The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1901-09-25
CHAPTER v.

y
heard the words spoken
at the front door in pleasant voice,
in which there was something lapguid.
My heart began vigorous humping.
Look ing out Of the window, l saw a
troop Of Confederate cavalry Mt the
gate and men darting in different
directions. l knew that the house was
being surrounded. Helen went out to
meet tho inquirer.
"Do you wish to see Mr.. Brander-
staneT she asked.
IT do"
Helen must have suspected that
was in danger. Thr'e was slight
pause, in which l fancied she was de-
uberating what to do.
"He Is In a critical condition." she
said. "He was wounded recently. Is
your business with him important"
every important"
"Show the gentleman In, if you
please, Miss Stanforth," called.
knew there was nothing to be gained
by attempting to put the man Off.
must appear unconcerned.
She led the way 10 where I was A
young man In the uniform of Confed-
some fellow, with an indolent, self in
dulgent air. and evidently n gentleman.
He was extremely deferential to
Helen, carrying his hat In his hand and
bearing himself as If 1t panied him to
thus trespass upon the household.
"Are you John Branderstane, sir?"
"At your service. And your"
"Captaip Beaumont, -th Geowgia
cavalry, sir"
"What can do for you, captain"
'I must trouble you to get up and
come with me-"
"On what authorityT"
"My own, sir. 1t has been reported
to me that a southern man working In
the Yankee interest is here, and have
come to take him."
Don't you think that an arbitrary
way to treat citizen Of Tennessee.
captain"
"Not when he has Yankee anilia-
tions."
"By what right do you accuse me Of
Yankee afflliationsT
"You were watched all the time you
were at Huntsville, sir. There was no
evidence against you, and you were al
had got away n man came forward
who claimed to have seen you in one
of the Yankee camps at Nashville"
Indeed? Did he explain his own
presence there?"
This was a home thrust. The cap
tain hesitated.
'It seems to me, captain" added,
following up my advantage, 'that you
are hasty In acting on such informa-
tion."
Helen spoke up: "My father was at
Nashville soon after the surrender.
Would you arrest him"
"The information comes pretty
straight. l reckon you'll have to come
along"
"Hls wound is liable to open," said
Helen. "and If 1t should there might be
fatal result"
She spoke with apparent Indifference,
but she could not help betraying some
interest. The officer looked up at her
with pair of soft brown eyes inquir-
ingly. / saw at once that he suspected
tender relationship between US. but
delicate matter.
Is better" he said, bowling to Helen, "if
you will give me your word-the word
Of outhern lady-that he shall not
leave your house till we call for him."
Helen cast an inquirlng look a. me to
know II she should give the pledge. l
saw that glance would enable me to
remain where l was and, If chose,
after the departure of the troop. leave
the house, with Helen to bear the re-
sponsibility Of my going.
Nonsense, manW said, rising. "Do
you suppose Pm going to permit wo-
man to stand between you and me
You are a gentleman, II yOu are taking
1t upon yourself to arrest whom you
please, and I'm enough of q gentle
man not to avail myself Of your prof
fered avenue Of escape. G must 60,
i must. Where do you tDtend to take
mo, captain?"
BY this time several rsen who had
eolhowed the officer pushed their way
INTO the room. I receivea no reply to
my question, but was oFdered to get
Up and go with them. Thes members Of
rho FAMILY, discovering that something
mad gone wrong, locked Hbout, and It
was easy to see that, thos,gh they did
not understand why / was arrested,
they were all In sympathy with me.
Mrs. Stanforth seemed greatly dis.
tressed. Mr.. Stanforth attempted to
argue my case for me, Of course to no
purpose. The negroes were all indlg
nant. While waiting foe my horse
heard Lib delivering hasself in the
back hall:
"Wha' TO dat mls'able osifer wild ho
sleeves covered all ober Wild dem gor
snakes goin t rest fine eouth'n gem.
len like dat? Dat wha' 70 call free.
domP Colored folks got no' freedom
Den dat. heah mas'r talkin bout
stutional libe'ty. Whas Dc use O. stu
tional libe'ty when de odee man got he
hand on yo' collar2"
heard no more, for I was conducted
out to the gallery. Just rs I started
down the walk Ethel appeared, with
curious eyes. and paused to take her
up and give her parting kiss. / cast
glance ut Helen. There was intense
interest In her face, but among so
many emotions I could not discover
which predominated. went with tho
soldiers down to the gate, where I
found my horse. and, mounting, a cav
alryman on each side Of me, rode away