The Huttig news., 1915-10-23

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 "Hullol here seems to be yet another specimen we have overlooked. Who are you?"
 Nichols shufied forward, looking woebegone and miserable, his cheek distigured by Cowans 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 fiend by force. l am a minister Of the Gospel"
 "You!" The lieutenant broke into a laugh. By love. 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 I have minis, tered to that congregation; the young woman can voueh for my labor.''
 Then, I presume you are also ac- quainted with this fellow?" ques. toned Raymond impatiently.
 Nichols turned his glance again in my direction. but his gray face was devoid of interest.
 "I have no knowledge of the young man." he asserted solcmnly, but l knew the old judge well. The resem blance is strong, and l have no doubt but he is a son. The father was Christian and gentleman"
 And rebel, I presume?"
 Judge Wyatt died before the break ing out of the war, sir. but was known throughout these parts as Unionist" |"
 There was a silent pause. Whitlock fum bling at his eyeglasses, Raymond a perplexed frown on Lis face, staring first at Nichols and then at me, as though more than half convinced he was being made fool of. The girl had seated herself in chair, and was leaning forward, her face hidden. The lieutenant turned and strode across the room, glancing out the window; then back again.
 Well, we cannot remain here dis. cussing the matter" he said tartly If we do we may have real fight cn 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"
 "l have mind to search you." he retortcd, 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 you might find in Lieutenant Harwood's uniform"
 We were still looking defantly at each others eyes when a trooper ap- peared in the open doorway, saluted and said something in low tone to Whitlock l 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 less, the long lashes shading her eyes, the only visible sign of excitement
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