The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1912-02-29
CHATTER xxxly.-ccntinued

Brennan challenges Wayne to a duel
CHATTER Xxxly.-ccntinued
We'll, suppose shall be compelled
10 let you and Beelzebub 60, but it will
prove a serious loss to the cause of
the South" l 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"
Eye kin list bet thar WILL" en-
Enthusiastically. It'll 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 of; Sands
Is goin' to die, und maybe Elliott will
not get some better; some. odders vos
hurted.'
"How many men does that leave us
fit for duty?" l asked decisively, push
ing back my plate and rising. from the
table
Deere vos twelve, Captain, nit me. !"
THAT will do I 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 realized the necessity for
haste. hoped to meet the officer com
manding 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 l felt myself
pledged to this course of action.
Al sentry stationed in the lower hall
way informed me the officers were
messing together in the front parlor,
and | at once headed that way. L
paused, however, to visit the wounded
for moment, spoke cheerily to my
own mer, 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 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 small table
close at their elbows rested fiat bot
tie, fanked by several glasses. A
single glance sufiiced to tell me they
were Federal cavalrymen, one being
the red-faced. lieutenant whom had
already met.
II am seeking the commander of
this detachment" II explained, as
they glanced at me In surprise at my
entrance unannounced IT 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, and
wearing closely clipped gray beard,
arose from a comfortable armchair
and advanced with hand extended.
Il am Captain Moorehouse, in com
mand," he answered, cordially, land
am very glad to meet you. Will you
not join us? My second lieutenant.
who has positive genius in that line,
has unearthed a few bottles Of rather
choice whisky which we will divide.
most gladly"
Il thank you," / replied, anxious to
meet him as pleasantly as possible,
but am eager to get away upon my
duty as early as may be, and have
merely intruded upon you to explain
my purpose"
Nonsense he insisted. DUTY
is never quite so urgent as to require
a waste OF good liquor Captain Wayne,
permit me to present my officers
Lieutenants Warren and Starr, Sec
ond New Hampshire Cavalry
Thee constant haunting fear of the
Majors possible entrance at any mo-
ment rendered me extremely uneasy.
and anxious to be away Undoubtedly
this feeling exhibited itself in my man.
ner,. for Captain Moorehouse said
6nally:
Il realize your natural anxiety to
be off; Captain Wayne, and while we
should be'very' glad to keep you with
us Indefinitely, yet / trust you will
feel perfectly free in the matter"
!. Il thank you greatly" ] answered,
rising ash spoke my duty. is of such
a nature and has already, been so
long neglected that feel every mo-
ment of unnecessary delay to be a
crime wish you pleasant return