Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1906-08-16
CHAPTER XVI.

l VIII not weary the reader with our
further proceedings. Suffice to say we
marshaled our host and marched down to
the Piazza The news had spread by
now, and in the dimly breaking morning
light we saw the Square full of people
men, women and children. AS we march
ed in there was a cheer, not very hearty
"a cheer propitiatory, for they did not
know what we meant to do. The Colonel
made them a brief speech, promising
peace, security, liberty, plenty and all
the goods of heaven. In a few stern
words he cautioned them against "treach-
ery" and announced that any rebellion
against the Provisional government would
meet with swift punishment. Then he
posted his army in companies, to keep
watch till all was quiet. And at last he
said:
Now, Martin, come back to the Golden
House. and let's put that fellow in a safe
place"
YES" said !, and have a look for the
money" For really in the excitement it
seemed as if there was a danger of the
most important thing of all being for
gotten.
The dawn was now far advanced, and
as we left the Piazza, we could see the
Golden House at the other end of the
avenue All looked quiet, and the SEN
tries were pacing to and fro. Drawing
nearer We saw two or three of the Presi-
dents servants busted about their ordi-
nary tasks. One woman was already re-
moving Johnny Cars life-blood with a
mop and pail of water; and a carpenter
was at work repairing the front door
Standing by it was a doctors brougham.
Come to see Carr, | suppose" said 1.
Leaving our horses to the care of the
men who were with us, we entered the
house. Just inside we met the doctor him
self. He was a shrewd little fellow. nam
ed Anderson, generally popular, and, al
though a personal friend of the Presi-
dents. not openly identified with either
political party.
Il have request to make to you. sir
he said to McGregor, about Mr. Carr"
well, is he dead?" said the Colonel.
eff he is, he's got himself to thank for
it."
The doctor wisely declined to discuss
this question, and confined himself to
stating that he was not dead On the
contrary he was going on nicely
But" he went on, quiet is essential.
and l want to take him TO my house, OUT
of the racket. No doubt it is pretty
quiet here now, but
The Colonel interrupted:
Twill he give his parole not to es-
cape?'
My dear sir said the doctor. "the
man couldn't move to save his life-and
he's asleep now"
you must wake him up to move him, l
suppose said the Colonel but you
may take him. Let me know when he's
well enough to see me. Meanwhile, hold
you responsible for his good behavior"
Certainly said the doctor. 81 am
content to be responsible for Mr.. Carr
'All right; take him and get out Now
for Whittingham ~
Hadn't we better get the money first %
said l.
Il must have bit of food. I've tasted
nothing for twelve hours"
One of the servants, hearing him, said :
breakfast can be served in a moment.
sir" And he ushered us into the large
dining room, where we soon had an ex-
cellent meal. When we had got through
most of il, | broke the silence by ssking :
What are you going to do with him ?''
II should like to shoot him." said the
Colonel.
''On what charge?"
''Treachery," he replied.
THAT would hardly do, would it,"
well, then, embezzlement of public
funds
We had little talk about the Presi-
dents destiny, and l tried to persuade
the Colonel to milder measures In fact,
/ was determined TO prevent such a MUIR
der if | could without ruin to myself
We'll, We'll consider it when we've seen
him." said the Colonel. rising. We've
wasted an hour breakfasting-it' seven
o'clock"
/ followed him along the path, and we
entered the little room where we had left
the President. The sentries were still
there, each seated in an armchair. They
were not asleep, but looked a little
drowsy.
'All right?" said the Colonel.
Yes, excellency," said one of them.
He is there in bed
He went into the inner room and began
TO undo the shutters, letting in the early
sun. We passed through the half-opened
doo- and saw a peaceful figure lying in
the bed, whence proceeded a gentle snore.
Good nerve, hasn't hep said the Colo
mel.