The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1916-02-04
CHAPTER VII-Continued.


were surely innocent enough
I'VE We're acquaintancos No,
I'Isnos'' l replied hoping the retort
mIeHt cause her to change the suhfact
Most Of the boys seemed to Ifka
u'La' lie was very pleasant to me and
/ lad a splendid time. | met ona
cadet named Raymond; he had dark
hair and eyes" II
o. yes" managed to answer
now desperately alert. There was
another in the cIass-James R.. / be.
/ lieye."
] did not learn his first name, but
when | heard that a Lieutenant Ray,
mond was coming here, | hoped it
might be he. That was why was so
deeply interested 1t is not such
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
he.d me in fascination, as | wondered
what these seemingly innocent cues.
/ lions could signify. Anyhow. let the
truth be what it may, there was no
otuer course lett for me, but to keep
on with the deception. | was in the
I heart OF the enemy's country, in dis
sutse. my life forfeit in case Of discov-
cry, and the time had not come when
could eutrust her with so dangerous
a secret
The wind ratified the blinds. and the
rain beat heavily against the side Of
. the house. The tLOu~rc of yenturing
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. 1t 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 floor. was on my feet instantly,
a hand gripping my revolver, but be-
fore | could whip 1t from the leather
sheave, the girl had taken the single
step forward, and grasped my sleeve.
DO not fret" she exclaimed. He
is not a fighting man"
The fellow lifted one arm, and
stepped forward full into the light. He
was a man of years. unarmed, tall,
ungainly figure, a scraggly beard at
his chin, and face like parchment.
His eyes we're two deep wells, solemn
and unwinking.
Peace to you both" he said grave
ly. Il ask naught save fire and shell
ter"
ITO these you are welcome" the girl
answered, still clinging to my arm.
You travel alOne?"
Even as my master in rags and pow
erty, having no place wherein to lay
my head. The foxes have holes, the |
birds of the air have nests-you know |
me, young woman?"
Yes; you are Parson Nichols"
AN unworthy soldier of the C.oss. | |
address the daughter of Major Har-
woodland this young man."
Lieutenant Raymond of the Federal |
army" she explained simply. He |
sought refuge here from the storm"
The mans eyes searched my face,
but without cordially, without express
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-
tioningly. Then she stepped forward.
I'VE were just completing our meal"
she said softly. There is not much, |
but we will gladly share what we
have"
The flesh needeth nothing, he an
swered, not even looking around, and
the spirit liveth on the bread of life. |
seek only converse with you. The
Young man is an officer"
"Yes-on recruiting service"
You know him we'll? You trust
him."
Il have not known him long" she
replied hesitatingly, and glancing back
at me. yet have confidence in him"
The man did not answer, or move
and, after a moment Of silence. she
asked