The citizen. [volume] (Berea, Ky.) 1899-1958, 1905-03-16

"The bearer, Mr.. Jennings, has been
of service and asks to see two friends
prisoners-Mai. Lounsberry and Troop
er Pelham. shall be glad if oppor-
tunity can be given him.
"(Signed) A. LINCOLN"
Benton read and looked up inquir-
ingly Il, too, should like to see them
--Lounsberry, at least" said he, with
eyes that kindled and lips that set.
but not as a prisoner. l have a score
to settle with that gentleman. When
does Mr.. Jennings go?"
Cant say. The secretary said no
emphatically-not until matters were
explained. It was thought you might
settle it one way OF another before
we questioned him" And the offcer
was manifestly disappointed, and still
he persisted. you heard nothing
about him?-Dr. Chiffon never spoke
OF him while you were at Charlottes-
vile?"
Il cannot recall his ever doing So
except casually. But Judge Armistead,
not the general. was there at Gaines
Vile My belief IS that Gen. Armistead
was not near Manassas when / was
taken. Miller must have misunder-
stood"
"Wen," said the officer, finally. I'm
sorry we had to trouble you, but the
secretary thought you would know
more Of this suspected stranger. Gen.
Mcdowell trusted him, We fear. too
much. and as you are to see the presi-
dent We thought you might open his
eyes IL the fellow were playing a
double game. / dare say you know
people sometimes impose on the presi-
dent" and here the captain smiled.
whimsically, land that's why when he
could issue these things as an order.
he won't. He thinks it wiser TO let
the secretary handle matters Of the
kind Now, your general, Mr.. Benton,
is being accused of having southern
leanings because he has been protect
ing southern property there about
Fredericksburg.
Some defenseless women, left all
alone, asked for guards and got them"
answered Benton, stoutly. Il shouldn't
wonder if their lords and masters are
secesh, but we're not warning on wom-
en-, take it."
"As yet-no." was the thoughtful
reply, "and may God forbid our having
to come to IT, But, my young friend,
If you knew half what we kuow-and
we don't begin to know half that those
brainy, daring, schemine, smiling
southern women are doing oil around
us-you might think the time close at
baud when they, too, would have to be
made amenable to the laws of war
II isn't a week since one of them ran
of with one Of our prisoners here, and
you know what trick was played by
DIR. Chllton's daughter
And now indeed did Benton's face
begin to burn, thing the captain
and the silent listeners were quick to
note.
You have your receipt for your
prisoner. l presume. Then I'll not de-
tain you further. only-come this way.
We've got to question your friend Jen-
nings next" and so saying the captain
led his visitor through a second room
where ct crowded desks a score OF
clerks we're writing. when do you
90 to the white house?" he suddenly
asked.
Il don't know / expected to learn
here. But hoped to have time TO get
refreshened up a bit, and / need
new"
Nonsense, You look as though
you'd just stepped out OF a bandbox
in that uniform. Ask Mr.. Stone 10
come here" he added to a statuesque
soldier at the door
THE uniform may be all right, bu.
what. need is sash and side arms"
said Benton. still weighted with the
traditions Of his regular" regiment.
"Nsver mind them The president
never notices what a man wears or
knows what he himself has on. !
suppose he wants to hear what you saw
and heerd-and something about the
Chiltons, for they seem to be in hot
water. All. Mr. Stone. what time was
Mr.. Benton TO report to the white
house?"
Il was to bring him over as soon as
he arrived. sir. Is this the gentleman"
And a young man in civilian garb |
bowed eourteously. Then, with a |
promise TO return, as there we're mat
ters on which Gen. Thomas wished to /
question him. Benton hurried away
II was not yet nine o'clock. but al I
ready half a dozeE carriages were |
halted along the seni-circular drive in |
front OF the mansion. and a number |
Of pallid. anxious women and grave |
'isaged men were gathered about the |
colonnaded portico. Through |
Inc waiting group the messenger swift
. lei bis charso. Mr. Stone led Ben