Page:Randall Parrish - The Red Mist.djvu/163

 Rh to say, glad that even such dim memory served to break the ice between us. "Do not let my former rudeness count against me now, Miss Noreen. I appeal for forgiveness most humbly, and would even bring you a new doll."

"My wants are greater now."

"And my desire to please stronger."

She drew in her breath sharply, as though suddenly awakening to the foolishness of such idle exchange of words.

"Why, how ridiculous for us to sit here talking of our boy and girl days. For the moment I had utterly forgotten the peril of our surroundings. Why you—you are in even greater danger than I."

"Oh, no; from all I have seen and heard the Cowans must be in sympathy with the South, or they never would have made the attack on Fox's party, or held Lieutenant Raymond prisoner. I had considered going direct to Anse, revealing my identity, and demanding protection."

Her hands grasped my sleeve.

"No, not that! You do not understand, Tom Wyatt. These men care nothing for the issues of the war. They merely use them to cover up their own lawless deeds, and to assist in working out schemes of revenge. They are neither Federal, nor Confederate; they are robbers, murderers, and thieves.