The Portland daily press., 1895-05-11
HEADQUARTERS DEPARTMENT

and Assistant Major Dunlap in this army. nor
in any army, so far as we know. Why do YOU
askf J. A. GARFIELD,
Brigadier General and Chief of Staff.
Colonel Baird calmly folded up the
paper, and after telling the operator
that he would be back presently he went
out. He found Colonel Watkins smolz.
ing in corner at the hotel and told
him what he had learned
II am not at all surprised" said
Watkins. 81 suspected it from the first.
The fellows are trapped, and upon nv
soul, Baird, I'm deuced sorry for them,
yet they must be a brace of id
idiots to run their necks into danger in
this way"
81 would willingly lose years pay
if they can prove they are not spies,'
said Colonel Baird, with shudder.
"Why so?'
s'Why so? Confound it, don't you
know we must try them here, and if
they are found guilty.
Seeing that Baird hesitated, Watkins
added:
Hang them. Well, that is not pleas
ant work, but if it becomes duty, why,
we must obey"
Although guard had not been form
ally posted about the building, Colo
mel Watkins without attracting the at
tention of even his friends, had placed
number of men SO as to prevent the es-
cape of Colonel Anton and Major Dun
lap, if they should prove to be spies and
attempted escape. Seeing to their own
weapons and taking two armed men
with them, the two officers most inter-
ested went directly to the door Of the
strangers room. It was hot, murky
night, and the transom was open above
the door. showing that light was burn
ing inside.
Colonel Baird knocked on the door,
and instantly frightened voice from
the other side demanded:
"Who is there?"
Colonel Baird to see Colonel Anton.
Sorry to disturb you, but will detain
you for only a few seconds, " said Baird
in apologize tones.
"Oh, that's all right, colonel" said
Anton.
He could be heard whispering some.
thing to his companion; then the door
opened, and the two Union officers Ell.
tered tho room, and the two guards
stood at an order arms in the doorway.
Major Dunlap turned as pale as the
pillow on which his head lay. He made
as if to rise, but stopped half way in the
effort and rested on his elbow. with his
mouth open and his throat working as
if he were strangling in an effort to
swallow something. Anton was evident
ly taken aback, but he had himself un-
der far better control.
s'This is an unexpected visit, gentle
men," he said, with we'll assumed
cheerfulness. "But I am glad to see
friends at all times Pray be seated"
'sMy business here, Colonel Anton, is
not of the most pleasant nature. AS
soldier you will appreciate the neces,
sity of what find myself forced to do
on this occasion. Certain things in the
representations and conduct of yourself
and Major Dunlap have aroused suspi-
cion at this post, and SO forced an i'm
mediate investigation. If you are
friends, as l hope you are, you will be
glad to help me in this, and if you
should be spies you must see that the
game is up and prepare for the conse-
quences of your own foolish temerity."
Certainly, my dear colonel, certain
~, +" said Anton, with smile and a bow
that unsettled the stern Watkins for the
moment. ''Of course you will want to
examine our persons and saddlebags.
They are at your service Then to his
companion, who lay ashy and helpless
on the bed, Tumble up, major, we
have nothing to conceal from friends or
to fear from foes. -
It would seem that Anton s confident
bearing inspired his companion, for.
trying to laugh, he said Certainly,
and stood up in his stocking feet.
The Union officers searched the cloth
ing and saddlebags of tho suspected
men, but without finding anything to
confirm their suspicious. Indeed they
did find notes addressed to Colonel An
ton" and "Major Dunlap" These notes
bore recent date, were addressed from
Murfreesboro and were written by
women who evidently regarded them
as being nearer and dearer than mere
friends.
Il ain bappy to say, gentlemen, said
Colonel Baird when the futile search
was concluded, ''that there is nothing
found on your persons that confirms the
suspicious against you. Still, as mat
ter of precaution, it will be necessary
for me to turn you over to the provost
marshal till the morning"
"We are willing to do exactly as you
propose, Colonel Baird. Indeed we are
powerless to resist" said Anton, with
spirit. "Still, as a gentleman, must
protest, for my companion as we'll as
for myself, against this very unusual
treatment Of officers of the commanding
generals staff +"
"When you prove that you are what
you represent, said Colonel Baird,
''then proper amends will be made.
Your orders are now in my possession.
Are they the same you showed to Gen