The National tribune., 1899-03-30

81 did,"
"What star was it?"
1t was the Star Of Bethlehem"
Right, my brother" responded the
other putting out his hand in a peculiar
way, for the grip of tine Order.
Shorty, still feigniDg deep sleep, pricked uI
his ears and drank in every word He had
heard before of the greeting formula by
which Knights of the Golden Circle recog-
nized one another, and he tried, with only
partial success, to see the grip.
He saw the two men whisper together, and
tap their carpet-sacks Significantly. They
seemed to come to familiar understanding
at once, but they talked so low that Shorty
could not catch their words, except once
when the first-comer raised his voice to pene
trate the din as they crossed a bridge, and
did not lower it quickly enough after pass
ing, and Shorty heard:
They'll all be certain to be there to-
night"
And the other asked: "And the raid III be
made ter-morrer?
The first-comer replied with a nod. Al
the next bridge the same thing occurred, and
Shorty caught the words:
They've no idee Well ketch 'em clean
often their guard.'
And the others III come out?" asked
the second-comer.
Certainly" said the first, lowering hi:
voice again, but the look on his face, and
the way he pointed, indicated TO Shorty that
he was saying that other lodges scattered
through the neighborhood were only waiting
the striking of the first blow to rise In force,
and march on indianapolis, release the rebel
prisoners there, and carry havoc generally.
'' see through it ALL" Shorty communed
with himself. "Theyre goin' to the same
place that we are, and we got them carpet
bags filled with revolvers and cartridges.
Somebody's goin' to have little surprise
party, before he's day older''
The sun had now gotten so high that
Shorty could hardly pretend to sleep longer.
lie gave tremendous yawn, and sat up.
The older man regarded him atteutively, the
other sulienly
"YOu must've bin ont late last night,
stranger" said the first.
81 was." answered Shorty, giving him a
meaning look.
Did you see star ?" inquired the older
man.
81 did, answered Shorty.
"What star was it?"
''The Star of Bethlehem, answered Shorty
boldly.
YOU'RE right, my brother, said the man,
putting ont his hand for the grip. Shorty
did the same. trying to initiate what he had
seen. The car was lurcbing and the grasp
was imperfect. The man seemed only half
satisfied. Shorty saw this, and with his Gus
tomary impudence determined to put the
onus OF recognition on the other side He
drew his hand back as if disappointed, and
turned severe look upon the other man.
"Where are you FROM? )" asked the first
conner.
Shorty CURLY indicated the other side of
the Ohio by nod.
"Where are you gOin'?"
Shorty's face put cn a severe look, as if his
questioner was too inquisitive. Jest up
here to tend to some bizniss," he answered
briefly, and turned away as if to close the
conversation.
"Say, Pve got right to know something
about yOu," said the first newcomer '.I'm
Captain of this District. and have general
charge o. things here, and men passin'
through"
"All right" answered Shorty. Have
general charge. l don't know you, and |
have bizness with men who roost a good deal
higher'n you do"
He put his hands to his breast rs if assur-
ing himself of the presence of important
papers, and pulled out a little ways the
official-looking envelope which contained his
transportation and passes.
This had its effect. The "Captain :"
weakened.
Are you from the Southern army?" he
asked in n tone of respect.
Z" Before answer any O. your questions"
said Shorty authOritatiyely prove to me
who you are"
so, l kin do that quick enough" said