Mineral Point tribune. (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1869-1938, 1912-08-01

would take his departure. He was in
formed that he must be sent through
The lines with flag OF truce, and the
situation was not just then fitted for
the dispatching of such a flag. The
enemy was restless, and there might
be fighting at any moment. So Lar.
kins was obliged to content himself at
headquarters, which were not so agree
able as before the attentions that had
been showered on him were discon-
tinued-that is to say, he did not seem
to excite the same interest as for
merly.
During that day one OF the officers
brought up to him a citizen whom he
introduced, expatiating on the ex-ser-
geants experience In the Crimea The
man looked at aim closely, made some
commonplace remarks and withdrew.
From that time Larkins began to real
lie that he was under surveillance.
He had been furnished with tent,
which he occupied alone, and during
the night was awakened by men talk
ing outside Curious to know what
was going on, he got Off his cot and
looked out Several priyates were sit
ting on the ground close by his tent,
smoking He was surely under guard.
What could it mean?
lie lay awake the greater part of the
night wondering what object the gen.
eral could possibly have in treating
him, British subject, as a guest, but
really deprlving him of his liberty
The next morning when he awoke
the men had gone An officer came in
and told him that breakfast would
be sent in TO him. During the day he
noticed that this same officer never
lost sight OF him. To kill time he
thought he would 20 and call on Miss
Fletcher.
where are you golng?" asked his
shadower
I'm going to pay a visit Mt the
| Fletchers | expect to be going as
soon ms the general viii send me
through, and l think III say goodby to
! them"
You won't find the Fletchers at
home today"
! This was said in half commanding
tone, as IL meaning, Stay where You
4 are" Larkins said nothing, but turned
and retraced his steps.
He was sitting In a camp chair that
afternoon near General Beaumonts
tent when an officer rode up, threw
| himself from his horse and went In to
! see the general There being nothing
but canvas to intercept the sound
Larkins could hear a part of what
was said. After some talk that he
could not make out:
Hes the man." the inferior officer
said
Are you sureT asked the general.
Eyes. general; the same fellow, play
ing 4 different game
"When will he be heref'
within an hour
Every we'll Wen be ready for
him"
This was Greek to LarSins, but the
treatment he had received and the
fact Of his being under surveillance
taken with the words playing the
same game" made him uneasy A.
soon as the officer had left the genera
Iarklns went into his tent and said;
"See here. general, | wish to &C
through the lines at once. II an
purposely detained l desire to know
the cause"
"Ill send you through tomorrow
morning" said the general, speaking
in n tone to Indicate that he meant t
do what he said
Am | detained In your camp
mo. Go where you like"
every we'll. I'll wait till tomorrow
III am detained longer l shall tele
graph the British consul at Richmond
to come out here at once
you'll not be detained-that is, un
less battle opens
The next morning at daylight Lar
kins was awakened by General Beau
monts orderly. who said that the gen
eral would like to see him in his tent
Stil uneasy, he arose and went 70 tn
general An officer was there waiting
"This is Major clayton, Mr.. Larkns
II you win go with him he will SHOW
You something to explain our reeep
ton and treatment Of you since Won
have been with US, on your return
win be pleased to have you hreabfas
with me, and flag OF truce Is order
cd FOR 10 o'clock to escort you through
the lines
Lnrkins went with Major Clayton
walking down the road till they cam
10 Il clearing 4 hle of soldiers wer
standing, resting on their arms. SCI
ing the major approach, an office
went TO d tent surrounded by a guar.
led forth a man pale as death IN citI
zens dress ana placed him before th
soldiers
lie looked enough like Larkins to b
his brother
The Bridshcg knew at once that
spy was 10 be executed Turning b
walked back to the generals headqual
tiers
permit me to offer my apologies,
said THE latter "The man yon sa'
taken out for execution Is n norther
man who was spying on us under eos
er " forged papers OF British either