The Huttig news., 1915-10-23
CHAPTER XII.
Before Lieutenant Raymond.


 Before Lieutenant Raymond. The headlong rush stopped in star tied amaZement at sight of us, and l stood there staring at them, unable to speak, my revolver lowered In that instant of pause, an officer thrust the men aside and faced me, sword in hand
 What does this mean, sir? Who are you?' he questioned, sweeping his glance over my uniform, and then be- yond me at the two others.
 '1 would ask the same question" returned, not yet assured as to whom confronted, and suspecting some trick We believed ourselves attacked by guerrillas. Are you soldiers?"
 Well, rather" with a short grim laugh. These are Pennsylvania cav alrymen My name is Raymond. and demand to know, first of all, where you got possession of that Third U. S. cavalry uniform"
 Perhaps m his excitement he had not really recognized her before; but these words were scarcely out of his facing him. l caught one swift flash of her eyes as though warning me to silence. Whatever fear she had for merly felt seemed to have left her in this crisis. for she stood erect, her cheeks flushed. her eyes frankly meet ing those of the surprised officer.
 You will, however. recognize me. lieutenant" she said pleasantly. and extended her hand. tand if you will listen l think l can clear up the mys. tery''
 sMiss-Miss Harwood." he mur. mured, slightly embarrassed. but still beiligerent, his glance wandering from her face to mine. Certainly we hoped to find you here. It was to l rescue you we came-at least it was that hope which led me to request the sending of troops, and to accompany them. This outrage has beer commit ted, l believe. by Gowan's gang, and this man here"
 .Is my friend. she interrupted quietly Lieutenant Raymond, if you will kindly order your men to re- tire l will gladly explain his presence in the house."
 You wish to speak to me alone?"
 Not necessarily; but certainly prefer greater privacy than this. You are in cCmmand?"
 No; Captain Whitlock Is below" He turned toward the crowd blocking the doorway and I grasped the oppcr- tunity to breathe a nasty word of warning into the ear of Nichols. The girl never glanced again at either of us.
 Take the men back into the hall, sergeant" the lieutenant ordered, and look through whatever rooms have not been visited Request Cap tain Whitlock to join me here"
 We waited motionless, the lieuten- ants hand on the butt of his revolver, as though he half suspicioned treach- cry. Twice he eEdeavored to open conversation with the lady, but her  evidently did not feel safe except with his eyes on me. Raymond fronted me, tall. -proportioned fellow, with incipient mustache, black and curled at the points; rather long face, and eyes Sternly serious. There was about him an appearance of force-a bit of bully l should say-and his uniform was new, and carefully fitted.
 A man stood in the doorway, bow ing, his mild blue eyes surveying us nervously. He sported light beard, closely trimmed, the top of his head shoulder. Miss Noreen greeted him with a welcoming smile, and he stepped gallantly forward, bending low as he accepted her hand.
 "So pleased, so delighted, Miss liar. wood. tc find you safe and we'll. We were, indeed, greatly worried at the thought of your being here alone" he exclaimed, slight lisp in his voice. You have not suffered, I trust?"
 Not seriously, Captain Whitlock the guerrillas were outwitted-"
 "Ah. do not attempt to explain, beg. We understand what you have passed through, as we have captured two of the villains. You sent for me. Lieutenant Raymond?"
 .'Yes. sir. did" the young officers expression exhibiting clearly the con tempt he felt for his superior. T pre- ferred that ycu decide what shall be done with this fellow" pointing at finger at me. Miss Harweod vouches fer him, but I fail to understand how he comes to be in the uniform of my regiment"
 The captain fitted pair of glasses to his eyes and surveyed me with care.
 Why, bless me. so he is" he ejacu-