The National tribune., 1901-02-07
Iinson's, and take peasurcs for his ar

idea of pursuing n trayefer at so late an
hour merely on conjecture. and, in short,
refused to go. But Perkins. not being de-
tered from his purpose, hastened to a
neighboring cabin, Ecusei the Sheriff of
the County, and told him his story. In a
few minutes the tive men were equipped
and mounted, and rode OF at a rapid pace
through the pine wo0tis.2
Meanwhile the mysterious travellers had
made their way to CO.. Hinson's residence.
Hinson was absent from home. His wife,
reused by the halloo. rose, peeped through
a small window, and, seeing by their hol-
sters and accouterments that they were
strange travellers, made no reply, but
quietly closed the window and returned
to bed. The strangers alighted and en-
tered the kitchen, where a cheerful fire
was still burning
Shortly after Perkins and the Sheriff
came in sight of the house. The former
remained behind in the woods, while the
Sheriff went forward to reconnoiter, agree
ing to return to Perkins as soon as he had
discovered anything Of Importance. Ac-
cording to custom. the Sheriff hailed the
house, when the lady, reassured by hear
ing well-known voice, descended to en-
tertain her midnight guest.
The Sheriff entered the kitchen, and
was at once chained, as it were, by the
eye of the stranger. Supper was soon
ready, and the party sat down to it, Per-
kins meanwhile, shiyering in the woods,
and wondering why his confederate did
not return. AS the meal progressed the
traveller with the magical eyes led the
conversation in so sprightly a manner, was
so polite and grateful to the lady, and
made himself so agreeable generally that
he not only infatuated the woman, but
caused the heart of the Sheriff to reient
He came to arrest, and remained to ad-
mire. 1t was clear case of superior
mind over an inferior. The lady, too, was
charmed with the amiable manners of her
guest. The repast ended, the captivating
stranger returned to the kitchen fire, leav-
ing his companion at the table. Now was
the Sheriff's opportunity. Whispering his
suspicious to the lady of the house he in
duced her to make the important inquiry
Have l not the honor of entertaining
Col. Burr, the gentleman who has just
walked out?" she asked the traveller, who
still sat at the table.
Confusion and embarrassment so be-
wildcred the country guide that he arose
and went to the kitchen without making
any answer. The Sheriff, after braoing
up his courage, went into the kitchen, de-
termined to make the arrest; but the agree
able, courteous conversation Of the stran-
ger completely captivated him, and after
awhile he allowed the Colonel to 90 off
to bed, while he sat before the fire lost in
wonder. The Sheriff. unwilling to eneoun-
ter the impetuosity OF Perkins, whose
iron will presented no vulnerable points
to Burr's matchless fascination, and hav-
ing resolved to take no part in arresting
so amiable gentleman, stretched himself
before the fire and slept. In the morning
the traveller breakfasted. inquired the road
20 Pensacola, thanked the lady again and
in, Fnr 4p1l ln att
rode off, the Sheriff actually accompanying
them as their guide for a short distance
before returning home. .
Perkins remained ; at his post in the
woods until his patience was exhausted.
Suspecting, at last, that the Sheriff had
fallen a prey to the Establishments of
man renowned for his seductive manners,
this indomitable of the wilderness was
only the more resolved upon making the
arrest. Riding, with furious haste, to
Mannahubba Bluff, he borrowed canoe
and a negro from a. friend. padded down
the Alabama, and arrived as day was
breaking at Fort Stoddart. Rushing into
the fort, he informed the commandant
Capt. Gaines (afterward Maj.-Gen.
Gaines) of his suspicious. Gaines entered
into Perkins's project with such spirit that
by sunrise, with file of Dragons. he and
Perkins rode out Of the fort toward the
Pensacola road. 81
About 8 o'clock in. the morning they met
the two travellers descending hill, no
more than two miles from Hinson's house.
Capt. Gaines rode forward and accosted
the suspected parsonage with
Il presume, sir, that l have the honor
Of addressing Col. Burr?"
Il am a traveller in the country" replied
the stranger, .'and do not recognize your
right to ask such a question"
Gaines, then salutiHg him, said:
Il arrest you at the instance Of the
Federal Government"
by what authority do You arrest a
traveller upon the highway, on his own
private business" demanded the stranger.
Il am an officer of the army" answered
the Captain. II hold in my hands the
of the President and Gov
arnOr directing your arrest"
You are young man." rejoined the
traveller, "and may not be aware of the re-
sponsibilities which result from arresting
Travellers"
Il am aware of the responsibilities"
said Gaines, ''but l know my duty"
The traveller broke into an animated |
and eloquent denunciation Of those procla- |
protesting his innocence, assert |
ng that the charges against him originated |
IN the malevOlence Of his enemies, and |
clearly pointing out to Gaines the liabiIi- |
lies he would incur if he should arrest |
him. But Burr had met a man whose |
ron will could not be moved by his blan- |
iishments, and Gaines, assuming severe |
aspect, replied:
MY mind is made up. You must ac-
me to Fort Stoddart where you |
shall be treated with all the respect due |
to one who has been VicePresident of |
The United States, so long as you make |
10 atteflDt to eScaDe from mo ~
The traveller for moment seemed |
stunned with astonishment then with an |
Inclination of his head Indicated his will |
ngness to go. He bade adieu to his |
guide, who returned to Wakefield. wheeled |
lis horse round, and rode By the Captains |
side toward the fort, conversing on the |
way with his usual nonchalance on ordi- |
nary topics. Arriving at the fort early |
n the evening, Col. Burr-for Col. Burr |
t was-was shown to room, where he |
lined alone, ana sat reading to a late hour |
while the tread of the sentry could be |
heard without. The brilliant star of this |
gifted but bad man had set forever, and |
lis power to do evil was almost gone; vet |
he did not despair, and even as he heard |
he tramp of his guard and realized that |
ne was prisoner he was scheming to |
hwart his enemies.
(To be continued)
-l.L- =
Grip robbed me Of my, sleep and was
nearly crazy with neuralgia and headache.
Or. Miles Pain Pills and Nervine cured |
ne. Mrs. Pearl Bush, Holland, Mich.