Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-10-18
Copyright, 1902, by q. W. Dillingham; Co

northward edge of the plateau, he I'M
slung his field-glass to study the coun-
try outspread before him. Still think
ing of the face at that jagged hole
some sudden impulse prompted him
to quickly turn in saddle, to bring the
powerful lenses to bear on a little win
dow under the peak of the roof of the
Henry horse, and there was the face
again, furtive, frightened, he could
swear, and again, instantly it popped
out of sight.
But his heart had given leap as sud-
den as the sight. He whirled his
horse to the leftabout and rode
straight for the rear entrance to the
garden. Another moment and, dis
mounting, he raped loudly at the
door. A tall, slim man of middle age
appeared and, with grave courtesy but
without welcome in his tones, asked
the purpose of his coming.
Il am Lieut.. Benton, sir-aide-de-
camp to the general commanding the
division guarding your premises, and
have a question to ask as to the &C.
cupant of your garrett"
Instantly there came from just with
In the doorway to an inner room half
stified cry-a gasp-a rustic of skirts.
The tall man turned thither quick
glance Of warning and rebuke, then,
yisibly paler again faced his caller.
"You see the condition of my house,
sir. 1t is a mere wreck as the result
Of the cannonading it sustained-from
both sides-in the battle of last July.
We have been trying to make it habit
able, and have given succor. here to
sick neighbors or friends who had no
roofs left to cover them-only to the
sick. sir"
Benton paused, irresolute. The tall
Virginian spoke with so much dignity
and sadness The house, as he said,
seemed barely habitable. The garnet,
especially, was little better than a
ruin. The face at that peep-hole on
the eastern side and at the little win
dow away up under the gable caves
at the north might we'll have been
that of some of the household, yet,
even at the distance and at the first
glance there was something about 1t
that caused his heart that leap of sud-
den joy and that kept it bounding still.
And then-n it should be true-if what
he hoped-and feared-were really so,
what would be his duty to his general
to his country: Against all enc
mics or opposers whomsover''-the
words of his oath Of Office came ring
ing to his ears-blazing before his eyes
in letters of fire-and without further
ado he briefly said: 81 am sorry to
intrude, sir, but what 1 saw at that
window makes it necessary that 1
should see the garnet. Will you lead
the way?"
For moment the Virginian hest
tated, then, lifting his hat stepped
backward to admit his unwelcome WISH
tor. 1--WE are in your hands, sir" was
his half reproachful answer. Enter
if you will"
But then came sudden barrier to fur
ther progress. Quickly there stepped
into view and stood confronting him at
the doorway to the inner room the
tall and slender form Of young girl.
Eighteen she might have been but
not more, though anxiety and grief
had paled her pretty face. But her
great, glorious dark eyes were all
ablaze as she folded her slender arms
and looking the young officer squarely
in the face. said, This is my room,
sir, and not subject to search"
Slowly Fred Benton's gauntleted
hand went up to the visor and the
natty forage cap was uplifted. The
kindly, yet kindling eyes of blue gazed
one moment into the unf1inching, I'M
melting eyes Of deep, deep brown, then
turning deliberately the aide-de-camp
inquired:
is there another way to reach the
starr"
only by going round the house to
the other door, sir" was the Virginian's
reply; whereat Mr.. Benton, with bow
as ceremonious as though he, too,
hailed from the shores of the James,
the York or Rappahannock instead of
the busting, pragmatical northwest,
looked once more long at the lovely
oval face, now surely blushing before
him, then turned and left the room.
Three minutes later he had searched
both garnet and, the upper story and
not sign of occupant was there.
CHA DTEp VT