I shall see that the proper authorities
get all the details of this, and you know what will happen then. You
will be chased out of the army like a mad dog, and all the influence you
can bring to bear will not serve you."
Barrows was looking at Ted with terror in his eyes.
"My advice to you is to skip before the army gets on to you," continued
Ted. "Disappear. Obliterate yourself. It will be easier for you to be
thought a deserter than what will be thought of you if what we know
about you goes back to the post."
Barrows stepped back into the cabin, and Ted walked to where he could
keep his eye on the soldier.
Suddenly he jumped into the cabin and wrenched a pistol out of Barrows'
hand.
"No, you don't," he cried angrily. "You can't pay for this by
self-murder. You've got to live to pay for your meanness."
Barrows submitted to be disarmed by Ted. He stood looking for a moment
at Hallie, and for a moment it seemed as if he would speak to her. Then,
with a cry of agony, he rushed across the open, leaped upon his horse,
and, plunging into the grove, was lost to sight.
"Sergeant, now you know what to do," said Ted. "There's only one thing
for you to do. Hike for the post and tell the commandant anything you
like to explain the absence of Barrows. But be sure to say to the
colonel that his daughter is safe and well and prefers to stay with Miss
Fosdick and her friends.
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