Page:Randall Parrish - The Red Mist.djvu/270

 252 and have no suspicion. Only there may be officers sitting on the veranda of the hotel."

"It looks dark, and deserted, from here; and the hour is late."

"True; I can perceive no movement, and I suppose all who are not on duty are at the dance. Besides there is no other way in which you can attain the stables. I—I am ready to try it—are you?"

I answered with the pressure of my hand, on the fingers clasping my sleeve. There was no response; neither were they withdrawn. She gazed steadily down the path in the direction of the sentinel, drew a long breath, and stepped bravely forward. The way was clear, easily followed even in the darkness, and I walked close beside her. Within a few yards of the fellow she gave vent to a little ripple of laughter, barely enough to attract attention, and again slipped her hand into the support of my arm.

"That was the funniest thing, Lieutenant," she exclaimed gaily. "I have laughed since every time I have thought of how he looked when he fell. Really I don't think I ever met a more awkward person—certainly never danced with one. Ah, sentry, has Captain Fox returned yet?"

"Not along this path, Miss," he answered respectfully, touching his cap in salute to me. The soldier stood at attention, but made no effort whatever