Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1915-11-25
CHAPTER XIV.

| A Prisoner.
| The captain was hatless, and a
bloody handkerchief was wound about
his head; his uniform was torn and
black with mud. He saw Whitlock
first, and gripped his hand warmly. his
glance straying from the face OF the
little captain to the other occupants
OF the room.
| Cad, but 1t is good to see a blue
uniform again." he exclaimed heartily.
What was the row here, Fred-some
guerrilla work? All! by Jove!" his
eyes Frightening as he recognized me.
Raymond, am glad to see you
again." and he strobe forward, his lips
smiling, his hand held out. "Old Ned
swore to me you were dead, but the
sergeant said you got away at the
first rush. Not even a scratch
hey
| Just q moment, please" and the in
terested lieutenant interrupted him by
hand on the shoulder. Il believe we
have never met before, but | pre-
sumo you are Captain Fox?"
The latter turned, a trifie indignant
at the others manner.
II am; what of it?"
| only I am naturally somewhat in
terested In your Identification of this
fellow. To US he has claimed the
name OF Wyatt, but you address him
az Raymond. What Raymond did he
| represent himself to be?"
Fox stared about in surprise at the
faces surrounding him, scarcely able
| to collect his scattered wits.
why" he answered, as though half
| In doubt of his own words, "Lieuten.
ant Charles Fl. Raymond, Third cav
| airy, on recruiting service. II met
him at Hot Springs, and he showed
me his papers. Isn't-isn't he all
right?"
We'll. you can draw your own con.
clusion," returned the lieutenant, his
thin lips curled in a sneer, for I am
Raymond. Third cavalry. This man is
q rebel spy"
Escape was impossible; knew that,
for ! had considered the chances. Both
Whitlock and the lieutenant--the lat
ter with revolver drawn-stood be-
tween me and the windows. The hall
without was thronged with troopers,
and. although might attain the open
door, that would be the end of 1t. |
saw Noreen rise to her feet. her star
tied face turned toward me, but held
my nerves firm, and managed to smile
Il expect the Jig is up. gentlemen"
acknowledged quietly. determined
they should get as little comfort out
of me as possible Il know when |
have played my last card"
as your name really Wyatt?"
1T Is; l am a sergeant In the Staun.
ton horse artillery"
Raymond glanced from my face to
where she stood. white-lipped and
silent.
There Is nothing else between
your" he asked roughly. do you
mean to say"
Il hardly think. lieutenant" broke
in Whitlock, suddenly realizing his
authority, ut Is necessary to ask such
questions now. The man confesses
himself a spy, and court-martial will
probe into this matter. We must re-
member the young lady is the daugh-
ter Of Major Harwood."
"And as Major Harwoods daugh-
ter" she said gravely. standing be-
fore me. II desire to be heard. and to
answer this gentleman's question.
sought to save Sergeant Wyatt be-
cause Of the special service he has
rendered me during the past night. |
know nothing OF his purpose here.
but-but hold him friend whatever
may be his uniform"
The lieutenant bowed. hat in hand.
Il intended no criticism of your mo-
tises, but soldier must perform. his
duty. Under whose orders are you
here. Wyatt?"
Il refuse to answer"
mo! Well Ramsay will get re-
ply out of you!"
Il hardly think so, sir. You hang
spies. but do not torture them"
True enough" and whitlock stepped
to the door. Sergeant. bring file Of
men. and take charge Of this prisoner.
There Is nothing to detain us longer.
We have extra horsas, Captain Fox
and you win ride With us as far as
Lewisburg; Miss Harwood. presume
you have no desire to remain here
aione--indeed. l could not permit It,
Better bind the fellows hands, Har.
per: search him first for weapons. and
whatever papers he may carry Mount
him on that old artillery horse. and
wait for u.s."
Raymond watched the proceedings