Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1916-02-05
you and Captain Woodhouse have met
haPoroD .. 3" . ....a .....

you anu OdPIdAu "oouhouSS Ao'o Ao'
before" ..
You're at liberty to think anything
you like, General-the truth or other
wise" Her answer, though given
smilingly, had a sting behind it.
I'm not going to think much long.
er. I'm going to know" He clapped
his lips shut over the last word with
a smack of authority.
Are you really, General Crandall"
The girls eyes hardened just percep.
tibly. He took a turn Of the room and
! paused, facing her. The situation
pleased him no more than it did his
breezy guest, but he knew his duty
and doggedly pursued it.
"'Come-come, Miss Gerson! I be
lieve you're straightforward and sin.
cere or I wouldn't be wasting my time
this way. I'll be the same with you
This is a time Of war; you under
stand all that implies, I hope. A seri.
GUS question concerning Captain
F, Woodhouse's position here has arisen,
If you have met him before-as ]
think you have-it will be to your ad'
vantage to tell me where and when,
l am in command Of the Rock, you
know"
He finished with an odd terseness
of tone that conveyed assurance OF
his authority even more than did the
| sense of his words. His guest, he1
| back to the table on which the roses
rested and her hands bracing her by
their tense grip on the table edge,
sought his eyes boldly.
General Crandall," she began, my
training in Hildebrand's store hasn't
made me much of a diplomat. All this
war and intrigue makes me dizzy.
But l know one thing: this isn't my
war, or my country's, and I'm going
to follow my country's example and
keep out Of it."
General Crandall shrugged his
shoulders and smiled at the girls de-
fiance.
Maybe your country may not be
able to do that" he declared, with a
touch Of solemnity. II pray God 1t
may. But I'm fraid your resolution
will not hold, Miss Gerson."
"Im going to try to make it, any,
way" she answered.
Gibraltar's commander, baffled thus
by q neutral-a neutral fair to look
on, in the bargain-tried another
tack. He assumed the fatherly air.
LADY Crandall and I have tried to
show you we were friends-tried to
help you get home" he began.
you've been very good to- me-"
Jane broke in feelingly.
tNrlot T SOW NOW 10 cnnEou - a
friend. not as governor Of the Rock.
If it is true that you have met Wood
house beforehand our conversation
here verifies my suspicion-that very
fact makes his word worthless and re-
leases you from any promise you may
have made not to reveal this and
what you may know about him. Also
1t should put you on your guard-his
motives in any attentions he may pay
you can not be above suspicion"
IT think that is a personal matter
I am perfectly capable Of handling"
James resentment sent the flags to
her cheeks.
General Crandall was quick to
back water: "Yes, yes! Don't misun-
derstand me What I mean to say is
- "
He was interrupted by his wife's
voice calling for Jane from the near
by room. Anticipating her Interrupt
ton, he hurried IN: q
For the present, Miss Gerson. We'll
drop this matter. I said a few mip-
utes ago I intend shortly to-know.
I hope I won't have to carry out that
threat"
Jane was withdrawing one of the
buds from the jar. At his last word,
she dropped it with a little gasp.
Threat, G%eneral?"
81 hope not. Truly I hope not. But,
young woman"
She stopped, picked up the flower,
and was setting it in his buttonhole
before he could demonstrate. f.
"This one was for you, General"
she said, and the truce was sealed.
That minute, Lady Crandall was watt.
ed into the room on the breeze of her