The Rice belt journal., 1916-01-21

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Ieft IN charge Of banker at Charles.
ton-an cid friend 1t would be too
dangerous TO carry them about Eith
him IN the field You see do not
know very much about his affairs.
she explained Il vas away at school
when the war broke out, and We have
only met briefly since. My father did
not talk freely Of his personal matters
even to me. learned OF mis- feud with
CowaD by accident"
1t was 'eud them"
On one side at least. My father
vas shot at and several Of our out.
houses burned. The trouble arose
over tho title to property. CoWan.
she explained. was a sQuatter on land
which had belonged to our family ever
since my grandfather first settled here.
We had title from Virginia, but the
tract granted had never been properly
surveyed My father had it done, and
discovered that Ned Cowan and two OF
his sons occupied a part OF our land
with no legal right"
Her eyes uplifted to my race. and
then fell again, one hand opening and
closing on the back OF the chair She
laughed pleasantly.
Il hardly know why am telling you
all this family history. she continued
almost in apology Il Is as # talked
to an old friend afo vas naturally IL.
terested in oEg affair,
Perhaps the manner Ot our meeuHa
accounts Tor It, rentured But
truly an more deeply interested tban
y0a Imagine 1t may prove OF mutual
advantage for me to know the facts.
Did Major Harwood try to force them
from his land7"
oh, no" hastily, my father had no
such thought He tried to help them
TO purchase the property al a very
small price, and on long time. His
intention was TO aid them. but he
found himself unable to convince either
father or sons Of his real purpose They
either could not, or would not under
stand Do you realize the reckless,
lawless nature OF these mountain
men,"
Yes. to some extent; they trust no
one"
That was the whole trouble. Seem.
ingIy they possessed but one idea
that II my father was killed they could
remain where they were indefinitely.
Their single instinct was to fight it out
with rines They refused to either
purchase or leave"
There was silence. as though she
had finished. She had seated herself
on the wide arm OF the chair, rtill fac
ing me. and could hear the rain beat
ing hard against the side Of the house.
Suddenly she looked up into my face
How odd that | should talk to you
so freely" she exclaimed Why do
not even know your name"
Charles H. Raymond"
could not be certain that the ex.
preston Of her eyes changed, for they
suddenly looked away from me, and
she stood again upon her feet
Raymond. you say!" the slightest
hardening OF tone apparent, "on re-
cruiting service from the Army OF the
Potomac?" She drew quick breath
II think have heard the name be-
fore. Would you mind II did ask to
see your orders?"
Not In the least" | answered. not
wholly surprised that she should have
heard of the other, and confident the
papers bore would be properly exc
Cuted. Il prefer that you have no
doubt as to my identity"
She took them, and ! noted a slight
OF her hands as she held the
paper open in her fingers, her eyes
glancing swiftly down the written
lines.
Il have become quite soldier Of
late" she said, and handed the pack.
age back to me. And cannot doubt
your credentials. am very glad to
meet you. Lieutenant Raymond" and
she held out her hand cordially. AS
| have admitted already, am Noreen
Harwood."
Whom / shall only be delighted to
serve in any manner possible" | re-
piled gallantly, relieved that she was
so easily convinced
oh, think the service is more
likely to be mine. You confessed you
broke in here seeking after food and
fire Down below We may find both,
and It will be my pleasure thus to
serve a Federal officer You hav"
lamp Without"
"On the stairs!"
She led the way like a mistress In
her own home, and ! followed. There
was a force Of character about the girl
not to be ignored. She chose to treat
me as 3 guest, unlimited, but none the
less welcome, a position was not re
luctant to accept. held the lamp as