The state herald., 1916-06-16
Have you ridden fari"
From Lewisbur1"

"Lewisburg!" In surprise. Then
you knew I was here? You came seek
ing met"
He turned on his stool. his eyes
searching her face gravely.
"On mission Of ministry" he re-
piled solemnly. although whether II
prove Of Joy. or sorrow. am unable
to say. am but an instrument"
The mans reluctance to speak free.
ly was apparent, and stepped for.
ward.
If you prefer conversing with Miss
Harwood alone." said quietly. II will
retire."
THE words I would speak are in.
deed Of confidential nature"
mo. mol" she broke In impulsively.
her eyes Of appeal turned toward me.
DO not leave US. lieutenant. This man
has nothing to say am afraid to have
you hear. He has not come here as q
friend; there is some evil purpose In
all this. which cannot fathom." She
faced him now. her slender body
poised. her eyes on his. "Tell me what
1t is-this mysterious mission? Ay!
and who sent you to find me! l will
not believe It was my father"
The minister rose to his feet, a tall,
ungainly figure. his solemn face as ex.
pressionless as before, but smolder.
ing resentment was in his deep-set
eyes. He possessed the look of q
fanatic. one who would hesitate at
nothing to gain his end. To me be
was even repulsive In his narrow
bigotry.
No. 1t was not your father," he said
almost coarsely. but It is part Of my
mission to bring to you. young woman,
the news Of your fathers DEATH"
Death? My father dead?" she
stepped back from him. her hands
pressed against her eyes. obeying the
first instinct of protection, l stepped
to support her as she seemed about to
fall. That cannot be! You lie!
know you lie! You were never his
friend. You come here to tell me that
to frighten me; to compel me to Dc
something wrong"
The man exhibited no trace OF emo
ton. no evidence of regret. his voice
the same hard. metallic sound.
Il expected this outburst," he con
tinued unmoved. Indeed. 1t is nc
more than natural. But harbor nc
resentment. and In this hour freely for
give all. He that taketh the sword
shall perish by the sword and m,
words are true"
But I saw him four days ago"
"On his way east to Hot SPRINGS
with an escort Of soldiers. cit wa,
there he was killed. together with hil
servant. A messenger brought the
nsws."
"A soldieri One Of Captain Fox,
menr
A sardonic smile nickered an In
stant on the preachers thin lips.
No. but equally reliable; one oI
Ned Cowan's mountaineers. Captain
Fox is q prisoner. wounded. and hi
men mostly dead"
A moment she rested unknowinsly
against my arm. her faoe covered with
her hands. There was that in the
mans words and manner which CON.
vinced her that he spoke the truth
The face she finally lifted was white
and drawn. The girl had changed to
. woman. She stood erect. alone, one
hand grasping the baek Of q chair.
"You say my father IL dead-killed. -
she said. in steady. clear voice. But
be that one or the other. you never
came here tonight. through this storm,
to bring me such message alone.
Who sent you. Parson Nichols? What
deviltry Is on foot?"
MY dear young lady," he began
smoothly. spreading his hands depre.
catingly. BE charitable. and lust. I
realize that In the frst shock Of thus
suddenly learning OF your fathers de.
mise. you naturally speak harshly.
With me the past is forgotten. blotted
out. covered with the mantle Of Chris.
tian charity. I felt u my duty to break
TO you this sad news In all possible
tenderness"
And you had no ofher objecti"
Certainly not: what other could !
possibly have hadi"
The man lied. and knew II; the
susve. soft tones OF his voice irritated
me. The girl stood motionless. silent.
her breath coming in sobs. Then she
turned her head slightly. and her eyes
met mine. The piteous appeal In their
depths was all needed. with grim
feeling Of delight. I took u step for.
ward. and the muzac OF my revolver
touched his breast.
Now. Mister Preachcrinnn." 1 said
shortly. well have done with this
play.acting. Not novel"
CHAPTER WI.