Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1915-12-31
CHAPTER vlI-contlnued.

Ny lips were dry, but l nodded, half
fearful l might be slipping into some
trap, although her words and manner
were surely innocent enough.
we were acquaintances, not
friends" replied, hoping the retort
might cause her to change the subject.
Most of the boys seemed to like
him. He was very pleasant to me, and
| 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-
lieye."
q did not learn his first name. but
when / heard that a Lieutenant Ray
mond was coming here, hoped 1t
might be he. That was why l was SO
deeply interested. 1t is not such
common name, you know"
/ 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 / wondered
what these seemingly innocent ques-
tions could signify. Anyhow, let the
truth be what 1t may, there was no
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 discov-
cry, and the time had not come when
could entrust her with SO dangerous
a 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
could seek shelter, was not an allur
ing one. Nor had any excuse to urge
for immediate departure; indeed as q
gentleman and soldier my duty called
me to remain for her protection. She
could not be left alone in this desc
late house. It was my steady gaze
that reused the lady from whatever
dream the flames of the crate had
given her. She turned her head tt
meet my eyes-then sat suddenly
erect, the expression of her face in
stantly changing, as she stared be
yond me at the open door wheeled
about to look, startled at the move
ment. A man stood in the doorway
water streaming from his clothes on tC
the floor. / was on my feet instantly
a hand gripping my revolver. but be
fore could whip 1t from the leather
sheave. the girl had taken the single
step forward, and grasped my sleeve.
DO not fire!" she exclaimed. III,
is not lighting man."
The fellow lifted one arm, ant
stepped forward full into the light II,
was a man of years, unarmed, a tall
ungainly figure, a scraggly beard a
his chin, and a face like parchment
His eyes we're two deep wells. solemn
, and unwinking.
Peace to you bothi' he said grave
~. 81 ask naught save FIRE and she
ter"
ITO these you are welcome" the cir
answered. still clinging to my arm
you travel alone?"
Even as my master in rags and po1
erty. having no place wherein to Ia
my head. The foxes have holes, tn
birds of the air have nests--you knol
me. young woman?"
.. Yes; you are Parson Nichols
,. "An unworthy soldier of the cross.
address the daughter of Major Hal
: woodland this young mani"
Lieutenant Raymond of the FEEDERS
army" she explained simply. III
sought refuge here from the storm"
'' The mans eyes searched my fac
but without cordiality. without expires
sion of any kind. Saying nothing b
: crossed to the fireplace, and held OF
his hands to the warmth of the blazl
The girls eyes met mine almost que
!, tioningly. Then she stepped forwar,
I'VE were Just completing our meal
she said softly There is not mucl