The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1911-11-30
C0Nyg1:WWHC.Md NPC &C

1
he spoke. and his words helped mi
to comprehend
Captain Wayne" he said quietly. q
that the words could not be over
heard. you dc not recognize me, bu
was the officer who conducted 20,
to headquarters when you brought thu
flag in at Wilson Creek. OF course
must perform the duty given me, bu
wish you to understand that who'll,
believe your word"
He stopped. extended his hand. and
accepted 1t silently.
There must be some grave persona
reason which seals your lips?" he
questioned.
There u.s."
81 thought as much. l 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"
1t was asked as question, and
felt obliged to reply.
Il 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 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 | hunger for q
chance to have 1t out. Do you know,
Is he a 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 cannot honorably take
sides against him. He has been out
twice within the last three years to
my knowledge. and Is not devoid
either Of courage or skill. Possibly.
however, the arrival OF his wife may
make him less 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 wedding-ring. Far
too fine woman In my judgment for
such master. but then that is not SO
uncommon mistake In marriage.
Why, come to think about 1t, you must
have met her yourself Have yos
reason to suspect this is cot their
relationship"
Not In the least" FASTENED 10
answer. fearful let my thoughtless
exclamation might become the basis
for camp gAsip. Indeed was
scarcely T. the lady's presence at all
coming IN. as ! was left in charge of
tho sergeant"
Perhaps he felt that he had already
said too much. for we tramped on In
silence until we drew near large,
square white building standing direct
ly beside the road.
This is the old Culverton tavern,
known as the Mansion House." he
said. 1T is a tremendous big build
ing for this country, with as fine
ballroom in 1t as l have seen since
leaving New York We utilize 1t for
almost every military purpose, and
among others some OF the strong
rooms In the basement are found val
liable for the safekeeping OF i'm
portant prisoners"
We mounted the front steps as he
was speaking. passing through a cor
don OF guards, and in the wide hall
way | was turned tower 10 the officer
IL charge.
Goodnight. Captain" said Cator,
kindly extending his hand. You may
rest assured that shall say all can
In your favor. but 1t Is to be regretted
that Brennan has great influence Just
now at headquarters. and Sheridan is
not man to lightly overlook those
hasty words you spoke to him"
| could only thank him most warm
ly for his interest, realizing fully
from his grave manner my desperate
situation. and follow my silent con-
ductor down some narrow and steep
stairs until We stood upon the cement.
ed floor Of the basement Here a
heavy door in the stone division wall
was opened: was pushed forward
into the dense darkness within, and
the lock clicked duly behind me.
SO thick was the wall could not
even distinguish the retreating steps
OF the jailer.
Tired as | was from the intense
strain OF the past thirty-six hours,
even my anxious thoughts were insult
ficient to keep me awake. Feeling
my way cautiously along the wall. |
came at last to wide wooden bench.
and stretching my form at full length
upon 1t. pillowed my head on one
arm. and almost instantly was sound
asleep.
When ! awoke. sore from my hard
bed and stiffened by the uncom.
Portable position In which lay, 1t
was broad daylight. That the morn.
ing was. indeed. well advanced
knew from the single ray Of sunlight
which streamod IL through a grated
window high up In the wall opposite
me and fell like bar OF gold across
the rough stone floor. was alone.
Even in the dark of the previous night
had discovered the sole prctence to
furniture In the place. The room itself
proved to be a large and almost
anuar IN mart mont prohahIv DURING "a q