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

The captain fitted a pair of glasses
TO his eyes and surveyed me with
care.
why, bless me, so he is" he ejacu
lated, "and you never saw him be
fore?"
mo. and there is not another Third
u. S. cavalryman west of the AL
leghenies."
The girl laughed and laid her hand
on Whitlock's arm
Il told Lieutenant Raymond that |
would explain fully" she said pre-
tending to be amused. If it is the uni
form my friend wears, must assume
all responsibility. as furnished it."
"You!" there was a sarcastic sneer
In the lieutenants surprised exclama-
tioil why should you have in your
possession uniform of the Third Reg
uIars?"
81 did not" she answered sweetly,
form belonged to my cousin. an off,
Ger of the Third Kentucky"
Raymond uttered a smothered ex-
preston. stared an instant at her
slightly averted face, and then, with
one stride forward. swung me to the
light.
See here, Captain Whitlock," he
exclaimed Indignantly. 81 cannot con-
ceive what object Miss HARDWOOD may
have in desiring to protect this man,
but this is not the uniform of any vol
unteer regiment"
do | understand. lieutenant. that
you dare question my word?" she
asked proudly, her eyes gazing
straight into his. Il am unaccustomed
sir. to such treatment"
Walt a moment, Raymond" broke
In the captain. There is no doubt of
Miss Harwood's loyalty. Let US hear
her explanation first. You say. Miss
Harwood, you know this man? that he
II friend? May | ask his manner"
"Sarely; I only desire an oppor-
<un'ty to answer any question. He is
Thomas Wyatt, the son of the late
Judge Wyatt, whose home was on the
ridge yonder. We were children to-
gether."
"A rebel?"
Really. ] never thought to ask"
carelessly. Il was too glad to have
his protection. We've spoke only of
our childhood days together, still !
gathered the impression that MIR.
Wyatt had never joined either side.
and was merely here to look after his |
property. OF course he can explain |
all that"
But how came he to be dressed in |
that uniform burst in Raymond.
will you be courteous enough to
permit ne to tell you? have endeav-
cred twice already to fully explain.
Mr.. Wyatt came here in the midst of
the storm last night He had found
Bis 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
pnly change to be found in the house
"a uniform belonging originally to a
cousin of mine. Lieutenant Anton
HARDWOOD. Third Kentucky cavalry"
But this is not the uniform worn
~ volunteer troops Captain Whit
ock. ! insist"
Really, Lieutenant Raymond" the
yirl said. fronting him. her eyes
parking, this is becoming most tire
'ome. What do care what uniform 1t
.! have told you where it came
rom, how 1t CHANGED to be there. and
he reason it was worn by this man.
cannot be expected to know all the
'etty distinctions OF the service" !
"But surely" spoke up the captain. :
iainly bewildered. the suit he wore +
vhen he came can be produced. You 8
now where that is?"
Il know where It was" she an Q
wered coolly. Hanging before the
replace in the dining room. How u
yer ! cannot guarantee that It re- :"
,ains there now--this house has been 8
Utfsd by Cowan's sueyrillas, and. .