Image provided by: University of Nebraska-Lincoln Libraries, Lincoln, NE
About The Plattsmouth journal. (Plattsmouth, Nebraska) 1901-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 29, 1912)
M Y LAW Of TME SOUTH! I -4?! W f ' i ' '' & l 3 COPYRIGHT. 1909. BY CHAPTER XX. tiie kight; the avowal. IT was Dip and tuck, the surprised troopers wheeling their horses as though on pivots mid digging In the spurs In a mad endeavor to get. between us and our haveu. 'Brien fell once, tripped or shot. I kMw not. bnt was instantly upon his feet again. 1 was first over the thres hoM, stumbling as I made it, and fall ing forward on the puncheon floor. A nail) of bullets crashed into the oppo site wall, and, as I struggled to my knees, I caught a glimpse of the cir cling horsemen without and of O'Brien wmehing beside the door, his carbine working viciously. It was all Instan taneous, and I rolled over, kicked the heavy oaken door shut and dropped he bar into his socket. It was n single room cabin, Its only window boarded up, so very little light found entrance. I came face to face with a woman, fronting me with gun in band. "Who be yer-Yauks?" "Yes," I acknowledged. 'Who's them fellers after yer?" 'Hebs, of course." "Donald's outfit?" '1 expect so either his guerillas or Bonn's cavalry." "Thin ye kin count us in, Yank. Git out Daniel, an klver thet winder." A boy of thirteen, sallow and thin, with stooped shoulders, but firm set jaw, crawled out from the bed and. ug rifle in hand, clambered up to where be could peer through between the boards. Quickly he pushed the brown barrel out, sighted along It and pulled the trigger. "Thct's one of 'em, ma," he said rather wearily, expectorating tobacco jniee on the floor. "Keep 'cm a-movin', Daniel. Ben jamin, whab be ye?" "Yere. ma." "Wal, git out 'long with thet Jigger e ther door. Gol dern yer, move!" She cnught him by one ear. a young er edition of tho Rnmo lanky type, and landed him in the center of the floor. Rubbing his eyes with the sleeve of bis shirt, the lad shuflled over toward O'Brien. I began to understand the situation, to appreciate these new re omits. Woman and children then had bora brought up In the atmosphere of war and were not to be despised as allies. You are Maria Daniels, I Imagine?" "1 reckon I am, stranger." one hand oo her hip and chin advanced. "Your husband is In the neighbor hood somewhere. Mrs. Daniels." I has tened to say. "I saw him less than half an Lour ago in tho house yonder, lie left by way of a secret passage. He had beard of your plight and was seeking you. He even went to Don ald to learn tho truth." "Bill did? Ter Jem Donald? Stran ger, ye're a blame liar'.". I stepped back, the fierceness of her face startling me. "They're n-coomln', sor!" sang out "Brlen, and there was a sharp bark ing of guns, the cabin filling with powder smoke. From every side the fire aimed at rtie cabin converged to the opening where we stood. Bullets crashed Into Titie lower half of the door and wliis-1 Hied past us to find lodgment In the further wall. O'Brien swore and i went tumbling backward. Daniel's I youngest bad a livid mark across his forehead and sank to the floor, his face in his hands. Marin grabbed his gun and let drive beside me. I could hoar the deep barks of the older lad's riflo through the crack in the window, ar foes were rushing toward the door with n long timber, and behind Ibis henvy battering ram I caught a I glimpse of Dunn, urging the men for- wnrd. The sight of the fellow robbed ; m0 of all Judgment, left mo reckless ld desperate. He was beyond rango of my revolver, but I emptied It Into H faces of those nearer. For tho froment ourrnnoentrntwjjjre stagger- )tary A. C McCLURG & CO. ed them, but there was too many out there to bo held back long by so small a force. Then, with a. yell, they rush ed us. Only half ready, we fired blind ly, scarcely able to see through tho smoke. With a crush the end of the timber struck, splintering the boards and tearing the lower half of the door from its fastenings. The woman was flung backward, her rifle discharging as she fell, and I sprang aside, tripping over the boy and striking ngainst something which rendered mo for the Instant helpless. Yet I managed to reach my knees and fired twice at the dim figures leaping toward me through the smoke. Then I went down, grappled by a dozen hands, but straggling