Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1912-03-27

captain wayne be said quietly, so
that the words could not be over.
heard. you do not recognize me, but
! was the officer who conducted you
to headquarters when you brought the
flag in az Wilson Creek. OF course
must perform the duty given me, but
] wish you to understand that wholly
believe your word"
He stopped. extended his hand. ana
| accepted It silently.
There must be some grave personal
reason which seals your lips?" he
questioned
There is"
Il thought as much CHANGED TO
overhear the words, OF rather a por.
ton OF them, which Brennan whis-
pered, and have no doubt II they were
explained to the General he would feel
more kindly disposed toward you"
II was asked as a question, and
felt obliged to reply.
Il appreciate deeply your desire to
aid me, but there are circumstances
involving others which compel me for
the present to silence. Indeed my pos
sible fate does not so greatly trouble
me. only that l possess a strong de-
sire to have freedom long enough to
cross swords with this major of yours.
The quarrel between us has become
bitterly personal, and | hunger for a
chance to have it out. DO you know,
is he a man who would flght?"
The young fellow stiffened slightly.
I'VE are serving upon the same
staff" he said more abruptly, "and
while we have never been close
friends, yet cannot honorably take
sides against him. He has been out
twice within the last thru years to
my knowledge. and is not devoid
either of courage or skill. Possibly,
however. the arrival of his wife. may
make him less a fireeater."
His wife?'
stopped so suddenly that he in
voluntarily frightened his grip upon my
arm as though suspicious of an at
tempt to escape.
do you" asked, gaining some
slight control over myself, refer to
the lady who came in with his party
last EVENING"
Most certainly; she was presented
to all of us as Mrs. Brennan, she has
been assigned rooms at his quarters,
and she wears a wedding-ring. Far
too fine a woman in my judgment for
such master, but then that is not so
uncommon mistake in marriage.
Why, come to think about 1t, you must
have met her yourself. Have you
reason to suspect this Is not their
relationship"
Not in the least" 1 FASTENED to
answer, fearful lest my thoughtless
exclamation might become the basis
for camp gossip. Indeed was
scarcely in the lady's presence at all
coming in, as / was left in charge OF
the sergeant"
Perhaps he felt that he had already
said too much. for we tTamped on in
silence until we drew near a large
square white building standing direct
ly beside the road
This is the old Culverton tavern
known as the Mansion House." he
said. 1T is a tremendous big build
ing for this country. with as fine q
ballroom in it as | have seen since
leaving New York. We utilize it fol
almost every military purpose, and
among others some of the strone
rooms in the basement are found val
liable for the safe-keeping of i'm
portant prisoners.
We mounted the front steps as h,
was speaking, passing through a cor
don of guards, and in the wide hall
way was turned tower 20 the office
IL charge.
Goodnight, Captain" said Cation
kindly extending his hand. You ma.
rest assured that l shall say all cal
in your favor, but 1t is to be regrette,
that Brennan has great influence jus
now at headquarters, and Sheridan i
not man to lightly overlook thos
hasty words you spoke to him"
| could only thank him most warm
ly for his interest, realizing full
, from his grave manner my desperat
, situation, and follow my silent cor
ductor down some narrow and stee
stairs until we stood upon the cemen
ed floor of the basement Here
heavy door in the stone division wa
! was opened; | was pushed forwar
+ into the dense darkness within, an
r the lock clicked duly behind m,
!. So thick was the wall | could nc
even distinguish the retreating step
of the jailer
Tired as / was from the intens
strain Of the past thirty-six hour
even my anxious thoughts were insu
? ficient to keep me awake. Feelin
o my way cautiously along the wall.
| came at last to wide wooden bencl
L and stretching my form at full Iengt
|. upon It, pillowed my head on OF
= arm, and almost instantly was souI
d asleep
8 When | awoke. sore from my hal
d bed and stiffened by the uncor
II Portable position in which lay.
o was broad daylight That the NOR
e ing was. indeed. well advanced
s. knew from the single ray Of sunlig
d which streamed il. through a CRATE
is window high up in the wall opposl
e me and fell like bar of gold aero
10 the rough stone floor. was alon
r. Even in the dark of the previous mig
e. | had discovered the sole pretence
le furniture in the place. The room itsC
N proved to be a large and almo
I aquare apartment, probably during I