Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-17
CHAPTER XVII.
Through the Camp of the Enemy.

glance at my watch told me that it was
already within few moments of midnight.
There was, however, no diminution In the
festivities and l waited in silence until
heard the sentries calling the hour, and
then pressed my way back into the noisy
crowded ballroom. 1 was stopped twice by
well-meaning officers whom 1 had met
earlier in the evening, but breaking away
from them after the exchange of SEN
tence or two, 1 urged my course as directly
as possible toward where the specialized
brigadier yet held his post as master OF
ceremonies. ~
We had, been conversing; pleasantly for
several minutes when Mrs Brennan appear
ed Standing so as to face the stairs, l saw
her first coming down. and noted that she
wore her hat, and had light walking
cloak thrown over her shoulders. My heart
beat faster as 1 realized for the first time
that she intended to be my companion;
oh General, / exceedingly glad to
find YOU yet here" she exclaimed as she
came up, and extended neatly gioved
hand to him. II have a favor to ask which
/ am told you alone have the authority to
grant.
He bowed calamity
Il am very sure" he returned smiling1y.
that Mrs. Brennan will never request any
thing which l would not gladiy yielo.
She flashed her eyes brightly into his
face.
eral, Colonel Curran. with whom see you
are already acquainted, was to pass the
night at the majors quarters, and as he
has not yet returned the duty has naturally
deyolved upon me to see our guest salely
deposited. We are at the Mitchell House
YOU remember, which is beyond the inner
lines. and while, of course, have been fur
nished with a pass" she held up the paper
for his inspection, "and have been also in
structed as to the countersign, fear this
will scarcely sufnce Tor the SaIe passage
of the colonel"
The general laughed spontaneously evil
IDENTIFY pleased with her assumption of mill
tary knowledge.
"Celonel Curran is certainly to be con-
graduated upon having found so charming
a guide, madam, and I can assure you J.
shall most gladly do my part toward the
success of the expedition The major was
expected back before this believer"
HE left word that If he had not returned
by IL l was to wait for him no longer, as
he should go directly to his quarters. 1 find
the life of soldier to be extremely uncer-
tain"
1--WE are our country's servants, madam"
he replied proudly, and then taking out q
pad of blanks from his pocket, turned to
MAY ask your full name and rank, COL
onel?"
Patrick L. Curran. colonel. 9th Ohio
Light Artillery
He wrote 1t down rapidly, tore of the
paper and handed 1t to me.
THAT will take you safely through our
inner guard lines" he said gravely, .that
Good might, COLONEL goodnight, Mrs. Bren-
man,
She smiled her goodbye to him, and
placed q gloved hand confidingly on my
arm.
IT believe I recall the road and shall
find no difficulty In guiding you." she said,
AT least we cannot go SO very far astray."
How cool and self-possessed she ap-
marred q single action. felt my heart
throb with newborn pride of her as I
marked the marvellous self-control which
characterized every movement, for real
lied now that her risk In tho adventure
was scarcely second to my own. As VEN
tured life. she ventured honor. and doubt