Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1916-01-28

from, how it CHANGED I'd be there. and.
the reason 1t was worn by this man
cannot be expected to know all the
petty distinctions OF the service"
But surely" spoke up the captain.
plainly bewildered, the suit he wore
when he came can be produced. You
know where that ISL.
q know where Il was" she an
swered coolly. Hanging before the
fireplace in the dining room. How.
ever | cannot guarantee that It re-
mains there now-this house has been
Quilted by Cowan's guerrillas, and,
from the sound, your own men were
none too careful"
Whitlock fiddled with the tassel of
his sword, evidently far from satisfied
himself, yet unwilling to make final
decision unaided.
II hardly know just what to do" he
confessed reluctantly. Ordinarily,
you know, lady's word would be Buf-
ficient. but somehow, I--I-well, this
looks just little queer. What do
You think, lieutenant1''
That the fellow ought to be taken
before Major Halves and made to ex-
plain what purpose brought him here.
| have no desire to question Miss
Harwood; indeed, am perfectly will
ing to accept her statement But this
man il not civilian--he is a soldier;
he has had military training. He
should be made to account for him
self, SIR" The speakers eyes fell
upon the preacher, huddled back in
the corner, now clearly revealed by
the gray daylight which was stealing
in through the windows. ''Hulloi here
seems to be yet another specimen we
have overlooked. Who are your?
Nichols shufled forward, looking
woebegone and miserable, his cheek
disiigured by Cowan's blow, sneak
and coward written all over him. His
shifting eyes met mine, and he must
have read in my gaze a threat he dare
not ignore. Twice his mouth opened
and closed before he could make
words issue.
"One Of Cowan's gang3"
God be praisea-no. Made to serve
that human fiend by force am a
minister of the Gospel"
"Youl" The lieutenant broke into
a laugh. by Jove, you fit the part.
Whitlock, did you ever hear of the
fellow?"
The captain rubbed his glasses.
Are you the Baptist preacher at
Cane Ridge?" he asked doubtfully.
For twenty years have minis
tered to that congregation; the young
woman can vouch for my labor"
Then, | presume you are also &C,
quainted with this fellow?" ques
toned Raymond impatiently.
Nichols turned his glance again in
my direction. but his gray face was
devoid of interest.
81 have no knowledge OF the young
man." he asserted solemnly. "but
knew the old judge we'll. The resem
blance Is strong, and | have no doubt
but he is a son. The father was O
Christian and gentleman
And rebel, presume?"
Judge Wyatt died before the break
ing out Of the war, sir. but was known
throughout these parts as a Unionist.
There was a silent pause, Whitloch
fumbling at his eyeglasses, Raymond
a perplexed frown on his face, starina
first at Nichols and then at me. al
though more than half convinced be
was being made a fool Of The CIR
had seated herself In a chair, and wa,
leaning forward, her face hidden. The
lieutenant turned and strobe across
the room, glancing out the window;
then back again.
We'll, we cannot remain here dis
GUESSING the matter" he said tartly. ~
we do we may have a real fight on oul
hands before we are safely back II
Lewisburg." He planted himsel
squareiy in front OF me. "See here
1t Is time You did some talking. 70,
haven't opened your mouth yet"
There has been no occasion" re
piled pleasantly. 1.-The others havl
told all You need to know without m,
even being questioned.
Il have a mind to search you," h,
retorted, completely losing his temper
AT your pleasure, lieutenant"
spoke coldly enough, although Their
was a catch in my throat at sudden
memory of the paper bore contain
ing his name. And there is no guess
ing what you might find in Lieutenan
Harwood's uniform"
We were still looking defiantly a
each others eyes when trooper az
peared in the open doorway. saluted
. and said something in a low tone Il
J Whitlock. ! failed to catch the word