The Huttig news., 1915-10-09
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SYNOPSIS.


 CHAPTER I-Confederate Sergeant Wyatt of the Staunton artillery is sent as spy to his native county on the Green Briar by General Jackson.
 CHAPTER II-wyatt meets moun- taineer named Jem Taylor, with whom he rides to house beyond Hot Springs. CHAPTER III--In the house Wyatt and Taylor meet Major Harwood, father of Noreen and an old neighbor of Wyatt, lWbo is sent to bed while the two other men talk. Wyatt becomes suspicious, and finds that Taylor has murdered Harwood and escaped.
 CHAPTER Iv-Wyatt changes to the y. 5. cavalry uniform he has with him. and rides away in the night. running into a detachment of Federal cavalry, to whom he identifies himself as Lieutena nt Raymond, Third U S. cavalry bv means or papers with which he has been pro vided. Captain Fox finds Harwood's body And follows Taylor's trail. fl CHAPTER v-Fox and Wyatt believe Taylor to be old Ned Cowan The de- tachment Is ambushed. Wyatt escapes to the Green Briar country and goes to liar woods apparently deserted home.
 CHAPTER vI-wyatt finds Noreen harWood alone In her home. She does not recognize him, and he introduces him. belf as Lieutenant Raymond.
 The minister rose to his feet, a tall, ungainly figure, his solemn face as ex. pressionless as before. but a smolder. ing resentment was in his deep-set eyes. He possessed the look of Q fanatic, one who would hesitate at nothing to gain his eno To me he was even repulsive in his narrow bigotry
 No, it was not your father" he said almost eoarsely, but 1t is part of my mission to bring to you. young woman, the news of your fathers death"
 Death? My father dead?" she stepped back from him. her hands pressed against her eyes. Obeying the first instinct of protection, 1 stepped to support her as she seemed about to fall. That cannot be. You lie! I know you lie! You were never his friend. You come here to tell me that to frighten me. to compel me to do something wrong"
 The man exhibited no trace of emo ton. no evidence of regret. his voice the same hard, metallic sound
 T expected this outburst," he con- tinued unmoved Indeed, it is no more than natural But l harbor no resentment, and in this hour freely for give all. He that taketh the sword, shall perish by the sword and my words are true.'
 But saw him four days ago."
 "On his way east to Hot Springs. with all escort of soldiers. It was there he was killed, together with his servant. A messenger brought the news"
 "A soldier? One of Captain Fox s men?"
 A sardonic smile fliekered an in stant on the preachers thin lips
 No, but equally reliable; one of Ned Cowan's mountaineers. Captain Fox is prisoner. wounded. and his men mostly dead"
 A moment she rested .unknowingly against my arm, her face covered with her hands. There was that in the mans words and manner which con- vineed her that he spoke the truth. The face she finally lifted was white and drawn. The girl had changed to a woman. She stood erect, alone, one hand grasping the back of a chair.
 You say my father is dead-killed. D she said, in steady, clear voice. But be that one or the other, you never came here tonight, through this storm. to bring me such message alone. Who sent you, Parson Nichols? What deviltry is on foot?'
 My dear young lady" he began smoothly, spreading his hands depre- catingly. Be charitable, and just. l realize that in the first shock of thus suddenly learning of your fathers de- mise, you naturally speak harshly. With me the past is forgotten, plotted out, covered with the mantle of Chris tian charity. felt it my duty to break to you this sad news in all possible tenderness"
 And you had no other object?"
 Certainly not; what other could l possibly have had?"
 The man lied, and I knew it; the suave, soft tones of his voice irritated me. The girl stood motionless, silent, her breath coming in sobs. Then she turned her head slightly, and her eyes met mine. The piteous appeal in their depths was all I needed. With grim feeling of delight. I took a step for ward. and the muzzle of my revolver touched his breast.
 Now, Mister Preaeherman," l said shortly. well have done with thls play-acting Not a novel"
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 CHAPTER VIII.
 rL. l,u,c If the Tran