Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1915-12-02


have no doubt any more-unless-
unless you refuse to let me-"
Il refuse! / do not understand what
l could refuse. All that remains is for
you to go to your room. You will be
perfectly safe here"
"How will | be safe here?" she
asked Indignantly do you suppose
they will spare me, merely because
am woman? This has not been done
in secret; there are too many who
know my part in your escape to ever
keep the truth hidden. Colonel Pick
ney will have to make his report and
shield himself from blame. There is
not an officer here who will stand
openly in my defense, unless it be
Captain Fox, and he could not help
me. Is it under such conditions you
desire | remain here?"
"But do you realize what going with
me will inevitably mean?"
Yes, l realize-not only the peril
and hardship, but every issue involved
l made my choice back in the court
house. 1t is too late to withdraw"
She paused as though unable to find
expression, breathing heavily, and her
face sank until | could no longer see
her eyes,
"When-when l told Colonel Pick
ney that-that you were my husband"
she faltered, driven to it by my con-
tinued silence, Il spoke hastily, it is
true; for my only thought just then
was the necessity for saving your life.
| felt that-that | could do no less,
and-and I desired to justify my &C
ton. They-they had to know why |
did it; do you not understand? II
am a Union woman; they have trust
ed me always, these men; even to-
night they told me the countersign be-
cause of confidence in my loyalty. L
] was the daughter of an officer on
General Ramsay's staff. l could not
let those men think me a traitor. II
had to tell them why it had become
my duty to aid you. There was no
other possible way; no other reason
which would justify me in such an
act; but-but that confession left me
utterly in your power
'In my power, Noreen! Surely you
do not think that I will ever take
advantage; that l will ever miscon-
strue your real purpose?"
mo! but will you live up to the OBJ
legation? Oh, you do not see the stu
alton at all! When I said you we're
my husband | threw myself on your
protection. II burned the boats.
am all alone now, unless-unless you
stand by me. My father is dead;
there is not one person anywhere to
whom I can go. If | remain here I
shall be placed under arrest before
daylight-charged with aiding your
escape; perhaps charged with aiding
you in your work-and | have no
friends, no defense. Tom, I must go
on with you'll"
I could not ignore her plea, nor
would I misconstrue it. 1t was fear
which thus drove her to me; she had
more confidence in my kindness than
in their justice-that was the whole
story. The poor girl was SO fright
ened she had chosen blindly-she
could perceive nothing, realize moth
ing, except the necessity for immedi-
ate escape. My own resolve was in
slant.
"Do not say any more, Noreen,"
said soberly hut making no attempt
to touch her. 81 understand now You
mean you wish to ride with me? You
trust me fully?"
II trust you; is not that enough?
All I ask now is, do not leave me here
alone"
Her fingers clasped my coat, her
eyes suddenly lifted to my face.
Promise me that, Tom," she begged
brokenly 1T will be all I ask"
Surely; we will go together" and
I gripped her hands tightly in mine.
"Whatever happens I will do my best
But we must go at once"
Eyes, and-and thank you"
We crept forward along the shadow
of the orchard fence, until we mingled