Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1916-01-14
CHAPTER x-contInued.

! was Obliged to loosen 1t by the in.
sertion of my knife blade, yet the
clamp yielded with but little noise,
and / peered eagerly down the open.
ing. There was a lamp burning in the
lower hall, the reflection sufficiently
bright to reveal the general situation.
No men were visible, nor did hear
any voices in conversation. One thing
was certain-the upper hall was com
pletely deserted, for could see along
its entire length. lifted my head, and
glanced back to where the girl re-
NAMED silent. and motionless. My
eyes. long accustomed to the darkness.
could distinguish her outlines, even
the dim contour OF her face. She sat
upright on the rough flooring, appar
emily regarding me intently.
DO you find the way left clear?"
$50 far as the upper hall is con-
cerned-yes. There is a light burn
ing below. although can perceive no
movement They may be in the dining
room, but l do not believe they will
search up here again"
"No?" The slight rising infection
stung me. What did her action mean?
Why should she so suddenly assume
that tone with me? The sooner knew
| the better.
81 beg your pardon, Miss HARDWOOD
l said quietly, "but fail to understand
why you should speak to me in this
manner. You have shown confidence
trust, in my former efforts to serve
you, and 1 am just as eager now to be
of service"
''You mean you wish me to have
complete confidence in your"
Certainly. l can do nothing other
wise"
There was an instant of silence. in
which her breathing was plainly audi
bic. Beneath the shadow of an uplift
ed hard felt that her eyes were upoI
my face.
Very well, then" she said finally
her voice more expressive of interest
st is surely no more than natural thai
| should desire to know whom have
the honor Of talking with"
But do you not know?"
NO" firmly and decisively. "Yol
heard what those men said-yet 70,
go on pretending to me. You are thu
officer they referred to. are you not p"
YES; ! escaped when Fox's com
mand was attacked"
You we're an officer in CAPTAIN
Fox's troop?"
mo; joined him by accident a
Hot Springs"
Under what manner"
The utter uselessness of attempting
to lie was apparent, Her question
were too direct, too Straightforward
for any further evasion. The slightes
quibbling now would cost me he
friendship forever. II hesitated,
was scarcely noticeable.
Under the name" replied quietly
"of Charles H. Raymond. lieutenan
Third U. s. cavalry. on recruitin
service"
"Ohi" the exclamation burst forth |
surprise at my frank avowal. "The
you did not make that up merely to d,
ceive me? You had been passing III
der that name with others. You ha
taken it for a distinct purpose-a-
I military purpose?"
Il took it." said slowly. and deli
, erately. my eyes looking steadily 6
her. because | knew such a FEEDER,
officer had been detailed to service
this neighborhood. If have taken m
life in my hands to serve the cause /
the South. 1t was in obedience to til
orders of my superiors."
: Whose orders?"
. General Jackson directly; althoug
Robert E Lee was present, and ga,
: final instructions"
Her hands concealed her face, and
. could judge nothing as to it's EXPIRE
sion; whether. or not. my words ha
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AAaEMT anernnr nr 1.,