Waterbury evening Democrat. [volume] (Waterbury, Conn.) 1887-1895, 1892-08-03

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low voice, with strong infection of con- |
tempt; "nor do desire to know. But |
scarcely think thdtyboy would give you |
many facts"
The spy smiled slightly as he an
swered, aloud:
perhaps the majorl will give me per-
mission to say that This punishment is
postponed for this day?''
Certainly, general, with pleasure"
the major answered, quickly. ANY re-
quest from you or your staff consider
it my duty to grant"
The general was at the gate, the
guard at present" when Fitzhugh
asked, quietly:
"Shall report Alto you again, sir, or
take the noon express east?"
Take the very first train, sir. The
Telegram said youewere needed in Wash
ington at once" the general replied,
quickly; adding to the aid, as he passed
the gate: ''I'm, devilish glad they sent
for that fellow! don't'like his stripe.
Damn me, sir, think that young rebel
was right!'
But Fitzhugh, within the gate, said,
gravely:
major, please send an officer with
me while question: the prisoner"
Certainly not, sir Orderly, instruct
the guard to pass this officer anywhere.
Very glad, sir; very indeed, to oblige
Gen. Baldwin's staff"
The prisoners guard house was a
strong pen of rough boards, musty,
cheerless, and lit by one wide window,
iron-barred and set high in the rear
wall. Low, filthy hunks lined the wall
below it; and on one of them Fauntle-
s.kI Ii
destruction of his, only possible chance
for escape. Still uncertain, he sprang
to his feet as Fitzhugh entered, staring
at him with mien half questioning, half
defiant.
The visitor glanced quickly round the
pen. It's three other inmates were all
strangers to him; and the boy caught
his glance resting on the window, then
dropping to the bunk beneath. Then
they were full of meaning when they
turned full upon Evan and he said,
coldly:
ST do not come to taunt you; only to
say that 1 have had you excused from
your bath-to-day. 1t is best for you to
remain here; but by tomorrow you may
escape punishment altogether. We
have met before, boy!'
81 understand" the scout replied,
dropping his eyes. "Had you said that
first, had never spoken So"
sit was best" the other answered,
slowly. "This guard house is just
where you ought to bel" He raised his
voice for the sentry to hear. "You will
be here all night, even if you miss your
bath tomorrow"
81 understand perfectly" the boy
again replied. 'I.suppose am as well
off here as elsewhere"
Ear better for such an active youth,
whose tongue has more liberty than his
body, just now. Keep that tongue
! quiet, or you may remain here longer
than think you will"
He turned, opening the door. AS the
sentry faced, for his exit, he added:
"You are such boy, here's something
for you. 1t may taste better, coming
from Gen. Baldwin's breakfast table.
Drawing from his pocket a crisp
, brown bun, he handed it to Evan, who
L caught his meaning look that accom-
. panied the next words:
Don't bolt it tohoZs; it might disagree
y with you. Anyway, you will be obliged
y to divide with these other rebs, sup
u pose. Good-day."
He was gone; the bolt shot, and Evar
i v,
of hope, memory of the secret letter
! curses of his own stupidity, and hashe!
= of Bessie Westchester's meaning eyes,
] sat once more on the hunks edge. Afte1
some thought, he rose, saying, softly:
Comrades, I'd like your names anc
commands. 1 am Fauntelroy, B troop
til Virginia cavalry"
\ The trio gave the information; whel
the boy cried with loud laugh:
J "Well, pards, let's divide Gen. Bald
! wins bun"
4 But his finger went to his lip, as b
listened intently for the sentry's tramp
: till it faded slowly from the door. The
he carefully broke the small loaf, takin
from it thin, tempered file-saw, a fla
phial of oil, and strong, thin Irvine
closely wrapped around a scrap G
written card. These he quickly cor
cealed in his shirt; and when the ne1
relief looked in at the door five minute
ID later all four men were munching tn
e. faky white bread, with innocent face
but hearts beating high with hops
y, Then, as the regular tramp agai
OF sounded without, Evan eagerly read tn
If card in low whisper:
d, "Just after the midnight relief dro
Id the Irvine from the window. Saw til
10 oar nrsC. Pu1 up the rope very cal
eiously. Stockade sentry walks to ede
o. of guard house just by window. Wat
his back. I will be below. l will for,
.. | you into the guard house. 1t is the on
10 hope"
,r, Never had hours crawled with feet
III leaden as those between noon III
nightfall, for those hberty-hung
creatures, watching the creeping su
I'm light along the prison wall. But at la
IN came tattoo; then-after a seeming a.
ng taps.
DIS The prison pen was still as death, t
nd only sound the dull beat of feet befo
nd the guard-house door, the more hollo
OF tramp Of the stockade sentry almc
he overhead. For what seemed MAJ
he hours, the waiting men heard this sen
no mel tramp almost to their window,