Page:The traitor; a story of the fall of the invisible empire (IA traitorstoryoffa00dixo).pdf/289

 "All right then, sergeant," said Stella, suddenly changing her tone, "I'll excuse you for your rudeness; I'll go with you."

"You mustn't, my love," John protested.

"Yes, I'm going with you, but I've had nothing toeat. We must have supper—it's waiting. Aunt Julie Ann, show the sergeant downstairs and give him supper. Mr. Graham will be ready in half an hour, sergeant."

The trooper looked doubtfully at John and at Stella, smiling.

"All right m'am. It's agin my principles as a soldier to leave a good supper to spoil—an', axin yer pardon agin, I'll station one o' me men at each door an' window to make sure we wont lose any of our party durin' the festivities. It'll be more sociable like to feel that we're all here."

The sergeant placed his men and followed Aunt Julie Ann to the kitchen.

Stella drew John to the old davenport:

"Quick, John darling, through the old secret way—the way of love"

"Dearest!" he said reproachfully.

She extended her hand to press the spring in the panel.

"Quick, the soldier at the door can't see you. I'll stand in front. Wait for me in the vault. I'll let them search the house and when