Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1916-02-24
He RED MIST
a Tale sf Civil Strife By Ranall Parish


lieutenant" she said pleasantly. and
extended her hand. "and II you will
listen ! think can clear, up the mys-
terry
Miss Miss Harwood." he muir
INJURED. slightly embarrassed. but still
belligerent, his glance wandering
from her face to mine. Certainly
we hoped to find you here. 1t was to
rescue you we came at least 1t was
that hope which led me to request the
sending Of troops. and to accompany
them. This outrage has been commit
ted, 1 believe. by Cowan's gang. and
this man here
rs my friend" she interrupted
quietly. Lieutenant Raymond. II
you will kindly order your men to re.
tire will gladly explain his presence
in the house."
You wish to speak to me alone!"
mot necessarily: but ! certainly
prefer greater privacy than this. You
are in commando"
mo; Captain Whitlock is below"
He turned toward the crowd blocking
the doorway and grasped the oppor-
tunity to breathe a hasty word OF
warning into the ear Of Nichols. The
girl never glanced again at either OF
us.
Take the men back into the hall,
sergeant" the lieutenant ordered,
and look through whatever rooms
have not been visited. Request Cap
tain Whitlock to join me here"
We waited motionless, the lieuten-
ants hand on the butt of his revolver.
as though he half suspicioned treach-
cry. Twice he endeavored to open
conversation with the lady. but her
response was not encouraging, and he
evidently. did not feel safe except with
his eyes on me. Raymond fronted me,
tall. well-proportioned fellow. with
incipient mustache, black and curled
at the points; rather long face. and
eyes sternly serious. There was about
him an appearance Of force-a bit of
bully | should say-and his uniform
was new, and carefully fitted. !.
A man stood in the doorway, bow
ing, his mild blue eyes surveying US
nervously.. He sported light beard,
closely trimmed, the top Of his head
scarcely reaching to the lieutenant's
shoulder. Miss Noreen greeted him
with a welcoming smile. and he
stepped calamity forward, bending low
as he accepted her hand.
$50 pleased, SO delighted, Miss Har-
wood, to find you safe and well. We
were, indeed, greatly worried at the
thought of your being here alone, Z
he exclaimed, slight lisp in his
voice You have not suffered, !
trust?"
Not seriously, Captain Wh.tlock;
the guerrillas were outwitted4s,'
All! do not attempt to explain,
beg. We understand what you have
passed through, as we have captured
two Of the villains. You sent for me,
Lieutenant Raymond ~
Yes, sir. did," the young officers
expression exhibiting clearly the con-
tempt he felt for his superior. Il pre-
Ierre0 tnat you declQe what snail Do
done with this fellow" pointing at
finger at me. Miss Harwood vouches
for him, but fail to understand how
he comes to be in the uniform of my
regiment"
The captain fitted 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?"
"No. 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 I
would explain fully" she said. pre-