Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1904-10-22

one "Yank," and to the foremost of
these Southrons all but corps d'elite
of Miss Chilton's choosing were de-
MED admission. AS to the Yank, no
one of their number dare let another
know how gladly would her charity
have been eXtended-even to him. OF
course, however, that was merely
through curiosity.
No. Fred Benton was chatting, rest
less and unhappy, and, even now that
Paul was gone, again suffering the
panSs of jealousy. A tall confederate
officer, a very distinguished looking
major of the staff, had called thrice in
two days, and had had long CONVERSE
ton with the little lady of the house
one, in fact, behind closed doors after
Jack had been "toted" to his room.
Fred heard the colored house of COM
mons discussing the pros and cons as
to that Indication, and in like manner
ascertained that the officer was Maj.
Lounsberry-long resident of Abe
marie and now of the staff-the in
spector's department of the confeder-
ate army, and Fred could have sworn
MS pretty jailor was in tears when
she came hurrying up from one inter-
view. Morning and evening both had
he watched for the return of the lady
Of the broad-brimmed felt, but the
rain or something had been too much
for her, and she failed to reappear
Maj Lounsberrys deep voice, how
ever was heard in the broad lower
hail three hours after his long after
noon interview eith Miss Chiffon, and
the doctor came brisllly forth from
his study to greet and welcome the dis
tinguished representative Of the war
office--the son of an old familiar
friend. There was good news from
Yorktown it seems, and small Pomp
brought it in with little pitcher of
cool buttermilk and some "cohn pone"
for Marse Benton-"De Yankees done
got licked agin down by Yorktown"
"Marse Lounsberry' had so told the
doctor, and Fred went down to Jacks
room, his arm still slung, to wish him
goodnight and learn what he knew.
Resale departed and left them to each
other, and it happened that as the
doctor was ushering his martial Wis,
itor from his study to the door full is
minutes later, and long before Benton's
usual hour for retiring, the door to
Jacks room opened and the Yankee
lieutenant came forth, looking very
tall, erect and by no means broken
down.
The doctor gave a start--an unmis-
taxable glance of warning. A crouch
ing bundle of femininity near the head
OF the stairs, out OF Lounsberry's
sight but plainly in Benton's view,
frantically signalled with both impetu-
GUS hands--with wild eyes and wide
opening mouth gasping dismay-the
1mperious order to so back at once but
obtusely Benton stood his ground and
faced, half defiantly, this new visitor,
who in turn stopped short and calmly,
even somewhat insolently, surveyed
him. The major was the first to speak.
Lieut.. Benton, l presume" said he
and looking vastly better than had
been led to--hope.' How near he there
came to saying believed"
Locking quite well, my dear ma
ior,' hastily interposed the doctor,
yet, / assure you, but the ghost Of
the fine young fellow who rescued me
that night at Centerville 1t will be
months before he can handle a sabre
again"
How about pen?" asked Louns-
berry, Significantly, his eyes burning
into Benton's gaze as though striving
to read his innermost thoughts.
Mr.. Benton has certainly managed
to write three home letters--left-
handed" answered DR.. Chiffon, speak
ing for his captive guest, yet glancing
nervous.y toward him. "rhey were
duls forwarded to Richmond to be
censored. Was 1T there you saw them,
Maj. Lounsberry?"
Il had reference to possibilities, doe
tor, though | am not acquainted with
the lieutenant's left handwriting. 1t
would be injudicious, for instance not
" say uHRfdtelul 10 those VINO nave
shielded him, We're he to answer the
letter he found at the old side gate OF
the garden, Monday EVENING""
The hot blood leaped to Benton's
face. Lounsberry had spoken with
the cool deliberation of one absolutely
sure of his ground. The doctor turned
and stood gazing at his guest as though
expecting him promptly to deny the
imputation. From the stairway came
the sound of faint rustic as though
Rosalie shrank still further away, and
Benton felt. rather than saw that her
eyes were fixed upon him in mingled
scrutiny and indignation. The silence
was painful and Benton broke it.
There was nothing new in the
note, doctor" said he, purposely ig-
noring the staff officer. 1t was to tell
me-what / already suspected and,
ssnce this gentleman's arrival, have
felt sure of-that was to be sent to
Richmond. Do not let it worry you.
] have been preparing for it, and now
T a u 10