Iuka reporter. (Iuka, Miss.) 1888-1894, 1888-10-11
CHAPTER TX
A SAD RETURN.

CHAPTER TX
A SAD RETURN.
| A slight wound was across his breast
where he had come in contact with the
| wire, but as it had given way under the
| great strain of tho two animals. his injuries
were slight
| The tension of the wire when it parted
threw the ends beyond the road. AS he cast
his eyes in the direction of the rascas who
had got him into this terrible plight, he saw
that they had stopped and were now return
ing. He got his gun and crawled behind the
dead horse. The carcass offered him pro-
lection and rest for his gun.
Brushing the dust from his eyes and face
SO that his sight would be clear he awaited
the return of the marauders. They came
slowly along, appearing to enjoy the dis
comiture of those who, they supposed,
were now at their mercy.
When they arrived sufficiently near for
our hero to make sure of his shot being
| effective, he ran the barrel of his gun out,
tHsed his head, and his eve glanced along
| The Barrel. In an instant more he pulled
tia trigger, and bullet sped on its way to
the foremost mans breast. He staggered
in his seat and appeared dazed. Then he
suddenly turned his horses head down the
road and started off. He was reeling like
drunken man, and it was easily seen that he
was done for. After going short distance
| be failed to recover, and over he tumbled
One foot hung in the stirrup as he fell, and
| the frightened animal continued on a run,
dangling the lfeless body as he went His
companion quickly raised his gun, and a
| bullet struck the carcass near our hero. He
| then turned about to make his retreat but
| before he got under full Roadway another
| shot from Johns unerring rifle rolled him
| to the ground corpse.
| John secured his horse after he became
positive that his last antagonist was beyond
| doing further harm, and leading him to
where his comrade lay limp and lifeless,
he placed the body on the horse and slowly
and sorrowfully wendell his way home
| ward.
John believed the two bushwhackers were
| dead but that would not compensate him
for the loss of his friend, if that young man
was verify dead. He was placed in trying
position. How could he break the news to
the stricken family when he returned home
with the lifeless clay?
He knew that it would BIO almost death to
at least two of the women when they saw
the body of the son and lover.
He could not bear the thought of his
being the means of darkening the lives of
those he loved SO dearly.
As he approached a dripping spring that
fell from an overhaging rock by the road
side he stopped and began to think.
1T may be possible he is not dead, " he
thought, "and if he is not, this water may
revive him. AT any rate, I'll try" And he
gently took the body, and carrying it close
By the dripping water deposited t on the
leaves He then wet his handkerchief and
bathed the face and brow of his injured
friend,
He called to him and implored him to tell
him he was not dead, but no reply came.
Sick at heart, but not completely discour-
aged, he worked on, and when about ready
TO give up in despair he noticed the con-
traction Of muscle.
"That must mean lifei" he exclaimed,
and redoubled his efforts In few
moments more the eyelids and mouth
muscles began twitching, and John was
overjoyed. for he knew then that his friend
was not dead.
The eyes were beginning to slowly open,
and John was soon again looking into them
with undisguised happiness.
Where am /, john" were his first
words.
mot far from home. How are you feel
ing, Henry?"
raise himself; but groan escaped him
and he sank back.
Not SO fast. Henry. I'll have to help you.
You are hurt"
How did it happen?" he asked.
will tell you after little. Keep quiet
now"
The sound of horses footsteps could
be distinctly heard coming up the road
John seized his gun, and was prepared
tor the worst. He raised himself SO
that his head was above the bank. and not
hundred yards away saw a solitary horse
man riding one and leading another ami
NAL. As quick as flash Johns gun was
taised. but it only remained there for
second. for he recognized in the person ap-
preaching the anxiously sought for jeff.
His long rifle was on his shoulder, and he
appeared as If the world was pleasant one
70 him.
4Halloo, jeff"
The muzzle of the old gun was immedi-
ately brought over for use
Down with your gun, JEFF! None of that"
John commanded
jeff looked undecided
ut is !, jeff! John Eddles.'
The arm dropped A look of sheepish-
ness and gadness came into the Negroes
face at this announcements and he quickly
dismounted. 1t was no time nor place fol
explanation, and no questions were asked.
With Jeffs assistance John had but little
difficulty in getting Henry into a saddle
The two men rode by his side supporting
the limp, weak form. 1t was with far differ
ent feelings that John rode along on his
return to the mansion from those that he
had when no left it SO full Of life and with
bis friend BY his side, in the early morn
ing.
When they arrived at the mansion gate
they found the household in an uproar, The