The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1916-02-04
G1lep[D MIST
A LALF OF CIVIL STRIFE Y.
AoRANDAL PARRISH "
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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.
ION a mission of ministry" he re-
piled solemnly, although whether it
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.
eff you prefer conversing with Miss
HARDWOOD alone" l said quietly, Il will
retire."
1.-THE words l 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 1 am afraid to have
you hear. He has not come here as
friend; there is some evil purpose in
all this, which cannot fathom." She
| raced him now, her slender body
poised, her eyes on his. TELL me what
1t fs-this mysterious mission? Ay!
and who sent you to find me? / will
not believe 1t was my father"
The minister rose to his feet, a tall,
unga1nly figure, his solemn face as ex-
pressionless as before, but a smolder-
ing resentment was in his deep-set
eyes. He possessed the look of a
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 it is part of my
mission to bring to you, young woman,
the news of your fathers DEATH
Death? My father dead?" she
stepped back from him, her hands
pressed against her eyes. Obeying the
first instinct of protection, i stepped
to support her as she seemed about to
fall. THAT cannot be! You lie! L!
know you lie! You were never his
friend. You come here to- tell me that
to- brighten 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.
Il expected this outburst," he con-
tinued unmoved. Indeed, it is no
more than natural But / 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" Il
But l saw him four days ago."
ION his way east to Hot Springs, |
with an escort of soldiers. 1t was |
there he was killed, together with his
servant. A messenger brought the
news" =
"a soldier? One of Captain Fox,s
mem" /
A sardonic smile f1ickered an in
slant on the preachers thin lips.
mo, but equally reliable; one of
Ned Cowans mountaineers. Captain
Fox is a prisoner, wounded, and his
men mostly dead"
A moment she rested unknowingIy
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
md drawn. The girl had changed to
/ woman. She stood erect, alone, one
hand grasping the back of g. chair.
you say my father is dead-kilIed.
the said, in steady, clear voice. But !
,e that one or the other, you never I
anne here tonight, through this storm, t
o bring me such message alone.
Who sent you, Parson Nichols? What '
leviltry is on foot?"
my dear young lady" he began
moothly, spreading his hands depre-
atingly. BE charitable, and Just.
ealize that in the first shock of thus '
uddenly learning of your fathers de-
1ise, you naturally speak harshly. q
With me the past is forgotten, blotted i
ut, covered with the mantle Of Chris Il
ian charity. felt ii my duty to break
D you this sad news in all possible a
And you had no other object?" t.
Certainly not; what other could !
ossibly have had?" I
The man lied, and l knew 1t; the
nave, soft tones of his voice irritated C
le. The girl stood motionless, silent, C
er breath coming in sobs. Then she v
lrned her head slightly, and her eyes k
et mine. The piteous appeal in their II
spths was all l needed. With grim y
eling of delight, took step for Il
ard. and the muzzle of my revolver n
uched his breast. p,
Nov, Mister Preacherman," said CT
lortly, we'll have done with this M
ay-acting. Not novel" tn