Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-10-31

are you talking? Maj .Lounsberryi :" and with amaze and dismay in his voice the old Virginian faced his unlocked for visitor
 T do not wonder at your surprise, doctor" promptly replied the staff officer, stepping forward into the little circle of light. 1T had thought to be at Gordonsville before this. but strange things are happening, strange stories are afloat. It came to my ears while on the way that your servants had been bribed to enable Lieut.. Ben ton to escape this night I returned at once, and two of my escorts declare that two horsemen rode away from your side yard wonder barely ten minutes ago. You can hear their story. or satisfy yourself and me, If you will. that--that our prisoner is still here.a
 Still here, Maj Lounsberry, an- swered the doctor. with grave dignity, Though I warn you now that since your order was issued remanding him to Libby no longer assume responsi- bility. II know that he is still here. but-do you prefer to search in person, suh o''
 Iii an instant Rosalie was on her feet. Only g second or two she stood there. quivering with excitement, then seized him by the arm. Quick! Follow met she whispered. Out into the broad landing she rushed, and to Benton's amaze, struck a light, threw open tho lid of an old colonial desk that stood with it's back against the wall between the doors of her own and her aunt's room, pumped him down into chair, and scattered paper and envelopes iu front of him. Be writing your 1et- ters,' she whispered command. Then away she sped, closed her door behind her just as the doctors voice was again heard in the hall below.
 Two minutes later, lantern bearing. the master of the house came slowly up the stairs, followed by the clinking boots of Maj. LOunsberry. Feigning surprise at such interruption, the union officer rose deliberately from his seat and confronted the two. TAey stopped short, and for moment were speech less; them
 "As I told you, suh," said Dr. Chill ton, with bow of mock deference, to ms unWelcOme follower.
 ! "As I-should have known said Maj. Lounsberry, in prompt though unpalatab1e acceptance of the situation.
 s'The major, suh," said Dr. Chiffon, to his guest, in pardonably magnilo- quent enjoyment of the situation, "re- quired ocular demonstration that you had not taken unto yourself wings. rejoice that we didn't have to disturb you in bed. Are you satisfied now, Major Lounsberry?
 Perfectly, Dr. Clifton" Then to Benton: Since you do not care to sleep, sir, perhaps it will not incom- mode you to start at i've"
 sIt would incommode the household, !, not me" answered Benton. calmly, yet wondering what he would do if ordered searched at the moment, for both those little tell-tale notes were now crumpled together in his hand Breakfast is ordered at 5:30 butt am entirely at your service" Then placidly he turned and resumed his seat and pen. Once more the doctor ushered his visitor to the front door, tremendously bowed him out. regret ting, he said. inability to pier him the Inequalities of his roof, for every room was taken, and then, tremulous with wrath, returned to Benton.
 ''I cannot fathom this, suh,' said he. aThat man gave me to understand he would be at Gawd'nsville tonight. and here at midnight comes prowling around my place like he was layin' a trap, suh. MT. Benton, If there were any way in my power. suh, to get you out of that fella's clutches, believe I'd do it. -hyuh an now!" and the gray haired physician sank into chair.
 'sYou can best serve me, doctor, by getting to bed and resting" was Ben toms reply You need 1t, sir" And then, to the surprise of both, Rosalie's Soor opened and forth she came, candle in hand, her lustrous hair falling i'll ebony waves all down her back, her face pale but beautiful, and with quiet force she led the passive doctor from his seat to the stairway; escorted him to his room; talked with him quietly, soothingly moment, and then. bidding him affectionate good night came trip ping lightly up the stairs.
 
 now met Benton's gaze. Flushed, eag- CT, brimful of wrath and determine tion, she came straight to his side, for one moment too excited to speak, again the girl who had dared every peril the night she donned confederate uniform for the sake of-what?
 'I owe everything to your quickness of witt Benton began. T should never have thought of this. I was going tc jump into my blankets"
 And spoil everything!" said she, in deep disdain of such stupidity. He would have seen and suspected at once. You, with your boots--in bed! Listen, now. They are riding away" and as she spoke the clanking of sabres and the squashing of hoofs in the soft. muddy side street told that Louns- berry's aggressive party was really on the move. She ran to window and glanced out after them. Then, when they were surely out of earshot and the sound had died away on the night,