The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1916-01-28
CHAPTER vi.

stood with ear pressed against tn
panel. fingers gripping the butt of m
revolver. An ordinary latcn held tn
coor closed, and l pressed this. open
lag the barrier slightly. The move
raSrt made not the slightest noise. an,
E9~e me glimpse within.
Il. front of small CRATE fire. he
back toward me, snuggled comfortabl.
down in the depths of an easy chair
sat woman reading. could see littl,
of her because of the high back of the
chair rising between us-only mass
of dark brown hair, smooth, rounded
cheek. and the small white hand rest
ing on the chair arm. | knew vaguely
her waist was white, her skirt gray
and l saw the glimmer of a pearl
handled pistol lying on closed chest
at her side. Still she was only a
woman, a mere girl apparently, whom
l had no cause to fear. The sudden
reaction caused me to smile with re.
lief, and to return my revolver silent,
~ to the belt. Her eyes remained on
the page of the book. | think |
would have withdrawn without a word,
but, at that instant. a draft from the
open door f1ickered her light. and she
glanced about seeking the cause.
caught the startled expression in her
eyes as she first perceived my shadow;
the book fell to the floor, her hand
gripping the pistol, even as she arose
hastily to her feet. The light was
on her face, and l knew her to be
Noreen HARDWOOD.
who are you? Why are you here?"
she asked tersely. tremor in the
voice, but no shrinking in those eyes
that looked straight at me.
] moved forward from out of the
shadow into the radius of light. 1t
vas only a step, bat the girl recoiled
slightly. the pearl-handled pistol ris-
fng instantly to level with my eyes.
stand where you are!" she ordered.
what are you doing, creeping about
this house in the dark"
Not in the dark exactly" l an
swered, seeking to relieve the strain,
Lgs holding my hat in one hand, as
bowed gravely. for my lamp is on
the stairs"
l marked the quick change of ex-
preston in her eyes as they swept
over ms. There was no evidence of
scarcely more than a faint
acknowledgment that my appearance
WAS not entirely unfavorable. Yet
surely that alone was all could hope
for Except for that one chance en-
counter on tho road we had never net
since we weSe children, and she would
not likely associate the son of Judge
Wyatt with the man now confronting
her, attired in the wet and muddy uni
form OF Federal lieutenant. Indeed
It was better she should not; and a
feeling of relief swept over me as
realized her failure to connect me with |
he past. No memory of my features |
'ound expression in her face, as her |
,yes fell from mine to the clothes l |
wore.
you are Union? an officer of-of !
avalry? lean scarcely comprehend
Why you should be here" Her atti-
ude no longer threatening, the gleam-
ng pistol lowered. There are Federal
roops at Lewisburg, but-but l do
lot recall your face"
my being here is wholly an acct I
ent," explained quietly. 81 supposed
he house deserted, and sought en-
rance to get away from the storm.
here was a broken window"
"Yes," she interrupted, her eyes
gain on mine questioningly. 81 found
hat when came; someone had
rcken in"
Robbery, no doubt"
Il am not sure as to that. l have
,und nothing of any value missing.
,dned we left nothing here to attract
audals." She hesitated, as though
pubtful Of the propriety of further ex-
|anation to a stranger. IL belong
prs." she added simply. This is my
ome."
yes; / supposed as much; you are
'ies Noreen Harwood?"
Fer blue eyes widened, her hand
rasping more tightly the back Of the
lair.
eyes. she admitted. you knew my e
&heri"
Slightly; enough to be aware OF the
tistence of his daughter. and that this
~ his plantation" !
Then you must be connected with Il
. garrison at Charleston
mo. Miss Harwood; belong to the t
my az tn Potomac and am here
~ ~ in service = Woro o' :