Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1897-02-12

front of her, his brown head barred, his |
burly form nearly concealed in his light
blue overcoat, an almost pleading
look in his soft brown eyes, was Close, !
the hero of score of battles. On his
right, folded and formidable-looking |
documents extended in an unsteady
Parmelee, representing the majesty of
the law. To the left of the commander
and pace retired, buttoned to the
throat in the uniform of his rank and
grit with sash and belt, stood young
Lambert, obedient to orders. Behind
them, and almost at the top of the steps,
armed and equipped, q sergeant and two
soldiers of the guard. Back, farther
down the steps, still others were
grouped, the fixed bayonets cleaning
in the light of the two lamps, one held
by the amazed woman at the threshold,
the other swinging from the gloved
hand of the sergeant of the guard.
what you say, sir, is absurd-impos-
sible. AT no time, under no circum-
stances" Mrs. Walton WINS saying,
could the gentleman you name be Sc
creted in that ROOM"
Madam" replied Close, his deep
voice trembling, nobody can feel more
sorry about this than I do. I'd rather
60 through the whole war over again
than be here on such an errand to-
night, but-a soldier must obey his or
| ders. / saw him, madam, at that win
dow. These gentlemen saw
Gentlemen! Gentlemen, sir, never
would connive at such an outrage. That
is my daughters room-Miss Esther
| Walton's."
Dead silence for moment, solemn
and impressive indeed, for Close TUNED
helplessly to the supporters on his
right, unable to face such majesty of
confidence and conviction, unable TO
say the words that could sound only
like insult intensified. twas l'armelce
whose sense of duty rose superior to
exalted sentiment.
Madam he began, stepping for
ward, these papers are full warrant
for my action. know two men to be
secreted here. /, too, saw one ut THAT
window, and the law must take its
course"
"Stop!" she cried. 81 have said that
was my daughters room. One of your
party, at least, has the appearance Of
gentleman. Lieut.. Lambert, is it
possible that you-that any graduate
of West Point-can stand here and per-
nit such outrage as this? Would you
allow your sisters room to be searched
for-oh, my God! nothing we have had
~ l,a,r ,,.oc oo,,,roro1,lo fo +l,iv T rive
you my word of honor no such man is,
or has been"
But she got no further. Out from the
dark hallway, with bounding step, tall,
slender and athletic. sprang a young
fellow with the warning cry: Mother!
not another word
She strove to check him as he pushed
his impetuous way past her. With a
wall of anguish unspeakable she threw
aside her cane and seized him by the
arm. Down went the candle sputter-
ing to the floor. "Floyd-Floyd! Oh,
my boy, what have you done?" she
moaned, and bowed her gray head upon
the broad young shoulder.
And then, with just touch of the
melodramatic in his bearing, the youth
folded his arms and stood erect before
the astonished group of officials.
81 reckon, gentlemen, I'm the mar
you want"
Close looked at him in bewilderment
whether through fear or excitement
was twitching nervously, and who
stood staring blanlly at the stranger
From the hallway came creeping hur
riedly forth girlish form, misery il
the streaming eyes and disheveled hair
and Katherine Walton threw herself
upon her brothers arm, sobbing con
vulsively. flush, Kate" he whispered
in almost stern reprouch. Hush, child
Go back to your ROOM" and though
now he EMBODIED his mother in the EN-
brace of his left arm, he strove to fire,
the right. But katherine would not go
And still, though here apparently wa
the sought-for prisoner, no man stepped
forward to claim him. Officers and men
the nocturnal visitors looked blankly a
one another, at the stricken group upol
the threshold, and were silent. The
with sudden gesture, as though b
could no longer bear the STRAIN, tn:
young man broke loose from Kath
crimes clinging arms, and, gently un
clasping his mothers hands, once agar
addressed himself to Close:
II say, sub, reckon you've come
for me. I'm ready to go with you q
once"
And then, with wonder and relief il
their faces, with sudden check to sob
and tears, mother and sister lifted vi
their heads and stared at the embar
raised officer. Lambert gave vent to Al
audible gasp of delight, for Close, turn
ing slowly upon the silent and aston
" isl.ed deputy, and with world of SUI
= pressed wrath in his deep tones, growle
$ fo .:W, -, - :, . ~, ;, for +h;s oer
!. tleman. never saw him before in m
n life, and never heard of him as bein
q mixed up in any trouble. This is youn
: Mr.. Walton, isn't it?" he suddenly il
il quired of the stranger, over whose pal
- face q look of bewilderment was creel
i ing, and who for moment seemed III
!. able to reply. 1t was Nine. Walto
/. who, with quivcring, ashen lips an
J. with hope, fear, yearning, anguish
II her eyes, found voice to say:
II "This is my youngest son, sub
)" Floyd Walton.
% "You say" she continued tremulou
lie ~, "you have no warrant, no eau
IS for his arrest. Then in Gods name 6
a and leave us in peace. am not wei
r. and on my word of honor, no 9TH
!, man is hidQon-"