The Cairo bulletin., 1904-12-03

'Cipherin leetle over thet air
said he, as he made a long scratch OF
the floor with his flint. Then he rubbe,
his chin. looking down al il. Hahn
lest eggkacly med up my mind VT,
he added.
We blew out the light and lay back
whispering Then presently we heaft
the coming OF footsteps Two mel
came TO the door with candle, on,
being the guard we knew.
Come, young fellow" said the lat
ter, as he unlocked the door and beck
oned to me; they want you upstairs.
We both GOT TO our feet.
Not you" he growlsd. waving DR.
back. Not ready fer sou yet"
He laid hold Of my elbow am
| snapped shaclle on my wrist. Their
they led me ont, closing the door with
a bang thai echoed in the far reaches
of the dark alley. and tied thick cloth
over my eyes.
/ Good luck" D'ri cried out as they
took nae away.
For both" I answered as eheerfully
I as | could
/ They led me through winding pas
4 sages and IRON doors, with that horri-
bic clank Of The prison latch, and up
flights of stone till felt as lost as one
might who falls whiring in the air
from great height. We soon came
out upon a walk of gravel, where |
| could feel the sweet air blowing into
my face. A few minutes more and we
halted. where the guard. who had hold
Of my elbow, rang bell. As the door
swung open they led me in upon a
soft carpet Through the cloth could
see a light.
Bring him in. bring him in" a
voice commanded impatiently--a deep,
heavy voice the sound of which have
not YET forgotten The guard was
afraid OF il. His hand trembled as he
led me on
Take off the blindfold," said that
voice again.
As 1t fell away, | found myself in
large and beautiful room. My eyes
were dazzed by the light of many
candies and for a little had to close
them. ! stood before two men. One
sat facing me at black table of carved
oak-a man of middle age. in the uni
form of British general. Stout and
handsome. with brown eyes. dark hair
and mustache now half white, and
nose aquiline by the least turn, he inn
pressed me as nave few men that
ever crossed my path. A young man
sat lounging easily in big chair be-
side him, his legs crossed, his delicate
fingers teasing thin mustache. | no
ticed that his hands were slim and
hairy. He glanced up at me as soon
as | could bear the light. Then he
sat looking idly at the carpet
The silence of the room was broken
only by the scratch of a quill in the
hand of the general | glanced about
me. On the wal was large painting
that held my eye. saw presently
1t was that of the officer ! had fought
in the woods. the one who fell before
me. turned my head; the young man
was looking no at me. fine set
OF teeth showed between them.
DO you know him?" he asked cool
Iy.
Il have not the honor" vas my re-
ply.
What is your name?" the general
demanded in the deep tone had
heard before.
Pardon me-" said the young man,
quietly. as if he were now weary OF
The matter. Il do not think it. neces- (
sary."
There was a bit of silence. The
general looked thoughtfully at the
Young man.
IF your lordship will let mo" he 4
went on.
MY dear Sir" the other interrupted, 1
m the same weary and lethargic man.
ler Il can get more reliable knowledge /
rom other sources. Let the fellow 20 I
back"
THAT viii do" said the general 10
he gaurd, who then covered my eyes
Ind led me back TO prison.
Lying there in the dark. told D'ri
III knew of my mysterious journey
Wy account of the young man reused
lin to the soul
"Wha' kind NV nose he'd he?" ne
inquired.
Roman" | said.
Bent in al the pint a leetle?"
Eyes"
And black hair shingled short?"
Yes"
AN tall. an a kind NV a nasty.
mis- able-loOkin cuss?"
Jus. about the look Of him."I said
Judas PRIEST He s one o. them
neks ct TUX me when you was fightin
other feller over there n the woods"
Looks rather bad for US l re-
marked.
Does hev a ruther squeaky LUX tew
t. said he. "All we got t dew is q
,eep breathin' jest as natral n easy
$ we can be till we fergit how. May
DOL EN- fust they know"
I had a high notion, those days, OF
he duty of a soldier. My father had
lways told me there was no greater
Tory Cor anybody than that Of a brave
eath. Somehow the feeling got 10 be
art of me While had little fear OF
cath, | dreaded to he shot like a