Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1905-01-13

NOT SO BAD.
and when they, too, would have to be
made amenable to the laws OF war.
1t isn't a week since one OF them ran
off with one of our prisoners here, and
you know what trick was played by
DIR. ChiltOn's daughter"
And now indeed did Benton's face
begin to burn, a thing the captain
and the silent listeners were quick to
note.
You have your receipt for your
prisoner, I presume. Then I'll not de-
tain you further, on1y-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 at crowded desks a score of
clerks were writing. When do you
go to the white house?" he suddenly
asked.
81 don't know 1 expected to learn
here. But hoped to have time to get
refreshened up bit, and I need
new"
"Nonsensei You look as though
you'd just stepped out Of bandbox
| in that uniform. Ask Mr.. Stone to
| come here" he added, to a statuesQue
soldier at the door.
"The uniform may be all right, but
| what / need is sash and side arms"
said Benton, still weighted with the
traditions of his regular" regiment.
Never 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 heard-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?" ~
81 was to bring him over as soon as
he arrived, sir. Is this the gentleman?"
And a young man in civilian garb
bowed courteously. Then. with a
promise to return, as there were mat
tiers on which Gen. Thomas wished to
question him, Benton hurried away.
1t was not yet nine o'clock, but al
ready half dozen carriages were
halted along the semi-circular drive in
front of the mansion, and a number
of pallid, anxious women and grave
visaged men were gathered about the
beautiful, colonnaded portico. Through
the waiting group the messenger swift
~ led his charge. Mr.. Stone led Ben
ton to a long window facing the river
and the heights of Arlington beyond
left him there and disappeared.
moment or two later that door opened
and the two secretaries did not ever
rise or discontinue their work. A tall
bony, man, with brown, sunken cheek
came striding in. Switching his tang
ling coat tails out of the way, TIT
president unhinged somewhere abou
the middle and dropped on the edg
of the table.
Laying his long, lean hand on Ben
tons knee, he bent earnestly towar
him. 81 need to know all you can tel
me about DR.. Chiffon and his family,
said he. "Some of our vehement wal
/ to-the-hilt people are practically de
manding the arrest of a southern fam
, lily here to be dealt with in precisely tn
2 same way certain Virginians propos
t to deal with the doctor and ths
3 spirited daughter of his. No harm a
r YETI for here the young soldiers fac
/ had blanched and his eyes Allied wit
: dread and anguish. mo harm, ths
q is Have we further news thi
: morning?" he turned and asked th
busy secretary at the nearest desl
= fitting the while one long leg over tn
! | OLueE anu C!hSpluS Iuo July hAoo WA
both hands. "Your general gave US tn
! | particulars Of your escape so far G
: Won had told him and It Is noted ths
you In no way reveal the names c
those who aided you, but now
What is it, Mr.. Nicholay?" for wit
solemn face, the confidential secretary
holding an open letter in his hand
now stood at the presidents elbow
: Mr.. Lincoln took the paper, knitted hi
. brows land began to read.
1T came from the secret servics
) Mr.. President, not ten minutes ago,
said the secretary. Col Baker, be
neve, Is in the ante-room."
: Benton felt like gripping the arms o
, his chair. for the room seemed swim
. ming as the president looked quickl,
, up. Not so bad" said he, eff we cal
only take care Of them here. The.