Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/203

THE TABLES TURNED are an honorable man; give me an opportunity to prove that I am one also."

He scarcely hesitated.

"And if you fail you will accompany me to the Confederate lines without resistance?"

"Yes; whether I succeed or fail, I am a prisoner of war. I understand that clearly; but I am not a murderer."

It is hard to say what influence worked with me, but the stern lines of Donald's face relaxed, his hand falling to his side.

"Lieutenant King," he acknowledged quietly, "it seems impossible for me not to believe you. I have always felt I was a judge of men, and I am going to trust you now Perhaps it is for your sake, and perhaps it is because I feel Jean wishes me to—"

"I do wish it," she interposed softly.

"That is easily seen; you shall have your wish, and Lieutenant King his opportunity. How do you propose proceeding?"

I hesitated, my eyes upon both faces

"I am informed," I began finally, "that this house contains a hidden room, and a secret passage leading without."

The Colonel's glance dropped to the face of the girl. "You little traitress!"

"Don't say that," the depths of the gray-blue eyes dark with indignation. "I told him that because I trusted him, and believed he ought to know what I suspected." [ 189 ]