Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1891-07-09

Among Thieves" Etc.
Copyright 1891. by A. N. Kellogg Newspaper Co.
CHAPTER XIH.-CONTINUED
That night Charlie Fulton slept at a
plantation close to Murfreesboro in
small, dark, low-ceiled room, whose
gloomy aspect was increased by it's
heavy antique furniture and old-fash
toned presses, carved in the grotesque
taste of the last century. Morning
dawned cold and gray, but with it's first
CLEAN he sprang from his bed and ran
to the narrow easement. The sight be-
low riveted the CALLING thought that he
was indeed prisoner, and that the adj
ventures of the preceding night were
not 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 a bivouac; some already
op and stirring; others leaned half-list-
lessly upon their elbows, and looked
about as if unwilling to believe that
6heir rest was over; while some,
stretched in deep slumber, woke not
with the tumult around them.
Having dressed, he walked up and
agonized by sad reflections. Suddenly
he saw a group of horsemen arrive at
whose approach the piclkets were on
the alert and the guard at the gate pre-
scented 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
H.
an officer entered, bowling politely as
be advanced into the middle of the
room.
me this way?'
Charlie had barely time to ask into
whose presence he was about to be
ushered, when, with a smile of strange
meaning, he opened a door and intro
duced him into a spacious apartment.
Although he had seen at least dozen
horsemen arrive, there were but three
present. One of these, who sat at q
small table near the window, never
Aifted his head on his entrance, but as
siduously continued his occupation.
The one, however, on whom Charles
attention was especially concentrated
stood with his back to the open fire.
proach.
What is your rank, sir9" he asked,
in a tone of command.
Captain of infantry" was the sullen
reply.
What was the Federal force under
arms yesterday"
formation, sir, as to the number or
fc Of C,,lfO
respectfully, yet firmly.
1.-The devil! Do you know to whom
you are talking and what you are say
ing, sir? Smith, do you hear the fell
lOw?''
Eyes, SIR" the other replied. eAnd,
- you will permit me to deal with him
I will have the information out of him
before he is ten minutes older, General
Bragg"
''Ah. you rascal, I believe yOu," the
superior smiled, graciOusly; ''but I'm
not going to trust him to your gentle
eatechism."
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 the
prisoner in: Were any dispatches
found on him when he was taken?"
NO, sir; nothing was found on him
except this locket."
''Ah!" said Bragg, gazing at the beau
3iful features of Mary Lascelles can
other of my Lady fantasies hapless
victims-take the prisoner back to his
quarters
''Come along said the good-humored
officer, as he strobe from the room, with
Charlie following.
Have they given you any grub to-
day." he asked, as they reached the
prison chamber.
Not a bite nor sup: but am not
hungry" was the doleful confession.
''Pshaw, man! cheer up-I'n go below
and send you something" and, true to
his word, his departure was quickly fol.
lowed by substantial meal, which
Fulton. notwithstanding his troubles,
did ample justice to.
Then came a clatter of arms and
stamping of horses without. and Charlie
saw the squadron on the move.
by Jove. you are in luck. my boy" q
manly voice cried, as his door opened
and the officer who had commanded his
guard the previous night made his ap
pearance.
''How SOP" Charlie asked, YEARLY.
''Why, there's no batch of prisoners
to send to limbo, so I've orders to con
duct you to recruiting station at Muir
freesbOro, where you won't get half bad
quarters, can tell you. The General
too, is well impressed with you, and
means to let you down easy, so keep a
stiff upper-hp and hope for better fort
une."
Fulton's next quarters were in a
large, roomy building, which had once
been a private residence of no NEAR
proportions, but which. was now occu
pied by the military, partly as a recruit
ing office and partly as a hospital for a
few convalescent officers, whose wounds
for the time incapacitated them for act
i've service. His chamber faced the
grounds of handsome mansion, ten
anted evidently by persons, of position
IN society, for Charlie spent many 6
weary hour watching gay groups Of
ladies gathered on the broad verandah
or toiling with the needle ON soldiers
supplies in the handsome rooms, the
windows of which were almost always
open. -,a. 49,,