Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1912-06-08

about buSily within. her robust shadow
clearly revealed by the reflection of
the flames. This was probably Diana.
and her affection for the Yankees was
not apt to differ very widely from
those of the others.
The night shadows constantly deep
ened. and no alarming sound reached
me from any direction. Finally Diana
came forth on the back steps. holding
dish of something smoking hot in
her hands. and began calling shriily for
Joe. There was no response Mutter-
ing to herself. the negreSs passed
across TO the second cabin ana. disap-
pearing for moment. came forth
again empty handed
The door was latched. but had no
lock There was no sign of occupancy
within. and moment later L came
hurriedly forth with what had been
intended for Joe's supper and bore it
safely back still hot and savory TO the
shelter of the shed. 1t was a rasher
of bacon and corn bread. ample in
amount. admirably cooked. and GER
tainly enjoyed it to the very last
crumb.
There was no sound of horses hoofs
stamping in the front yard. nor could
L perceive any sign of a pacing senti-
mel before the house. The guard of
the night previous. whatever might be
the cause. had very evidently been re-
moved hardly know. now why /
first ventured in that direction. yet
skirted the low garden fence. where
the night shadows were most dense.
until 1 found myself crouching close
against the latticed veranda. I stop
ped then suddenly enough. perceiving
the figures of three men seated just
beyond evidently enjoying quiet
smoke after their evening meal
had drawn back cautiously for a foot
or two. intending to make or down
the road. when a peculiar deep voice
gave utternnce TO a question. which as
instantly stopped me with eagerly
beating heart.
'.Your news is not exactly clear to
me, chaplain. / understand you-to say
the plan is for McDermott's division
to take to the Minersville road at
midnight. the others to follow along
parallel lines hourly until daybreak? ?"
Those are certainly Johnston's or
ders. Colonel Denslow- l distinctly
heard them from his own lips"
But nothing whatever has reached
me. and we should naturally be third
in line to follow McDermott, from our
present position"
Beyond doubt the orders to move
are already Mt your headquarters. An
orderly may be tearing down the road
even now to recall you to camp. Your
regiment is stationed TO the left just
beyond the creek. is 1t not?'
"Yes," and the speaker. tall. slen-
der. yet broad shouldered man. rose
fmpntiently to his feet and gazed OF
IN the direction indicated. THE Tenth
Georgia cavalry. Coulter's brigade. |
had no expectation Of so hurried
movement The Yankees are safely
across the river entrenching. and all
reports rea ching US looked like a
weeks reorganization and then d.
rect attack on their position. What is
Johnston up TOP
"A flank movement in force. before
they can complete their entrench-
ments. He believes our army in fight
ing mood. encouraged by victory and
in far better condition than that of
the enemy. He proposes to strike sud-
denly on their right flank and crumple
them up. He will leave all his camp
fires burning. both tonight and tomor
row night. so as to deceive the federal
scouts. ding his troops swiftly across
the river before dawn Wednesday and
make the attack at daybreak- He ex-
poets to be in their camp before they
are aware he has changed position.
The success of the movement depends
entirely on the promptness of the di-
vision commanders and the condition
of the roads Our cavalry scouts re-
port the plan perfectly feasible"
Colonel Denslow paced nervously
back and forth across the broad veran-
da. the red glow of his cigar lighting
up his face and revealing a closely
trimmed crop of gray beard
This sudden arrangement leaves me
In rather a bad predicament." he con-
fessed at last. pausinG suddenly. You
know. of course. what you are here for
tonight. Mordaunt. although l have
not explained all the details; II is TO
marry my only daughter. Jean. to
Lieutenant Calvert Dunn. The pres
ent condition of the country. and the
danger involved in leaving young girl
here alone and unprotected. has fur-
ried our arrangements and prevented
any Formally. But Dunn has been
detailed on Johnston's staff and the
Lord only knows where he may he
CIV. ii ali you say is true. According
10 our plans he ought to have been
here an hour ago. but no doubt he Is
riding with orders and utterly unable
to send any word to account for
the delay. And what. under these cir
cumstances, can or my son do? Any
minute an orderly may come dashing
down the west road- That will mean