Morris tribune., 1905-02-11

this, and | feel stronger every minute
II it were not for the old wound
wouldn't mind this thing a bit. But
there is something you must do. There
is an armed cutter stationed up the
river at Alexandria Send some one to
notify the commander of the Virginia
naval militia there. They will pursue
and perhaps recapture the party. But
the word must be carried quickly. I
fear it will be too late as it Isl
II will go, Hilary, if you think best"
Every well, Philip. Take your best
horse and do not delay a moment
Katharine's liberty and your fathers
life, perhaps, depend upon your prompt
ness Better see Mr.. West as you go
through the townAyour fathers agent,
you know-and ask him to call upon
me tomorrow. Stop at the Hall as you
come back"
"All right, Hilary, will be in Alex
andria in four hours" said Philip, run
ming out.
Bentley, l am going to take Lieu
tenant Seymour over to my plantation.
house until can notify Colonel Will
toms agent at Alexandria to come and
take charge, or until we hear from the
colonel what is to be done? You can
come over in the morning, you know,
and hear about our protege. | am
afraid the slaves would never stay
here alone. They are so disorganized
and terrorized now over these unfor-
tunate occurrences as to be almost
useless"
''Aye, aye, sir. If Lieutenant Sey-
mour can spare me 1 will stay"
Eyes, Bentley. do. shall be in good
hands at Fairview Hail."
.'This is arranged, them" said Talbot.
'It is 9 o'clock. I think we would bet
ter start at once. l will go out and see
that the arrangements about the car
riage are made properly myself he
said, stepping through the door.
Seymour's hand had closed tightly
fall near where it lay. Bentley, he
called, what is this in my hand?"
ut is a handkerchief, Mr.. John-a
womans handkerchief, too, sir, and
covered with blood"
HAS it any marks on itT' said Sey-
mour eagerly.
Eyes, sir. Here are the letters K.
W. embroidered in this corner"
II thought So" he smiled triumphant
~. twill you put it inside my waist
coat there, over my heart? Yes" he
added, as if in answer to the old
mans anxious look, sit is true. love
her, and she has confessed that she
loves me. Oh, who will protect her
now?'
"God, sir" said Bentley solemnly,
but with strange pang Of almost
jealousy in his faithful old
heart.
"Aye. old friend, he will watch over
her. He knows best. Now help me
up"
mo, sir Beg pardon for disobeying
orders, but you are to lie STILL We will
carry you to the carriage. Nay, sir,
you must. You are too weak from loss
If blood with two wounds on you to
stand it. A few days will bring you
about all right, though, hope, sir"
"All ready, Bentley?' said Talbot, |
coming into the room. ''The negro
boys have rugged up stretcher out of |
/ shutter, and with mattress and blan-
zets in the carriage l think we can |
manage, driving carefully, to take him
,ver without any great discomfort. |
nave sent Dick on ahead to ride over |
% Dr. Craik's and bid him come to the |
Hall at once, so Mr.. Seymour will be |
veil looked after. By the way, Blodgett |
S dead. had almost forgotten him. |
He evidently met and fought those fell
ows at the landing. We found him at |
he foot of the steps by the boat land
ng with two bodies. That reminds me |
me of them was alive when we came
". l told the men to bring all three of |
he. bodies up. Here they are now.
IRE any Of them alive yet, Cesar?
''No, sub; dey's all OBJ 'em daid."
''Take the two redcoats into the din
ng room with the other one. Lay
5lodgett here in the hail. He must |
AVE been killed instantly. Well, good
y; shall be over in the morning" he
extending his hand.
''Goodby, sir" said the seaman, TAX
ng it in his own huge palm. "Take
are Of Lieutenant Seymour"
"Oh, never fear; we will"
"And may God give the men who
i'd this into our hands!" added Bent
ey, raising his arms solemnly.
"Amen," said Talbot. with equal
ravity. a
Seymour was tenderly lifted into the
arriage and attended by Talbot, who
at by his side. Followed by two
ervants, who had orders to get the
orses, which they found tied where
ley had been left, the carriage drove
f to the Hall. With what different
noughts was the mind Of the young
ian busy! Scarcely an hour had
lapsed since he galIoped Over the road
light hearted boy, flushed with hope,
lied with confidence, delighted in his
ecision, anticipating a reception, med