The state herald., 1916-06-16
CHAPTER vII-contInued.

CHAPTER vII-contInued.
MY lips were dry, but I nodded, half
fearful l might be slipping into some
trap, although her words and manner
were surely innocent enough.
We were acquaintances, not
friends" l replied. hoping the retort
might cause her to change the subject
Most Of the boys seemed to like
him. He was very pleasant to me. and
! had q splendid time. met one
cadet named Raymond; he had dark
hair and eyes,"
oh. yes" I managed to answer,
now desperately alert. There was
another in the class-James R., be-
lieve."
Il did not learn his first name. but
when l heard that q Lieutenant Ray
mond was coming here. I hoped 1t
might be he. That was why l was 80
deeply interested. 1t is not such q
common name. you know"
! made some answer. and she sat
there silently. her face turned now to-
ward the fire in the crate. The profile
held me In fascination. as l wondered
what these seemingly innocent ques-
tions could signify. Anyhow, let the
truth be what 1t may. there was no
other course left for me, but to keep
on with the deception. l was in the
heart of the enemy's country. in dis
guise. my life forfeit In case Of discov.
cry. and the time had not come when
could entrust her with SO dangerous
q secret
The wind ratified the blinds. and the
rain beat heavily against the side Of
the house. The thought Of venturing
out into the storm. not knowing where
could seek shelter. was not an allur.
Ing one. Nor had any excuse to urge
for immediate departure; indeed as .
gentleman and soldier my duty called
me to remain for her protection. She
could not be left alone in this DESC
late house. II was my steady gaze
that reused the lady from whatever
dream the flames Of the crate had
given her. She turned her head to
meet my eyes-then sat suddenly
erect. the expression Of her face In.
stantly changing. as she stared be-
yond me at the open door. ! wheeled
about to look. startled at the move
ment- A man stood In the doorway,
water streaming from his clothes on to
the door. was on my feet instantly.
hand gripping my revolver. but be-
fore ! could whip II from the leather
sheave. the girl had taken the single
step forward. and grasped my sleeve.
DO not nre!" she exclaimed. He
IL not q fighting man."
The fellow lifted one arm. and
stepped forward full into the light. He
was man Of years. unarmed. q tall,
unsainiy ngure. . scrassly beard at
his chin. and 4 face like parchment.
His eyes were two deep wells. solemn
and unwinking.
peace TO you both!" he said grave
ly. II ask naught save fire and shel.
ter"
ITO these you are welcome" the girl
answered. still clinging to my arm.
You travel alone?"
Even as my master In rags and pov.
erty. having no place wherein to lay
my head. The foxes have holes, the
birds Of the air have nests-you know
me. young womsn?"
"Ycs; you are Parson Nichols"
A. sntdlar 80 shu
address the daughter Of Major Har.
woodland this young man7"
Lieutenant Raymond Of the Federal
army" she explained simply. He
sought refuge here from the storm"
The mans eyes searched my face,
but without cordiality. without expires.
sion OF any kind. Saying nothing he
crossed to the fireplace. and held out
his hands To the warmth Of the blaze.
The girls eyes met mine almost ques.
tioningiy. Then she stepped forward.
I'VE were just completing our meal"
she said softly. There is not much.
but we will gladly share what VIC
have"
"Thc flesh needeth nothing" he an.
swercd. not even looking around. "and
the spirit liveth on the bread Of life.
seek only converse with YOU. The
young man Is an ofIlcer7"
"Ycs--on recruiting service
"You know him well7 You trust
him7"
II have not known him long" she
replied hesitatinsiy. and glnncing back
at me. "Yet have confidence In him.
The man did not answer. or Rove
and. after n moment OF silence. she
asked;