The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1889-11-17


you would wish me to DOR
No, sir; l only thought you ought to be
told. leave it with you to mention it TO
others or not. Perhaps Won will think it
pest ID say nothing until the story gets
of it."
YES, l think t hat would be the bes.,"
Capt. Twentyman said, after thinking it
over. II remem Der that thought before
when L read the account of that trial that
you were either one of the most lucky or
one of the most unfortunate mea in the
world. see now that it was the latter"
a Few days later, al hour or two before
the column was about to march, a flag
nolsted at the postotfice tent told the camp
that the mail had arrived, and orderlies
from each corps at once hurried there. As
they brought the bags out they were
emptied on the ground. Some of the
sergeants set to work to sort the letters,
while tie officers stood round and picked
out their own as they lay on the grass.
Here, Blunt, here's one for you"
Sergt. Menzies said, when Ronald came
up.
Ronald took the letter, and sauutering
away short distance, threw himself on the
ground and opened it. After reading the
hrst line OF two he leaped to his feet again,
took few steps up and down, with his
breath coming fast and his hands twitch-
ing. Then he stood suddenly still, took off
his cap, bent his head, put his hand over
his eyes, and stood for a few minutes with
out moving. When he put his cap on again
his face was wet with tears, his hands
were trembling so that when he took
the letter again he could scarce
read it. A sudden exclamation broke from
him as he came upon the name Of Forester.
The letter was SO long that the trumpets
were sounding by the time he had finished.
he folded it and put it in his tunic, and
then STROBE back with head erect to the
spot where the men of his troop were sad
ding their horses. AS he passed on among
them sudden impulse seized him, and he
stopped before one of the men and touched
him on the shoulder.
"You villain, " he said, "You have been
accusing me of murder. You are a muir
derer yourself"
The mans face paled suddenly.
Il know you, George Forester" Ronald
went on, land l know that you are
guilty. You have to thank the woman
who once loved you that 1 do net at once
hand you over to the provost marshal to be
sent to England for trial, but for her sake
will let you escape. Make a confession
and sign it, and then go your way where
you will, and no search shall be made for
you; if you do not, tomorrow you shall be
in the hands of the police"
"There Is no evidence against me more
than another" the man said sullenly
mo evidence, you villain" Ronald said.
"Your knife-the knife with your initials
on it-covered with blood, was found by
the body"
The man staggered as if struck.
II knew | had lost it,n he said, as if to
himself, "but didn't know 1 dropped it
there"
At this moment the bugle sounded.
Il will give you until tomorrow morn
ing to think about it," and Ronald ran off
to mount his horse, which he had saddled
before going for his letter.
Sergt. Menzies caught sight of his COM
rade's face as he sprang into the saddle.
Eth, man." he said, whats coma to you?
You have good news, haven't you, of some
kinda Your face is transit cured, man.
1.-The best" Ronald said, holding out his
hand to his comrade. 81 am proved to be
innocent"
Menzies gave him a firm grip of the hand,
and then each took his place in the ranks
There was desperate fighting that day with
the Kaffirs The Cape Mounted Rifles,
while scouting ahead of the infantry in the
bush, were suddenly attacked by an i'm
mense body of Katfirs. Muskets cracked.
and assegais flew in showers. Several of
the mon dropped, and discharging their
rifles, the troopers fell back toward the in.
fantry. As they reiterated, Ronald looked
back one of the men of his troop whose
horse had been shot under him, had been
overtaken by the enemy, and was sur.
rounded by score of Kaffirs His cap
was off, and Ronald caught sight of his face.
He gave a shout, and in an instant had
turned his horse and dashed toward the
group.
Come back, mau, come back" Capt.
Twentyman shouted, 'it'S madness"
But Ronald did not hear him; the man
whose confession could alone absolutely
clear him was in the hands of the Kaffirs
and must be saved at any cost. A moment
later he was in the midst of the natives
emptying his revolvers among them. For
roster bad sunk on one knee as Ronald.
having emptied one of his revolvers, hurled
it in the face of Kaffir, and then leaning
over, caught Forester by the collar and
with mighty effort lifted, and threw him
across the saddle in front of him, then
bending over him he spurred his horse
through the natives. Just at this moment
Capt. Twentymsn and score of the mon
rode uD at full speed, drove the Kaffirs back
for an instant, and enabled Ronald to reioin
his lines. Three asSegais had struck him,
and he reeled in the saddle Is amidst the
cheers of his companions he rode up.
zone of you take the wounded man in
front of YOU" Lieut.. Daniels said, s'and
carry him to the rear. Thompson, do you
Jump up behind Sergt. Blunt, and support
him back to the rear. There is no time to
be lost; quick, man. These fellows are com
ing on us like furies."
The exchange was made in half a minute:
one of the men took George Forester before
him. another sprang up behind r 1nald and
held him in his saddle with one hand. while
he took the reins in the other. Then he
rode fast to tue rear. just as the leading
battalion of infantry came at a run and
opened fire on the Kaffirs, W no, with wild
yells, were pressing on the rear of the
cavalry.
When Roland recovered his senses he was
living in the ambulance wagon, and the sur
geon was dressing his wounds.
THAT'S right. sergeant" ne said cheer
ingly, II think you will do. You have
three nasty wounds, but by good luck
don't think any of them are vital"
Chow is Forresterw Ronald asked.
"Forrester!" the surgeon said in surprise.
"Who do you mean, Blunt"
81 mean Jim Saith, sir; his real name
was Forester"
'sThere is nothing to be done for him."
the surgeon said. Nothing can save him;
he is riddled with assegais."
SIS he consciousw Ronald asked.
''No not at present"
"Will he become conscious before he dies,
sirr'
81 dent know" the surgeon replied,
somewhat puzzled at Ronald's question.
ssHa NAV he Int | cannot saw