Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1916-02-03

ton of Charleston was in that class,
and he invited me. You knew him, Of
course?"
My lips were dry. but nodded, half
fearful might be slipping into some
trap, although her words and manner
were surely innocent enough.
I'VE were acquaintances, not
friends" 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 splendid time. met one
cadet named Raymond; he had dark
hair and eyes"
oh, yes" managed TO answer,
now desperately alert. There was
lieve."
Il did not learn his first name, but
when l heard that q Lieutenant Ray
mond was coming here, I hoped 1t
might be lie. That was why l was SO
deeply Interested. 1t is not such a
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-
lions could signify. Anyhow, let the
truth be what it may. there was no
other course left for me, but to keep
on with the deception. | was in the
heart of the eneny'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
u 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 l any excuse to urge
for immediate departure; indeed as a
gentleman and soldier my duty called
me to remain for Eer 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 could whip it from the leather
sheave, the girl had taken the single
step forward, and grasped my sleeve.
DO not fire!" she exclaimed. "He
is not fighting man"
The fellow lifted one arm, and
stepped forward full into the light. He
was a man of years, unarmed, tall,
ungainly figure, scraggly beard at
his chin. and face like parchment.
His eyes were two deep wells. solemn
and unwinking.
Peace to you both!" he said grave
ly. Il ask naught save fire and shell
ter"
ITO these you are welcome" the girl
answered, still clinging to my arm.
You travel alone?
Even as my master in rags aud pow
erty, having no place wherein to lay
my head. The foxes have holes, the
birds of the air have nests-you know
me, young wcman?"
Yes; you are Parson Nichols"
can unworthy soldier of the cross. l
address the daughter of Major Har-
woodland this young man?"
Lieutenant Raymond OF the Federal
army" she explained simply. HE
| sought refuge here from the Storm
The mans eyes searched my face,
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.
We were just completing our meal, =
she said softly. There is not much.
but we will gladly share what we
have"
The flesh needeth nothing" he an
swered, not even looking around, land
the spirit liveth on the bread OF life.
seek only converse with you. The
young man is an otficer?"
"Yes-on recruiting service"
You know him we'll? You trust
him?@
II have not known him long, she
replied hesitalingly, and glancing back
at me. Yet have confidence in him. .
The man did not answer, or move
and, after moment Of silence. she
asked
Have You ridden far?"
From Lewisburg.''
sLewisburg!" in surprise. "Then
you knew was here? You came seek
ing me?"
He turned on his stool. his eyes
searching her face gravely.
"On mission Of ministry" he re-
piled solemnly, although whether it
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. nc!" she broke III impulsively.
her eyes of appeal turned toward me.
i Do not leave us, lieutenant. This man
has nothing to say am afraid to have
you hear. He has net come here as a
friend; there is some evil purpose in
all this, which ! cannot fathom." She