The National tribune., 1900-11-08


on former occasions. Here they engaged
quarters for the night, and Webster's COM
panion had by this time formed such an at
tachment for his fellow wtraveler that cor-
municating rooms were engaged, and after
partaking of hearty repast, the two men
lighted their cigars and strolied out
through the city.
There were still many evidences of the
riotous affrays which had but lately TAX
en- place. The people were in a feverish
state of excitement, the drinking saloons
and the corridors of the hotels were filled
with crowds Of excited men, each of whom
seemed to vie with the other in giving loud
expressions Of their opinions, and OF de-
nouncipg the attempt of the Government
TO transport armed troops through the
streets of a peaceful city. Ever mindful
of the important duty devolving upon him.
Webster wisely forebore to engage in any
conversation with those whom he met, and
among the number of the most outspoken
of the Southern sympathizers were many
whom he had previously met, and to whom
he was known as an adherent of the South.
At an early hour he and his newly-found
companion returned to their hotel. and
shortly afterward retired for the night.
OTHER DIFFICULTIES ENCOUNTERED.
Arising early on the following morning.
they found the same difficulty was to be
ludl Uttu SuCCtSSluiis
overcome at the commencement of their
journey. The railroads between Baltimore
and Washington had also been torn up,
so as to render the running of the trains
an impossibility. This fact necessitated
the procuring of team that would con-
yey them to the Capital; but this time
Webster's acquaintance with the proprie-
tors of the hotel, and several of the per-
manent guests of the hotel, enabled them
without difficulty or delay to secure pair
Of horses and a road wagon, with trusty
driver, who guaranteed to carry them to
Washington for the same amount which
had been paid upon the other portion of
their journey, and at an early hour they
were upon the road to the seat Of Govern
ment.
Meantime Webster had been seriously
considering his course of action with re-
gard to his fellow passenger. That he was
an agent of the Confederacy he had al
ready admitted, and that he was the bear
er of dispatches to prominent sympathizers
with the South who were now living in
Washington, was also well known to the
detective. How, therefore, to arrange his
plans, so that these papers would be inter
cepted and the ambassador detained with
out arousing his suspicion? 1t must be ac-
complished so that no delay should result
to his own journey, as he had resolved
that his dispatches must be delivered that
day. Just before starting out an idea oc-
CURED to him, and requesting the driver
to wait few minutes, as he had forgot
ten something in his room, he re-entered
the hotel, and going to the room they had
occupied the evening before, he hurriedly
wrote a note which he folded up and
placed in his pocket. The note was as
follows:
ITO Whom 1t May Concern:
my companion is an emisSary OF the
Confederacy, carrying dispatches to South
ern sympathizers in Washington. Appre-
hend him, but do so discreetly and without
compromising me. L. W..
He then descended the stairs, and on
tering the wagon, they were driven away
towards Washington. The day was ex-
ceedingly warm, and the horses, unused to
long journeys, early began to show signs
of weakness, but they kept on without in
cident, save an occasional question from
passer-by as to their destination, and about
noon arrived at hotel known as the
''Twelve-Mile House." SO called from its
being located at that distance from Wash
ington.
Here the party halted for dinner, and
while engaged at their repast Webster no
ticed at an opposite table friend of years
ago, who wore the uniform of a Lieuten-
ant of infantry. Fortunately, however, the
officer did not appear to recognize him, and
during the progress of the dinner Webster
kept his face hidden as much as possible
from his new-found friend. AS the Lieu
tenant ceased eating and arose from the
table, Webster, who also had about COM
pleted the bill of fare, arose, and excus-
ing himself to the driver and his compan-
ion, passed out into the hallway and met
the officer face to face. Cordial greetings
were interchanged, and in a few minutes
Webster had detailed to his friend the cir
cumstances attending his meeting with the
so-caled British messenger, and his sus-
piciOns concerning them. 1t was not long
before a plan had been arranged for the
carrying out OF the project of arresting
the pseudo Englishman without occasion
ing the slightest suspicion to fall upon
Timothy Webster, and shortly afterwards
the Lieutenant mounted his horse and rode
off in the direction of Washington.
After smoking their after-dinRer cigars,
Webster and his companion again resumed
their journey. By this time they had be-
come thoroughly acquainted, and they en-
livened their drive with man. pleasing
anecdote of experience or of invention, un-
til they came in sight of Washington City.
Here a difficulty awaited them, apparently
unexpected by both travellers. A Lieuten-
ant at the head of eight men emerged from
a house by the wayside, and in a voice
of authority directed the driver to stop his
horses, after which he advanced to the
vehicle, and saluted the occupants with
tie utmost courtesy, saying:
"GeEtlemen, l am sorry to discommode
you, but have orders to intercept all per-
sons entering the city, and hold them until
they can satisfactorily account for them
selves. You will be kind enough to con-
slider yourselves under arrest and follow
me-.
Blank astonishment was depicted on the
countenances of both Webster and his COM
panion, but realizing that to parley would
be useless, the two men dismOunted and
followed the Lieutenant and his men into
the building, which proved to be mill
tary guard-housa.
Here they were separated and conduct
ed to different apartments, where they
were securely locked in, Webster's com
panion standing outside Of the door of the
room in which Webster was placed, and
after witnessing the operation which con-
fined Webster a prisoner, he was conduct
ed to the room assigned to him, and the
key was turned upon him.
In few minutes afterwards Webster
was quietly released by the Lieutenant
who had effected his arrest, and who was
none other than the friend to whom he
had given the information. In less than
half an hour thereafter my detective was
ascending the steps of the White House,
inquiring for his Excellency, the President
of the United States.
MESSAGES SAFELY DELIVERED.
Having also been provided with letter