The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1892-02-23
after awhile, whether I ought TO so and see

after awhile, whether I ought TO go and see
mother"
''Now. that IS the question" said Mr..
DeoMetar drawing his chair closer to the lad,
rs il preparing to argue the matter; "Of
course, you ieel as if you ought to go. That is
natural. But if you so, you will have to give
your mother some reason for being here. You
could only tell her that had sent for yoa.
THIS is such poor reason that She would be
uneasy. Don't you think so?'
well. said Joe after pause, ~ can come
TO see hex next Sunday"
Rubbing his fat hands together, Mr.,
Deonotari looked at Joe a long time. lie
seemed to be medtating The ring on his
finger glistonol ike ray ofsunlsht that had
been captured and was trying TO escape.
81 want to take you around" he said to
joe after while, and introduce you to Cap
tain Johnson, our worthy provost marshal"
"Me?" asked the lad il /. tone Of astonish-
inent.
eyes" said Mr.. Deomotari, "wIy noto A
bright boy like you shouid DO acquainted with
ali our great military men. Our noble captain
would be very glad to see you il he knew as
much about your visit as do
but, rs Il Isl said Joe quickly, che don't
know any more about it than ] do"
my dear boy" exclaimed MIR. Deomotari in
q bantering tono, don't get impatient, 1t is
all so very simple that all our plans might be
tinued, looking at his watch. 'if you are
ready we will 90. You have no o7ercoat, bus
my shawl here will answer just rs we'll"
Joe protested that he never wore an over
coat, even in the coolest weather, but his pro-
test mad no effect upon Mr. DeOmetari, who
gave the shawl a deXterous turn and wrapped
Joe in IL from head to heels. Then he fas-
tened it at the lads throat with a long steel
Pin that had handle like dagger.
why, look just Ike girl'' said Joe,
giancing down at his feet.
very well, Miss Josephine" said Mr..
Deometar, laughing Gust take my arm"
The provost marshal's Office was on the op-
positc side Of the public square from the tay-
err, and Mr.. Deometari, instead Of following
the sidewalk, went through the courthouse
yard There was not much formality observed
around the office. There was no sentinel sta
toned at the door, which was opened in re-
spopse TO Mr. Deometari's knock,
By small negro boy. Down a
little passageway or hall Mi. Deo-
metari went, followed BY Joe. A light shone
from a door at the end of the passage on the
left, and into this door Mr.. Deometari went
without ceremony. There was not much fur
niture in the room-fOur chairs, a lounge and
a table. A sword hung on the wall between
Autograph portraits OF General Lee and Stone
wall Jackson, and on one side was long array
ofpigeon holes full of papers. A man sat at the
table and SO busiIy engaged in writing that he
only nodded without looking up from his
work
"Hendorson." said Mr.. Deometari. II have
toitliEtiN tOUlSnt NstEL you 10 KNOW tillS
young man. His namo is Joe Maxwell. He
is an honorary member of the relief commit
tee,''
At this Henderson wiped his pen on his head
and laid it down. Then he pecred across the
table at Joe. The two candles that gave him
light were so close to his eyes that they blinded
him when he lifted his face
Maxwell, did you say? All right, Mr. Max
well; am glad to see you. Excuse my hand ),
it's full Of INK
Mr. Henderson had n soft, gentle voice, and
bis hand, although 1t was splotched, was as
delicate as That OF q woman.
us this the Mir. Henderson you were telling
me about some time ago?" said Joe, turning
TO Mr.. Deometari. Il mean the Mr. Hender-
son who was sick whom you retreated from
Laurel HIP"
THE same" said Mr.. Deometari.
bir. henderson laughed softly to hide his
surprise, pushed his chair back and rose from
his seat. Whatever lie was going to say was
left unsaid. At that moment a knock that
echoed down the hallway came on the outer
door. and it was followed almost Immediately
by tho finn and measured tread Of some new
conner. Then there appeared in the doorway
the serene face Of Mr.. Archie Bandford He
glanced around the room, half smiling, until
lis eyes fell OF Joe, and then the shadowy
smile gave place 10 an unmisakable frown.
Joe saw it, and for the first time
felt that his position was O peculiar
one, TO say the least He began to feel very
uncomfortable, and tins feeling was not re-
lieycd by the curt nod of recognition that Mr..