Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1904-12-23
The Iron
Brigade
+ A STORY OF THE Army
OF THE POTOMAC
By GEN. CHARLES KING
Author Of. Norman Holt. '@'The ColoDsas
Daaghter," "Fsrt Frayne." Etc.
RvcEN. CHARLES KING
Copsush.. lsos. By G. W. Dillingham; O.

AOSA-N-AAN-'1
A stream of yellow light had shot
suddenly forth as door in the
north wing was thrown open, and,
lantern in hand, out came the head OF
the house, angering, bareheaded.
What are you doing here at this
hour, you black rascal, and with whom
are you talking? Maj .Lounsberry!"
and with amaze and dismay in his voice
the old Virginian faced his unlocked
for visitor.
81 do not wonder at your surprise,
DOCTOR" promptly replied the staff
Sficer, stepping forward into the little
circle of light. 81 had thought to be
at Gordonsville before this, but
strange things are happening. strange
stories are af1oat. 1t 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 yonder barely ten
minutes ago. You can hear their story,
or satisfy yourself and me, if you will,
that-that our prisoner is still here"
Still here, Maj. Lounsberry," an
swered the doctor, with grave dignity.
Though 1 warn you now that since
your order was issued remanding him
to. Libby l no longer assume RESPONSE
bility, know that he is still here,
but-dos you prefer to search in person,
suh?'
In an instant Rosalie was on her feet
Only second or two she stood there.
quivering with excitement, then seized
him by the arm. "Quick! Follow me-"
she whispered. Out into the broad
landing she rushed, and to Benton's
amaze, struck light, threw open the
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 in
front OF him. BE writing your let
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. They stopped
short. and for moment were speech
less; then
GAS told you, suh," said DR.. Chill
ton, with bow of mock Difference, to
his unwelcome follower.
GAS should have known" said
Maj. Lounsberry, in prompt though
unpalatable acceptance of the situation.
"The major, suh,' said DR.. Chiffon,
to his guest, in pardonably magnilo-
quent enjoyment of the situation, ere
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.. Chiffon Then to
Benton: "Since you do not care to
sleep, sir, perhaps it will not incom-
mode you to start at five
cit 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 nov
crumpled together in his hand.
breakfast is ordered at $50, 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 offer him the
Inequalities of his roof, for every
room was taken, and then, tremulous
with wrath, returned to Benton.
81 cannot fathom this, suh,'' said he.
THAT man gave me to understand he
would be at Gawd'nsville tonight, and
here at midnight comes proving
around my place like he was layin' a
trap, sub. Mr.. 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 a chair.
You can best serve me, doctor, by
getting to bed and resting" was Ben
tons reply. You need it, SIR And
then. to the surprise of both, Rosalie's