The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1899-04-01

} tended TO him.
l But the hoof beats increased In dis.
tinctness-- The men were approaching
at a sweeping gallop over the main
highway. If they followed the same
course with him, he must soon be over
taken. While there were no woods on
either side Of the road, he was confident
Of escaping detection by climbing the
rail fence and lying fat on the ground,
provided he adopted the stratagem be-
fore being observed by his pursuers.
Prudence demanded that he should
do this at once, but he was toe impa-
tient to throw away any time. He in
creased his pace, continually listening
and often pausing to glance to the
rear.
When the sounds indicated that the
horsemen were close to the fork of the
road, Oakman vaulted over the fence
and stood in the attitude of intense at
tentien. The ground was dry for the
season. and in the stiffness the hoofs
rang out with unusual clearness There
were several moments when he was GER
tain the party had turned to the right
and would soon pass the spot. Before
secrsting himself be meant to wait nm
til he could see the foremost horsemen.
But they did not appear, and tho re-
ceding sounds proved that they had rid
den past the fork and were galloping
up the main highway with undated
speed. ..,...
chow long will they keep at its" he
asked himself, climbing back into the
road. II don't see how they can expect
to capture me when they must know
am sure to discover their approach.
Perhaps they mean to get in front,
raise a hue and cry, and by rousing the
country head me off "
Lieutenant Oakman's danger was
real, and he knew it. He had nothing
to fear from the regular Confederate
forces, for he was in uniform and car
ried with him the proof that he was
regularly exchanged prisoner, entitled
to safe conduct through the enemys
lines. But there were lowering on the
outskirts of the Union and Confederate
armies troops Of irregular cavalry, tech
nically known as guerrillas, who dis
regarded the laws of civilized warfare
The reproach of the existence of such
men belongs in q greater or less degree
TO both sides during the war.
The belief Of Lieutenant Oakman was
that party of these free riders had
learned of his presence at the home Of
General Eldridge and had arranged to
visit the place and summarily remove"
him. He fled just in time to escape, or
perhaps to postpone fight with them.
He continued his journey like man
to whom the country was unfamiliar.
He was on the alert, and had not gone
far, when he deserted that for which he
was looking. From dwelling on the
left shone light, its few rays piercing
the trees and reaching the highway,
from which it was separated by long
lane, inclosed by tall trees whose tops
appeared almost to meet
The lieutenant hurried his pace and,
turning through the open gate, entered |
the avenue that recalled many he had |
seen in his native state and for the mo- !
ment caused touch of homesic7rness.
lie half expected to hear the baying Of
a dog, but the place, like General FL
bridge s., seemed to be unprovided with
the convenient nuisances. The house
and grounds were similar to those he
had left short time before, but of
much more modest proportions.
This dwelling, it may as well be
stated, was the residence Of two sisters,
one of whom waa a widow and the 9TH
ar unmarried, both in middle life. They
were the only occupants, with The ex-
,eption OF a number of coiored servants,
'ome of whom dwelt in small wing of
;he building and the others in their
'egular quarters.
Without hesitation, the lieutenant
topped upon the porch and was in the
lct of reaching up to sound t. b1g
,rass knocker, when the door was drawn
inward and woman, tall, slim, severe
# feature and plainly dressed, stood re-
called by the light of a candle on a table
t the side of the broad hall.
els this Mrs. Benware1" asked the
fficer, cap in hand.
ut is. And you are Lieutenant Oak.
lant''
"At your service, madam"
HYOu are eyDerted Come in