Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1905-01-25
The Iron
J Brigade I
a STORY OF THE ARMY r
III OF THE POTOMAC
By GEN. CHARLES KING
Author Of" Norman Holt. '"The Colonies
Daughter "'' Fort Frayne," Etc.
Copyright. lsr, oy u. W. Dliiinr ham Co.
CHAPTER XII.
QUEEN ROSALIE.

For ten minutes after reading that
Arrange missive Benton stood absorbed
Ia deep, painful thought. The alter
native presented was a trying one.
From what DR.. Chiffon had said in the
course of the evenings conference the
prospect of long Imprisonment seemed
assured. Lounsberry was a man of
Influence. even a power, at Richmond.
and he could be relied on to exert il
against Benton because-"because.
said the doctor, as he was rearranging
the bandages on Bentons arm. "he Is
no longer kindly disposed toward my
household, sub and Fred reasoned
that Rosalie could if she would. give
further and more explicit information.
Il have been fearing this for several
days, sub" said Chiffon. Several of
my patients. who are loyal Virginians
and fully in accord with the stand of
teelr state, sub. have nevertheless been
loyal In their friendship to me. They
believe in fair play. They honor a
chivalric enemy. and they know how
you protected and aided me. From
three or four sources, therefore. these
warnings came, and-and other stories
fused TO believe all until Mai. Louns-
perry practically confirmed the truth
that is-the truth of those referring
TO him, to-day. But | shall write to
Longstreet tonight. sub and to Jeb
Stuart and 70 Gen. Lee. They will
nave influence with the president. Mr..
Benton, and meanwhile" here both the
kindly voice and the gentle hand
seemed TO tremble. II would give
almost anything | own TOTO stop
your being sent 10 Libby, sub. but.
see no way see no way"
And soon thereafter, leaving Pomp to
assist his soldier patient. the doctor
had withdrawn 70 his study on the
ground floor, promising to be with him
again about FIVE
l. was just after II o'clock nv
Benton's watch as he reused himself
from the spell Of anxious thought and
looked about him. There was signifi-
canoe in Pomps Disappearance. 1t was
evident that the youngster had been
carefully coached" TO point out the
lightning rod as the best means to
leave the house unseen. unheard. That
Benton was confidently expected to
MAKE the attempt was obvious. Other
wise Pomp would have remained to
help him on with his boots and uni
form. Even 70 his watch. purse. spurs
and boots not an item OF his personal
equipment had been taken nv his can.
tors. His sword had been stricken
from his hand during the melee at tho
stone house ana his revolver was gone
but that was all a year later every
thing would have become legitimate
spoils of war
Peering from his window Benton
saw. or fanrisd he saw. the dim
light as Of lantern fitting about
the barn. Evidently they were
even then waiting for him. Evil
IDENTIFY he was expected 10 close not a
moment Yet who we're they? Surely
not his venerable host and helper for
br. Chiffon could not lend himself 10
any scheme for the escape of the
prisoner without breaking faith with
the confederate government Surely
not Jack, his wounded son. for court
martial and dism issal in disgrace would
follow even circumstantial evidence
that he had aided or suggested the
escape. Surely not Resale. She had
shown such deep adherence of the plot
10 speed his going that, even after
her impulsive outbreak early In the
evening. he could not but feel II would
be treachery 20 her and TO those she
held dear, were he now TO make the at
tempt. nc twithstandipg the fact that
transfer to Libby stared him in the
face.
Pomp's completely II wos easy TO ex-
plain. The negroes. as a rule. were
glad TO help the "Lincum soldiers "
and where they were hesitant bribe
soon settled the matter. Then Pomp's
suggestion Of the lightning rod was
still further proof that outsiders. not
Chiltons were at the bottom OF the
plan, for, did the household favor #.
they would never have sent a one
armed man swinging into space when
ths bscS stairs and the back door were