The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1915-12-31
CHAPTER XIV.
I Choose Death.

knew the town we'll. and few
changes had occurred since last
walked those streets hand in hand
with my father. It had not grown any
larger, and thus far the war had
wrought little damage. The most of
IRE In the sleepy old town conferred
about the Frost hotel, a three-story
wooden structure, where the officers
Of the garrison lodged, and the court
house, a dignified ediflce of red brick.
a piock beyond. where In other days
my father presided on the bench, now
completely surrounded by a military
camp. There were more Federal sol.
diers here than had expected to see.
but a remark exchanged between two
or my guard informed me that most
OF these had arrived during the night
"a regiment OF Ohio troops. and a
battery of light artillery. destined to
assist In q contemplated attack on
Covington.
The head of our little column halted
IN front of the hotel. but Whitlock
shouted a command to the sergeant,
and we rode on past, the guard closing
up tightly. ! kept my face straight
ahead. determined to make no sign,
but, nevertheless. had glimpse of
Noreen. standing at her horses head.
ana. for an instant. l felt certain her
eyes we're resting on me. Then Ray
mond spoke to her, touching her
sleeve Familiarity with his hand to at
tract Qffnnffnf, oh 49,.
his face. as II in answer to some witty
remark. This was the last glimpse
had as We clattered on down the
street.
AT the courthouse steps the SER
geant turned me over to the officer of
the day. and was marched into the
basement. The old Jail had evidently
been burned, for | could see the roof
had fallen in, and the stone walls
were blackened with smoke, but the
lower story of the courthouse was bas-
tile enough, the windows barred, the
walls strong and thick. The place in
which they thrust me had at one time
protected the county records, was per-
haps nine feet square, With one mar
row window high up in The wall, and
an iron door. The fionr and walls
were of stone. and the eeiling beyond
reach. A soldier threw In a box. to be
utilized as seat. together with a
couple of blankets.
There. Johnny" he said carelessly.
q guess you'll stay here till you're
wanted. Therell be some grub along
after awhile"
The iron door changed behind him,
and heard the sharp click of a heavy
lock, then regular steps passing back
and forth across the stone floor, proof
that sentinel had Deen posted. There
seemed little need of one as | sat
down on the box and stared discon.
solately about. The window afforded
ample light, but no hope of escape.
The shelves on which had once re-
posed the records of Green Briar
county were of iron, as a safeguard
against fire. with sheet of iron at
their back. concealing the wall be.
hind My heart gave a sudden leap.
AS a boy had played about this
building, invading every nook and cor
ner. could even recall when those
shelves we're first installed, and had
sat almost where ! was sitting then
and watched the workmen bolt them
into their present position. 1t was be
fore my father bought the place oui
On the ridge. and we were living only
block down the street. Those shelves
rested against the big chimney. anC
there Vas an opening leading into 1t
across which they had matted til
protector before they fastened thu
iron to the wall.
II could once get in behind tina
iron plate the way on. would not b.
such a hard or difficult one to travel
The chimney was large; ! recalle'
standing upright in the fireplace OF
the floor above. and looking up {
where could perceive the light of tn
sky. II was constructed of irregula
bits of stone, which would afford lodl