The Holly chieftain., 1916-01-21
CHAPTER VI.
The Mistsess OF the Hous.


The Mistress Of the House.
l stood with ear pressed against the
panel. fingers gripping the butt of my
revolver. An ordinary latch held the
door closed. and pressed this. open.
Ing the barrier slightly. The move.
ment made not the slightest noise and
gave me a glimpse within
In front OF small crate fire, her
back toward me. snuggled comfortably
down In the depths of an easy chair.
sat q woman reading. could see little
of her because OF the high back of the
chair rising between us-only mass
of dark brown hair. smooth, rounded
cheek. and the small white hand rest
ing on the chair arm. knew vaguely
her waist was white, her skirt gray,
and l saw the glimmer of a pearl
handled pistol lying on closed chest
at her side. Still she was only q
woman. mere girl apparently, whom
4 had no cause to fear. The sudden
reaction caused me to smile with re-
Aef. and to return my revolver silent
~ to the belt. Her eyes remained on
the page OF the book. think I
would have Withdrawn without q word,
but. at that instant. draft from the
open door alckered her light, and she
glanced about seeking the Cause. I
caught the startled expression in her
eyes as she first perceived my shadow;
the book fell to the floor, her hand
gripping the pistol. even as she arose
hastily to her feet. The light was
on her face. and knew her to be
Noreen Harwood.
WHO are you? Why are you here7"
she asked tersely. a tremor in the
voice. but no shrinking in those eyes
that looked straight at me.
moved forward from out Of the
shadow into the radius of light. 1t
was only step. but the girl recoiled
slightly. the peari.handled pistol ris-
ing instantly to level with my eyes.
Stand where you are!" she ordered.
What are you doing. creeping about
this house In the dark?"
Not In the dark exactly" an
swered. seeking to relieve the strain
and holding my hat In one hand, as
bowed gravely. "for my lamp is on
the stairs"
marked the quick change Of ex-
preston in her eyes as they swept
over me. There was no evidence of
recognition: scarcely more than faint
acknowledgment that my appearance
was not entirely unfavorable. Yet
surely that alone was all could hope
for. Except for that one chance en-.
counter on the road We had never met
since we were children, and she would
not likely associate the son of Judge
Wyatt with the man now confronting
her. attired in the wet and muddy uni
form Of Federal lieutenant. Indeed
1t was better she should not; and a
feeling of relief swept over me as
realized her failure to connect me with
the past. No memory OF my features
found expression in her face, as her
eyes fell from mine to the clothes |
wore.
You are Union? an officer of-of
cavalry? lean scarcely comprehend
why you should be here" Her atti.
tude no longer threatening. the CLEAN.
ing pistol lowered. There are Federal
troops at Lew,sburg, but-but l do
not recall your face"
my being here is wholly an acci-
dent" explained quietly. 81 supposed
the house deserted, and sought en-.
trance to get away from the storm.
There was broken window"
"Yes." she interrupted. her eyes
again on mine auestioningly. Il found
that when came; someone had
broken in"
Robbery. no doubt"
Il am not sure as to that. l have
found nothing OF any value. missing.
Indeed we left nothing here to attract
vandals." She hesitated. as though
doubtful Of the propriety of further ex-
PLANTATION to stranger. IL belong