Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1915-12-23
CHAPTER xlx-continued.

CHAPTER xix-contlnued.
The spy you fellows planned to
hang In the morning." / answered,
amused by his unexpected good hui
nor. Sorry. Jack, but I'll have to
gag YOU"
THE pleasure is mine; don't men.
ton it, and he winked facetiously,
with nod of his head toward the
heavily breathing colonel I bound a
bit OF rag over his mouth, more to
give him an excuse for silence than
because / had any fear he would raise
an alarm. Noreen had silently opened
the door, and slipped out into the cor
ridor. With swift glance over the
three helpless men left behind. !
Joined her, and tightly closed the door,
The light Of the distant lamp revealed
her face. but her eyes were serious.
Better leave the musket leaning
against the wall" whispered, noting
she still grasped the weapon. 1T will
only arouse suspicion. There are two
guards at the front entrance?"
YES" she answered swiftly. "and
you had better give the word. II they
stop you and ask any questions. give
them any name you please-only you
came with dispatches from General
Ramsay two hours ago. and have been
with Colonel Pickney ever since. 1t
Is less than an hour since the guard
was relieved, for Captain Fox left me
In order to make the rounds, and
these men will not know. You under
stand?"
Perfectly. And the countersign?"
"Kanawha"
hesitated. and her eyes flashed
into mine.
II will go Also" she said simply,
for can guide you through the camp.
Draw the cap visor lower down over
your eyes--we may meet with some
one who saw you brought In as pris-
oner That is better; now we will
chat as we go-about-about West
Point. Do you remember, lieutenant.
hat last cadet dance? Captain Fox
tells me-"
We turned the corner into the wide
entrance hall, strolling slowly side by
side, her face turned upward to mine.
Apparently my eyes were upon her,
and I made some inane response to
her words, yet l saw the sentries at
the door come stiffly to attention. and
then cross their musket barrels to bar
our exit. halted as though in sur
prise.
Are there any new orders?" asked
b tone Of authority. you remember
passing us In. do you mott"
I'VE passed the lady. SIR" the
older man answered respectfully. but
no officer"
"Ah, yes. / see; you are not the
same men who were on guard when !
arrived. am Lieutenant Mann, OF
General Ramsay's staff, and have been
with Colonel Pickney. The lady will
vouch for me-"
Yes. STR" yet with lingering doubt
In his voice. mo doubt y Is all right,
sir; but the orders are very strict
tonight. II you have not the word
xhall have to call the sergeant"
-Quite right, my man: but that Is
not necessary" and I took a step
nearer and bent my head. Kama
whA"
Tie two men shouldered their mus.
ketA and the older one brought hfa
ha1d mp In salute.
"Pass, sir" he said soberly. and
stood aside. We went down the broad
steps. dimty lighted by distant IRE
my hand touching her arm. The In
fantry camp lay between us and the
road. The campfire In front yielded
inst enough light to enable me %
study out our surroundings. The oano
still played noisily In the courtroom
Above. The camp was quiet. the sol
diers apparently sleeping on tne
ground. / could perceive only Few
tents. showing white In the freight
but the figures OF sentries appearee
here and there. slowly pacing thetl
beats. Had been alone should have
crept forward and endeavored to sill
BY unseen. but was conscious OF ths
hand which erasped my sleeve. and
my syer fell TO her face.