desperately un til pinned to the floor. The hubbub ceased, the roar and shouting, the rattle of guns. The smoke blew out of the door In a cloud. The elder Daniels boy was backed into a corner, the black muz zle of a gun at his breast; the younger lay on the floor apparently uncon scious. O'Brien was just getting up, his clothes in rags from the fierce struggle, while Maria sat on the bed, gun still in hand, glaring about her. but without a shot left. A fellow struck my arm a numbing blow, caus ing the revolver to drop to the floor. I had seen nothing of Dunn during that fierce ijush. but now he stood fronting me, sword In hand and eyes gleaming In triumph. "Surrender, you dirty Yankee spy." ho shouted. "We've got yon this tlm;." In my excitement I laughed at I In fel low, despising the cowardice of bis words and scarcely realizing the power he possessed. "All right, lieutenant." 1 returned, holding out my hands. "This happens to be your turn." Two cavalrymen strapped me up un til I lay like a log on the floor, yet the full significance of this did n.t burst upon me until their work had been accomplished, and 1 again caught eight of Dunn's face. "Whnt does this mean?" I Insisted Indignnntly. "Am I not to be trented as a prisoner of war?" "You'll be treated for what you arc. You've done the work of n spy. and you end as a spy." "But I am uot one, and yon know It. I came here ns a scout in uniform. 1 have made no attempt whatever to as sume disguise. I am In uniform now." That he was by disposition mean, spiteful and cowardly I had ample rea son to know; now he possessed means for revenge without danger to himself. "Lieutenant Dunn." I called after blm, "I might think you in earnest It you were uot a soldier, but I cannot believe this of a Confederate soldier." Without even looking at me he pass ed out through tho door, and I lay there on my side, watching the ser geant oversee the removal of the oth ers. Maria and the older boy were apparently unhurt, but O'Brien bad to be supported by two of the men, while tho younger lad was swung in a blan ket. After they had disappeared five troopers remained, lounging In tho doorway, wilh guns In hand, and the sergeant took time to come over and examine my fastenings. ' lour lieutenant is something or a Joker, Isn't he?" 1 questioned. "Not that ever I heard ubout," he returned gruffly. "I've suspected him of most everything else, but never of that." "You nienn be really intends to hang me?" "I reckon he does. We all are sol fliers," be replied finally, "an' I reckon what tho lieutenant says goes. Far as I'm consarned, stranger, u Yank's n Tnuk, and I'm wlllln' ter string 'em all up if them's tho orders. The boys mostly feels like that." They set me up where I could lean against tho bed, my hands and feet strapped securely, my limbs numb from too tightness ot tne rasteninn The sergeant sat opnoflte u in enmr tinea agmnst tP.o wall, ins eye.; )nrtiully closed, but bis jaw busy on the tobacco in his cheek, the guard blocking the doorway. Drum bail reason to hate me- great I er reason perhaps than bo know, uud I suir.cient certainly to liiake ti i m nux i ions lo get me out of tho way for all time. lie might no; ! an: re of ! J :;n's real love for Donald, but be did Uu'iv of the form of marriage between j us. and bad every reason to believe j that the Intimacy of the past few days I had created a friendship dangerous to ' his ambition. My rough treatment of him would never have led to stu b re i prlsal as compassing my death ns a spy. There must be another cause. and that cause was Jean Denslow. tie stepped in between the guard ami stooil still staring at me. "King," he questioned peremptorily, "Is there any truth in what I have just heard, that those murders in t he house were committed by a woman?" "Yes." I said, surprised at the emo tion in his voice, "I saw her." You saw her! What was she like?" A thin, haggard face, with wild eyes and straggly gray hair." lie stopped, gaining control of htm- seif with an effort. "Do you know what I'm going to do with yon? I am going to hang you to Unit tree yon der as a Yankee spy." "That will be a brave deed, Lieuten ant Dunn, but one you are no doubt caimblo of. But there is one thing you did not dare do confess your purpose to Jean Denslow." "This has nothing to do with her. Oh. I know the trick you played on the girl, and believe she will rejoice