Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1906-08-09
CHAPTER wv


1t is a sad necessity that compels rs
to pry into the weaknesses of our fellow
creatures, and see to turn them to our
own profit. l am not philosopher enough
to say whether this course of conduct
derives any justification from its univer-
salty, but in the region of practice have
never hesitated to place myself on a
moral level with those with whom had
to deal. I felt, therefore, very little
scruple in making use of the one weak
spot discoverable in the defence of our
redoubtable opponent, his excellency, the
President of Aureataland.
The President had no cause to susnect
trap; therefore, like a sensible man
he chose to spend the evening with the
Signorina rather than with his gallant
officers. 1t appears that at a few min
utes past eleven o'clock, when the Presi
dent was peacefully listening to the con-
versation of his fair guest (whom he had
galvanized into an affected liveliness by
alarming remarks on her apparent pre-
occupation), there fell upon his ear the
sound of loud knocking at the door.
Dinner had been served, and the Presi-
dent could not command a view of the
knocker without going out on to the We
randa, which ran all round the house.
and walking round TO the front. When
the knock was heard, the Signorina start
ed up.
Don't disturb yourself, pray" said his
excellency politely. Il gave special in
structions that l was visible to no one
this evening. But l was wondering wheth-
er it could be Johnny Carr. | want to
speak to him for a moment, and I'll just
go round outside and see if it is
As he spoke a tap was heard at the
door.
"Yes?" said the President.
''Mr. Carr is at the door and particu-
larly wants to see your excellency. An
urgent matter, he says"
Tell him III come round and speak to
him from the veranda," replied the Presi-
dent.
He turned to the window, and threw it
open to step out. Let me tell what fol
lowed in the Signorina's words.
Just then we heard a sound of num-
Der of horses galloping up. The Presi-
dent stopped, and said:
'Hullo, what's up?
Then there was shout and a yolley
of shots, and 1 heard the ColoneRs voice
cry:
Down with your arms; down, / say,
or you're dead men,
The President took out his revolver,
went back to the window, passed through
it, and without a word disappeared.
could not hear even the sound of his feet
on the veranda.
L heard one more shot-then a rush
OF men to the door, and the Colonel burst
in, with sword and revolver in his hands,
and followed by ten or a dozen men.
i ran to him, terrified, and cried
Oh, is anyone hurt?'
He took no notice, but asked hastily
Where is he?
II pointed to the veranda, and gasped !:
He went out there Then l turned
to one of the men and said again:
is anyone hurt|
"'Only Mr.. Carr he replied. The
rest of 'em were a precious sight too care
full of themselves
And is he killed?'
Don't think he's dead, miss he said
But he's hurt badly
AS 1 turned again, l saw the Presi-
dent standing quite calmly in the win
dow When the Colonel saw him, he
raised his revolver and said
Do you yield, General Nottingham?
We are twelve to one
LAS he spoke, every man covered the
President with his aim. The latter stood
facing the twelve revolvers, his own wea-
pom hanging loosely in his left hand.
Then, smiling, he said a little bitterly:
'Heroics are not in my line, McGreg-
or. suppose this is a popular rising
that is 70 say, you have bribed the men
and murdered my best friend. Well, we
mustn't use hard names he went on in
gentler tone. l give in and, throwing
down his weapon. he asked, Have you
quite killed CARR
L don't know said the Colonel, i'm
plying rlainly that he did not care, either.
. suppose it was you that shot him?'
The Colonel nodded.
The President yawned and looked at
his watch
As have no part in to-night's per-
formance,' said he, L presume 1 am at
liberty to go to bed?
Ny men must stay here, and you
must leave the door open
l have no objection said the Presi-
dent.
Two of you stay in this room. Two
Of you keep watch in the veranda. one at
this window, the other at the bedroom
window. | shall put three more sentries
outside. General Nottingham is not TO
leave this room. If you hear or see any
thing going on in there, go in and put
him under restraint. Otherwise treat him
with respect
II thank you for your civility.' said
the President, also for the compliment
implied in these precautions. Is it over
this matter of the debt that your patriot
ism has drawn you into revolt?'
. 1 see no use in discussing public af
fairs at this moment the Colonel re-
piled. And my presence is required else
where. l regret that / cannot relieve