The Huttig news., 1915-10-16

Whlch had been assigned. 1 had two duties to perform-to the army, and to this helpless girl; which was para mount if by any chance they clashed :? l could not answer, but 1 did compre- hend which came fsst-I must save Noreen Harwood from the mereiless clutch of Anse Cowan. 1 must remain with her loyally, until she was safe in the protection of friends. Possibly could accomplish this, and still retain my secret.
 IS there any other way out of here Miss Noreen?" I asked scarcely above a whisper any opening leading to the roof?"
 T have never seen one, though often up here when l was a child"
 Then our only means of escape is by the ladder, and we dare not venture that until assured those fellows have really left. Do you hear any sound below?"
 We both listened in breathless si fence, but no noise reached us with any distinctness. l thought 1 caught the echo of voice, but it sounded from outside the house-possibly someone yelling Q report from the stable.
 Shall risk exploring?" l asked doubtfully. There is surely no one on this floor except Nichols, and 1 judge he has been knocked out for some time. We can hardly wait here for him to recover, and give us free passage. What action do you think we ought to take?"
 l certainly have no desire to re- main here longer than is necessary" she answered calmly, but do not be- lieve those men have all left the house. Some may be outside in the storm searching for trace of us, but there are others surely on guard below Did you hear that? A knife fell on the floor; someone is eating in the dining room"
 T am going to lift the scuttle; pos sibly some light may filter up the stairs"
 1 was obliged to loosen 1t by the in. sertion of my knife blade, yet the clamp yielded with but little noise, and 1 peered eagerly down the open ing. There was a lamp burning in the lower hall, the reflection sufficiently bright to reveal the general situation No men were visible, nor did 1 hear any voices in conversation. One thing was certain-the upper hall was com. pletely deserted, for I could see along it's entire length. lifted my head, and glanced back to where the girl re- mained silent. and motionless. My eyes, long accustomed to the darkness, could distinguish her outlines, even the dim contour of her face. She sat upright on the rough flooring, appar. ently regarding me intently.
 Do you find the way left clear?"
 So far as the upper hall is con- cerned-yes. There is a light burn ing below. although I can perceive no movement. They may be in the dining room, but I do not believe they will search up here again."
 eNo?" The slight rising infection stung me. What did her action mean Why should she so suddenly assume that tone with me? The sooner 1 knew the better
 T beg your pardon, Miss Harwood, ]" l said quietly, but fail to understand why you should speak to me in this manner. You have shown confidence, trust, Tn my former efforts to serve you, and l am just as eager now to be of service"
 You mean you wish me to have complete confidence in you?"
 Certainly 1 can do nothing other wise"
 There was an instant of silence, in which her breathing was plainly audi ble. Beneath the shadow of an uplift- ed hand 1 felt that her eyes were upon my face.
 Very well, then" she said finally, her voice more expressive of interest Tt IS surely no more than natural that I should desire to know whom have the honor ot talking with"
 But do you not know?"
 "No," firmly and decisively. You heard what those men said-yet you go on pretending to me. You are the officer they referred to, are you not?"
 Yes; escaped when Foxs com mand was attacked"
 You were an officer in Captain Fox's troop?"
 No; joined him by accident at Hot Springs"
 Under what name?"
 The utter uselessness of attempting to lie was apparent. Her questions were too direct, too straig ightforward, for any further evasion The slightest quibbling now would cost me her friendship forever If 1 hesitated, it was scarcely noticeable.
 Under the name,s 1 replied quietly, "of Charles H. Raymond, leatenant Third U. s. cavalry, on recruiting service"
 "Oh!' the exclamation burst forth in surprise at my frank avowal Then you did not make that up merely to de- eeive me? You had been passing un- der that name with others. You had taken it for distinct purpose-a-a