Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/336

MY LADY OF THE SOUTH in this party, but if you hold hit parole, it goes with me. You can drop your hands, Daniels, only I advise you not to reach for the knife. Now, Jean, do you mind explaining the meaning of all this?"

That Daniels would have run for it if he dared was plainly evident. I saw him glance toward the windows, and then into Donald's face, his feet moving nervously. But the chance was too small, and his eyes fell to the carpet in dogged helplessness. I moved back, leaving the girl standing next to him.

"Then first answer me one question: Did you know Daniels's cabin on Long Creek had been destroyed?"

The Colonel's face sobered.

"I did not."

"Have any of your men been that way lately?"

"Not for several weeks under any orders from me. There may have been foraging parties covering that territory, but no report has reached me of any trouble."

"You have heard nothing regarding the disappearance of this man's wife and children? "

"I certainly have not, Jean," now replying with the earnestness of conviction. "Surely you do not suspect me of making war on the helpless?"

"No," gravely, "but our mountain feuds are heartless, and mercy has never been part of the code. Knowing what I do of the past, I cannot blame Daniels for his suspicions. Now listen, and I will explain this situation. Daniels discovered last night that his home had been burned to the ground, and could gain no information relative to the whereabouts of his wife and children. [ 318 ]