Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1888-11-03

one"
Before Ruth hal time to answer, an
othcr speaker saved her the cess ty
"Sorg amt" he said, "if you're going
to war on wCmcn-folkS and childr II
you may count me cut OF Your CON-
patty"
The Sergeant laughed: "Wcll DONE
Dykes! Can't you tell when mans
in JEST? Don't think I'm a brute. It'll
take more scenes Of bloadshcd than
I've been through yet to make me lose
my resp ct for womln.'
"Good-by, pretty la3s.c," he contin-
ued, turning to Ruth aop.n, and take
my lvice. Stay within doors for u
few days, or YOU may meet anoth I set
of soldiers, who mightnt be 50 good
natmcd."
"Thank you. I'll do as you say" was
Ruth's grateful answer.
As the sol Tiers moved away Ruth
caught the eye OF the man the sergeant
ha addressed aa Dykes, AMI beckoniii.
him 10 come t. her she gave him q bag
of nuts;
"Gi,e these to your comrades she
said aloud, then added in al under
tonA:
Il know you. You are Susan's hus-
band. Thank yoI for speaking up us
you did.
"I've maybe done mys Ii bad turn,
Miss" was the Gruif answer. "but it
would have hurt ne worse to So harm
come to Miss Sewers gal. She's b. en-
too good to Sukc and the young uns.'
Ruth was q long distance from homo.
But i WAS not many hours before she
and her companions arriNe there,
flushed and painting from their haste
to give Mrs. Sever warming that the
Tories were on raid. If the bravo
woman's heart failed her as she list he l.,
10 che was the Wiser. She had passed
through too many pcri.ous scenes to
give way now.
"We'il get ahead Of them" she said,
they'll have NJ additional luggage
when they leave rs, ii we can help it.
This very night we'll carry off our val
uab!es ard hide them in the old lime
kiln. There are lots of us to 90 to
work and children can help as well as
the oder ones. AS t. hurting rs,
there is not soul would dare to lay q
finger on one of John SEWERS family.
They know too well what the reckon
ing would be"
AS she spoke the handsome young
matron drew herself up with a proud
dignity which sat we'll upon her. She
had been notel beauty before her
marriage with her soldier lover: AMI
she looked the ideal of & soldiers wife
rs she spoke thus bravely.
Her ringing words dispelled the
fears of the inmates of her household.
They felt that she would prove equal
to the emergency. just then timid
knock sounded on the door, and tall
gaunt-looking woman came in. She
had once been comely,. but hardship
had followed her cheeks and faded her
bloom. Her eyes sought Mrs. SEWERS
face, anXiously.
IT IVES Susan Dykes.
"Well, Susan" said Mrs. Sewer, with
a kindly nod, "have you come for the
bacon ana cornmeal promised you?"
no" answered Susan, hastily. Then
she checked hers Elf; II mean yes. I'll
be much obliged, ma'am.'
Mrs. Sewer saw by her confused man.
ner that she had something on her mind.
Come, then, before it gets any dark
er; I'll fill your bag and you can put it
before You on your horse"
81 didn't ride. L walked, and I'm
that tired l feel as if I'd drop to pieces"
Then sit for minute and Ruth1l
run and get you something to eat"
Ruth needed no second bidding. Her
sympathies were thoroughly enlisted by
the poor woman's white, worn face.
I'm rested now. Miss Sewer, feel