Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-11-07
CHAPTER TX
BY MOONLIGHT.


Those lines told story too ominous
10 be disregarded. The hand in which
they were written was labored and dis
guised. but Lieutenant Oakman knew
the writer as unerringly as did the one
who penciled the words
He held the candle that he had
brought to his apartment in frcnt OF
the slip Of paper until every syllable
was read. Then he turned the missive
over and glanced at the other side.
There was nothing more. The fsteful
message was stamped upon his brain
forever.
Setting down the candle. he twisted
mp the paper. held one end to the flame
and did not stir until the charred atoms
dropped TO the floor. Every vestige was
gone. and no harm could ever come to
the writer Of the friendly warning.
The officer sat down in his chair,
which was placed close 10 the window,
whose sash was raised. 1t was through
that window that the hand was thrust
n answer to his signal from the margin
Of the wood. What had become of that
individual who thus began stealthy
communication only to terminate IT
abruptly at sight Of the negro lad
standing near the Union officerr How
came he in that room and whittier had
he taken himself during the stay Of the
prisoners
Apparently it was not these questions
that perplsxed Oakman. His thoughts
ran in different channel.
When he babe his friends good night
below stairs. it was with the under
standing that he was TO remain in the
house until the morrow, when he would
ride away ON the horse Of Captain Tren-
holm. But hero was an unmistakable
notification that the life Of the guest
depended upon his leaving the dwelling
before sunrise.
What will not a man give in exf
change for his lifef" The officer i'm
plicitly believed the words penciled on
the paper. but there were several things
IN this business that he could not un-
derstand.
While 1t was impossible to implicate
Miss Eldridge, it was almost as difficult
to suspect Captain Trenholm, and yet to
believe the note almost forced the latter
conclusion.
When the mind enters upon the path
Of suspicion. scores Of suggestions seem
TO intensity ones distrust.
The captain lamented his inability to
provide the exchanged prisoner with an
escort, and yet, with Miss Eldridge's
animal at command. he could have &C
companied him until such escort was
secured.
Was that letter, written below stairs
with such q parade, an honest onef
Would not those who stopped the horse
man on his way read something between
the lines not legible TO the bearer !
Would not the presence Of the Union
officer in the saddle Of the Confederate's 8
horse be taken as damning proof against
himf
Was not the insistence Of the captain
that their guest should stay in the
house until morning designed to help
those that were plotting against his life
The dismal state Of the heutenant's 8
mind can be understood when il is add
cd that he not only asked himself these
questions, but was unable to answer
them satisfactorily 70 himself
Opposed to these misgivings was the
almost self evident fact that Captain
Trenholm, like all bis associates, was an
honorable officer. Il was inconceivable
that he would engage In anything like
treachery. Could II be that his intru-
sion upon the scene, a. the betrothed Of
Miss Eldridge. had, al unexpected by
Oakman, something to do with his dis
trust Of the mani
But, seated by his window, tho heu-
tenant felt that he might 60 on specu-
lating and theorixing until involved In
IN inextricable maze. A. m intelligent
being he must resolutely face the facts
and guide his course accordingly.
Self preservation demanded that be
shcuh leave that houss q night and BY
] staalth. and he determinG6 10 do 70.