The National tribune., 1901-06-06

Colonel" and he led the way toward the
bar-room, where we found the Colonel, a
red-faced, gOod-humOred man, who greet
ed Mr.. Butler cordially.
Colonel, this is my nephew, Lieut.,
yelling" said Mr.. Butler. ''The young
scrapegrace put his little finger out of
joint or something or other, so as to get a
furlough and come and wear his old uncle
out in taking in the sights; but | propose
to get you to take my place, If you will,
and fool the young rascal. Can you show
him aroundY'
Il guess So" said the Colonel, laugh
ing as we shook hands.
Thus it happened that | was shown
around by Confederate Colonel, and be-
fore noon we had visited many of the bat
teries, and by tactful questions | had
learned very nearly the number and dis
position of the troops at Richmond and
had very clear mental picture of its de-
fenSes.
| felt like congratulating myself upon
the good fortune which had attended my
efforts, and was in excellent spirits, un-
til / happened to glance toward a squad
of soldiers and saw the face OF one i be-
lieved TO be miles away.
Standing with his face turned sideways
to me was Serg't Bowdin. There was no
mistaking that evil, sinister face. even
though / could not see it ALL | almost be-
IFdyeu HlybeiI Ut Ine unexpected SHOCK;
but forcing composure, | managed to
quickly withdraw behind the ramparts,
which hid me effectually from the man
who had sworn vengeance upon me. had
thought his threat idle then, but now it
assumed most serious aspect.
We'll, Lieutenant" said the Colonel,
at my sudden return, what's up nOw?'
II guess it's time to return to the ho-
tel" ! replied; II guess I've seen all
care for" | might have added, truthfully,
more than | cared for.
'All right, then; we will return to the
hotel" said the Colonel, calling our car
riage.
1t was lunch time when we reached the
hotel, and Immediately after Mr.. Butler
and j had to leave to catch the train
well, George, what do you think of
Richmond!" asked Mr.. Butler when we
were seated in the train.
"Oh, it's fine city and excellentIy fort
fled" replied.
''Humph, don't suppose you could tell
good fort from poor one" he said; but
| could see he was pleased at my interest
in those things.
/ felt worried about Bowdn's presence,
and not inclined to talk. but had to force
a gay exterior and keep up the conversa-
ton to avoid suspicion, and not until we
were back at the Butler mansion and had
dinner did have chance TO think.
COuIu HOI Ieel In9I bOW0lD s Ere2-
ence at Richmond bOded no good to me,
and although l thought perhaps he had
not seen me there, yet would soon learn
OF my deception. ! must go at once,
decided. My hand was now almost well,
and would not hinder me. Having
reached a decision, | at once acted upon
it, and selecting a change of clothing-a
gray suit and the mustache and wig which
had been bought to help me disguise my
self-I packed them into my small tray
| eling-ba
| had ordered Joe to saddle a horse. as
| might want 10 ride, and now determined
it should be long ride
Just at that moment there came q loud
rap at the door, and when it was opened
/ heard a voice | knew quite well inquir-
! ing: rs there man who calls himself
I yelling hereT'
| hardly heard the reply, eyes. sab.
| What | had feared had happened. Serg't
| Bowdin, thirsty for revenge, had followed
me on the next train, and it was time for
me to act.
Selling my valise darted down the
/ back stairs and out at the rear entrance,
passing there group OF negroes, who
gazed after me in astonishment
Dodging behind some shru.-ary, / sue
| ceeded in reaching the barn unobseryed.
| ''Is my horse ready, Joe?" i asked
Yes, sab: it am all ready, sah," said
the negro, who made no move to get it.
Then, for heavens sake, bring it out ?''
! cried. l could see the soldiers at the
| house. In q few minutes at the most,
they would discover my absence. Every
moment was precious, but still Joe, lost