The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-11-29

MI l judged marked the limits of
 the Denslow plantation the
 road dipped sharply over a rocky bank and descended into the narrow valley of the creek. This ap- peared to me a spot we'll fitted for an ambuscade, and came to 6 halt, lean ing against stunted tree, listening anxiously. Overhead not so much as single star was visible, and as glanced uneasily behind no gleam of light shone forth from any window of the great house. was upon the very edge of the battlefield, well within the Confederate lines.
 I must have distinguished the ap- proach of that orderly's horses hoefs fully a mile away, first the faint ring of steel on an exposed stone and then little later the dull thud of steady canter. must act quickly, merciless- ly, or there would certainly be firing, the spread of alarm.
 What followed was strain, confu- sion, struggle. I had him by the jack ct collar, dragging him to earth. and we went down together, clinching des- perately. His revolverS were in the saddle holsters. and we fought 1t out with bare hands. I recall blows struck, the fierce wrestling, smoth- cred oath. a grappling at the throat. the rolling over and over, our limbs twisted together, and then my throt. ting him until he lay prone and help less There was derringer in his in- ner jacket pocket. Wrenching 1t forth, l pressed the round muzzle against his forehead.
 Using little enough ceremony, strip ing down in return beside his prostra*e body my own fragments of uniform. As hastily donned the garments thus feloniously appropriated, my fingers chanced to touch the braided insignia of rank on the jacket collar.
 "Who are you. an orderlyT' ssNo. lieutenant of cavalry" A nasn CT IIgnr came 10 me; nau waylaid the speeding bridegroom.
 "Oh, indeed" I said, the surprise of discovery rendering me careless. ''1flen suppose you must be Calvert DunnY
 q am.''
 "Of Johnston's staff, I believe, but what regiment?'
 '"rhe Tenth Georgia. But who are you? What do you mean by this at tack? How do you happen to know my nameY'
 took ample time to consider my an- swer, buttOning the tight fitting jacket to the throat; then said coldly:
 'I hardly suppose it will do any harm for you to know, as I propose tying you up safely and leaving you here out of sight and sound. Have your pickets been withdrawn from the road leading east? p
 He remained silent until pressed the lips of the derringer against his cheek.
 "Yes, blame you; wouldn't tell, but believe you know it already. What I want to know is who you are!'
 "I am a Yankee artilleryman, who was left for dead on the field wonder I have been hiding on the Denslow plantation. waiting for night to afford me opportunity for escape beyond your lines. While secreted there overheard enough of a conversation to learn your name as we'll as your purpose. But was not in hiding here expecting to in tercept you, for Colonel Denslow be- ieved that, owing to the sudden move ment of the army, you would be unable to escape from your staff duties long enough to keep your engagement. He expected, however, the arrival of an orderly at any moment, ordering his immediate return to his regiment"
 "Do you mean to tell me that you know what our plans of operation are?"
 Gro Be Continued.)