The Holly chieftain., 1916-01-28

seek only converse with you. The
young man is an officer?"
"Yes-on recruiting service"
you know him wellf 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 moment of silence. she
asked:
'Have you ridden far?"
From Lewisburg."
"Lewisburg!" in surprise. "Then
you knew was here? You came seek
ing me?"
He turned on his stool, his eyes
searching her face gravely.
"On a mission of ministry" he re-
piled solemnly, although whether 1t
prove Of joy. or sorrow. am unable
to say. l am but an instrument"
The mans reluctance to speak free
ly was apparent. and stepped for
ward.
"If you prefer conversing with Miss
Harwood alone." said quietly. II will
retire."
"The words I would speak are In
deed of confidential nature"
mo. mol" she broke in impulsively,
her eyes of appeal turned toward me.
do not leave US. lieutenant This man
has nothing to say am afraid to have
you hear. He has not come here as a
friend; there is some evil purpose in
all this. which cannot fathom." She
faced him now, her slender body
poised. her eyes on his. "Tell me what
1t ts-this mysterious missionf Ay!
and who sent you to nnd met will
not believe 1t was my father"
The minister rose to his feet, q tall,
ungainly figure. his solemn face Is ex-
pressionless as before, but smolder-
Ing resentment was in his deep-set
eyes. He possessed the look Of .
fanatic, one who would hesitate at
nothing to gain his end. To me he
was even repulsive in his narrow
bigotry.
mo. It was not your father" he said
almost coarsely, "but 1t is part Of my
mission to bring to you, young woman,
the news Of your fathers DEATH"
Death? My father dead7" she
stepped back from him, her hands
pressed against her eyes. Obeying the
first instinct of protection, stepped
to support her as she seemed about to
fall. THAT cannot be-! You lie! 1
know you lie! You were never his
friend. You come here to tell me that
to frighten me; to compel me to do
something wrong"
The man exhibited no trace of emo
ton, no evidence of regret, his voice
the same hard, metallic sound.
i expected this outburst," he con.
tinued unmoved. Indeed, 1t Is no
more than natural. But l harbor no
resentment, and In this hour freely for.
give all. He that taketh the sword,
shall perish by the sword and my
words are true"
But saw him four days ago"
"On his way east to Hot Springs,
with an escort Of soldiers. It was
there he was killed, together with his
servant. A messenger brought the
news"
"a soldiers One Of Captain Fox.s
men"
A sardonic smile fickered an in
stant on the preachers thin lips.
mo, but equally reliable; one Of
Ned Cowan's mountaineers. Captain
Fox is prisoner. wounded, and his
men mostly dead"
A moment she rested unknowinsly
against my arm, her face covered with
her hands. There was that in the
mans words and manner which con.
vinced her that he spoke the truth.
The face she finally lifted was white
and drawn. The girl had changed to
woman. She stood erect, alone, one
hand grasping the back Of chair,
you say my father is dead-killed,
she said, in steady. clear voice. But
be that one or the other, you never
came here tonight. through this storm.
to bring me such message alone.
Who sent you, Parson Nichols? What
deviltry is on footi"
my dear young lady" he BEGAN
smoothly, spreading his hands depre.
catingly. BE charitable, and Just. l
realize that in the first shock Of thus
suddenly learning Of your fathers de-
mise, you naturally speak harshly.
With me the past is forgotten, blotted
out, covered with the mantle Of Chris.
tian charity. felt It my duty to break
to you this sad news In all possible
tAndernaaa0