The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1916-03-10

w" SOuIu nope 10 pry loose .
that protecting sheet Of from Where
could | discover a tool to give me the
necessary leverage to dislodge those
bolts? Could one Of those supports
be unscrewed or twisted off? II 80.
II might prove strong enough for the .
purpose. | stepped hastily across. and |
tested two OF them with my hands but
found both these firm and immovabIe. |
! dare not exercise much force in fear
the noise might be overheard, and /.
besides It vas time the TALLER brought
me IN some food So ! went back to |.
my seat on the box. and waited my
eyes on the iron and my mind eagerly
working on some plan which seemed
feasible had a half dozen keys IN
my pocket, and broken cartridge
shell In my belt-nothing else avail
able. The searchers had stripped me
clean A careful survey OF the 6oOr
revealed only twisted nail. but there
vas something caught in the iron bars
OF the window: from where ! sat It
looked like the halt Of a broken horse
shoe. | got up to see, but quickly sat
down again-there was someone at
the door
1t opened, and a soldier stood aside
while two men entered One was Fox
the other heavyset gray mustached
officer, in the uniform Of a colonel of
infantry The cautain greeted me
gravely. and extended his hand
II would far rather meet you as
did before" he said, but war gives
US no choice"
- took my chances and have no
complaint. answered heartily for
liked the man 81 presume there is
no doubt as to my fate?"
- fear not, but the matter is not in
my hands, for which am grateful
This is Colonel Pickney, in com.
mand"
bowed, and our eyes met The face
confronting me was strong and reso,
lutte, its expression that of regret
"A very young man, Captain Fox"
he said to his companion which fact
adds to the unpleasantness of such
duty Your name is Wyatt?"
Yes, sir"
you claim connection with the Con.
( federate serviCe-an oficer?"
"A sergeant OF artillery. sir"
He cleared his throat impressively
You have the appearance Of an
intelligent man. Sergeant Wyatt. and
must realize the seriousness of your
position. am sure ! need not dwell
upon the fate which befalIs a spy
when captured by the enemy In
your case there seems to be no de-.
Tense possible-you wear Federal uni.
form; were within our lines, and pa.
pers have been found on YOU of a
most discriminating character II Is
my understanding you make no de-
NAL"
None, whatever, sir: It would be
useless"
There is always a way In which
mercy can be extended" he went on
earnestly. Doubtless you possess in.
formation which would be Of the ut.
most value to US shall gladly use
my influence on your behalf II the
circumstances warrant"
| glanced aside at Fox, and caught
the look OF appeal in his face: then
back into the expectant eyes OF the
colonel
You have authority to make me
this proposition" ! asked quietly
81 am In command Of this camp. and
pledge you my influence with General
Ramsay"
stood motionless a moment. en-
deavoring to straighten the matter out
in my mind When spoke 1t was Al
briefly as possible.
81 can only thank you Colone
Pickney, and respectfully decline
will not answer your questions. sir,
Fox gripped my arm. and as
glanced at him. was surprised Il
see a mist of tears In his eyes
Wyatt" be exclaimed. making nj
pretense at calmness. do not be hast!
in YOUR decision. | would not counse
you to any act Of dishonor, but surel!
some compromise is possible no
only ask you to consider the situation
from your own standpoint, but als'
: from ours accompanied Colone
! Pickney in the hope | might haV
some influence" He hesitated an In
slant as though doubtful Of his words
Perhaps | should say my boy. tina
another urged me to come"
. "Anotl r."
"Yes-a lady"
My head swan, my heart 0eatin
; Ike a triphammer
"Do-do you mean, Captain Fox
that she actually asked you to urg
me to save myself by such an actY
; mo. Wyatt; not that She request
! ed me to accompany Colonel Ptckney
and do all could on your benalt
p drew a long breath OF reIlef. m
p mind clearing, my resolve strength