to be thus easily rid of you. You may not be a spy. but you have done a spy? work and are going to meet a sp a fate. Connors!" The sergeant, who had been wutching ns through half closed ej'-s, rose to his feet and saluted. "Here, sir." The sergeant grinned, looking me over coolly. Dunn evidently knew his mnu. for ho snapped out his orders sharply. "Unstrap his legs and get him on his feet. Take the fellow's Jacket off; the collar is too high. Here, Muun, you and Franklin hold him by the arms. That's right, meu; outside with him. We'll give tho lad another look at the sunshine." They were grimly in earnest, hold ing me roughly and forcing me for ward through the door. I saw the back of the house a hundred yards away, most of tho troop of cavalrymen loung ing beside the well. The majority re mained where they were, staring curi ously at us. but n half dozen got upon their feet and strolled In our direction. Scarcely knowing what I did, yet obey ing the pressure ou either side, I ad vanced until jerked to a halt. Before uie dangled a rope with n noose nt the end. 1 heard a bird singing on the branch above, yet I saw nothing but a maze of faces and that dangling noose which was Intended to choke out my life. Some one struck me. and the blow broke the spell. I looked Into Connors' face, then beyond him Into tho eyes of Dunn. "Yon Infernal cur!" 1 Said coldly. "If you think this wins you the wom an you'll learn your mistake." A hand reached over my shoulder. grasped the rope, and I felt the noose settle about my neck and tighten. I know not from whence she came or bow. In that first second I thought It h dream, a vision, but It was Jean. and she looked questloningly at the sergeant. "What are you going to do?" He stammered. "We were goln' to bang a spy. ma'am." "This man Is no spy. Lieutenant Dunn, you are In command here. Is Bils jest or earnest?" "This is u military matter." he began roughly, "and no affair of yours what ever. Jean. I will not brook your In terference. This man has penetrated our lines. Flo has taken Information derived ns n spy to Federal headquar ters. In ordering his execution 1 am doing no more than any other officer would." She looked directly Into his face, her clear eyes reading the truth behind his words. Suddenly she turned, grasped the rope and lifted the noose over my head. "That Is my answer," she said quiet ly. "You shall not hang this man: he Is not a tmy ; he Is not here as a spy he Is my husband." Whatever veneer of gent'eness Cal vert Dunn might assume ou occasion was gone now. With reddened face and blazing eyes ho sprang forward, grasped her arm and flung her aside. bo fiercely that ehe fell upon one knee. "Your husband!" he shouted, fairly beside himself with rage. "Yes, by a trick a dirty, contemptible Yankee trick. Now I'll play another and di vorce you." I saw only the girl's face as she staggered to her feet. It was white, the Hps firm set, tho eyes burning. "I have not said I desired a divorce." "Well, I do, and I'm going to hnng this mnn. You can stay and see tho Job dono or you can leave, Just as you please. Connors, replace that rope!" I saw n quick movement of the glrl'a hand, nn outstretched arm, the glitter of n steel barrel. "Lieutenant Dunn," sho snld, her voice without a tremor. "I am n wo man, but ou are going to listen to me. If yon move or one of your men puts hand on the prisoner I shall fire. I acknowledge t&i oaa ns my hus mysT! ns his wife. I dare you to lay violent hands upon him." "You think that revolver will pre vent," he sneered. "With one word my men would overpower you." "Not before I could pull this trigger. But there Is still another reason Colo nel Donald la now riding In through the gate. Within two more minutes be wTll "be here. Tie Tiuows" "Lieutenant King." Her band dropped to her side, and her lips smiled. "Now, if you wish to. show your authority." j All Dunn's pretended bravado : seemed to desert him at these words. Suddenly Donald trotted Into the ! midst of the group, two men behind hiia, and drew rein sharply. 