Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1912-02-08
CHAPTER xxx.
a Union Of Yank and no,.


US some one upon the outside began
pounding upon it, while with deadly
chug a bullet crashed into the oaken
panel.
"Donnerwetter" shouted a deep
voice, wildly. Captain, am yet out
NIT der bullets"
With crash 1 flung aside the thick
iron bar which answered as lock,
and drew in the Sergeant, yet painting
heavily from his hard run.
by Chiminy, dot vas a narrow
squeak" he exclaimed, as I released
my grasp upon him and hurled the
door back into its place.
A dim light swinging suspended
from the ceiling OF the great wide hall
revealed clearly the scene within. AS
I turned beheld Brennan for the first
time, and his face remains a memory.
Standing with his back to the stair
railing, revolver grasped tightly In
either hand, his eyes burning, his
countenance flushed with anger, and
clouded by doubt, he appeared almost
like one distracted. At sight of me
he gave up all attempt to control his
raging temper.
What does all this mean?" he de-
manded hoarsely. "Who are these
men? Cation, if you have betrayed
us, by God, will shoot you dead"
There is no betrayal" returned the
lieutenant, coolly. "These men are
friends"
"Friends?" he laughed cynically.
Friends? in that uniform, ano you
attired in Rebel cavalry jacket?
Friends? that fellow over there?" and
he pointed derisively at me with his
pistol barrel. Damn you, but l be-
lieve you are all a pack of lying
thieves!"
Caton's face burned. He took one
step toward him, his hands clinched,
and when he spoke his clear voice
shook with intense indignation.
Major Brennan" he said coldly de-
liberate, "you are my superior officer,
but you go beyond all privileges of
rank in those words. I say these men
are friends; they have sunk the issues
of war in order that they may answer
the call of humanity II you dare i'm
peach my motives any further l shall
hurl back the cowardly insult in your
face. will take no such words, sir,
from any living man."
Brennan looked t him, his lips
struggling with the utterance that
would not come. Knowing well the
81 nf al T
aside the ring of men, and fronted
him, determined to end this foolish
ness then and there.
major Brennan" 1 said firmly, ig-
noring his efforts to silence me. you
must listen to reason whether you
wish to do so or not. My troopers
are all around you; have two men to
your one in this house, and can en-
force my will If necessary. Now mark
what say-we are not here in anger
or In war. but to help you in the pro-
lection of endangered women. We
captured your courier, have dispatched
one of our own number into the Fed
eral camp for aid, and have fought
our way in here to stand beside you
and your men in defence of this
house against those rufflans without.
You can use us or not, just as you
please; 1t rests with you to say wheth-
,er we shall be comrades in arms on
this occasion, or whether I shall as
sumo command by the power Of force
which chance to control"
He seemed utterly unable to grasp
my full meaning, to comprehend the
situation.
You mean, you would fight with
us7 under my commando" he asked in
credulously.
Il offer my services under your or
ders," I replied clearly, land these
men in gray will obey NINE"
actually thought he would extend
his hand, but some remembrance sud-
denly restrained him.
T-of course, Captain Wayne" he
stammered, at length. Il must ac-
cept your offer. IL am grateful for
It, but shall insist upon one thing;
there must be final settlement of the
personal matter existing between us.
! am not willing to waive my rights
In this"
"There is no occasion for your doing
30, sir" l answered coldly, for con-
Pidered the reference at that moment
In extremely Ill taste. when our
work here has been accomplished, you
will find me very much at your serv-
tce."
He bowed grayely.
Il am exceedingly glad we under
stand each other" he said. May I
hsk the size of your commando"
"ssrgeant," I questioned. whom
have we lost?"
"Nelson vos kilt, dinksI der KID
net here yet, und Sands vos wound