Page:The Land Claim.pdf/72

THIE PRIOXLM AND HIS GUtARD.

71 his present position while he consulted with Alicia about furthe movements.

   "How worried you look, dear," he said, gazing with mingled anxiety and admiration in her face, from which the flush had falded.

"I fear I have asked too much of you already; but if you would not be afraid,-I would like to leave that fellow in your charge for half an hour, while I go for an officer to take him."

    "Oh, let me go for some one," pleaded Alicia, terrified at the

thought. of being alone with such a man, though ever so much bound.

   "Really, darling, I do n, t think that would be best. It is already

getting' late; you could not get to town one quarter as soon as I could, and would not be able, to accomplish the business, in some time after getting there. There is nothing to fear, my love."

    " But what if he should have comrades in the neighborhood?"'4 I don't think it likely that he has. Besides, I will leave you

this knife and pistol. The pistol is loaded, and you know how to use it in case of necessity. Are you still afraid?"

   " I will'stay," answered Alicia; but she did not say without fear.

" Thank you, my brave love. I will go then, right away; but first let me get you a seat." He found a place for her near the prisoner, and, handing the pistol to her, turned to Carnes.

    " I have given this young lady direction, if you attempt to escape by calling any one to your assistance, or otherwise, to put this pistol to use instantly; so you will use discretion, unless you wish Miss Newcome for your executioner."
    " A fair hand to die by," muttered Carnes, when Allen was out

of reach of his glowering glance at him. " You really would oblige me, Mliss Newcome, by sending a ball through my head. It aches confoundedly, lying in this position." " I will put my shawl under your head," said Alicia proceeding to take it off and fold it into a pillow. Carnes watched her movements with a mingled expression of surprise and amusement; but when she raised his head and put the pillow under it, he scrutinized her face attentively. "Do you do this because you pity me so much?'i he asked. "You said your head ached in that position," she replied, returning. to her seat and resuming her guard. He turned his face toward her, and continued to look at her for some minutes. "Do you know why I am in this situation? " he then asked.

    "I was not given liberty to answer questions; don't ask me any

more, if you please,'" said Alicia, with a quiet show of displeasure at the freedom he used.

   " If your father had been as discreet as yourself he would never have got into the. scrape he did," said Carnes, maliciously.