Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1899-08-01
ATTACKED,
'.lieutenantI"

'lieutenantl"
] opened my eyes. 1t was the morn
ing after we had discovered the plans
of Burnside's works on Miss Beach's
person. A cavalryman stood beside me,
handing me something which, after
clubbing my eyes, discovered to be
folded paper. I opened it, and read,
scrawled in pencil, in the generals
handwriting:
Remain in charge of prisoner. Keep
strict guard. On no account permit her
to communicate with anyone"
'What does it mean ?" asked.
..They're all gone"
...Gone2"
'..Ies, sir, boots and saddles, long be.
fore daylight, and the whole command,
except Maj. Snaff1e's men, took the road
north"
"And left me behind in charge Of q
womanl"
got up, and went to the well-house,
where cooled my anger by sousing my
head and face In cold water. The gen.
cral had evidently gone on reconnois-
sance towards the railroad, and did
not believe he would get near 1t with
out fight. Perhaps at that very mo-
ment he was engaged with an enemy,
while loitered about country house
in charge of girl. There was some
recompense when June, the old darby
who had aided me in my search, came to
me with the information that breakfast
had been served for me by his mistress
orders In the aining-rpopl.
.sWhat mistressq"
'De ole mist'css."
"Well, now, like that. I've got her
daughter upstairs under guard, and she
returns the attention by ordering me q
hot breakfast. Go up and present my
compliments to Miss Beach and tell her
| would be happy Of her company. No,
that won't do. The guard wouldn't let
her come. will go myself"
I climbed the stairs and knocked at
the door. 1t was opened by Miss Beach,
whose color left her cheeks when she
saw me, doubtless fearing she Was TO be
led out for some new infliction." lifted
my forage-cap and invited her to go
down to breakfast. Her expression
quickly changed from terror to relief,
her face breaking into smile SO happy,
so innocent, that wondered how She
Could be engaged in what involved con-
slant deceit.
Going downstairs, we took our seats
at the table. Looking over the scant
meal--we had Jared much better by
foraging on the country, the country
faring less sumptuously because we
foraged on it made up my mind that
l would look elsewhere for dinner.
But l maintained sufficient politeness
to eat what was set before me, especial
ly as l had not been urged to quarter
myself with my hosts,
.:Are there no others to join us?"
| asked.
Mamma prefers to keep her room"
II presume the person I saw at the
window upstairs has the same prefer
ence. Would YOU mind forwarding an
| invitation?"
A slight pallor spread itself over her
face. i regretted my words, and deter
mined not to spoil our breakfast by
again touching on that which would
pain her, so turned my remarks to or
binary topics. She listened to all said,
but doubt if her mind was moment
of her critical position. My curiosity
at last got the better of my resolution.
''Tell me-" said, in q tone to invite
confidence, ''how did you dare carry
! those plans, knowing that if caughtyou
would be liable to death penalty?"
She shuddered, but made no reply.
ibid you realize what you were do.
ing2"
/ Still there was no answer. Why will
women be dumb when they have great
deal to say, and garrulous when their
words are worthless? ! got up from
the table, crammed my hands into my
| breeches-pockets,. land stalked back and
forth. Presently l stopped and faced
| her.
Haven't I treated you kindlys'
Very"
"Then confide in me. Tell me what
all this means"
What do you wish to lnow?"
"You have declared yourself to be {
union girl, yet you are captured will
information in your possession evident
ly destined for the confederates.
| you'd expect another to tell any false
hood essential under such circum
stances, but somehow you are sc
young, SO apparently guileless. Give
me chance to-"
She extended her hand and graspet
mine with look of gratitude. II thanl
| you, but you can't help me-"
There was something SO decided il
her Withholding Of confidence that
gave up the effort to gain it.
" must send you upstairs now, bu
before you go want you to forgive
me-"
For what?"
Being your jailer."
you are only doing your duty, ant
doing it as considerably as possible"
4 "And you don't detest me for it?"
ION thS contrary. I like you.n
- s.'s-'r; 49,