The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-11-19

need Iotch naWth1n, MdTSe Denton. VIC VIC
got everythin' hyuh.''
And then he heard the doctor closing his
study door and tramping across the lower
hall to take a goodnight look at his boy.
after which he would doubtless retire to mis-
own room adjoining the study and well
away from the garden side of the house.
1t was high time-it was good time-to be
moving, still Benton hung irresolute, per-
suading himself that his longing for one
look at that lovely face, for five words from
those exquisite lips, was really reluctance
to take step that might compromise this
generous and hosptable household-even
while in his hand he still held the words
that bade him go.
Then came sudden scurry without for
midway to the barn a soft, low whistle
sounded. and almost instantly Benton heard
the sound of hoofs again. They were hur-
riedly leading horse-or two horses
away. lantern swung impatiently at the
corner Of the barn. Somebody was surely
signaling. Something prompted him by
way of answer to blow out his candle, TO
thrust the notes-both scraps of paper
| into convenient pocket. then to kneel by
the window and watch and listen.
Almost instantly the lantern disappeared.
| and there were five minutes of silence
| Then, as he knelt and watched and waited
I and all was still without and his darby
aid-de-camps made no further hail, sudden
| ly he heard the creak behind him of door
cautiously opening, and. looking over his
shoulder in the dim ghostly light sitting
through the balustrade from the floor be-
low, he was able 10 discern tall, slender
| form coming noiselessly, cautiously.
straight to his now wide-open door. Ro-
sale beyond doubt, and she believed him
gonei
Go then he must! Athlete that he had
been, ever since boyhood. it was no trick
at all TO swing, even one-handed, on so
thick a rod. His heavy gauntlet was al
ready on. and just as he reached forth to
| grasp the iron his practiced ear caught the
stealthy tread of spurred boots on the path
below-coming from the back gate-the way
| to the barn. Another moment, and dis
| tinctiy, in a sudden lull OF the breeze. he
| heard low, cautious voice in half muir
muir, half whisper Words were indistin-
| guishable, but he knew the tones-Louns-
| berry beyond question. and Lounsberry
hailing in expectation of finding there an
| accomplice.
| NOT a second cOulQ ne lose now. TO go
would be to meet the death of esca ping
| prisoner-or. at best. justiiable imprison-
ment behind the bars. To stay where he
was might involve her-might, at least so
| startle as to force from her cry of alarm.
| Quick. light and 1.-the as a panther he
| sprang TO his feet and met her just outside
| the door. No time for explanation!
! "Silence!' he whispered, almost savage
| ly, 'Lounsberry is there" and then, defiant
even of her wrath, he wrapped that one
| strong arm about her. for (this, at least,
/ long after, was his one excuse) he thought
she would fall so sudden was the shock and
| start, so wildly beat the little heart once
| more fiuttering on his breast. For a mo-
| ment she was too dazed to use her strength,
| then. through her set teeth, savagely as he
had spoken. she Kissed at him, while sien-
der fingers tore at his muscular hand:
| LET me go. instantlyi'
| And when he had released her she again
| seemed like to fall, and he again essayed
to hold her. but now with clinching little
| fists she fairly beat him off. Then, SPRING
ing past him. Keeling a bit, but desperate
| and determined, flew TO the window knelt
and listened, leaving him faltering one mo-
| ment at the door. Only a moment though.
| for, casting aside all scruple, he followed
and knelt beside her. Shrinking from him,
| with her white hands pressed to her tenn
pies. amaze, Indignation. then triumph in
her face. though he could not see it, she
seemed listening absorbed. Again it was
Lounsberrys voice. and Lounsberry had
found his fellow-spy. and with amazing
confidence and fiuency was Pomp replying.
Oh, what glibness of guile
| Yeas, sub. / don toe him So He cum
down the back stayuhs an outen de back
do mos an hour ago. an TO we could
show him de way, sub. Miss Rosalie come
tag'in after him an draw'd him back into
de house againv'
Benton could feel, although only a fold
of her gown touched his knee, that the girl
beside him was fairly quivering at that
bare-faced whopper, but quivering with
wrath or delight he knew not which.
You imp Of hell! If you are lying I'll
skin you alive! Whose horses were those
in the side lot as / came up?' demanded
Lounsberry.
"'Fo Gawd, captain. 1 do know, Dey
! wasn't. ouhs--ouhs is in de balm, sub Take
de key and see TO yoseif. Hyuhs the
dochtuh now. subj
A stream of mellow light had shot sud-
| denly forth a door in the north wing
was thrown open. and. lantern In hand
| out came the head of the house, angerins
bare-headed.
What are you doing here at this hour
| you black rascal, and with whom are you
| talking? Major Lounsberry," and with
amaze and dismay in his voice the old Vir-
| ginian faced his unlooked-for visitor.
II do not wonder at your surprise. doc
tor" promptly replied the staff officer. step.
ping forward into the little circle of light
II had thought 10 be at Gordonsvile before
| this, but-strange things are happening
| strange stories are afioat. 1t came TO my
ears while OH the way that your servants
had been brit cd 10 enable Lieutenant Ben.
! ton to escape this night. 1 returned al
once, and two of my escort declare that
| two horsemen rode away from your side
| yard yonder barely ten minutes ago lou
can hear the story. or satisfy yourself and
me II you will. that-that our prisoner is
| still here"
still here, Major Lounsberry," answered
the doctor, with grave dignity. Though
| warn you now that since your order was
| issued demanding him TO Libby no longer
assume responsibility. I know that he is
! still here, but-do you prefer 10 search in
| person, subj"