San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-11-07

word. He sha'n't wear his hat before
me. Take of his hat corporal.
The Friend made no objections as the
corporal lifted off his hat and tossed it
upon the bench beside the door Now
then" said the colonel, tell me your
business
The opening did not seem very pro-
pitious. but Friend Sparks began his
story again He had sister in Chester
to whom lie had promised barrel of
flour 1t should have gone yesterday,
but he had put off sending Ills sister
would be looking forit, and he was sorry
that she should not get it. Would the
colonel let him send it through the lines
by his hired boy that morning
Cant your sister buy -four, instead
OF sending TO Brandywine for it,
Why. thou sees, friend" said the
miller. money has been very scarce
with us of late. Nv sisters husband is
on Il voyage 10 the West Indies. and she
looks to me to help her in these matters,
so, if thou il let me. I'll send that barrel
of -four this morning"
Once more the orderly whispered in
the colonel's ear. Perhaps he told the
chief officer that Joseph Sparks was one
OF the richest men in that part of the
country The two held muttered talk
for few minutes, and then the colonel
turned abruptly to the Friend with
more respect in his voice than he had
shown before.
What time did you want to send
that four" said he.
About nine o'clock" said Friend Jo-
seph.
We'll" said the colonel, have it
ready by nine o'clock and | will let it
go through the lies"
So at nine o'clock q, cart half full of
straw stood in front of the door at the
south mill, with pretty, pale faced boy
standing at the horses head. The miller
and his foreman lowered great double
barrel by block and tackle from the
loft above Two or three soldiers we're
standing in the rain with their cloaiss
over their shoulders, idly watching the
operation. They did not see three augur
holes in the top of the barrel. As it
touched the ground Friend Sparks care
lessly threw bag over the top of it.
That ere is the biggest barrel of flour
that ever see, said one of the men, TAX
ing his pipe out of his mouth.
Its double barrel, friend" said the
miller, brushing his hands together. 1T
is the kind that we used to send to the
West Indies
Where be that going:" said the sol
der
ITO Chester" said the miller briefly.
Now then, John, easy" They turned
the barrel on its side, and rolled it slow
ly up the plank to the cart
You roll it up as if it was full OF
glass, said one Of the soldiers. Let me
help you"
Never mind, friend, said the miller
we can handle it better without thy
help. So-now, john that's it," and
the barrel was rolled into the cart and
fastened in its place with ropes The
soldiers did not notice that it lay upon
its side, the end nearest the head Of the
cart raised little higher than the other.
AS they went by Colonel Gorse's head
quarters the orderly who had befriended
Friend Joseph stood at the door. A
young, bOyish looking lieutenant wrap
ped in a cloak sat upon horse near by,
and two troopers and Il corporal stood
beside him, the muzzles of their guns
pointed downward the hintlocks shell
tered from the drizzly rain under their
overcoats
is this the barrel of four" said the
orderly, peering into the cart.
Aye" said Friend Sparks, that is
it."
1T is plaguy big one" he observed.
1T is easier to send it in such bulk"
said the miller.
These men are going to Chester"
said the orderly, pointing to the young
officer and the three troopers. They
will see you safe through"
His words fell upon Friend Sparks like
a thunderbolt His mind seized upon
everything in one instant of flight. Those
few words meant either death to the
wounded man, who would have to stay
five hours in the barrel-a dreadful death,
cramped and tortured in the narrow
space-or else, should the secret of the
contents be disclosed, imprisonment for
himself and perhaps for his niece. He
looked at Matte. but she kept her head
turned away and made no sign.
"Forward"' said the young officer, and
off they moved he riding in front and
the three men marching beside the cart.
The miller stood looking after them
until they had passed beyond the crest of
the hill
Are you sick, Mr.. Sparks" the order
w asked. looking into his face.