Waterbury Democrat., 1901-04-13

tc~fsAtS-N~Nf -SSNs VI e.4
 Pardon me. I am Lieut.. Stuyves. ant, of Gen. Vinton's staff. This is the officer of the guard, believe, and am sent to make some inquiry Df prisoner-a man named Murray" e"We have such a man." said Ray, eying the newcomer with soldierly appreciation of his general appear anee and not without envy of his inches. But he's just been locked in a cell, and it will take an order from she officer of the day to fetch him out-unless you could see him in there with other prisoners within earshot." "Not very we'll" answered Stuy- vesant, looking curiously into the dark eyes of the youngster. "Per- haps I'd better see the officer of the day at once"
 You'll find him at the club. He's 6ust gone in," said Ray, mindful of the fact that, this was the captains 2 tiIne for a cocktail, and with court eouE salute the aide-de-camp has, tened away.
 In five minutes he was back with 6 penciled scrawl from Kress to the ef- feet that Lieut.. .StuyYesant was to be permitted to interview the prison CT Murray outside the guardhouse, but sentries must be placed to pre- gent escape.
 Quickly young Ray called out the corporal and two men, warned them of the duty demanded, stationed them up and down the road and opposite the guardhouse, but just out of ear shot, ordered the prisoner brought forth, and then, leaving Stuyvesant standing at the post of No. 1, stepped a dozen yards away into the mist.
 A minute later out came the sergeant, marshalling. Murray after him, a sentry at his heels. Then in the gathering darkness the tall offi- cer and the short, thick-set soldier met face to face, and the latter re- coiled and began glancing quickly, fur lively about him.
 Just how it all happened Ray could never quite tell. The light was now feeble, the lamps were only just be- ginning to burn. There was mo- ment of low-toned talk between the two. a question twice repeated in frmer tone, then sudden, desperate spring and dash for liberty.
 Like center rush-a charging bull the prisoner came head on straight to where young Ray was standing, needless of Q yell to halt, and in less time than it takes to tell it the 1.-the little athlete of, West Points crack fooball team had sprung and tackled and downed him in his tracks.
 Biting cursing, straining, the big bully lay in the mud, overpowered now by the instant dash of the guard, while their bantam officer, rising and disgustedly contemplating the smear of wet soil all over his new overcoat, was presently aware of Stuyvesant, bending forward, extending a helping hand and exclaiming:
 By love, but that was 1 neat tacklel You must have been a joy to your What was it?"
 West Point-last years.
 "And may I askAthe nameT
 sMy name's Ray" said Sandy, with beaming smile, showing row of even, white teeth under the budding, dark mustache, and Stuyvesant felt the warm blood surging to his fore head, just as it had before that day in the generals tent.
 "I think should have known that, !" he presently stammered. "ItPwas Miss Ray who so skillfully treated those poor fellows burned out on our train. suppose you heard of it2"
 Well, yes," answered the young ster, again curiously studying the face of his tall visitor. "Then it was you she -I heard about. Wish I weren't on duty. I'd be glad to have you over at my quarters or the club"
 ''I wish so, too, and yet I'm lucky sn finding you here, since"-and here Stuyvesant turned and looked reg sentfully towards the bedraggled fig ure of Murray, new being supported back to the ceils-"since that fellow proves 80 churlish.. and anrra4eful