Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/132

MY LADY OF THE SOUTH you are welcome to this house in that uniform, but we are not boors. Is your mission peace?"

Deep in my heart I wished it were, as I looked down into the clear depths of those frankly questioning eyes, but she was a hard girl to lie to, and I felt no real temptation to disguise my purpose.

"So far as this house is concerned I come in peace, but I come seeking the man Donald."

"He is our friend."

"And that leaves us enemies still, does it?"

"I will certainly do all I can to prevent his being found."

"Is he concealed in the house?"

"Not to my knowledge."

"If I return with my men, and search the premises—"

"We could not prevent such an outrage," she broke in swiftly, "but it will be needless to call your force; the house is open; you may make the search yourself."

Had I been older, more experienced, and had the invitation come from some other than this quick-witted girl, I might easily have questioned its honesty. Yet such a suspicion never occurred to me then; her words merely conveyed the natural indignation she felt at my suggestion of forcibly entering this home.

"You mean you will act as my guide? Who are within?"

"Judge Dunn, his daughter Lucille, and a few house servants; no one you need fear," a touch of sarcasm in the low tone.

"And you are—?" [ 122 ]