Baxter Springs news. [volume] (Baxter Springs, Kan.) 1882-1919, 1911-11-23
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goading to such an extent az to give
those in authority every excuse for the
exercise of extreme military power.
Yet Of one thing was firmly re-
solved-no thoughtless word Of mine
should ever endanger the reputation
Of Edith Brennan. Right or wrong, /
would 60 to q death Of diShonor be-
fore would speak without her author
ity. Love and pride conspired to
make this decision adamant
Come" said Cation. briefly, and l
turned and accompanied him without
thought Of resistance. At the front
door he ordered the little squad OF
waiting soldiers to fall In, and taking
me by the arm, led the way down
the gravelled path to the road. ! was
impressed by his seeming careless
Eess. but as We cleared the gateway
he spoke, and his words helped me
to comprehend.
Captain Wayne" he said quietly. 20
that the words could not be over
heard. you do not recognize me. but
l was the officer who conducted you
to headquarters when you brought the
flag in at Wilson Creek. OF course l
must perform the duty given me. but
wish you to understand that wholly
believe your word"
He stopped, extended his hand. and
accepted 1t silently.
There must be some grave personal
reason which seals your lips?" he
questioned.
There is."
81 thought as much. I CHANGED to
overhear the words, or rather . por-
ton Of them, which Brennan whis'
pered, and have no doubt II they were
explained to the General he would feel
more kindly disposed toward you"
Il was asked as q question, and I
felt obliged to reply.
II appreciate deeply your desire to
aid me, but there are circumstances
involving others which compel me for
the present to silence. Indeed my pos
sible fate does not so greatly trouble
me, only that possess a strong de-
sire to have freedom long enough to
cross swords with this major Of yours.
The quarrel between us has become
bitterly personal. and I hunger for q
chance to have It out. Do you know,
IN he n man who would fight?"
The young fellow stiffened slightly.
I'VE are serving upon the same
staff" he said more abruptly. "and
while We have never been close
friends, yet l cannot honorably take
sides against him. He has been out
twice within the last three years to
nv knowledge, and IL not devoid
either Of courage or skill Possibly,
however, the arrival Of his wife may
make him less a fire-eater."
"His wife?"
stopped so suddenly that he In
voluntarily frightened his grip upon my
arm as though suspicious Of an at
tempt to escape.
do you," ] asked, gaining some
slight control over myself, refer to
the lady who came In with his party
last evening"?
Most certainly; she was presented
to all Of US as Mrs. Brennan, she has
been assigned rooms at his quarters,
and she wears a wedding-ring. Far
too fine a woman in my judgment for
such a master, but then that is not SO
uncommon q mistake in marriage.
Why, come to think about It, you must
have met her yourself. Have you
reason to suspect this is not their
relationship"
mot In the least" l FASTENED TO
answer, fearful lest my thoughtless
exclamation might become the basis
for camp gossip. Indeed was
scarcely in the lady's presence at all
coming In, as ! was left in charge Of
the sergeant"
Perhaps he felt that he had already
said too much. for we tramped on In
silence until we drew near a large
square white building standing direct
" beside the road.
This Ii the old Gulverton tavern
known a. the M6nsion House." he
said. 1T ia & tremendous big build
ing for this country. with as fine q
ballroom in Il as have seen since
leaving New York We utilize It fol
almost eVeES military purpose, and
among others some Of the strong
rooms 10 the basement are found val
liable for the safe-keeping Of i'm
portant prisoners"
We mounted the front steps a. b.
was speaking. passing through q cor
don Of guards, and In the wide hall
way l was turned tower 20 the Officer
IL charge.
Goodnight. Captain" said Cation
kindly extending his hand. you MAJ
rest assured that shall say all car
in your favor, but It Is to be regretted
that Brennan has great influence Jus
now at headquarters. and Sheridan d
not a man to lightly overlook thos'
hasty words you spoke to him"
could only thank him most warm
lly for his interest, realizing full!
from his grave manner my desperate
situation. and follow my silent con
ductor down some narrow and steel
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