Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1912-02-29
CHAPTER xxxIv.
A Plan Mlscarrled.

remembered as hurried down the
back stairway her flushed face, but
could recall no look of indignant pride
memory haunted me. She loved me;
of this now felt doubly assured, and
the knowledge made my heart light,
even while dreaded the consequences
to US both
1 stepped out into the kitchen and
came to sudden pause, facing table
laden with such variety and abun-
dance Of food as had been strange to
me for many long day. Directly op-
posite, a napkin tucked beneath his
double chin, his plate piled high with
good things. sat Ebers, while at either
end beheld Mr.. and Mrs. Bungay sim
ilarly situated. The establishment of
our meeting seemed mutual. The Ser
geant, apparently feeling the necessity
of explanation, wiped his mouth 80
berly.
II vos yoost goin' to fill me op nit
der dings like good soldier Captain y
he said in anxiety.
mo doubt; we'll, am rather hungry
myself Mrs. Bungay, in memory of
old times cannot you spare me plate? ?
in so, will take pleasure in joining
your happy company Thank you l
see you have found your man."
Il have thet, sir" she answered,
Egrimly, IAN l reckon as how he's like
lly ter stay ct hum arter this"
But you forget he is my guide" 1
5{,l,
temper Surely, Mrs. Bungay, you
would not deprive the South of his val
liable services?"
"An' wouldn't I, now? An didn't
tibet little whifit promise me long
afore he ever did you uns? Amt he
my nat'ral protector? Whuts lone
female a goin' ter dew yere in Their
mountings wi'out no MANI"
Come, Jed, what do you say? Are
you tired fighting the battles of the
Confederacy, and prefer those of
home?"
II like ter read all bout fightin' we'll
'nough, but durn it, Cap, 1t kinder
hurts whin they hits ye on Their head
with gun" His face lit up sud
denly. "'Sides, sorter wanter hev
Marian git 'quainted with tibet thar
muel O. mine, Beelzebub. He's out thar
now, hitched ter a tree, an eatin' fit
ter bust his biler-never durn mark
on his hide fer all he whit through"
well, suppose shall be compelled
to let you and Beelzebub go, but it 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. II ex.
pect there will be lively times up
your way"
''Ye kin jist bet thar WILL" en-
Enthusiastically. It'll be nip and tuck
I reckon, but I'm mighty hopeful o
Marian Thet dern muel he needs ter
be took down 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. 1 vos hit NIT der ear off; Sands
is goin' to die, und maybe Elliott will
not get some better; some odders VOC
hurled"
Flow many men does that leave ua
at for duty?" asked decisively, push.
ing back my plate and rising from the
table.
Deere vos twelve, Captain, nit me-
"That will do" said. "In half an
hour from now have the men ready
for the road" and turned and left the
room.
We must depart at once. More thar
ever now realized the necessity fol
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 gel
away without again coming in contac
with Major Brennan. felt myself
pledged to this course of action.
9 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
paused. however, to visit the wounded
for moment. spoke cheerily to m,
own men, and then, opening the dool
quietly, entered the room which hat
last left In possession Of the guer
fillas. With the exception of broker
windows and bullet-scarred walls lit
Tie evidence remained of that contes
which had ragged here with such fur!
but few hours previously. Their,
were numerous dark stains upon tn,
carpet, but much of the furniture hat
been restored to place, while a cheer
tul wood fire cracked in the opel
crate. Before It three men were sit
ting smoking, while upon small tabl'
close at their elbows rested fiat bot