Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1892-02-04

not n hideous dream. squadron OF
dragons, who seemed 10 have passed
the night beside their horses, lay
stretched or seated In all the picturesque
groupings Of bivouac; some already
up and stirring; others leaned half-list-
lessly upon their elbows, and looked
about as II unwilling TO believe that
their rest was over while some,
stretched In deep slumbcr, woke not
with the tumult around them.
Having dressed, he walked up and
down the narrow room, tortured and
agonizcd by sad reflections. Suddenly
he saw group Of horscmcn arrive at
whose approach the piclscts 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; 80
he strained his ear 10 catch the current
ofthcir murmurcd conversation. The
next minute his door was unlocked and
an officer entered, bowling politely rs
he advanced into the middle OF the
room.
win you have the goodness 20 follow
INC this way?'
Charlie had barely time 10 ask into
whose presence he was about to be
ushcred, when, with smile Of strange
meaning, he opened door and intro
duccd him into spacious apartment.
Although he had seen at least n dozen
horsemcn arrive. there were but three
present One OF these, who sat at n
small table near the window, never
lifted 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 10 the open Ere.
place, stcrnly contemplating his ap.
proach.
what Is your rank, sir2" he asked,
In II tone Of command
Captain Of infantry" was the sullen
reply.
"Whnt was the Federal force under
arms yesterday"
81 do not feel able 10 give YOU any In.
formation, sir, us TO the number or
movements OF our army" Fulton said,
respectfully, yet firmly
"Iho devil! DO you know 10 whom
you are talking and what you are Say
ing, sire Smith, do you hear the fcl.
low?"
Eyes, sir, the other replied And.
II you will permit me To deal with him
] will have the information ont Of him
before he is ten minutes older, General
Bragg"
"Ah, you rascal, ! believe YOU" the
superior smiled, graciously; but I'm
not going 10 trust hun TO your gentle
catcchism"
Had you dspatches?" he added, turn.
ing 10 Fulton, who preserved an obsti
nate silence, on seeing which lac ad
dressed the officer who had brought the
prisoner in. "Wcrc any dispatches
found ON him when he was taltcn?"
"No, sir; nothing was found ON him
except this locl,ct."
"Ah!' said Bragg, gazing ut tho beau.
tiful features Of Mary Lnsccllcs. IAN.
other Of my Lady fantasies hapless
victims-takc the prisoner back 10 his
quarters"
Come along" said the good-humored
officer, as he strobe from the room, with
Charlie following
"llnvc they given you any grub to.
day?' he asked, rs they reached the
prison chamber.
mot u bite nor sup; but am not
hungry" was the doleful confession
"Pshaw, mani cheer up-l'll 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 u clatter Of arms and
stamping Of horses without, and Charlie
saw the squadron ON the move.
by Jovcl you are In luck, my boy"
manly voice cried, as his door opened,
and the officer who had commanded his
guard tho previous night made his mp
pearance,
GLOW SOP" Charlie asked, YEARLY.
"Why, there's no batch Of prisoners
to send TO limbo, so I've orders to con.
duct you 10 recruiting station Mt Muir.
frcesboro, whore 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 n
stiif upper-lip and hope for better fort.
unc."
Fulton's next quarters were in
large, roomy building, which had once
been private residence of no mean
but which was now occu.
pied blythe military, partly as n recruit.
ing office and partly MS u hospital for
few convalescent officers, whose wounds
Tor 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
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,
lie had been offered parole, and had
refused a decision which did not lower
him in the estimation of his generous
captors.
And now tho gayest season IN all the
year in the South was approaching, the
Christmas holidays, aud Charlie could
see that his fair neighbors were making
lavish preparation for the coming
festivities,
Charlie happened to mention this TO a
young officer, who often fingered after
u visit OF inspection to chat with the
prisoner.
"Bahl My dear fellow. It isn't only
for the holidays they're decorating, but
tonight that pretty girl In blue, leaning
on the pillar yonder, Is To be married by
Bishop Polk | allow they'll have
gallant ding, for President Davis him.
self has come to grace the festivities