The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1899-04-05
CHAPTER XIV.
A SECOND FRIEND IN NEED,

CHAPTER XIV.
SECOND FRIEND IN NEED.
Lieutenant Oakman had let his tired
horse go free, and, leaping the fence,
he ran swiftly toward the grove of trees
that inclosed the mansion Of General
Eldridge. At the moment of darting
among the shadows he glanced toward
the highway, where no saw Captain
Trenholm. surrounded by the enraged
raiders.
The fugitive felt some qualms at de-
serting the man who had given such
proof Of his chivalry, but the captain $
own words left no doubt that the ap-
parent desertion would in reality con-
tribute to the safety Of his gallant foe
and friend. But for that, Oakman
would have stood at his side to the last
extremity.
There are crises in mems lives when
the brain works with marvellous swift
ness. 1t was while Lieutenant Oakman
was running with his utmost speed for
the shelter of the house that it flashed
upon him there was way by which he
could not only increase his own prospect
Of escape, but at the same time save that
good family an infinite amount of an
noyance.
He would not enter the dwelling at
all, but pass into the woods at the rear.
The opportunity to do so was his
while Captain Trenholm was holding
his vigorous debate with the raiders in
the highway. If the captain could not
keep off the angered guerrillas, the lat
ter in their desperation were likely to
force an entrance into the dwelling, in
order to take vengeance on the man
that had shot their leader. They would
offer no violence to the captain himself
while the debate was under way, since
all were fighting under the same flag,
and the officer was therefore strictly
truthful when he declared himself to
be In no danger. But, with Oakman in
sight, neither the rage nor the threats
nor the resistance of the captain would
be sufficient to prevent the fierce troop
ers from shooting the Union officer.
"He may hold them in check for
brief time" thought Oakman, "but
they will not allow me to escape There
will be more fighting If I stay and
some of these people will bs hurt. The
right course is for me to take to the
woods''-
He was passing the farther end of
the mansion, with the intention of
reaching the forest. from which he had
taken his first survey of tho place, when
some one called to him in a guarded
undertone:
"One moment lieutenanti''
He stopped short and looked around.
"Good heavens, Miss Eldridgel What
brings you here at this timer
She paused a couple of PAGES away,
where she could be seen only indistinct-
ly in the gloom That her voice was
tremulous and that she betrayed much
excitement was no reflection ON her
bravery.
Ignoring his question, she said re-
provingly:
"The captain told you to come into
the house"
"He did, and he is brave, honorable
soldierl" replied Oakman, eager to rem
der this tribute to the gallant officer.
"But shall be safer in not obeying
him."
''Do you not believe We can hold
them at bay3"
There was something thrilling in her
reference to the defenders as tive"
eff bravery alone were sufficient, I
should be safe in the hands of you and
the captain. But this house was never
intended for fort, and, if they perse-
we're, they may burn it about our
heads.
"They would not dare do that"
Ordinarily they would not, but
shot their leader, and they are deter ,
mined to get at me. 1t will be easy to
reach the woods at the rear of your
plantation, and l am sure they cannot
find me there - /
"Your plan is good one, but there
is better
"What is that3'
'Take my pony, Jack, and ride away.
There isn't an animal in Georgia nor
in the whole SOUTH" she proudly add
ed, "that can overtake you"
where is hef'
"When Pete brought me word that
you refused to use him, told him to
return him to his hiding place in the
woods. Hunt up Pete. You know where
to find him. Let him conduct you round
to the road, and then don t spare Jack. :"
The seconds were Of measureless val
ne. In the stiffness Of the night the
angry voices were plainly audible in
the highway, Captain Trenholm above
all the others, and it must be admitted
that his profanity was impressive in its
way Evidently the arguments and pro-
tests were at crisis.
Despite all this, Lieutenant Oakman
could not help saying: |
II will accept your offer. thank
you from the bottom Of my heart and
pledge myself that, if 1t be possible, Jack
shall be returned at the earliest hour.
II shall be grateful to receive him.
but I beg you to give the matter no
thought, and not to delay your depar-
turs another moment"
She was growing nervous over his
dallying.
well, goodby, Miss Eldridge. hope
We shall meet under happier circum-
stances, but If we are never to see each
other. God bless you'll I shall never.
never, forget the noblest daughter Of
tho south"
He extended his hand. and she met IT,
In the excess Of his feelings he was
pardonable II his pressure was fervent
and was prolonged few seconds longer
than was necessary; but, Offering no
objection. neither did she respond. Her
dainty hand lay hnnn IN his. .u.-n, ,-s,-..