Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1889-07-04

whip crack-hle report broke on the air. md
when he looked again Saddle was empty,
and . horse flying at the speed Of tho wind
down the road. The shot checked tho Con-
federates for . moment, and Luke's COM
panions emptied their guns ct them, still
more confusing the cavalry, and wounding
q man and horse. Knowing that they could
not long Withstand such . superior force,
Luke urged his men to fiy across the field.
The corn was tall, and the overhanging
blades concealed them when few rods
away. But they had not gone fourth Of .
milo before the corn terminated at cross
fence, beyond which was . meadow, from
which the grass had been recently cut
speed across the meadow toward . log
stable on the hill
"F0rward, over the fence and cut them
down r. they hear q clear, ringing voice in
their rear shout The sound Of that voice
sent thrill through the frame Of Luke
Mason. He recognized the speaker, who was
doubtless in command Of their pursuers, as
| a personal friend, though political enemy.
Reaching the log stable, Luke hurried the
| men inside and said:
'Don't fire shot until you are compelled
to-" Throwing down his gun, he walked
down the hill unarmed to meet the Confed-
crate cavalry, who were just leaping their
horses over the cross fence.
"Whar We gwine! where ye gwine!" cried
Arkansaw Tom.
ITO stop the rebels"
"Why, he's crazy; they'll riddle him with
bullets" groaned old Tom.
''Stay there, and all will be right"
With his arms peacefully folded, he
marched down to meet the advancing Con-
federates, who, completely astounded, had
refined in their horses to a walk. A few mo-
ments later they were near enough to be
heard, and Luke called out:
"Albert Neff! Halt your men and come
here aloner'
'Good heaven! it's Luker gasped Al
bert, his heart almost ceasing to beat
when he came to realize how near he had
come to taking his friends life. His troop
ers stopped, and he rode forward and seized
his friend by the hand.
"Luke," and his voice was quite husky,
81 didn't dream when we separated only .
few days ago that we should meet in this
way"
''Neither did 1; but, Albert, I must ask
you to call of your troops. The four
men in the log stable are men chose to de-
fend your fathers house, your childhood
home. against the stragglers Of our army;
but for them that home would have been in
ashes"
"Tll do it." said the noble young fellow.
1t may not be according to military rules,
but I'll do it, if lose my shoulder straps"
Wheeling his horse about, he galloped
back to his men, and, after moments con-
sultation. turned in his saddle and, waving
his hand to Luke, shouted:
"Go on, we'll not harm you"
Arkansaw Tom, who had witnessed the
strange maneuvers, on Luke's return
said:
"Wall, swow, it beats creation. How'd
ye turn 'em back so easya"
Luke explained that the rebel Captain
was the son of the man whose house they
had saved. They returned to the road and
took the body of their comrade to the
house Of Union man, where it was left for
burial. As they were hurrying down the
road a dark figure suddenly wormed Its
way out of the thicket at the road side
and said:
"Massa Luke you want hurt, wuz YET"
No, Blackhawk, where have you beenr"
"In de brush. massa. I see ALL see
0OcTy tAukS Uub uOOOOy SOC 00s 70 VIII
you, massa, and you know it not"
II believe you are bewitched," said
Luke. "What do you mean by this strange
conduct, Blackhawka"
"Some day tells massa, but not now.
rs gwine," and he turned about and dis
appeared into the bushes.
"There is some mystery about this black
fellow" said Luke. II wish could
fathom it."
Late that evening they overlook the main
body. The little army was encamped on the
banks of creek, and rumors Of an attack ON
the rear had come to them. Luke and his
companions were supposed to have been
killed or captured, and Captain Smart was
overjoyed to see them.
'I'm glad you're back, Luke" said the
Captain, taking the recruit aside. 1--WE |
got somethin' good for you"
"Whatp Luke asked, in amazement.
!"Ye notice that we've been havin' re- |
cruits comm in ever since we started" |
Luke had noticed that their numbers |
were hourly increasing. Patriotic farmers |
and their sons, apprized Of the approach Of |
the army, fastened to join it and swell their |
numbers. They came bringing their own !!
guns and ammunition, and such arms, at |
close range, were not to be despised. |
"We've got full company unorganized,
an they want leader. They're ready to |
MN @N.
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