The Julesburg grit-advocate., 1916-07-20

that protecting sheet Of iron? Where
could discover tool to give ne the
necessary leverage to dislodgs those
bolts? Could one OF those supports
be unscrewed or twisted OF? II 40.
It might prove strong enough for the
purpose. stepped hastily across. and
tested two Of them With my hands. but
found both these hrm and immovable.
! dare not exercise much force in fear
the noise might be overheard. and
besides It vas time the TALLER brought
me In some food. 80 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. had . half dozen keys In
my pocket. and . broken cartridge
shell In my belt-Hothing else avail.
able. The searchers had stripped me
clean. A careful survey Of the door
revealed only . twisted nail. but there
was something caught In the iron bars
OF the window: from where sat It
looked like the half of . broken horse
shoe. got up to see, but quickly sat
down again-there was someone At
the door.
II opened, and Q soldier stosd ASIDE
while two men entered. One was Fox.
the other heavy-set. gray mustached
ofncer. in the Uniform of . colonel Of
infantry. The captain greeted me
sravely. and extended his hand.
Il would far rather meet you ~
did BEFORE" he said. but war gives
Us NO choice"
Il took my chances and have NO
complaint" l answered heartily. for I
liked the man. II presume there 10
no doubt ~ to my fate!"
Il fear not. but the matter is not in
my hands. for which am grateful
This 10 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!"
Yes, STR"
you claim connection with the Con-
federate service-an oficer?"
"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 I need not dwell
upon the fate which befalls q spy
when captured by the enemy. In
your case there seems to be no de-
Tense possible-you wear Federal uni.
form: were within our lines, and ia
pers have been found on you Of a
most incriminating character. 1t is
my understanding YOU make no de-
NAL"
None, whatever. sir; 1t would be
useless"
There is always a way in which
mercy can be extended" he went on
earnestly. Doubtless you possess in
formation which would be Of the ut.
most value to US. shall gladly use
my influence on your behalf II the
circumstances warrant"
glanced aside at Fox, and caught
the look of appeal in his face: then
back into the expectant eyes of the
colonel.
You have authority to make me
this proposition ?" asked quietly.
Il am in command of this camp. and
pledge you my influence with General
Ramsay"
! stood motionless q moment, en-.
deavoring to straighten the matter out
in my mind. When spoke it was as
briefly as possible.
II can only thank you. Colonel
Eickney. and respectfully decline. |
will not answer your questions. sir"
Fox gripped my arm. and as [
glanced at him, was surprised to
see a mist of tears in his eyes.
Wyatt" he exclaimed. making no
pretense at calmness. do not be hasty
in your decision. I would not counsel
you to any act Of dishonor. but surely
some compromise is possible. not
only ask you to consider the situation
from your own standpoint. but also
from ours. accompanied Colonel
Pickney in the hope l might have
some influence" He hesitated an in.
stant. as though doubtful Of his words.
Perhaps I should say my boy. that
another urged me to come"
Another"
"res-a lady"
My head swan, my heart beating
like triphammer.
"Do-do you mean, Captain Fox.
that she actually asked you to urge
me to save myself by such an act?"
mo. Wyatt: not that She request.
ed me to accompany Colonel Pickney.
and do all could on your behalf"
drew a long breath Of relief. my
mind clearing. my resolve strength.
ened. She did care then! God knew
] was glad; and she had not urged
me to an act of dishonor. Aud | knew.
! understood-she wished me to real
ize that she was not Indifferent to nv
fate. that her interest was not dead;
Nj ~k- kAl