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

property, Of course he can explain
all that"
But how came he to be dressed in
that uniform 2" burst In Raymond.
viii you be courteous enough to
permit me to tell you? lhave endeas-
iored twice already to fully explain.
Mr. Wyatt came here in the midst Of
the storm last night He had found
his own home destroyed, and this was
the nearest shelter to be found. He
supposed the house deserted. and
merely sought protection until morn
ing. How CHANGED to be here you
gentlemen both know, and that mat
ter requires no explanation. Mr.. Wyatt
arrived with his clothing muddy. and
soaked with rain. gave him the
only change to be found in the house
"a uniform belonging originally to
cousin OF mine, Lieutenant Anton
Harwood. Third Kentucky cavalry
But this ID not the uniform worn
by volunteer troops. Captain Whit
lock. l insist" Il X b
Really, Lieutenant Raymond" the
girl said. fronting him. her eyes
sparkling. this Is becoming most tire.
some. What do care what uniform 1t /
is! i have told you where it came
from, how it CHANGED to be there, and
the reason 1t was worn by this man.
i cannot be expected to know all the
petty distinctions OF the service
But surely" spoke up the captain.
plainly bewildered, "the suit he wore
when he came can be produced. You
know where that IL ?''
Il know where 1t was" she an
swered coolly. :. Hanging before the
fireplace in the dining room. How
ever cannot guarantee that 1t re-
mains there nowthis house has been
Quilted BY Cowan's guerrillas, and,
from the sound, your own men were
none too careful
Whitlock fddled with the tassei Of
his sword, evidently far from satisfied
himself, yet unwilling to make Anal
decision unaided.
Il hardly know just what to do" he
confessed reluctantly. "Ordinarily,
you know. q lady's word would be sui.
icient, but somehow, u well. this
looks just g little queer. What do
you think, lieutenant z"
sThat the fellow ought to be taken
before Major Halves and made to ex-
plain what purpose brought him here
! have no desire to question Miss
Harwood; indeed. / am perfectly will
ing to accept her statement. But this
man is not a civilian he lisa soldier;
he has had military training. He
should be made to account for him
self, sir" The speakers eyes Eel!
upon the preacher huddled back in
the corner, now clearly revealed by
the gray daylight which was stealing
in through the windows. Hullo! here
seems to be yet another specimen we
have overlooked. Who are your
Nichols shuffled forward, looking
woebegone and miserable, his cheek
disflgured by Cowan's blow, sneak
and coward written all over him. His
shifting eyes met mine, and he must
have read in my gaze threat he dare
not ignore. Twice his mouth opened
and closed before he could make
words issue.
"One Of Cowan's gang?''
God be praised-no. Made to serve
that human fiend by force. / am
minister Of the Gospel"
aYou!" The lieutenant broke into.
q laugh "By Jove, you fit the part.
Whitlock, did you ever hear of the
fellow"
The captain rubbed his glasses.
f Are you the Baptist preacher at
Cane Ridge?" he asked doubtfully.
For twenty years have minis
tered to that congregation; the young
woman can vouch for my labor. =
Then, presume you are also ac-
quainted with this fellow? ques-
toned Raymond impatiently.
Nichols turned his glance again In
my direction, but his gray face was
devoid OF interest.
II have no knowledge Of the young
man" he asserted solemnly, 'sbut /
knew the old judge well. The resem-s
blance is strong, and have no doubt;
but he Is . son., The father was .
Christian and gentleman. !,
"And q rebel, presume Z"
Judge Wyatt died before the break
ing ont Of the war, sir. but was known
throughout these parts % q Unionist .
There was silent pause. Whitlock,
fumbling at his eyeglasses, Raymond.
q perplexed frown on his face, staring
gjfirsts It Nichols ana then at me. 40
though more than half convinced he
was being made q fool Of. The girl
had seated herself IN q chair. and was
leaning forward. her face hidden The
|lieutenantS turned ana strobe across
| the room. gIancing out the window;
then back again.
Well. we cannot remain here dis.
GUESSING the matter r he said tartly t'If
We do we may have : real night on our
hands before We are safely mack "a
|sl.swisburs. & He planted himself.
equaFely N fpont q NJ 30 heFss)
ss - ~ !. \