The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1916-03-03
G@lep[D MIST
a IAIF OF CIVIL STRIFE Y.
MoRANDALL PARRISH "
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from the sound, your own men were
none too careful"
Whitlock fiddled with the tassel OF
his sword, evidently far from satisfied
himself. yet unwilling to make final
decision unaided.
Il hardly know Just what to do" he
confessed reluctantly. Ordinarily,
you know, lady's word would be suf-
ficient, but somehow, I-I-well. this
looks just little queer. What do
you think. lieutenant?"
That the fellow ought to be taken
before Major Halves and made to ex-
plain what purpose brought him here.
have no desire to question Miss
Harwood; indeed, am perfectly will
ing to accept her statement. But this
| man is not civilian-he is a soldier;
he has had military training. He
should be made to account for him
self. sir" The speakers eyes fell
| upon the preacher, huddled back in
| the corner. now clearly revealed by
the gray daylight which was stealing
in through the windows. "Hullo! here
seems to be yet another specimen we
have overlooked. Who are your"
Nichols shuffied forward, looking
woebegone and miserable, his cheek
| disfigured by Cowan's blow, sneak
and coward written all over him. His
shifting eyes met mine, and he must
have read in my gaze threat he dare
not ignore. Twice his mouth opened
and closed before he could make
words ISSUE
"One of Cowan's gang?"
God be praised-no Made to serve
that human fiend by force. l am
minister of the Gospel"
"You!" The lieutenant broke into
laugh. by Jove, you fit the part.
Whitlock. did you ever hear of the
fellow?"
The captain rubbed his glasses.
Are you the Baptist preacher at
Cane Ridge?" he asked doubtfully.
For twenty years | have minis
tered to that congregation; the young
woman can vouch for my labor"
Then, l presume you are also &C.
quainted with this fellow?" ques-
IlOu0u Itdyu Ouu lLupdtlcnliy~
Nichols turned his glance again in
my direction. but his gray face was
devoid of interest.
Il have no knowledge of the young
man." he asserted solemnly. "but |
knew the old judge we'll. The resem-
blance is strong, and | have no doubt
but he is son. The father was a
Christian and a gentleman.
And a rebel, | presumed"
Judge Wyatt died before the break |
ing out of the war, sir. but was known |
throughout these parts as Unionist-"
There was silent pause. Whitlock |
fumbling at his eyeglasses, Raymond. |
a perplexed frown on his face, staring
first at Nichols and then at me, as
was being made fool of. The girl
had seated herself in a chair, and was
leaning forward, her face hidden. The
lieutenant turned and strobe across
the room. glancing out the window:
then back again
well, we cannot remain here dis
GUESSING the matter" he said tartly. 'If
We w W z may nave q real u6ut Ou OuI |
hands before we are safely back in
Lewisburg." He planted himself
squarely In front of me- See here,
It is time you did some talking You
haven't opened your mouth yet"
There has been no OCCASION" re-
piled pleasantly. THE others have
.old all you need to know without my
even being questioned"
Il have mind to search you," he
'etorted. completely losing his temper
AT your pleasure. lieutenant"
spoke coldly enough. although there
vas catch in my throat at sudden
memory of the paper I bore contain.
ng his name. And there is no guess
ng what you might find in Lieutenant
1arwood's uniform"
We were still looking detiantly at
ach others eyes when a trooper ap-
eared in the open doorway, saIuted.
nd said something in a low tone to
Vhitlock. ] failed to catch the words
poken, but heard the captain answer !
Certainly. corporal. have him come
p at once"
The soldier disappeared down the
all, and the lieutenant stepped
ack across the room, bending his
cad to whisper something privately
nto Whitlock's ear. My eyes fol- :
WED his movement. and then sought :
IS face of the girl; she sat motion .
ia, the long lashes shading her eyes. Z
ne only visible sign of excitement =
le swift rise and fall of her bosom. v
hen a man came hastily into the h
'om through the opened door. My y
cart leaped into my throat at sight
him--he was Captain Fox c.