Waterbury evening Democrat., 1892-07-30
A Fair Blockade Breaker !
BY T. c. DELEoN.

With equally rapid step, but far light CT heart, Willie Mckee strode through the bitter night towards his own home. The streets were quite deserted, the weather keeping indoors all not forced to be out; and, as he sped along, the youth hummed snatches of opera bouffe.
 Suddenly broad glare of light fell upon him from the hall of the Union club. As its door opened a slight man, in a military overcoat, ran down the steps. Facing the moonlight, the men recognized each other.
 Good evening, Maj. Bond"
 Good evening, Mir. Mckee. Walking towards home? I'll join you" And, dropping into step, the federal officer went on, in seeming innocence: "Have not seen you for several days. Been duclking again?"
 "No; not since saw you last. My mother has been rather sick" Mckee answered, readily. Splendid weather for ducks, too. The shooting will be splendid tomorrow"
 Are you going to try them2 I'll give you a permit" the major replied, rath- CT quickly, it seemed, to the already warned Baltimorean. But he answered, naturally:
 "No; but thanks all the same. I can't leave my mother. Her trusted old serv- ant Is called suddenly away; serious illness of her daughter. She leaves to- night; so I must stay and play chief nurse to her substitute"
 Well, shall be glad to furnish you permits" the other said, courteously, sGnA .I- necessary now, but may be at any mo- ment. Call on me without hesitation. am something of huntsman myself ?
 "Indeed? Wish had known that be- fore" Mckee answered, promptly. However, better late than never; and shall be glad to have you join our very next trip. Here's my door,"
 Thanks. Good night" the federal said, muttering, as he turned away: "No harm in him. Fitzhugh was right; he's as big fool as he looks. They were mistaken; he needs no watching" :" Suddenly he turned, stepping rapidly back to Mckee, strangely delayed by the familiar night-latch.
 By the way, MT. Mckee, who is Mr. Carroll Meredith"
 "CarrollP Why, major, he's the club bachelor of the town; our Maryland's Maj. Pendennis,' Don't you know him?"
 'No; only heard his name. Is he a hunter, tooP"
 "A very Nimrod," Mckee answered, lightly-"the best shot and surest cast of a fly in all Maryland: As you're g hunter, you must meet him. But come in and have nip before you turn in."
 He threw the door wide, turned up the hall gas, and, for the first time, a unienist foot had passed over Mrs Mo Kee's jealous threshold.
 "Try that brandy" Willie said in the dininE-room. My father imported it thirty years ago. We don't use it often; Mary Clonan must have left it out"
 "Miss Clonan has good taste," the major said, emptying his glass with a sigh of satisfaction. "I drink to her judgment: cognac like that is not to be found often."
 "'Miss' Clonan is a reliable grand mother of about sixty" the other re- turned, with laugh. "She is the servant whose daughters illness keeps me from the ducks. By the way, she leaves at dawn; and, as you said the passes might be needed, would you mind giving her one2" he added, natur- ally, as he refllled the majors glass.
 "She may need it." the latter an swered, courteously. "I'n write her one, anyway, for her presence of mind in leaving that cognac out" He took out a pass-book and began to write. Better make it for herself and daugh- ter, ehP She may wish to move the girl, later"
 The pass given, the major ushered out with courteous pressure to call again, but the door eagerly locked behind him, Mckee sped softly up to his own apart ments. Once there, he opened that ar