Carroll County democrat. (Huntingdon, Tenn.) 188?-1971, 1919-09-19


people no longer seemed probable to
me, for the Hawk was evidently the
stronger character of the two, pos
sessed the larger following and made
no attempt to conceal the depth of his
hatred for all things American.
Down below where sat little riv-
err steamboat was tied to the wharf, a
dingy stern-wheeler, with the word
warrior" painted across the pilot
house. My eyes and thoughts turned
that way. Standing alone together
near the stern were heavily-built
man with white hair and beard, and a
younger, rather slender fellow, with
clipped, black mustache. Both were
unusually we'll dressed, the latter ex-
ceedingly natty and fashionable in at
tire, rather overly So thought, while
the former wore a long coat and high
white stock. Involuntary l had placed
them In my mind as river gamblers,
but was still observing their move
ments with some curiosity when Cap
tain Throckmorton crossed the gang
plank and began ascending the steep
bluff. The path to be followed led d.
rectly past where I was sitting and,
recognizing me, he stopped to ex-
change greetings.
what have you finished your days
work already, lieutenantT he ex-
claimed pleasantly. mine has only
just begun"
$50 observe. 1t was garrison talk
last night that the Warrior was to de-
part at daylight"
"That was the plan. However the
Wanderer went north during the
night" he explained. land brought
mail from below, so we are being held
for the return letters. am going up
to the Office now"
My eyes returned to the scene be-
low.
"Y0u have some passengers aboard"
"A few; picked up several at the
lead mines, besides those aboard from
Prairie du Chen"
evidently all Of your passengers
are not miners, captain" ! ventured.
'Those two standing there at the
stern, for instance"
He turned and looked mo" he
said; "that big man is Judge Beau
caire, from Missouri. He has plan
tation just above st. Louis, an old
French grant. OF course you know the
younger one"
"Never saw him before"
"Then you have never travelled
much on the lower river. That's Joe
Kirby"
"Joe Kirby?"
Certainly; you must have heard of
him. First time l ever knew Of his
drifting so far north, as there are not
many pickings up here. Have rather
suspected he might be laying for Beau
caire, but the two haven't touched a
card coming down."
HE is a gambler, thenY'
"A thoroughbred; works between
St Louis and New Orleans. / can't
just figure out yet what he is doing up
here. asked him fiat out, but he only
laughed, and he isn't the sort Of man
you get very friendly with, some say
he has Indian blood In him, so / drop
ped 1t. He and the Judge seem pretty
thick, and they may be playing in their
rooms. See you again before we
leave; am going up now to have a talk
with the major"
My eyes followed as he disappeared
within the open gates, a sQuatty,
strongly built figure, the blue smoke
from his pipe clrcling in cloud above
his head. Then / turned idly to gaze
once again down the river and observe
the groups lettering below.
Assuredly 1t was none of my affair,
and yet a certain curiosity caused me
to observe the movements Of the two
so long as they remained on deck.
However, 1t was but short while be-
fore both retired to the cabin, and
then my gaze returned once more to
the sullen sweep of water, while my
thoughts drifted far away.
A soldier was within a few feet Of
me and had spoken before / was even
aware Of his approach.
lieutenant Knox"
/ looked about quickly, recognizing
the major's orderly.
Eyes, Sanders, what is IT'D"
"Major Bliss requests, sir, that you
report at his Office at once.o
Wondering what might be desired Of
me, yet with no conception of the
reality, / followed after the orderly
through the stockade gate, and across
the small parade ground toward the