Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1912-06-26
CHAPTER xxxlv.-contlnusd.

We'll, suppose | shall be compelled
20 let you and Beelzebub go, but II will
prove a serious loss to the cause OF
the South" ! said. my thoughts in
stantly turned by mention Of the mule
to matters Of more Importance. Il ex-
pect there will be lively times up
your way"
I'VE kin fist bet thar WILL" en-
Enthusiastically. Tt'u be nip and tuck.
reckon, but I'm mighty hopeful o
Marian. Tibet dern muel he needs ter
be took down a peg"
Sergeant" said, did you send out
a party to bring in our horses and the
sabers?"
1T vos all done already; der horses
vos found und der swords"
How many men have we lost?"
der vos five kilt, Captain; dot vos
It. l vos hit NIT der ear off; Sands
is goin' to die, und maybe Elliott will
not get some better; some odders vos
hurled"
How many'men does that leave US
fit for duty?" l asked decsively, push
ing back my plate and rising from the
table.
"Dere vos twelve, Captain, NIT me-"
That will do" ! said. I'm half an
hour from now have the men ready
for the road" and turned and left the
room.
We must depart at once. More than
ever now l realized the necessity for
haste. | hoped to meet the officer COM
handing the Federal detachment who
had come to our aid, pay him the Gus
tomary marks Of respect, and get
away without again coming in contact
with Major Brennan. ! felt myself
pledged to this course OF action.
A sentry stationed in the lower hall
way informed me the officers were
messing together in the front parlor,
and at once headed that way. 1
paused, however, to visit the wounded
for a moment, spoke cheerily to my
own men, and then, opening the door
quietly, entered the room which | had
last left in possession of the guer.
rillas. With the exception of broken
windows and bullet-scarred walls lit.
tie evidence remained of that contest
which had ragged here with such fury
but a few hours previously. There
were numerous dark stains upon the
carpet, but much Of the furniture had
been restored to place, while cheer
full wood fire cracked in the open
CRATE. Before it three men were sit
ting smoking, while upon a small table
close at their elbows rested a fiat bot
tie, fanked by several glasses. A
single glance sufficed to tell me they
were Federal cavalrymen, one being
the red-faced lieutenant whom | haC
already met.
II am seeking the commander o
this detachment" | explained, al
they glanced at me in surprise at my
entrance unannounced. 81 am Cap
tain Wayne, in charge of the Confed
crate troop which was engaged in de
tense of this house."
A portly man with a strong face, anC
wearing a closely clipped gray beard
arose from a comfortable armchai
and advanced with hand extended.
81 am Captain Moorehouse, in com
mand," he answered, cordially, "ant
am very glad to meet you. viii yov
not join us? My second lieutenant
who has positive genius in that line
has unearthed a few bottles of rattle
choice whisky which we will divid
most gladly"
81 thank you,' l replied, anxious t
him D1poContlIy roc-;bI-
but l am eager to get away upon M
duty as early as may be, and hav
merely intruded upon you to explai
my purpose"
Nonsense" he insisted. "Dut
is never quite so urgent as to requir
waste of good liquor, Captain Wayne
permit me to present my officers
Leutenants Warren and Starr, Sc,
ond New Hampshire Cavalry"
The constant haunting fear OF ia
Majors possible entrance at any mt
ment rendered me extremely uneas.
and anxious to be away. Undoubtedl
this feeling exhibited itself in my mai
ner, for Captain Moorehouse sal
finally:
81 realize your natural anxiety
be of, Captain Wayne, and while "
should be very glad to keep you wit
us indefinitely, yet l trust you wi
feel perfectly free in the matter"
Il thank you greatly" | answere
rising as l spoke My duty is OF sue
a nature, and has already been (
long neglected that feel every m
ment Of unnecessary delay to be
crime. wish you a pleasant retul