Northern Wisconsin advertiser. [volume] (Wabeno, Wis.) 1898-1925, 1912-09-13

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refuge. But why were they coming
here? Surely this was not the Phila-
delphia road?
They turned in upon the open lawn
in front Of the door, and could plain
ly distinguish the faces. There could
no longer be any doubt but what these
were the men we had fought and de-
feated the evening before. Grant, with
the two Hessian officers, was in ad-
vance, and the former strobe directly
toward the house, while the majority
Of his following flung themselves at
full length on the ground, as though
utterly exhausted. Some strange fas-
cination held me motionless, watching
the man climb the front steps. The
iron knocker rang loudly twice before
there came any response from with
in. Their [ could hear voices, but the
words reaching me were detached, and
without definite meaning. Finally the
along the hall, beyond the room in
which l waited. Then Peters voice
said solemnly, as if announcing a dis
t,aguished guest:
Captain Alfred Grant,"
There was an exclamation Of sur
prise, quick exchange of sentences
indistinguishable, although l was sure
of Grants peculiar accent, and the
other voice was that of the young
light Dragon lieutenant. Uncertain
what best to do l stole toward the
door and gripped the knob. This was
the only known way out, for dare
not venture to use the window which
was in plain view Of those soldiers
resting on the lawn. Whether Peter
had retired or not, l possessed no
means OF knowing, yet / opened the
door silently bare inch to make sure
At the same instant my ears caught
the lieutenant's dismissing order, even
as my eyes had glimpse of Swanson's
broad back blocking the open doorway
Of room nearly opposite
THAT will do, Peter, for the present
Have the table prepared for three
guests at once"
He backed out, casting a quick
glance of caution in my direction, and
disappeared down the hall, rubbing his
bald head industriously. opened the
door wider, wondering If / dare ven
ture upon slipping by unobserved
Then Grant spoke, his voice loud
enough to be easily heard:
How did we come here? Why,
where else could we go? The damned
rebels stripped us clean; we had to
have food. This was the nearest
place where We were certain of getting
any. Of course / didn't know our
foragers had left Elmhurst alone, and
that-for some cause which mystifies
Clinton-these Jersey outlaws have
been equally considerate. There was
plenty to be had here, and l meant to
have it in spite of the servants"
You must have marched straight
past your own place." the boyish voice
interrupted
well, what if we did? There was
nothing there, as you know. The
house has been stripped to a mere
shell. Not niger left, nor a horse.
I'd like to know what influence keeps
this property untouched"
That's easily answered. You forget
We are divided family, with fighting
men on either side"
Little these outlaws care for that"
AT least they appear to. as we re-
main unm olested. There has not been
raiding party halted here since the
war began"
well, If you hadn't been at home,
there would have been one along
now" burst forth Grant rather rough
ly. "Those fellows out there are des-
perate enough to sack the house If
that was their only method of getting
food. And promised they should have
the chance"
"Oh, you did, indeed! That would
have proven friendly act"
Necessity does not take much ac-
count OF friendship. l was responsible
| for a hundred starving men, Under
such conditions force would be justi-
| fed. l doubt if could control the fell
lows now If provisions should be re-
| fused"
!
in threats, Captain Grant," said the
boys voice coldly. "Elmhurst has
never yet turned soldier away in
hunger. Peter will instruct what few
| servants remain to attend to the i'm
mediate needs of your men. May | ask
| how long you expect to remain"
l thought Grant was walking nery-
ously back and forth across the room.
How long? Until night, probably.
Then with bite in our haversacks
Wen take the road again. That Is,
providing you condescend to act as
our host for so long time Odds life.
but this reception is not over warm to
my thinking"
"Elmhurst is not a tavern, sir"
mo; but the home of a loyalist-the
commander of half those men out yon-
der However I am not nIoodipo for