Page:Randall Parrish - The Red Mist.djvu/229

 Rh waited until the lieutenant had gone to his room. Colonel Pickney has headquarters in the big stone house opposite the court yard [sic]—"

"The old Carter place."

"Yes; I had forgotten you knew the town. It can be seen from the hotel porch, and I had the curiosity to watch. She was inside nearly half an hour, and returned by way of the side street. Then she sent for me."

"She told you the result of her interview?"

"It was not even mentioned, but I knew she had met with no success. She seemed distressed, but was anxious that you should know at once the seriousness of your position, and the only hope of escape offered you."

My heart was beating fiercely at this direct evidence of her interest in my affairs. She had even humbled herself to beg for me a chance; perhaps, to Colonel Pickney she had even confessed the truth in hope of changing his decision. But the effort had proven useless; he had named terms, which she evidently considered unworthy.

"What hope?" I asked coldly. "You mean the terms offered me before?"

He bowed gravely, but without speaking.

"And did Miss Harwood request you to urge my acceptance?"