The Arkansaw traveler., 1884-11-08

said what did because you mentioned that "the Yankee" would keep to- morrow. as if we did not have as much right to thank God for blessings as they have. God knows that have much for which to hate the Yankees; but l do not want to give up to them my privilege of being grateful to God for His blessings to me and mine"
 "Well said, captain" said all of the men, and then the frst one who had spoken, and was called Hawkins, said:
 "Yes, and I wish that we could all keep the day, Capt. Berkley. Twas going to say, however, that ss 1t will be Thanks giving Day, we will be sure to find Judge Wm. Wilders, or colonel, as he is now in the Yankee army, on his way home, as am sure that he is expected to be there on Thanksgiving night on two weeks furlough."
 "lt will be bad ending to Thanks giving for him and for his family-you say that he is married P
 "Yes and to the pretties. and smartest little woman in the state of Texas"
 "Well, let us cat, and hurry off it is a long ride, and we must find good place of ooncealment before daylight"
 In a short time they were on their horses, and riding in a course little north of east, going into the northwestern portion of the state. It is not necessary to follow them on the joutney, nor stay with them in their place of concealment which Hawkins had pointed out, he ap- bearing to know all the country thers< abouts.
 Night closed in with dull, leaden clouds hanging like pail over all nature in the east black clouds were hurrying to and fro, as if in hurry to shut out seme picture; in she west the sun had evidently gone to rest behind the very throne of night itself, as all in that direction seemed to be black as the tabled caves of my thological Eoleus The air was very keen and cutting, and the wind was be- ginning to whistle through the trees as if the voices of winter were wailing the dirgeto the many frozen hearts whose brightest hopes lay buried under the snows of sorrow and disappointment.
 "And that is the house where he is ex- Pecteds You arc right; they are pre- pairing for him. An. duty is indeed the most memorable of all commands. It seems ike no duty could ever command that sorrow De hurled in such beautiful home as that appears to be-"
 Why, Captain Berkley," said one of his men, You are not going 70 allow your sentiment to interfere with your"
 !" No need to say that to me you know me well enough to understand me, should think, Rogers. Col Wilders has been guilty of the greatest act of treason he has allowed his mea to plunder de- fenseless women and helpless children and, according to our oaths, we must capture him, if possible, and hang him without mercy. But, nevertheless, it is very hard that stern duty commands us to do so.'
 In few moments after darkness deep and heavy had set in one of the men whispered:
 Hark! hear the tramp of horses feet. Shall we hail the cap,ainF"
 "Yes. Stand ready, bu, do not shoo, unless compelled to. Let as rot disturb the household, and thus lead to a dis covery oi what we have done. would rather she would think that duty to his country kept him back. and .aat he was among the missing, than that ste should ind out the fate he has met" It was scarcely a minute after the captain utter cd this concession to the plesdings mercy, that one of the men called o.
 Halt! Give your aame."
 CHAPTER II.
 As the words, give your name." were uttered, there came a vivid flash of liz ,,- ming that lighted up the surroundings for only brief moment but Ii was enough for one of the men to see form stancing in the road with long streaming hair, as if terror-stricken at something. As he saw this. and called the captains at,en- Iion to it, the horseman that had been hailed, said:
 Who are you that stop gentleman l on the highway, and demand his name P |
 Friends, if you arc not the one we | want"
 "Weil, as there is no one who would 1 l~y~~ A. ls