The Forrest City times., 1897-07-02

not before," laughed the girl By the way, the author of that song is doing some good in the ranks just now. and Washington has made him a lieutenant for bravery on the battlefield, and you don't kill prisoners, believe
 'Sir Henry Clinton might break the rule in the bard's case" was the quick rejoinder, and then Betty ran her fin- gers over the keys again and sang a love ditty which put her guest in the hest of humor.
 The ballad ended, Betty Logan ex- cused herself and left the parlor.
 Tt seems to me that she might be tanned" passed through Capt Lees mind. "rhe girl is real jewel and would make an excellent wife. So her friend Capt. James is enjoying the delicacies of prison fare. suppose tha: she doesn't know that I am, in part, re- sponsible for his change of fortunes; but alfs fair in love and war. and if do not fail Miss Betty may sing none but loyal songs in the near future. wonder if that fellow attended prompt- ly to my horse?"
 The British captain was on the eve of rising when Betty again appeared in the doorway and announced dinner
 She had made little change in her toilet and looked prettier than ever, and Capt. Lee, with an appetite sharp ened by his ride from the city, to say nothing of the wait in the parlor, rose with alacrity.
 The dining-room was tastefully trimmed with flowers and evergreen, the work of which Betty ascribed to her maid, Polly, and Polly, blushing to the tips of her fingers, as it seemed. ac- knowledged the compliments with 6 confused courtesy.
 Betty poured the tea as she chatted away and Polly was near by to see that Capt. Lee as her mistress guest wanted for nothing.
 The table was spread with the deli cacies of the season, which told Capt. Lee that the young girls larder had not suffered much. if any, through the war At last the young officer pushed aside his plate and leaned back in his chair
 Pm sorry I cannot offer you a des- sert as fine as you enjoy in u old-time homes of New York" said the girl, apol- ogetically. Truth to tell, Capt. Lee, we must put up with just what we can get in the country in war times and" "Of course, begging pardon, Miss Betty" broke in the officer. "your dessert, l am sure, will be delightful as your dinner has been, and am dis posed to praise it beforehand At this moment Miss Betty Logan waved her hand to Polly, who stood at the door leading into the kitchen. Our guest is ready for the dessert, Polly. You may bring it on." deeper crimson came to the maids cheeks as she caught the subtle mean ing of the words so artly spoken by Betty and in another moment she left the room, closing the door behind her. Behold the dessert, Capt. Leel" ex- claimed Betty, when the door opened moment afterward, and the British of- ficer staggered from the chair as his gaze fell upon three men dressed in continental uniform, each of whom GOV cred him with pistol
 "What's this. miss?" he cried '.What treachery is afoot under your roof?" ''It is simply the fortunes of war, Capt. Lee. You are prisoner subject to exchange for another prisoner of equal rank. These gentlemen consti- tute the only dessert 1 have to offer, with profuse apologies"
 At first Capt. Lee thought of resist ance. but sober second thought came to the rescue and in. a little while he was in the hands of the patriots. "Your trick will fall short of its de- sign, my little rebel" he exclaimed Capt. James shall not be exchanged for Capt. Lee. l promise you that" Betty made no reply and her late guest was hustled from the premises and escorted to the nearest American | camp where he was turned over to the commander thereof.
 Several weeks intervened when one evening a young soldier rode up to the Logan home and sprang lightly to the ground.
 He was met at the steps of the trel lised porch by young girl whose eyes sparkled above flushed cheeks.
 "They tell me that owe my exchange to you, Betty" he exclaimed. Capt. Lee was very obstreperous at first, but he gave in at last and here I am."
 "I don't know whether Capt. Lee will ever forgive me. but didn't know of n better way to celebrate the Fourth of July" was the reply. and the merry laugh that followed told how happy was the Fair Rebel of the Neutral Ground.
 T. C. HARBAUGH.