Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1899-11-21

angry voices were plainly audible IN
the highway, Captain Trenholm S above
all the others. and il 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:
"I will accept your offer. thank
you from the bottom of my heart and
pledge myself that, II II be possible, Jack
shall be returned at the earliest hour. +"
~ shall be grateful to receive him,
but beg you to give the matter no
thought, and not to delay your depar-
ture another moment"
She was growing nervous over his
dallying.
"well. goodby. Miss Eldridge. hope
we shall meet under happier circum-
stances. but IL We are never to see each
other. God bless yonl I shall never.
never. forget the noblest daughter Of
the south.
He extended his hand. and she met it.
In the excess Of his feelings he was
pardonable IL 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 limp in his warm palm,
and she did not speak. He let IL gently
fall and slipped away like shadow
among the trees
Miss Eldridge stood for full minute.
listening after the sound Of his guarded
footsteps had become inaudible. II she
had any misgiving that he would re-
turn, IL quickly vanished. Then she
gave faint sigh and walked in the op-
posite direction.
That which attracted her was the
sound Of the angry voices in the high
way. Captain Trenholm was never
noted for his angelic temper. and all the
signs indicated that an explosion was
impending. Her fear lest this should oc-
cur hastened the steps Of the young wo-
man.
.'The first one that crosses that thresh-
old without invitation Is dead mani"
shouted the captain rs he resolutely
placed himself in front Of the horsemen.
revolver In hand. .'And. to be sure l
don ( make any mistake. I'll shoot him
on his attempt TO pass through the
gatel"
mo one questions your bravery, cap
tain, but your bluff won't work. We're
bound to string up the Yank who shot
Captain Dick
.'He shot him in fair fight, rs he had
. right 10 do. but
At this juncture Miss Eldridge, who
had passed down the short lane in front
of her home leading TO the highway,
was recognized as she ran forward Her
appearance hushed the turmoil for the
moment. though il was apparent that 1t
could not placate the wrath Of the raid
err.
As the horsemen saluted she said
IF you will excuse me for minute.
/ will say something privately TO the
captain"
They nodded. and the foremost gruffly
remarked that IL was all right. Then,
as the captain inclined his head. Miss
Eldridge told him what Lieutenant
Oakman had done.
Good" exclaimed the officer. "He
had more brains than both Of as to
think Of that Will he take your
horsei'
"He promised TO do 90. He has found
Pete before this, and they have gone
after the animal.
.'Will Pete let him have Jackr'
"You forget what took place earlier
this evening"
Captain Trenholm could not conceal
his e1ultation Perhaps il would have
been more prudent TO wait longer, but
the task was too hard.
Boys" he said. ''if you can find
that Union officer. you're welcome to
him. Invited him TO 60 into the house
and wait for me. but he was too smart
for that He's gone. and you re set OF
internal fools, every mother s son OF
you'll And. IL you don't believe 1t, III
fight every scoundrel, one after the
otherl"