People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1893-04-21

prisoner who denounced me-"
"As you please, sir" the veteran an
swered, coldly, but with glance of sur
prise. Understand, you were assigned
to me only to identify prisoners; and
the telegram received this morning said
you were needed at once in Washing
ton"
ut is for that very reason" Fitzhugh
replied, in low tone. This boy is IA
vorite scout of Stuart's; information as
to time and place of his capture may
prove useful to my general, very soon.
81 know nothing of your methods,
sir" the general answered, in the same
low voice, with strong infection of con-
tempt; nor do desire to know. But
/ scarcely think that boy would give you
many facts"
The spy smiled slightly as he an
swered, aloud:
perhaps the major will give me per-
mission to say that his 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 to you again, sir, or
take the noon express east?"
Take the very first train, sir. The
telegram,said you were 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 fellowl 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
strong pen of rough boards, musty,
cherries, and lit by one wide window,
iron-barred and set high in TIE rear
wall. Low, filthy hunks lined the wall
below it; and on one of them Fauntle-
roy sat, brooding listlessly over his own
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. Its 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:
81 do not come to taunt you; only to
say that 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"
"It was BEST" the other answered,
slowly. This guard house is just
where you ought to be-" 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. 81 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
caught his meaning look that accom-
panied the next words:
Don't bolt it WhOLe; it might disagree
with you. Anyway, you will be obliged
to divide with these other rebs, sup
pose. Good-day."
He was gone; the bolt shot, and Evan
Fauntleroy, with whirling brain-full
of hope, memory Of the secret letter,
curses Of his own stupidity, and flashes
of Bessie Westchester's meaning eyes,
sat once more on the hunks edge. After
some thought, he rose, saying, softly:
Comrades, I'd like your names and
commands. lam Fauntelroy, B troop,
til Virginia cavalry"
The trio gave the information; when
the boy cried with a loud laugh:
"Well, pards, let's divide Gen. Bald
wins bun"
But his finger went to his lip, as he
listened intently for the sentry's tramp,
till it faded slowly from the door. Then
he carefully broke the small loaf, taking
from it thin, tempered file-saw, a fat
phial of oil, and strong, thin Irvine,
closely wrapped around a scrap of
written card. These he quickly con-
cealed in his shirt; and when the new
relief looked in at the door five minutes
later all four men were munching the
faky white bread, with innocent faces
but hearts beating high with hope.
Then, as the regular tramp again
sounded without, Evan eagerly read the
card in low whisper: