Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1915-12-31

swered, not even looking around, land
the spirit liveth on the bread of life.
seek only converse with you. The
young man is an officer?"
'Yes-on recruiting service"
You know him we'll? You trust
him?"
Il have not known him long" she
replied hesitatingly. and glancing back
at me. yet have confidence in him"
The man did not answer, or move
and, after a moment of silence. she
asked:
Have you ridden fart"
From Lewisburg."
"Lewisburgi" in surprise. Then
you knew I was here? You came seek
ing met"
He turned on his stool. his eyes
searching her face gravely.
'On a mission of ministry" he re-
piled solemnly, although whether II
prove Of joy, or sorrow, l am unable
to say. am but an instrument"
The mans reluctance to speak free
ly was apparent. and l stepped for
ward.
IF you prefer conversing with Miss
HARDWOOD alone" said quietly, Il will
retire"
The words / would speak are In
deed of confidential nature"
No, mol" she broke in impulsively.
her eyes of appeal turned toward me
do not leave us, lieutenant. This man
has nothing to say | am afraid to have
you hear. He has not come here as a
friend; there is some evil purpose in
all this, which ! cannot fathom." She
faced him now, her slender body
poised, her eyes on his. Tell me what
It is-this mysterious mission? Ay!
and who sent you to find me? | will
not believe 1t was my father"
The minister rose to his feet, q tall
ungainly figure, his solemn face as ex-
pressionless as before. but smolder-
Ing resentment was in his deep-set
eyes. He possessed the look OF a
fanatic, one who would hesitate at
nothing to gain his end. To me he
was even repulsive in his narrow
bigotry.
No, 1t was not your father" he said
almost coarsely. "but it is a 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
J pressed against her eyes. Obeying the
first instinct Of protection, | stepped
J to support her as she seemed about to
fall. That cannot be! You lie!
know you lie! You were never his
J friend. You come here to tell me that
to brighten me; to compel me to dc
! 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, 1t Is nc
more than natural. But | harbor nc
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 an escort of soldiers. 1t was
3 there he was killed, together with hi.
servant. A messenger brought the
. news"
"A soldier2 One of Captain Fox'l
4 menu"
. A sardonic smile fiickered an in
/, slant on the preachers thin lips.
I mo, but equally reliable; one O
:. Ned Cowan's mountaineers. Captain
a Fox is a prisoner. wounded. and hi
men mostly dead"
: A moment she rested unknowingl,
/ against my arm, her face covered Will
her hands. There was that In tn,
! mans words and manner which con
/. vinced her that he spoke the truth
The face she finally lifted was whit
F. and drawn. The girl had changed t
y woman. She stood erect. alone, on
Q hand grasping the back OF . chair.
Y You say my father is dead-kilIed.
she said, In steady, clear voice. .Bu
be that one or the other, you neve
1 came here tonight, through this storm
r TO bring me such message alone
Who sent you, Parson Nichols? VIVA
u deviltry Is on foot?"
q my dear young lady" he bega
smoothly, spreading his hands deprs
q, catingly. BE charitable. and Just.
s. realize that in the first shock of thu
e suddenly learning of your fathers d.
1t mise, you naturally speak harshly
e. With me the past is forgotten. blotte
s. out. covered with the mantle OF chrii
d tian charity. felt 1t my duty to brea
:" to you this sad news in all possibl
b. tenderness"