The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1911-12-05

'''I will test you. Where can I find Big Donald-Eig Donald is the name | he is known by in our army-the guer- r1lla leader who holds a Confederate 1 commission" "And if I knew, do you suppose would ever tell ycu? l know nothing of Big Donald" I could see the flush spring to her cheeks, the swift rising and falling of her bosom, but her unfiinchfng eyes were upon mine.
 "Whose house is this?''
 "You know already-it is Judge i Dunn's plantation. Failview.''
 'Are you his daughter?"
 ''No; merely a guest.''
 "Of whom does the family consist?''
 She hesitated, biting her lips.
 "Why do you ask all this? Are you gallantly contemplating an attack on 1 the houseT'
 'No,'' I said: i've are soldiers, not guerrillas. Iconfess it is curiosity more than anything else. and-because I like to talk with you.''
 "With me. indeed, You have the in science of the north. Who are you?''
 "A lieutenant on the staff of Gen. 1 eral Rosecrans.'
 What is your name?"
 "King." She drew a quick. startled breath. her hands clasping tightly 'king-how-how strange. Do you know an Ebert King of your army? A-a sergeant of artillery?' I waited as if thinking. endeayoring to determine which would be best, to 'deceive her or confess the truth out right. Something in her face forced me to the falsehood.
 "Yes. Reynolds battery. He was re ported killed in our last battle. Did you know him?"
 'tNo. not really; indeed, have nev- CT seen his face. 1 wondered if you could be the same.' her voice falter- i ing over the words.
 ''That sounds strange that you should know his name and all about him, yet never have seen his face"
 "He was not killed. only wounded. He came to our plantation ill the night endeavoring to escape into your lines. I-I aided him.
 "Then you surely don't hate all Yan- kees." l exclaimed. almost eagerly.
 "You mistake,' with dignity 'He was nothing to me- 1 assisted him un- intentially. not even knowing he was a Yankee
 eff you had known would you have betrayed him?"
 Mot merely as fugitive perhaps but as bearer of important news to our enemies I would And me?'
 She looked at me. her eyes almost angry in their gray depths. her lips pressed closely together
 "We are enemies, not friends" she returned calmly. ''Is your mission peace?"
 "So far as this house is concerned come in peace, but I come seeking the man Donald. Is he concealed in the house?"
 "Not to my knowledge"
 -'If I return with my men and search the premises
 'We could not prevent such an out. rage" she broke inS swiftly. But it will be needless to call your force The house is open. You may make the search yourself"
 Had I been older. more experienced and had tie invitation come from some other than this quick witted girl I might easily have questioned it's hon esty.
 "You mean you will act as my guide? Who are within?'
 Judge Dunn. his daughter Lucille and few house servants; no one you need fear" touch of sarcasm in the low tone.
 ~And you are?"
 @'Jeap Denslow, at your service. dropping me a courtesy
 "'Very well. Miss Denslow. If you can satisfy me that no, guerrillas are harbored here l will see that you arc left undisturbed in the future"
 We entered the house. I was i'm pressed by the air of elegant comfort displayed in furnishing and decora tion.
 We went forward to door that opened to the left of the stairs. ant the girl knocked lightly deep voice answered. and ! followed as she step ped within. l saw dmly the motion less figure Of a man directly facing us. The shoulders were broad, her culean. the head large, massive. crown ed by a shaggy mass of iron gray hair the eyes locking out from cavernou: depths. He must have observed ID! } uniform with the first glance. for h, burst out in gruff. snapping voice
 What's that Tank doing here:''
 ''Wait. judge" exclaimed my fai guide. 'It is all right: he is alone and has entered on my invitation This is Lieutenant King of Genera Rosecrans' staff"