The Washington times., 1911-06-03
CHAPTER vII-(Continued).

CHAPTER VII-(ContinueD.
~ joU misunderstood, l only
" wished to ask you, before
you LETT the building, If you
could send me privately all
the correspondence between McRae and
Baron D'Erlanger. l want to take II
home tonight and familiarize myself
with the conditions of the Confederate
loan. l want to learn If possible, why
our credit is collapsing in Europe oes-
pIte our recent glorious victory"
Yes, Yes" Memminger said rather
irritabiy. ri make note of it."
I'VE must devise some measure FOL
replenishing the funds. fear we've been
acting all along on unsound financial
principles. We can't continue indef-
initely to increase the circulating me-
dunn"
sir, on political economy, to find plan!
What has suggested itself?'
''well, I can't think of anything-un-
less we ask the ladies to contribute
their sugar pots and finger rings re-
piled the Secretary in all seriousness:
A bantering smile fiickered about the
Presidents lips.
''Is that book, then, which l see in
your hand" he abruptly asked, some
work you are reading on political econ
omy?"
"This?'' Memminger held out the tat
tered volume with pride, his eyes spark
ling, q dry, III
at once. "Ah, this is a copy of War.
burton's Divine Legation of Moses,
demonstrated on the principles OF re-
ligious Deist from the omission Of the
and punishments in the Jewish dispen-
sation! A rare book nowadays! 1t was
quite by accident 1 stumbled upon II
the other day while rummaging ar
the book stores on Main street. Most
interesting reading"
No doubt" Davis put his hand to his
face to hide frown of impatience. N
doubt. Though for my part, / fall to
comprehend how an official who carries
so onerous a responsibility at So
time can divert himself with an eX-
tinct theological controversy
When jefferson Davis was ANNOYED.
slowness which was infinitely exaspera-
ting: and Memminger drew himself UP
stiffly.
That, sir" rasped he, us my diver
sion. Military strategy seems to be
yours. 'And l leave 1t to posterity. sir,
which of our amusements has done more
harm to the State! Is there anything
further you wish Of me, sir7''
Under the tart retort the PresidenJ
flushed, for he prided himself on his
military talent, and the newspapers
hostile to the administration accused
him of meddling disastrously with his
own quick temper, and with irreproach-
able gentleness and gravity apologizcd
and spoke again of the McRae corre-
spondence.
minger, still huffed: Il have the honor,
sir, to bid you good day."
Clapping the tall hat on his head and
clutching more tightly the offending
book, the Secretary strobe out of the
room. In his perturbation he almost
overturned the doorkeeper, who at that
moment entered with a card for the
President.
on glancing at the card. Yes, l shall
be glad to receive them now"
When the Roman head and stately
form of the venerable Judge Campbell
appeared, there accompanied him a
small, erect woman in black, heavily
yelled, who paused just inside the door.
Jefferson Davis, standing beside his ia
bic, bowed in a formal manner.
Judge Campbell stepped forward few
PAGES.
AT my request, Mr.. President" said
he, you accorded Miss Della Coombs
the privilege of a private interview at
brothers detention"
Again the President bowed in silence,
not without a slight embarrassment. te
was tall and thin, but very graceful at
only. manifest in the restless movement
of his finger tips on the table.
II may add" continued Judge Camp
bell fiuently, making a ponderous ges-
that Miss Coombs springs from the
flower of Virginia chivalry. one of our
oldest and most honored families, who
have graced the bench and bar OF the
Old Dominion and the seats of learning
at her colleges. Their blood has been
shed in every war from the first Reyo-
luton to the present one. Tyler Coombs,
the young lady's father, crowned an
honored and peaceful civic career by
dying a heros death in arms at Ma
aassas, one of our early martyrs to
liberty. Her brother, after pursuing the
arts and sciences at William and Mary
College, had centered his youthful pow
ers upon the practice of the law, but
when the sacred soil Of his mother
State was polluted by invasion, he for
got all peaceful ambitions, and, desp j.
his distinguished name and gentle blood.
rushed as a common soldier into the
ranks From that hour he fearlessly
barred his breast to the invaders bull
lets, was twice wounded on the fISd.
and by conspicuous gallantry rose to
the rank of captain. Until this-1 trust
erroneous-charge was lodged against
him, no stain had ever defiled his spot
less shield"
After which kindly oratorical flourish.
Judge Campbell. we'll satisfied with him.
self stood aside and blew his nose
The daughter OF ora 9.,s G eIo5riLi
and impressively, deserves the utmost
consideration from every patriot SOUTH
ron heart" ,,.
her veil. revealed a pale face and eyes,
whose dark circles confessed t15a os SLEEP ep
less night. But she gave the FreslQent
q proud look, and courtesied before
htm only slightly.
"a distressing matter," he murmured'
drawing his brows YEARLY together
apprehensive of a scene.
Her nature was too ingenious TO con
ceal that her opening sentence had been
anxiously rehearsed beforehand.
THE military authorities" began she
in a clear voice, have arrested my
brother. Capt. Floyd Coombs, who was
acting as an aide on Gen. Robert Lee
staff, and are holding him in close con-
finement in this city"
Il regret the deplorable necessity,
answered the President His counte-
nance and tone, usually austere, soft
ened at once to quite paternal gentle
ness, so pathetically young and girlish
she looked in spite of her proud air
LET us hope your brothers restraint
will only be temporary"
"Rumors are flying all about, newspa-
ners are charging him with all sorts OF
hateful crimes. But we know nothing