The Holly chieftain., 1916-03-17

not yet half convinced of the truth.
You here-and free! What-"nat
have you done to these men?
laughed lightly. so relieved by her
reception as to feel a new man.
Merely turned the tables; this time
luck was on my side. and neither gen
tleman seemed eager to prove nero.
AS you perceive, they are like lambs.
They hardly looked it, for II ever
murder glared unconcealed in the eyes
OF men. 1t did then; but they were
helpless to move or express tnem-
selves-at least the colonel was, al
though he struggled fiercely Ihe
younger officer made no attempt, his
thin lips drawn back in cruel snari
l was certain there was swift gleam
Of amusement In the girls eyes, but II
passed quickly as her glance again
met mine.
But you! Tell me; ! must under
stand in order to know what to do
How did you come here?"
From the big chimney. l had no
suspicion this room was occupied, un-
til ! came face to face with these
men. But they were more surprised
even than I. / got the guns first, and
that ended 1t; but l cannot hold you
up that way"
There is no necessity"
moi" could not keep the joyous
note out of my voice you mean
Merely that l came here seeking
your release. or rather to urge that
you be given trial at Charleston. 1t
is scarcely likely under all conditions
that l will prevent your escape, or at
tempt to do so. You saved me from
fate worse than death, and were cap
tured while endeavoring to serve me.
Surely you did not suppose ! had
forgotten? You received my mes
sage?"
yes, and was most thankful for 1t.
l confess had doubted before"
Il read your thoughts in your face;
that was one reason why | wished to
reassure you. l could not be migrate
full" She glanced across the room.
and began again as though anxious to
get upon another topic. Il request.
ed Lieutenant Raymond to intercede
in your behalf, and he pledged me his
word to do SO. Less than an hour"
ago learned he was exerting his in
fluence with Colonel Pickney against
my wishes. l determined to come
here in person and learn the truth.
Have you any explanation, Lieutenant
Raymond"
The fellow is a self-confessed spy"
he asserted hoarsely There was
nothing ! could say to save him."
Lieutenant, made no request that
you would interpose to save this man
from his just fate under military law
My father was a soldier. and l know
soldiers duty. All asked was that
he be sent to Charleston, to the head.
quarters of this department, where he
could have an impartial trial. II you
had so advised Colonel Pickney. that
would have been done. He would have
gladly shifted the responsibility else.
where. Now the full burden of deci-
SlOu ldUS Ou HE. ! muSC CHOOSE Oe-
tween two duties-my loyalty to the
Union or to my husband"
Raymond certainly was no more
startled than ! at this avowal, per
haps less SO, for although the words
choked in his throat, he managed to
give them utterance.
"Your husband! Good God! Do
you mean to say you are married to
this fellow?"
." not only mean it." she said calm
ly, "but have the proof with me-
tell you the fact merely to justify my
action, for intend to save him If l
can. wish Colonel Pickney to know
why do this-what conditions justify
me in SO rebellious a course. This
man does not deserve death; he was
captured while defending me from in
suit, and he is my husband. l should
be unworthy the name of woman if
did not aid his escape"
She turned to me, her eyes eager
TON, you must do just as say"