Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1916-01-20
CHAPTER x-continued.

| was obliged to loosen it by the in
Isertion of my knife blade, yet the
clamp yielded with but little noise.
and | peered eagerly down the open
tng. There was a lamp burning In the
Hover hall. the reflection sufficiently
bright to reveal the general situation.
No men were visible, nor did l hear
amy voices in conversation. One thing
was certain--the upper hall was com
Ipletely deserted. for could see along
fits entire length. lifted my head, and
glanced back to where the girl re-
lmained silent, and motionless. My
Ieyes, long accustomed to the darkness.
could distinguish her outlines. even
the dim contour of her face. She sat
upright on the rough flooring, appar-
emily regarding me intently.
DO you find the way left clear?"
$50 far as the upper hall is con-
lcerned-yes. There is a light burn
ling below, although can perceive no
movement They may be in the dining
room, but do not believe they will
search up here again"
"No?" The slight rising infection
lstung me. What did her action mean?
Why should she so suddenly assume
that tone with me? The sooner knew
1.-THE better.
Il beg your pardon, Miss HARDWOOD"
II said quietly, "but fail to understand
Iwhy you should speak to me in this
manner. You have shown confidence,
trust, in my former efforts to serve
lyou, and I am just as eager now to be
LOT service"
you mean you wish me to have
complete confidence In your"
Certainly. can do nothing other.
wise"
7 There was an instant Of silence, In
which her breathing was plainly audi
!ble. Beneath the shadow of an uplift.
led hand felt that her eyes were upon
tmy face
Very well, then,"' she said finally,
her voice more expressive of interest
lit is surely no more than natural that
4 should desire to know whom | have
1.-THE honor Of talking with"
"But do you not known"
mo" firmly and decisively. You
heard what those men said--yet you
lgo on pretending to me. You are the
toflcer they referred to. are you not?"
"Yes; ! escaped when Fox's COM
Inland was attacked"
you were an officer in Captain
lFox's troop?"
| No; Joined him by accident at
Hot Springs"
4 'Under what name?"
The utter uselessness of attempting
ito lie was apparent. Her questions
were too direct, too straightforward
flor any further evasion. The slightest
lquibbling now would cost me her
Friendship forever. If l hesitated, it
Twas scarcely noticeable.
Under the name" replied quietly,
"of Charles H. Raymond. lieutenant
Third U. 8. cavalry, on recruiting
lservice."
"Oh!" the exclamation burst forth in
lsurprise at my frank avowal Then
lyou did not make that up merely to de-
Icefve me? You had been passing un.
der that name with others. You had
taken it for distinct purposes
military purpose%
4 Il took it." said slowly, and DELHI
lerately, my eyes looking steadily at
her, because ! knew such a Federal
officer had been detailed to service In
this neighborhood. If have taken my
life in my hands to serve the cause of
the South. II was in obedience to the
Iorders Of my superiors."
Whose orders?"
General Jackson directly; although
Robert K. Lee was present, and gave
final instructions"
Her hands concealed her face, and I
could Judge nothing as to its express.
sion; whether. or not. my words had