The Globe-republican. [volume] (Dodge City, Kan.) 1889-1910, 1894-12-14
CHAPTER XIII.

WILL"
CHAPTER XIII
Calicot, looking very white and
gaunt, mingled among the crowds in
the arena. To anyone less absorbed in
a purpose the scenes would have been
fraught with an almost superhuman
interest. The confusion was appalling
and the noise deafening. But even his
distracted perception could distinguish
in it all the effort of system and discip-
line forcing matters slowly into pur-
pose. Squads were forming and march
ing through the corridor, towards the
rotunda, choking the passages; officers
were running and shouting; litters
were passing and repassing with
wounded; groans, curses, commands
loaded the heavy air with satanic tu-
multi. and the cavernous surroundings
and ghostly lights completed the infer
nal hue of the picture.
A man suddenly plunged into this
subterranean scene, as, indeed, many
of the wounded captives were, might
rudely imagine that he had died and
been thrown into the traditional hell.
Calicot was about to make q very
doubtful experiment. He was going
. to determine if his estimate of Hen
bricks character was correct. While
looking for him he came near the
portal; it had occurred to him that in
this confusion it might be possible for
Stocking to get up the shaft unde.
tected. But he was quickly convinced
Of the folly of that idea. The exit was
well guarded, and the men had a
countersign which was changed every
day. He saw several of the new detail
turned back because they had for
gotten it.
While he stood there Hendricks came
up and spoke to him.
"There are two of your wounded
friends there in Mr.. Franklin's Office, -
be said. ''They need intelligent care.
You might lend a hand. am sending
all the captured back to the surface "a
fast as possible where they can be re-
covered. We cannot do them Justice. Z"
lam at your service, +" replied CaEcot.
"But ! wish to speak to you of another
matter"
What is it?' asked Hendricks,
brusquely, as he stepped aside.
''Mr. Franklin spoke to you about
removing his daughter?''
Eyes; told him to get her out a
soon a. possible. We move from here
in three days"
II wanted to suggest to you," said
Calicot, Ito let the other girl 90. She
Will die of nervous shock in this up
roar"
'You wish to escort her?'
mo. Let Lieut.. Stocking do It. The
old man will need somebody to pilot
him to Memphis. As you probably
know, he is in love with Miss Franklin.
The lieutenant win return here to mo.
am sufficient hostage"
"Your friend is q vindictive man,
said Hendricks. "But you have noticed
that haven't time to be-"
II said to myself" replied Calicot,
that the execution Of your plans no
longer depended on our captivity OF
secrecy"
"Ah. You have arrived at that conclu-
sion"
II acknowledge facts. So far as
can see you are in armed rebellion.
It is no part Of the magnanimity Of
war to entomb helpless women. From
what have seen of your character I
believed that you would accede to my
wishes"
But your friend did not think 50"
mo, but he, perhaps, does not under
stand you"
Hendricks smiled rather grimly.
Eat nightfall." he said, 81 will give
your party an escort and pass them out
of the bayou end. My own men are
in the woods between the bayou and
Memphis, and the women would not
bo safe"
Then Hendricks abruptly left him.
Calicot's anxiety now grew hourly.
He had q sickening fear that Fenning
might arrive at any moment and frus-
trate the whole plan.
The women spent the intervening
time in preparation. and Calicot. after