Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1891-03-10


fcers went away, but when half an
hour later Frank was summoned to the
Colonels presence, he was not whit
surprised, though he was considerably
astonished when the object Of the inter-
view was explained to him.
"Besant," the Colonel said, 81 am
obliged to detach man on special and
I am afraid dangerous duty, and Major
Hopkins agrees with me that no one is
more fitted for our purpose than your
self. Iwould not voluntarily place you
in peril, but the exigencies of the serv-
ice are such that have no alternative
nevertheless, you shall have the OPP
portunity of refusing, If you think the
mission too difficult for you to accom-
plish.''
The Colonel, who was evidently i'll at
case, paused for his reply.
swell, sir" Frank said, thoroughly
mystifed, 81 don't suppose am more
ready of comprehension than my COM
rades, but could perhaps give you an
intelligent answer, if you would kindly
explain to me the nature of the under
taking.'
''Just SO, boy. Really, Hopkins,
think my wits have gone a wool-gather-
ing tonight. Well, the fact is, young
man, Eve got to send a message in hot
haste to General Lyon. The trouble is
that most of our young officers are poor
horsemen, and this duty includes long
and brealSnecl1 ride over a rough coun-
try. Now a man from your county
Lawson, / think they call the fellow
says you ride like n centaur, so this,
with your other qualities we are more
familiar with, has driven us to offer you
the post of danger
"And of honor" Major Hopkins add
ed solemnly. 'tThere will be quick pro-
motion for you, lad, If you are success
full"
Both officers looked wistfully for his
reply.
t'Of course will go, SIR" Frank said,
CURLY. "When do you wish me to
start?"
Spoken like the brave boy knew you
were!" the Major said, with enthusiasm.
''Why, do you know, Besant, have had
the greatest difficulty in persuading the
Colonel to give you this chance. He was
SO afraid of seeming ungrateful for the
services you have rendered his son-iust
| as if the highest prize to a lad of your
mettle was not the post of danger"
Frank did not, it must be confessed,
keeenly appreciate the Majors logic;
| but while he had no foolhardiness in
his disposition, he was resolved that he
would at all hazards do his duty, for his
was not one of those dashing spirits that
loved danger for dangers sake, though
when necessitous peril came he would
be the last to shrink from it.
"You must be ready to start at the
first glimmer of dawn" the Colonel
continued. ''You will carry no arms
but these revolvers." He laid his hand
as he spoke on two heavy pistols, which
were on his camp-table. "You will
bear no written message, which might
get you into trouble if you were caught
by the enemy. And you will ride the
best part of the journey in company
with a young farmer, who has promised
to be your guide-at any rate as far as
the Springfield pike, which will lead
you to General Lyons headquarters.
As for money, you had better go well
heeled, for silver shield is often a
mans best protection"
He pulled out his purse as he spoke.
Don't mind that, SIR" Frank said,
hastily. 81 have more about me now
than it is perhaps prudent for me to
carry"
"We1l, spare no expense. You shall
not be the loser. Now to rest, for you
will have heavy day before you.
will see you in the morning and give
you final instructions"
And the last words Frank heard as he
left the Colonel's tent were:
eff any thing happens to that boy
Hopkins, shall never forgive myself
Cold and gray the morning broke
though it was in early August. Franz