Page:The leopard's spots - a romance of the white man's burden-1865-1900 (IA leopardsspotsrom00dixo).pdf/452

 have security of property and life, but such methods will lead to civil war."

Her face grew tense, and she looked at her father with breathless interest during this recital.

"Was he in danger in those riots?" she slowly asked.

"Yes, and I expect him to be killed at an early day if he continues his present methods. A mob of five hundred negroes attempted to kill him. This was one of the causes that led to the Revolution."

She was on her feet now pale and trembling with excitement.

"Where is he?" she gasped.

"Now, my dear, it's useless to get excited. The trouble is all over and a new Mayor and police force are in charge of the city. But he is resting under a serious cloud at present. He is held in jail at Asheville on a charge of felony, and a charge of murder is being pressed."

"In jail! in jail!" she cried incredulously while her eyes filled with tears.

"Yes, and Allan believes these ugly charges will be proved in the United States court, and he will be convicted."

She did not seem to hear the last sentence.

"In jail!" she repeated, "my lover, to whom I have given my life, and you, my father, while I was three thousand miles away stood by and did not lift a hand to help him?"

"Has he not been my bitterest enemy, seeking to insult me!" thundered the General.

"No, he never insulted you, or spoke one unkind word about you in his life. Oh! this is shameful! God forgive me that I was not here!" Tears were streaming down her face.

"You hold me responsible for the crazy young scamp's career?" cried the General indignantly.