The Lamar register., 1913-02-26

young man of rather distinguished ap-
pearance entered the room. He was
not in uniform, but wore the custom
airy full-skirted frock coat OF the
period. and carried his big black hat
in his hand. For the rest. he was a
very keen, sharpeyed man. whose
movements were quick and steaithy,
and whose quick. comprehensive
glance seemed to take in not only Mrs.
Varney, but everything in the room.
Through the windows and the far door
soldiers could be seen dimly. Mrs.
Varney was very indignant at the en-
trance of this newcomer in this un-
ceremonious manner.
mr.. Arrelsford!" she exclaimed
haughtily.
In two or three quick steps Mr.. Ben
ton Arrelsford of the Confederate Sc
cret service was by her side. Al
though she was alone, through habit
and excessive caution he lowered his
voice when he spoke to her.
your pardon, Mrs. Varney." he
said, with Just shade too much of
the peremptory for perfect breeding.
II was compelled to enter without
ceremony. You will understand when
tell you why"
And those men" said Mrs. Var
ney. pointing to the back windows
and the far door. What have we done
that we should be-"
They are on guard"
ION guard" exclaimed the woman,
greatly surprised and equally resent
full.
Yes, ma'am; and am very much
afraid We shall be compelled to put
you to little inconvenience; tenn.
porary. I assure you. but necessary"
10 glanced atout cautiously and poipt.
cd to the door across the hall. Is
there anybody in that room. Mrs. Var
neyf"
Yes. q number Of ladies sewing for
the hospital; they expect to stay all
night"
Very good" said Arrelsford. VIII
you kindly come little farther away?
I would not have them overhear by
any possibility"
There was no possibility Of anyone
overhearing their conversation, but II
Mr.. Arrelsford ever erred 1t was not
through lack of caution. Still more
astonished. Mrs. varney followed him.
They stopped by the fireplace.
"One of your servants has got him
self into trouble. Mrs. Varnsy. and
we're compelled to have him watched"
he began.
Watched by . squad of soldiersT
1T II well not to neglect any pre-
caution. ma'am."
And what kind of trouble. prayf"
asked the woman.
Very serious, / am sorry to say. At
least that II the way 1t looks now.
You've got An old whits-haired butler
here"
You mean Jonasf"
IT believe that's his name," said Ar.
relsford.
And you suspect him of some.
thingf"
Mr.. Arrelsford lowered his voice
still further and assumed an air OF
great importance.
I'VE don't merely suspect him; We
know what he has DONE"
And what has he done sirf"
no hd6 DccA uOWu xAUDy PIlbOu
under pretense of selling things to the
Yankees we've got In there. and he
now has on his person q written COM
munication from one of them which
he intends to deliver to some Yankee
spy or agent here in Richmond"
Mrs. Varney gasped in establishment
at this tremendous charge, which was
made in Arrelsford's most impressive
manner.
II don't believe It," she said at last.
He has been in the family for years;
he wouldn't dare"
Arrelsford shook his head.
II am afraid 1t is true" he said.
Very WELL" said Mrs. Varney de-
cidedly. apparently not at all con
WINGED. 81 will send for the man. Let
US see"
She reached out her hand to the
bell-rope hanging from the wall. but
Mr.. Arrelsford caught her arm, evil
IDENTIFY to her great repugnance.
mo. mol" he said quickly, mot yet
We have got to get that paper. and II
he's alarmed he will destroy 1t, and
we must have it. 1t will give US the
clue to one of their cursed plots. They
have been right close on this town for
months. trying to break down our de
lenses and get in on US. This IL some