The Holly chieftain., 1916-01-28
CHAPTER vII-contInued.

CHAPTER vII-continued.
MY lips were dry, but nodded, half
fearful l might be slipping into some
trap, although her words and manner
were surely innocent enough.
we were acquaintances, not
friends" I replied. hoping the retort
might cause her to change the subject,
Most of the boys seemed to like
him. He was very pleasant to me, and
had a splendid time. met one
cadet named Raymond: he had dark
hair and eyes,"
"Oh. yes" I managed to answer,
now desperately alert. There was
another in the class-James R.. be-
ieve."
Il did not learn his first name, but
when I heard that Lieutenant Ray
mond was coming here, hoped it
might be he. That was why was 30
deeply interested. It is not such .
common name, you know"
] made some answer, and she sat
there silently, her face turned now to-
ward the fire in the CRATE. The profile
held me in fascination, as wondered
what these seemingly innocent ques-
tions could signify. Anyhow. let the
truth be what 1t may, there was no
other course left for me, but to keep
on with the deception. I was In the
heart of the enemy.s country. in dis
guise, my life forfeit in case Of discov-
cry, and the time had not come when
could entrust her with so dangerous
q secret.
The wind ratified the blinds, and the
rain beat heavily against the side Of
the house. The thought Of venturing
out into the storm, not knowing where
could seek shelter, was not an allur-
ing one. Nor had any excuse to urge
for immediate departure; indeed as a
gentleman and soldier my duty called
me to remain for her protection. She
could not be left alone in this desc.
late house. 1t was my steady gaze
that reused the lady from whatever
dream the flames of the CRATE had
given her. She turned her head to
meet my eyes-then sat suddenly
erect the expression of her face in.
stantly changing, as she stared be-
yond me at the open door. wheeled
about to look, startled at the move
ment. A man stood in the doorway,
water streaming from his clothes on to
the floor. was on my feet instantly,
. hand gripping my revolver, but be-
fore I could whip 1t from the leather
sheave, the girl had taken the single
step forward, and grasped my sleeve.
do not fret" she exclaimed. "He
is not fighting man."
The fellow lifted one arm, and
stepped forward full into the light. He
was man Of years. unarmed. q tall,
ungainly figure, scraggly beard at
his chin. and face like parchment.
His eyes were two deep wells, solemn
and unwinking.
peace to you bothl" he said grave
ly. II ask naught save fire and shell
ter"
ITO these yo4 are welcome" the girl
answered, still clinging to my arm.
you travel alone?"
Even as my master in rags and pov.
erty, having no place wherein to lay
my head. The foxes have holes, the
birds of the air have nests-you know
me, young woman?"
"Yes; you are Parson Nichols"
"An unworthy soldier Of the cross. I
address the daughter Of Major Har.
woodland this young mani"
Lieutenant Raymond of the Federal
army" she explained simply. "He
sought refuge here from the storm"
The mans eyes searched my facs,
but without cordiality. without express
sion of any kind. Saying nothing he
crossed to the fireplace. and held out
his hands to the warmth of the blaze.
The girls eyes met mine almost ques.
tioningly. Then she stepped forward.
I'VE were just completing our meal" ,"
she said softly. There is not much.