Waterbury evening Democrat., 1906-05-26

IAN CHAPTER I. It was an odd, weather-beaten craft \miniature ark which, on December
 Sorning in 1906, pushed it's ungainly
 by to shore and moored ct a small Island in the Ohio. From 1t dozen young men disem- parked. They were armed with rifles, but wore civilian dress which, rough :, and showing the stains of travel, was out of keeping with their jaunty air and gallant bearing There was, too, an air of suppressed excitement--almost of stealth--in their movements as, the boat safely tied, they fell into line, and, skirting the briary tangle that surround ed the beach, went up through groves and fields to garden.
 Here the company paused. Through the vista of bare trees, a-sparkle with frost, they could see the house. It was Q low, broad dwelling, its wide piazza fextending from wing to wing, like arms hospitably outstretched.a \ But the inviting porch, the smoke Ebeckoning from the chimney, were the only signs of welcome. For everywhere ! about the place were marks of recent ruin. The newcomers stood aghast to see havoc in every quarter. Shrub, lat tice and fountain had been wrecked, 1t seemed in sheer wantonness of spirit, and through the open windows they caught glimpses of the dissertation and pillage that had been wrought within doors.
 The cause Of all this vandalism was not far to seek. On every step. on every garden seat, lounged a soldier. and this mansion seemed surrounded, possessed. by noisy, brawling crowd of militia men.
 The visitors had barely time to note this. when they. too, were observed.
 Halt" was the command of sentry on guard near, and dozen or moro soldiers rushed to the rescue.
 In the midst of the alteration which 1 followed a lieutenant of the militia strode up with an air of authority. What the devil is all this row about?"
 Two or three privates, the worse for liquor. began a noisy explanation, but the superior officer stopped them.,.
 Who are you and what is your busi- ness here?" ,' The man addressed was of medium height, but so spare of flesh that he seemed tall Out of his long face, blaz- ing eyes and white. prominent teeth sIone conspicuously. He had not yet spoken. but his undaunted behavior and calm air of superiority attracted the officers attention.
 This latter repeated the question in- solently.
 "who are you and what is your busi- ness here?"
 The other advanced slowly and sur veyed him in silence. Then: [
 For the first. sir, we are American gentlemen: for the second-you are right in speaking of 1t as our business"
 Before the furious lieutenant could reply a militisman burst through the crowd. exclaiming:
 ''I know who they are. lieutenant; it's . gang O the same sort as gave us the slip last night. I'll warrant these cal c'late to jine the others" Ills superior oflcer smiled mock insly.
 "Ah, see; then have the honor, perhaps. to address the future emperor of Mexico, or the president of our southwestern republic! For such, understand, are the schemes wheh-"
 If you understand anything" the stranger interrupted, you must real ize that your first duty.is to clear the place of this rabble." i
 To this the other retorted: My first duty is to arrest you all-which do-as conspirators against the gov krnment"
 Instantly there was an uproar as the boldiers took forcible possession of the newcomers, with no show of discipline. fhe stranger who had been spokesman tAised his voice In protsas but C waa drowned in the general babel of re- nonstrance. mingled with the com mands of the oficer and the drunken shouts of his men.
 But another voice made itself heard woman's voice. High and clear 1t rose above the din. There was . vision of flying draperies. and in the midst of the crowd stood a slight girl. her face pale, her eyes wide with excitement. Stooping beneath the palisade of bay onets. she raised her hands feariessly. -Do you call this fair play. lieutenant!" There was a short silence. then the oficer spoke:
 Come away. Miss Creighton: this is no place for ladies'"
 But what is the matterf'
 These men were resisting arrest"
 By what right do you arrest then,"
 By my authority ss of1cer in charge. ve came here to bring to justice Mir. Blennerhasset and his accomplIces. fhey ned last night: these men are aere evidently to join them There is. t,crefore. as much reason for arrest ing them"
 She Interrupted with a slight sheer.
 You are quite right: there is quite ss much reason Here she looked at l the leader of the strangers Since her appesrsnce be had kept silent but nov stepped forvard-
 Have I the honor to address . friend O; Mr. Blennerh.ssety
 The slin girl. in her quaint cap and | morning frock. conrtsied 10 the csnser of thh Do<ley group of runan spl- | GieFy on1 111sy trovo1ork