'What Is the meaning of this?" he questioned. "Jean, what are you doing hero? Dunn, 1 should like some ex planation of tliis." "I iini not mule" your orders," growl ed the lieutenant. "1 belong to the regular service." Donald looked at the man contemp tuously. "Which you continually manage to disgrace." he said coldly. "Lieutenant King, what did these fellows propose to do with you'" "Hang me as a spy," I answered. "It would have boon over with me l now but for the heroism of Miss Dens low." "Lieutenant Dunn." he said tersely, "it's perfectly true that I have no au thority over you in the service, bnt 1 think you know what It means to op pose me now. Irregular though I am. a word from me to General Johnston relative to this matter will bring you face to face with a court martial. This prisoner is not a spy and has never noted in that capacity. You were thor oughly aware of that fact." "Then 1 hold him as prisoner of war. Take charge of him, Connors." "Walt!" The single word rang out like a shot, and the sergeant stopped instantly, unable to decide whom he bad better obey. "He is not your pris oner, Dunn, but mine. If a man of you lays hands on him again you shall an swer for it to me." "Your prisoner! My God. how? We captured him in light. '1 hat fellow cost us six men." Donald Hung one booted leg over the IKiuunol of his saddle and calmly rest ed a revolver along it, his gaze on the excited faces. "I am very sorry for that, lieuten ant." be admitted quietly, "but you should have let him ulone. Most men fight when driven to it. King was my prisoner and on parole when you at tacked blm. I have special authority to parole prisoners whom 1 cannot send into headquarters. Lieutenant King Is my prisoner, and 1 propose to hold blm by power of this." He touched the deadly black barrel resting in his right hand and smiled. "Fennel, untie Lieu tenant King's hands. Lieutenant Dunn, 1 shall expect you In the library in ten minutes." (To Be Continued.) Returns From Europe. John School of Murdoek, who left for Germany on November 20, 1911, returned Saturday, Fobru ary 2 4, 1912, having had a most enjoyable visit in the old father land, which he bad not seen for twenty-eight years. He reports that everything' had changed and I hat. he did not, have any desire to live I here again. He also re ports thai bo had a line time on his trip and that on returning the ship had to slop for sixty-two hours on the ocean on account of a dense fog. Mr, School has three brothers living in Ger many, who were greatly surprised lo see him once more, but sorry to see him leave. They aeconi panied him as far as Berlin, from which place he journeyed to Hremen and sailed for home on the boat, George Washington. This is the season of the year when mothers feel very much concerned over the frequent colds contracted by their children, and have abundant reason for it as every cold weakens the lungs lowers the vitality and paves the way for the more serious diseases that so often follow. Chamber- ain's Cough Remedy is famous for its cures, and is pleasant and safe to take. For sale by F. 0 Frickc & Co. Have Called a Pastor. The Christian church of this city, which has been without : pastor for sonic months, have ex tended a call to Rev. A. L. Zink who was pastor of the church here four years ago. Rev. Zin has accepted the call and will bo in Plattsmoulh ready to begin work one week from next Sunday Tho congregation of the Christian church, as well as the members of other congregations, will wcl come Rev. Zink warmly, as he is young man of much ability and strong pulpit orator. II is ac quaint ance with Plattsmoulh peo pie will greatly aid him in his work here, and the church boar is lo be congratulated on secur ing him for this church, lie is a genial gentlemnn, easily to get acquainted with, and will no doubt be a strong help to the church here. Do you know that more real danger lurks in a common cold than in any other of the minor ailments? Tho safo way is to take Chamberlain's Cough Rem edy, a thoroughly reliable pre paration, and rid yourself of the cold as quickly as possible. This remedy is for sale by F. 0. Frickc & Co. And the next day it snowed! All the more reason why you should buy one of those warm, fine, dressy overcoats we O"? rn are selling at UliuU They put style in your appearance, money in your pocket and warmth in your blood. Buy one now before they are all gone. Watch for Our Next Ad! C. E. Wescott's Sons Always tho Home of Satisfaction HAVE FAITH YOUR 01 1 Citizens Must Have Confidence in the Future of Their City. There is an ill-begotten saying to the elVeet that "if you don't like your job why don't you quit?" This bit of wisdom may be very .ippropriately applied