The Cairo bulletin., 1904-12-15
CHAPTER XXI.

had brIef talk Win our tan pTls-
oner while they were making ready.
"A word of business, your lord
ship" said as he came out, yawning
with the guard.
"Ah. we'll" said he, with shiver
II hope IL is not SO cold as the air
I'll is hopeful; it is cheering was
my answer.
And the topic?"
An exchange-for the ladies'
lie thought a moment, slapping the
dust off him with a glove. ngs
This kind of thing is hard on the
trousers" he remarked carelessly Il
will consider; think IL could be ar
rapged Meanwhile. | give you my
word OF honor, you need have no
vorry."
We were off at daybreak with our
prisoners; there were six of them in
ALL We put a fold of linen over the
eyes of each and roped them all to-
cether, so that they could sit or stand,
as might please them, in the wagon
box.
ITS barbarity.' said his lordship, as
we put on the fold. you Yankees
reye, knew how TO treat a prisoner"
It'll you learnt us. said Dri, quick
~. Gould nj never fergit tibet lesson.
Ef | he'd my way bout YOU. d haul We
up c IN Top o tibet air dead pinr over
ycnder m let We slide down.
Rather too steep, u should say
said his lordship. weariiy.
"Ye would nj need no grease" said
D'ri. with a chuckle.
We were -four days going to the har-
Dor My father and his men came
wt,h us. and he told us many tale,
that journey. of his adventures in the
old war, We kept our promise, turn
ing over the prisoners little before
shutdown of the 10th Each was given
great room and every possible COM
fort | arranged soon for the release
of all on the safe return of the ladies.
In the evening OF the 18th his lord
ship sent for me. He was a bit nerv.
Gus, and desired conference with the
general and me- De Chaumont had
been over to the headquarters that day
In urgent counsel He was weary OF
delay and planning an appeal to the
French government. Gen. Brown
was prepared TO give the matter all
furtherance in his power and Sent
quickly for the Englishman. They
brought him over al nine o'clock. We
uncovered his eyes and locked the door,
and gave him crack at the old Ma
deira." as they used to say, and made
fuht he, NJ tho
CHEEKY Preside of the general.
i've been thinking" said his lord
ship. after drink and word of cour-
tesy never saw man of better
breeding or more courage. | am free TO
say. You may not agree II is posi-
bic. but anyhow. ! have been trying TO
think. You have been decent to me.
don't believe You are such a bad lot,
after all; and while should be sorry
To have you think me tired OF your
hospitality. desire TO hasten our plans
little | propose an exchange Of
Of"
He hesitated. whipping the ashes of
bis cigar.
"WeIl--hrst of confidence" he went
on. Il will take your word if you will
take mine"
In what matter?" the general in
quired.
THAT OF the ladies' and their relief.
said he. "A little confidence will
will
Grease the wheels OF progress?' the
general suggested, smiling.
Quite so" he answered lazily. ITO
begin with. they are not 30 miles away.
if | am correct in my judgment OF this
locality"
There was a moment OF silence
MY dear sir. he went on presently
"this ground is quite familiar TO me
slept In flis very chamber long ago
But that is not here nor there. Day
after tomorrow. a little before mid
night. the ladies will be riding on the
shore pike. You could meet them and
bring them out to schooner, | sup
pose-if-"
He stopped again pulling Thought
fully.
''If we could agree he went on.
Now this you'd he my view of It:
Won let me send messenger for the
ladies. You would have 10 take them
by force somehow: but, you know, ]
could make it easy--arrange the time
and place. no house near no soldiers.
no resistance but that OF the driver.
who should not share our confidence
no danger You take them TO the
boats and bring them over; but
first"
He paused again. looking at the
smoke-rines above his head In
dreamy manner.
First my chief repeated.
We'll" said he. leaning toward him
with little gesture. ito me the word
of a gentleman is sacred. know you
are both gentlemen. 7 ask for your
word of honor
ITO what e.ac'?" the general
queried.
That you will put Us safely on Brit
ish soil within day after the ladies
have arrived" said he
1T is irregular and a matter OF soma
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