The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1915-12-04

could perceive them dimly. from
where we skulked In the shadow OF
the building. took a step or two
forward. circling the house. 50 as to
better approach the animals along the
shadow OF an orchard fence. l knew
she followed close at my heels and.
turning. got a glimpse OF her fright
ened face.
There is no reason why you should
worry" said softly, taking her hands
In mine. Now listen 10 me; your
nerves are all unstrung; this nights
work has been too much for you-I
too much for any girl. And God
knows you have done enough for me
already. Where are you stopping
Here at the hotel?"
Yves"
Then slip inside while there Is no
one hanging around: and get safely TO
your own room There is nothing
more you can do. will take one OF
those horses yonder and be of, and I
know the country we'll enough TO find
my way. Once In the mountains l
shall be safe. You will do as say7"
To my surprise. she looked straight
into my face. standing motionless. She
seemed to catch her breath, as though
II was difficult to speak.
"You mean that-that ! am to 20
10 my room?" she asked slowly.
Certainly; that will be the safest
and best thing for you to do. can
not tell you how grateful ! am to
you; nothing can ever do will repay
| the service you have rendered me.
You are a wonderfully brave girl"
do you think so? Oh. but l am
neither brave nor wonderful. have
scarcely known what was doing; Il
didn't seem as n there was anything
else I could do. But know now: I
have no doubt any more--uniess--
unless you refuse to let me-"
Il REFUSED do not understand what
could refuse. All that remains 10 for
you to 20 to your room. You Will be
perfectly safe here"
How will I be safe here7" she
asked Indignantly. DO you suppose
they will spare me. merely because
am q womanf 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 IL
not an oficer here who will stand
openly in my defense. unless II be
Captain Fox, and he could not helI
me. Ia II under such conditions yot
desire / remain here7"
But do you realize what going with
me will inevitably mean"
Eyes, realize--nct only the peri
and hardship. but every issue involved
, made my choice back In the court
house. II is too late to withdraw"
She paused as though unable to hn'
expression, breathing heavily, and he
. face sank until could no longer SCI
her eyes
WHENEVER / told Colonel Pick
|, ney that--that you were my husband.
: she faltered. driven to II by my cor
, tinued silence, II spoke hastily, IL
, true; for my only thought Just the
! was the necessity for saving your lie
, felt that--that | could do no less
and-and desired 10 justify my az
!. ton. They--they had TO know why
, did it; do you not understand? L
am a Union woman they have trus
ed me always these men; even e
4 night they told me the countersign b.
cause OF confidence In my loyalty. l.
/, | was the daughter OF an officer o
!, General Ramsay's staff. l could nc
let those men think me traitor. i
had to tell them why II had becom
:, my duty 10 aid you. There was
= other possible way; no other reaso
7 which would justify me In such a
:. act; but--but that confession left m
v utterly in your power"
q I'm my power. Noreeni Surely 20
do not think that l will ever taxi
:, advantage; that | will ever misco
strue your real purposew
mol but will you live UP to the o
: lIgation2 oh. you do not see the sit
y alton at ALL When / said you wei
- my husband threw myself on yol
y protection. IL burned the boats.
am all alone now. unless-unless W
y stand by me. My father is dea'
y there is not one person anywhere
~ whom can go II remain here
" shall be placed under arrest befo
y daylight-charfei with aiding yo
y escape; perhaps charged with aidir
; you in your vork-and have
y friends. no def,nse. Tom, l must
~ on with youl"
~ could not ignore her plea. n
~ would | mIsconstrue II. IL was fe
VI which thus drove her to me; she HI
"a more confidence In my kindness thl
" in their justice-that was the who
story. The poor girl was so frigl
IL ened she had chosen blindly-s
v. could perceive nothing, realize not
40. ing. except the necessity for imme
as ate escape. My own resolve was
~ stant