Waterbury evening Democrat., 1904-10-26

-Al0i. 4t lllSHl Ds udIiN ttuu CulIIs, uul she knew the, garden now and would throw shawl over her head. Ferguson said, By all means.' and sure enough, right after dark, out she came again, slim and fragile looking, but we'll wrapped up, and Henry begged her not to stay out long. We saw her fitting about in the dim light of the camp fire and lanterns a moment or two. then she seemed to take to the outer edge of the enclosure. and then. by love. she disappeared totally. They hunted everywhere, and while they were hunting Capt. Carver rode up with orders for Ferguson and was told what had happened. He was com pelled to leave at once, but the search continued. Tt is a perfect mystery" said the lieutenant, removing his cap and wiping his brow.
 Then while they were talking, the sentries challenged at the bridge, and, to the amaze of Benton, who should appear but old Dr. Chiffon with his country omnibus and the strange ex- planation that he had lost the road got way south toward the lower lords and had been turned back by no less a parsonage than Gen. Auger, whom he had met at Washington several years before when the general was a cap- tain of regulars. Benton's guarantee to the guard was sufficient, and they let the doctor go on his westward way and Benton went with him, that he might give the anxious father these further particulars as they trotted along the dim, shadowy vista of the famous old thoroughfare. Benton had determined now to revisit the Henry house and make still further investi- gation
 But he never reached it. Pushing westward along the pike they noted that all was darkness about the old Robinson place on the rise to the south, and then were surprised to see lights Hitting about the stone house. close to the road on the right hand side. Then voices in excited tones were heard within. Two or three were harsh and threatening, one was uplifted in min gled plea and protest, and then, from the direction of the Sudley road, only few yards away, came shadowy forms, just visible under the starlight. "Halt!" was the instant order from Benton's lips. low, yet commanding, and his revolver seemed to leap from the holster. "Who are you?"
 Patrol Nineteenth Indiana, z was the prompt answer. s'Is that you, Lieut. Benton? Three of our fellows strayed away and the captain ordered me down here to look 'em up. They've called in the guard at the Henry house where you were this afternoon"
 Your men are herein this house, and you're just in time, I fancy for now there were sounds of scufie and violence. Benton was off his horse in second and, followed by the ser-s geant and two or three men, hurled himself at the door, which gave way before his impetuous rush, and in an other moment he had sprung through one dismantled room into another at the rear of the house, and there came upon sight that explained the whole situations demijohn-the mate to the one he had seen at Centrevill --stood on rude sideboard, with only one civilian to defend it against three sturdy lads in full marching order who had evidently just had enough s'peach" to be mad for more. One of them had grappled with the owner, the other two were watching a chance for a leap at the prize when Benton and the ser geant burst in upon them.
 Shame-stricken, caught in the act, the three marauders faced the rescu- ing party and sheepishly, foolishly, fur lively glanced about them, from the tall staff officer to the grinning com rades at his back.
 Are these your missing men, ser geant?" demanded Benton
 They are, sir"
 What do they owe you, sir?" de- manded the aide, turning to the ell derly man at the sideboard who was nursing bruised throat, yet looking Infinitely thankful.
 t'They don't owe me-'cept for few drinks of peach-T'd given them that gladly if they'd said they were dry and hadn't any money, but when 1t came to takin' the demijohn I lowed it was robbery"
 How dare you men Dreak h nere {! demanded Benton, sternly. You know the orders against plundering. Take their names, sergeant, and turn them over to the guard when you overtake the regiment"
 May I say word, sir?" asked one of the trio, stepping forward, with a shifty salute, for all three seemed so- bered by their plight.
 Say on.''
 We didn't break in, sir. The door was open, the light in the window. We were down here before eight o'clock with the sergeant, trying to find news of the young lady, and this fellow can tell about her and won't tell. It was that we came to see about He set up the peach to keep us from 3peaching, :" and the scamp had the impotence to grin over his own conceit.
 "Take those men outside" ordered Benton, implacably "and ask Dr. Chill ton to step in here a moment. I'm afraid you're hurt" he continued for