The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-11-14


ing at last. and that she needed a little
fresh air. Lieutenant Ferguson was in
command of the guard, "And you know
what eye for a pretty girl Ferguson
has" and he begged her to consider the
premises hers. and probably wanted TO
walk with her. but for twenty minutes she
tripped about the old dismantled garden.
going all around it as though interested in
what was left of the hollyhocks and sun
flowers, and, about 6. Lewis came and
called her and said supper was ready, and
she seemed reluctant to go in, but finally
yielded, telling Ferguson that if there were
no objections she would finish her walk
later. 1t might be dark and chilly, but she
knew the garden now and would throw a
shawl over her head. Ferguson said. "By
all means" and, sure enough, right after
dark out she came again, slim and fragile
looking, but, well wrapped up, and Henry
begged her not to stay out long. We saw
her fitting about In the dim light of the
camp fire and lanterns a moment or two,
then she seemed to take to the outer edge
of the Enclosure. and then, by Jove. she
disappeared totally. They hunted every
where, and while they were hunting Cap
tain Carver rode up with orders for Fergu-
son, and was told what had happened. He
was compelled to leave at once, but the
search continued. 1T is a perfect mys-
terry" said the lieutenant, removing his
cap and wiping his brow.
Then while they were talking the sentries
challenged at the bridge. and, to the amaze
of Benton. who should appear but old DR..
Chiffon. with his country omnibus and the
strange explanation that he had lost the
road-got way south toward the lower
fords, and had been turned back by no less
parsonage than General Augur. whom he
had met at Washington several years be-
fore, when the general was a captain of
regulars. Benton's guarantee to the guard
was sufficient. and they let the doctor go
on his westward way, and Benton went
with him, that he might give the anxious
father these further particulars as they
trotted along the dim, shadowy vista of the
famous old thoroughfare. At Young's
branch crossing. not a mile beyond stone
bridge, they had met Mays battalion, and
after five minutes talk with the officers
again pushed on, while the Hoosiers
tramped for Centerville. Benton had de-
termined now to revisit the Henry house
and make still further investigation.
But he never reached it. Pushing west
ward along the pike, they noted that all
was darkness about the old Robinson place
on the rise to the south, and then were
surprised to lights fitting about the
stone house, close to the road on the right
hand side. Then voices in excited tones
were heard within. Two or three were
harsh and threatening, one was uplfted i'm
mingled plea and protest and then, from
the direction of the Sudley road, only a
| few yards away, came shadowy forms
| just visible under the starlight. "HaltI'
was the instant order from Bentons lips
| low, yet commanding, and his revolver
seemed to leap from the holster. who
are you?'
''Patrol-Nineteenth Indiana" was the
! prompt answer. us that you, Lieutenant
Benton? Three of our fellows strayed
away, and the captain ordered me down
here to look 'em up. They've called in the
guard at the Henry house-where you were
this afternoon"
Your men are herein this house, and
you're just in time, fancy" for now there
were sounds of scuffie and violence Ben
| ton was off his horse in a second, and, fol-
| lowed by the sergeant and two or three
men, hurled himself at the door, which
| gave way before his impetuous rush. and In
another moment he had sprung through
one dismantled room into another at the
rear of the house. and there came upon a
| sight that explained the whole situation-a
| Cemijohn-the mate to the one he had seen
at Centervile-stood on a rude sideboard.
with only one civilian to defend 1t against
three sturdy lads in full marching order
| bod
peach" to be mad for more One of them
| had grappled with the owner the other
two were watching a chance for leap at
the prize when Benton and the sergeant
burst in upon them.
| Shame-stricken caught in the act the
three marauders faced the rescuing party.
and sheepishly. foolishly, furtively glanced
about them, from the tall staff officer to
| the grinning comrades at his back.
Are these your missing men. sergeant?"
! demanded Benton.
''They are, sir"
What do they owe you. sir?" demanded
the aid turning to the elderly man at the
sideboard. who was nursing a bruised
throat yet looking infinitely thankful.
They don't owe me-'cept for a few
drinks of peach-Pd a-given them that
gladly if they'd said they were dry and
hadn't any money, but when it came 70
takin' the demijohn L lowed it was rob
berry,
How dare you men break in here?" de-
| manded Benton, sternly. "You know the
orders against plundering Take their
names. sergeant, and turn them over to
the guard when you overtake the regiment
Major Mays battalion is only mile or so
ahead of you"
May / say a word. sir?" asked one of
the trio, stepping forward with a shifty
| salute, for all three seemed sobered by
their plight.
Say on"
I'VE didn't break in, sir. The door was
| open. the light in the window We were
down here before o'clock with the SER
geant trying to find news of the young
| lady. and this fellow can tell about her and
won't tell II was that We came TO see
about He set up the peach to keep us
| from 'peaching'" and the scamp had the
| impudence to grin over his own conceit.
Take those men outside ordered Ben
ton. implacably, land ask DR.. Chiffon to
| step in here for a moment. I'm afraid
you're hurt he continued. for the man
| had turned pale and was leaning against
the sideboard for support. At sound of the
name Chiffon he started and glared.
tla nt