uSI6 us
cussing the matter" he said tartly. I'll
we do we may have 3 real fight on our
hands before we are safely back in
Lewisburg." He planted himself
squarely in front Of me. See here
1t is time you did some talking. You
haven't opened your mouth yet"
There has been no OCCASION" re
piled pleasantly. THE others have
told all you need to know without my
even being questioned"
81 have a mind to search you," he
retorted, completely losing his temper
AT your pleasure. lieutenant"
spoke coldly enough. although there
was catch in my throat at sudden
memory of the paper / bore contain.
ing his name. And there is no guess
ing what sou might find in Lieutenant
Harwood's uniform"
We we're still looking de1antly at
each others eyes when trooper ap-
peared in the open doorway, saluted
and said something in a low tone to
Whitlock. | failed to catch the words
spoken. but heard the captain answer:
Certainly. corporal. have him come
up at once"
The soldier disappeared down the
hall. and the lieutenant stepped
back across the room. bending his
head to whisper something privately
into Whitlock's ear. My eyes fol
lowed his movement, and then sought
the face OF the girl; she sat motion
iRss, the long lashes shading her eyes,
the only visible sign of excitement
the swift rise and fall of her bosom.
Then a man came hastily into the
room through the opened door. My
heart leaped into my throat at sight
of him--hs was Captain Fox.