Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/144

MY LADY OF THE SOUTH numerous boxes and hags obstructing the floor, but, by keeping one hand pressed against the side wall, I arrived finally at the opposite entrance. This door was closed, but unlocked, opening into the narroow hall through which Miss Jean had first conducted me into the house.

My heart bounded with exultation as I struck a match, and recognized my surroundings. The exit leading to the garden was at my right, and, before the flame died, I had my hand on the latch. I found the door securely locked, the key gone. I tested my strength vainly against its solid panels; evidently I must discover some other passage leading out, and the only opportunity would be found on the floor above. At the head of the short flight of steps I listened vainly for any sound, and, hearing none, ventured to peer forth into the main hallway. It was unoccupied, but a swinging lamp, burning dimly under a red shade, hung in front of the circular stairs leading to the story above. The shadows were confusing, yet I soon satisfied myself that no one was present to observe my movements. Little by little I advanced, crouching finally behind the protection of a huge coat-rack, I had scarcely reached this position when I overheard voices from the library, the door of which stood partly open. The first words distinguished were certainly ominous enough.

"But this is n't war,"—there was no mistaking Judge Dunn's voice. "He has no rights as a soldier, for he is not here in course of duty."

"What do you mean?" It was a woman who asked this, but not Miss Denslow, and I thought of the Judge's daughter. [ 134 ]