The Huttig news., 1915-10-16
CHAPTER XI.
Wsltino the Next Move

pushed hastily back from a table, and rapid steps on the floor
 Yes; what's wrong? Have you found something?"
 Sure; Bill an l saw them they were tryin' ter git the hoss: but afore either of us could fire, they sorter slipped long back O ther fence, an got away. It's darker'n hell out thar, an Bill sed fer me ter cum in yere an tell yer that if you 'en Kelly wud cut across the road, an sorter head the cusses off we'd bag the two easy"
 Whar's the rest of ther boys?"
 Ridin' the Lewisburg pike accordin' ter orders, 1 reckon. Leastwise we aint seen 'em since yer tol' us ter watch ther stable. Bill an l can't round them up alone"
 All right, Dave. Where are they now?"
 Tn ther orchard, a ereepin' long the fence. Bills followin' 'em up, an all you got ter do IS run long the road an git ter the corner ahead O 'em They can't go no other way"
 l caught glimpse of the two as they crossed the lower hall hurriedly The lamp fliekered in the draft of ths opened door, and one fellow swore roughly, as he stumbled over some ob- stacle. Then the door closed, and the flame steadied. In the silence we could hear again the beating of rain on the roof over head.
 Who do you suppose they could have seen?" she asked.
 Shadows likely enough Let them hunt. We know now the house is de serted, and can find more comfortable quarters-perhaps even slip away be- fore anyone returns. You will go with mel"
 of course; l am not afraid of Tom Wyatt"
 We passed the ladder down slowly, and carefully, until the lower end rest ed securely on the floor below. If Nichols had recovered from the effect of the severe blow, he had made no sound, and 1 had almost forgotten his h, the lady to descend first, holding the upper supports firmly until her feet touched the floor It was a struggle for me to force my larger bulk through the narrow opening, but I succeeded finally, and stood beside her. In the brighter light l could perceive more clearly the expression of the girls face, realized the friendliness of her eyes. My frank confession had won me her confidence; no matter where her sympathy might be in this war struggle my allegiance to the cause of the South was no serious barrier be tween us; even the fact that I was masquerading there in a stolen uni form and under an assumed name, had not greatly changed her trust in an old playmate. My heart beat faster to this knowledge, yet, in some way, although l reloiced, the recognition brought with it strange embarrassment.
 It sounds as though the storm was harder than ever," she said Where shall we go?"
 My choice would be to hide in one of these rooms, for the present, at least. We could scarcely hope to get the horse out of the stable unseen. and, even if we did, we would be like ly to ride into some of the gang"
 But they will return to the house"
 Before they leave-yes; but it is hardly probable they will search up here again. Anse will be in ill-humor enough when he decides we have real ly escaped, but will never imagine that our hiding place is in the house. They will give up by daylight, and then the way will be clear''
 And where will you go?"
 Why" in surprise. T could not leave you alone until I placed you in the care of friends"
 At Lewisburg, you mean?"
 ''If that is where you wish to go"
 Her eyes met mine frankly, but with an expression in their depths failed to fathom.
 Not wearing that uniform" she said quietly, "or under the name of Lieutenant Raymond. Do not misun- derstand There is friendship between us-personal friendship, the memory of the past a knowledge of the inti. macy between your father and mine. More, l am grateful to you for the service you have been to me this night; nor do hold it against you that you risk your life in the cause for which you fight. But am Union. Tom Wyatt, and I cannot help you in your work, nor protect you. When day light comes l am going to say good by and forget that I have even seen you
 But" I protested, "why could we not. part, if we must. at Lewisburg, after know you are safe?"
 There are Federal troops at Lewis burg They know me, and their com mander is aware of my acquaintance with the officer whose name you have assumed"
 Yet in a measure, at least. you trust me? I want you to consider me personal friend"
 Why do" her eyes opening widely. Tt is for your own protection l refuse