Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-11-01
Copyright. l9ua, BY G. W. Dillingham; Co

. w. DILLINGHAM; Co
off with one of our prisoners here, ana
you know what a trick was played by
DIR. Chilton's daughter
And now indeed did Benton's face
begin to burn, thing the captain
and the silent listeners were quick to
note.
You have your receipt for your
prisoner. presume. Then I'll not de-
tain you further, only-come this way.
We've got to question your friend Jen-
nings next" and SO saying the captain
led his visitor through a second room
where at crowded desks a score of
clerks were writing. When do you
go to the white house?" he suddenly
asked.
Il don't know. I expected to learn
here. But hoped to have time to get
refreshened up bit, and I need
new"
Nonsense! You look as though
you'd just stepped out of bandbox
in that uniform. Ask Mr.. Stone to
come here" he added, to a statuesque
soldier at the door.
The uniform may be all right, but
what need Is sash and side arms
said Benton. still weighted with the
traditions of his regular" regiment.
Never mind them! The president
never notices what a man wears or
knows what he himself has on. /
suppose he wants to hear what you saw
and heard-and something about the
Chiltons, for they seem to be in hot
water. All, Mr. Stone, what time was
Mr.. Benton to report to the white
house?"
Il was to bring him over as soon as
he arrived, sir. Is this the gentleman?"
And young man in civilian garb
bowed courteously. Then, with a
promise to return, as there were mat
tiers on which Gen. Thomas wished to
question him, Benton hurried away.
1t was not yet nine o'clock, but al
ready half a dozen carriages were
halted along the semi-circular drive in
front of the mansion, and a number
OF pallid, anxious women and grave
vlsaged men were gathered about the
beautiful, colonnaded portico. Through
the waiting group the messenger swift
~ led his charge. Mr.. Stone led Ben
ton to long window facing the river
and the heights of Arlington beyond,
LETT him there and disappeared. A
moment or two later that door opened.
and the two secretaries did not even
rise or discontinue +bo;, ,,,~,,,, "a,
bony, man, with brown, sunken cheeks
came striding in. Switching his tang
ling coat tails out of the way the
president unhinged somewhere about
the middle and dropped on the edge
of the table.
Laying his long, lean hand on Ben
tons knee, he bent earnestly toward
him. II need to know all you can tell
me about DR.. Chiffon and his family"
said he Some Of our vehement, war
to-the-hilt people are practically de-
manding the arrest Of southern fam
lily here to be dealt with in precisely the
same way certain Virginians propose
to deal with the doctor and that
spirited daughter Of his. No harm as
yet" for here the young soldiers face
had blanched and his eyes filled with
dread and anguish. mo harm. that
is Have we further news this
morning?" he turned and asked the
busy secretary at the nearest desk.
fitting the while one long leg over the
other and clasping the bony knee with
both hands. Your general gave us the
particulars Of your escape so far as
you had told him. and it is noted that
you In no way reveal the names OF
those who aided you, but aow---
What is it, Mr.. Nicholay?" for witk
solemn face, the confidential secretary.
holding an open letter in his hand,
now stood at the presidents elbow.
MT. Lincoln took the paper, knitted his
brows and began to read.
1T came from the secret service,
Mr.. President. not ten minutes ago."
said the secretary. Col. Baker, be-
lieve, is in the ante-room."
Benton felt like gripping the arms Of
his chair, for the room seemed swim
ming as the president looked quickly
up. Not SO bad" said he, "if we can
only take care of them here. They
have simply banished them-father
and daughter, both"