to any citizen who hasnt confidence in the future of the city in which he lives. If you don't like the city in which you are living why don't you move lo another town which you will like belter, perhaps, and be doing justice to yourself at east? If a town is not improving and advancing it is certainly slip ping backward, as there is no such condition as a perfect mid die. If you have not gol faith in the future greatness of your city and are not. working for its ad vancement how do you suppose that it can possibly make anv forward progress? IMatlsnioulh is not a city be cause ot tne mere fact that a number of acres of ground have been given that name, but because n number of the people have banded together and formed a municipality. Now each and every person within the confines of this municipality is a working part of a city of the first-class, and as such is burdened with a duty which by no means can be to hold back and retard the olliers who would drive ahead. Faith is the first cardinal prin ciple of which we learn and it is first practiced by the clinging confidence we have in our par ents. A man without faith, even in this day of substitution and in vention, is held lo be of little consequence, and the fact that his position in life be high or low carries little weight with public regard. Faith in one's future is absolutely the most im portant thing in life. There is not a man living who has not faith in himself. Is there one plausible reason why Plallsinoulh should not have a brilliant future? And, on the other band, is there not many in surances against, retardation? There was never an instance yet where show of confidence- did Plattsmoulh Auto and Wagon Bridge Company TOLL RATES Foot passengers $ .05 Horse and rider 15 Motorcycle and rider 15 One horse, vehicle and driver 20 Two " " " " 25 Three " 35 Four 50 Horses or cattle hauled or driven, each 10 Calves, sheep, goats or hogs, hauled or driven, each 10 Maximum rates per wagon load 50 Fruit, grain or hay, per load, with team and driver 50 Huckster, patent medicine, grocery peddler, junk dealer, live poultry, each with wagon and driver 1.00 Emigrant wagons with driver 1.00 Automobiles with chauffer 50 Each additional person in any vehicle 05 Thresher, seperator, team and driver 2.50 Corn shelter, team and driver 1.50 $10 and $5 Coupon Books ai 25 o Dis count for Gash! POLLOCK a DUFF, PROPRIETORS not produce telling effect. Why not apply a little faith to your city's affairs. Don't you think it would help? Lack of confidence and coward ice has been the stroko that fell ed many a near-won victory where a little show of faith has evicted an overwhelming enemy. Boosting is tho outward show of faith in this instance, but it must eomo with a will to be aided constantly with effort. Discard those little pettr jealousies. By so doing yoa show that you have faith in Ike future of your city and fellow mankind. You will be greatly surprised at the result. Undecided. Some people are unable to mftke a quick decision, but keep oa postponing things from day 16 day, if there is nobody who would compel them to do something. They always depend on others.. They will postpone work and ovon taking medicine, in case of sick ness, although knowing that something should bo done. If such persons have good friends they should call themselves happy. In cases of suffering from some trouble of the stomach or the bowels, or of sudden weak ness, pains in the digestive or gans, or loss of appetite, you will confer a great favor on tho suf ferer by advising him to use. at once Trincr's American Elixir of Bitter Wine. It is to be recom mended in constipation, headache and backache, vomiting, poverty of blood, nervousness, heartburn, difficulties after meals, loss of weight, dizziness, colic. At drug stores. Jos. Triner, 1333-1330 So. AslHand, Ave., Chicago, III. Married Today. From Wednesdays llalli. Marriage license was issued at the county judge's office for F.mil J. Meisinger and Miss Isabell M. Todd, the ceremony oecuring at high noon today at the residence of the bride's parents, A. L. Todd and wife. We hope to have an account of the wedding of this popular young couple for tomor row's issue of the Journal. Tho ceremony was performed by Rev. Mayllold of Louisville. A. B. FomolV of Cullom came down on No. this morning to do some marketing of produce and visit friends for the day.