The Minneapolis journal. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn.) 1888-1939, 1903-07-23

ure than to have discourse with that
distinguished man. He is a fighter after
my own heart, and / understand he Is
equally powerful in controversy
Search him
To this order Armstrong not only made
no objection, but assisted In It's fulf1lment.
He took off his doublet and threw 1t to
one of the men who approached him. then
held his arms outstretched that another
might, with greater ease, conduct his ex
animation. A third paid minute atten-
ton to the saddlebags, and fourth took
the saddle itself off the horse. The search
brought to light some papers that con-
veyed excellent Information regarding
steers and cows, but nothing about poll
tiles
The officer had utilized the interval in
writing a brief dispatch, which he now
handed to young horseman. ride hard
and give that to General Cromwell as soon
as you can. In case you should lose it, tell
him we have got our man, who crossed
the border this morning. Say we are bring
ing him to Corbiton Manor, as directed.
and expect to reach there before dusk.
The youth, without reply to our salute,
pocketed the paper, shook out the reins
and was off like the wind, Armstrong
watching the pair with glow of admira-
ton In his eyes. Altho unused to the life
of a camp. he was much struck by the
absence of any attempt at secrecy in the
mere was no eHOrC TO De-
wilder the prisoner, or make mystery Of
the affair. That his advent had been eX-
pected was perfectly clear. and that a
written description of his person had been
distributed along the border was equally
evident. They had been watching for him,
and now they had him. There was no
military fuss about the matter, and appar
emily very little discipline, yet instant and
unquestioned obedience, without accom-
paniment of formal Difference to authority
or the genuflexions of salute to superiors.
! But underneath it all was a hint of power
and efficiency. Armstrong realized that
he was In the clutch of an admirably con-
structed human machine that knew what
it wanted and went straight for it. No
one had spoken except the captain, yet
every man was on the alert to do what
was required of him instantly, capably and
in silence. .-st.... ~.
At a word from the captain bugle call
rang out, and it's effect was soon apparent.
An accoutred horse was led to the captain,
who sprang into his place with the ease
Of one accustomed to the feat, and from
the buildings appeared something like a
score of mounted troopers
"Get into your saddle" commanded the
captain, addressing Armstrong The lat
ter tested the buckling, which a soldier
had just finished. drew up the strap a
point, then with his foot in the stirrup
turned and asked: '.a~
Am I to consider myself prisoner
sir?" =t.
"Whatever questions you wish to put
will be answered presently by one higher
in authority than t.
Il must protest against this detention
sir
! Your protest will doubtless be consid.
| cred by the officer referred to-"
General Cromwell, I surmise?' -
"Or one delegated by him. Mount, we
have far 70 co.
Armstrong leaped into the saddle, anC
the troop set off, with the captain al the
head and himself in the midst of it. There
was no chance Of escape, even if he medi.
| tated such attempt which apparently
he did not. The direction tended south
and east, and as the sun was setting they
came to Corbiton Manor, a large country
| house, which was seemingly the head.
quarters of a considerable section of the
army encamped in the neighborhood Into
room of this mansion Armstrong was
| conducted and left under guard, and he
was pleased to see by the spread table
that there was at least no design on thu
part Of his captcrs to starve him.