Miss Lou gratefully recognized that Scoville did not
intend to compromise her in the least nor reveal his previous
acquaintance unless it should become known through no fault of his.
She lingered a moment as Dr. Williams stepped forward and asked,
"May I be permitted to return to my home?"
"I trust so, certainly, sir, but my duty requires brief explanation
on your part and pledges that you will take no hostile action. We
are not among friends, you know."
"I can very readily account for myself, sir," was the stiff
response. "I was summoned here to perform a wedding ceremony which
your most inopportune arrival prevented. I am a man of peace, not of
war, yet I cannot and will not give any pledges."
"It is scarcely fair then, sir, for you to take refuge in your
calling, but I will waive that point. I must warn you, however, that
we can give protection to those only who do not seek to harm us. You
are at liberty. Good-evening, sir."
He had extracted from the clergyman the fact that he had arrived in
time, and he again gave the girl in the doorway a mirthful glance,
then turned on his heel to attend to his military duties.
Pages:
140
141
142
143
144
145
146
147
148
149
150
151
152
153
154
155
156
157
158
159
160
161
162
163
164