The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1916-03-10

LUZ hOW CoQtu L uOpC " iOOoC
. that protecting sheet of iron? Where
could / discover tool to give me the
necessary leverage to disfodge those
! bolts? Could one of those supports
be unscrewed or twisted off? II so.
it might prove strong enough for the
purpose. l stepped hastily across. and
tested two of them with my hands, but
found both these firm and immovable.
dare not exercise much force in fear
the noise might be overheard. and
besides it was time the jailer brought
me in some food. So / went back to
my seat on the box, and waited. my
eyes on the iron, and my mind eagerly
working on some plan which seemed
feasible. I had half dozen keys in
my pocket, and a broken cartridge
she'll in my belt-nothing else avail
able. The searchers had stripped me
clean. A careful survey of the floor
revealed only twisted nail, but there
was something caught in the iron bars
of the window; from where | sat 1t
looked like the half of a broken horse
shoe. / got up to see, but quickly sat
|
the door,
| 1t opened, and a soldier stood aside
while two men entered. One was Fox,
the other heavy-set. gray mustached
officer, in the uniform Of colonel of
infantry. The captain greeted me
gravely, and extended his hand.
81 would far rather meet you as I
hot h. aI1,,f riu
us no choice"
II took my chances and have no
complaint" / answered heartily, for |
liked the man. Il presume there is
no doubt as to my fate?"
Il fear not, but the matter is not in
my hands. for which I am grateful |
This is Colonel Pickney. in COM !
mand"
| bowed, and our eyes met. The face |
confronting me was strong and reso-
lutte, its expression that of regret.
"A very young man, Captain Fox"
he said to his companion, (which fact |
adds to the unpleasantness of such |
duty Your name is Wyatt?"
Eyes, SIR"
You claim connection with the Con-
federate service-an officer?"
"A sergeant of artillery, SIR"
He cleared his throat impressively
you have the appearance of an
intelligent man, Sergeant Wyatt, and
must realize the seriousness Of your
position. / am sure / need not dwell
upon the fate which befalls a spy
when captured by the enemy. In
your case there seems to be no de-
form; were within our lines, and pa
pers have been found ON you of a
most discriminating character 1t is
my understanding you make no de-
NAL"
None, whatever. sir: it would be
useless" ..9
There is always way in which
mercy can be extended" he went on =
Doubtless you possess in
which would be of the ut
most value to us. l shall gladly use
my influence on your behalf if the
circumstances warrant"
I glanced aside at Fox, and caught
he look of appeal in his face; then
back into the expectant eyes of the ..
colonel.
You have authority to make me
his proposition" ] asked quietly.
Il am in command of this camp, and !,
hedge you my influence with General :
ramsay"
| stood motionless a moment, en-
to straighten the matter out
q my mind. When spoke it was as
riefy as possible.
81 can only thank you. Colonel
'ickney, and respectfully decline. | Il
I'LL not answer your questions. SIR" il
Fox, gripped my arm, and as | a
lanced at him, / was surprised to h
ee a mist of tears In his eyes '-'i.t
wyatt" he, exclaimed, making no "
retense at calmness, do not be hasty So
! your decision. would not counsel
Oh to any act of dishonor, but surely re
1me compromise is possible" / not al
My ask you to consider the situation b.
ON your own standpoint, but also dl
ON ours. l accompanied Colonel al
ickney in the hope ! might have
'iuC EiiiuucuCc. s4' E1c- u0Sltdlcu Gil | VI
ant, as though doubtful of his words. ar
Perhaps | should say my boy, that a
lother urged me to come" 1850. re
Another" an
"Yes-a lady" . ''''' ag
My head swan, my heart beating en-
ie q. triphammer. a, .,,...,. ba
''Do-do you mean, Captain Fox, ! {
at she actually asked you to urge WI
, to save myself by such an act?" fro
mo, Wyatt; not that. She request thu
me to accompany Colonel Pickney. ths
d do all could on your behalf. i'm
drew long breath OF relief, my
nd clearing, MY resolve Strength in
ed. She did care. then! God knew ha,
was glad; and she had not urged his
to an act OF dishonor. And knew. ing
-she wished me to real sio
that she was not Indifferent to nv me
E. that her interest was not dead. mt,
she had sent the message. to- me ligl
the only man she could trust TO enc
htly deliver IT, My heart tight but
ID, and my lips smiled. Y