The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1891-07-02
Copyright 1891. by A. NJ Kellogg Newspaper Co.
CHAPTER xIII.-cosrrSuEp

That night Charlie Fulton slept at
plantation close TO Murfreesboro in a
small. dark, low-ceiled room. whose
gloomy aspect was increased by its
heavy antique furniture and old-fash-
toned presses, carved in the grotesque
taste of the last century. Morning
dawned cold and gray, but with its first
CLEAN he sprang from his bed and ran
70 the narrow easement. The sight be-
low riveted the CALLING thought that he
was indeed a prisoner. and that the adj
ventures of the preceding night were
not a hideous dream. A squadron of
dragons, who seemed to have passed
the night beside their horses, lay
stretched or seated in all the picturesque
groupings of bivouac: some already
mp and stirring: others leaned half-list-
lessly upon their elbows, and looked
about as if unwilling to believe that
stretched in deep slumber, woke not
with the tumult around them.
Having dressed, he walked up and
down the narrow room, tortured and
agcnized by sad reflections. Suddenly
he saw group of horsemen arrive at
whose approach the piclscts were on
the alert and the guard at the gate pre-
sented arms. The sound of voices be-
meath him informed him that the party
occupied the room below his own: so
he strained his ear to catch the current
of their murmured conversation. The
next minute his door was unlocked and
an officer entered, bowling politely as
he advanced into the middle of the
room.
.Will you have the goodness to follow
me this way?'
Charlie had barely time to ask into
whose presence he was about to be
ushered, when, with smile of strange
meaning, he opened door and intro
duced him into a spacious apartment.
Although he had seen ut least a dozen
horsemen arrive, there were but three
present. One Of these, who sat at q
small table near the window, never
lifted his head on his entrance, but as
siduously continued his occupation.
The one, however, en- whom Charles
attention was especially concentrated
stood with his back to the open fire.
place, sternly contemplating his ap
'proach.
what is your rank, sire" he asked
in tone of command.
Captain of infantry" was the suller
reply.
What was the Federal force under
arms yesterday"
Il do not feel able to give you any in
formation, sir, as to the number OF
movements Of our army" Fulton said
respectfully. yet firmly,
The devil! Do you know to whom
you are talking and what you are say
ing, sir? Smith, do you hear the fel
low?"
'Yes, SIR" the other replied. land
if you will permit me to deal with hin
will have the information out Of hin
before he is ten minutes older, Genera
Bragg"
''Ah, you rascal, believe you,' tn,
superior smiled, graciously; but In
not going to trust him TO your gent,
catechism."
Had you dispatches" he added, turn
ing to Fulton, who preserved an obsti
nate silence, on seeing which he ad
dressed the officer who had brought til,
prisoner in: ''Were any dispatche
found on him when he was taken?"
mo, sir; nothing was found on hin
except this locket."
AIR said Bragg, gazing at the beau
tifnl features of Mary Lascclles. IAN
other of my Lady fantasies naples
victims-take the prisoner back to hi
quarters"
Come along" said the good-humorc,
officer, as he strobe from the room, wit
Charlie following.
Have they given you any grub To
day." he asked, as they reached tn
prison chamber.
mot q bite nor sup; but am no
hungry" was the doleful confession.
'.Pshaw, man! cheer up-I'll go below
and send You something" and, true t.
his word, his departure was quickly fol
lowed by a substantial meal, which
Fulton, Notwithstanding his troubles
did ample justice to.
Then came a clatter of arms an,
stamping Of horses without, and Charli,
saw the squadron Oh the move.
by Jovc! you arc in luck, my boy"
manly voice cried, as his door opened
and the officer who had commanded hi
guard the previous night made his ap
pcarance.
"How SOP" Charlie asked, YEARLY.
why, there's no batch Of prisoner
to send TO limbo, SO I've orders to con
duct you to recruiting station at Muir