Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1891-05-23

~ .xt >STTe menCS DenlnO MIN,
and prepared for a canter across the
open country. "Only run of few
miles and back" he continued, placing
his hand with an sffectionate touch
upon the silky neck of his beloved
mare. mo monotony in camp for US,
when the gods provide such weather as
this, eh, my beauty?"
Notwithstanding this openly ex-
pressed gratitude for this gift of the
gods, our young soldier was not unap-
preciative of his risk. in leaving the
Union lines, and inviting the dangers OF
the enemy's country. The superfuous
vitality that chafed under the prospect
of days inactivity, did not render
him the. less .keenly alive to his situation,
and as he rode along occasionally in
dulging in soliloquy, his practiced eye
was constantly on the alert.
For sometime, no object of SUSPECT
Gus nature crossed his field of vision,
then with sudden distinctness. the sharp
sound of rapidly approaching horses,
fell upon his ear. Turning quickly in
his saddle he beheld several horsemen,
all wearing the Confederate uniform,
rounding the course in the road i'm
medistely behind him.
Rebel soldiers by all that's holy" he
muttered with slight whistle of dis.
may. "If you were not in so serious q
fix old fellow, I might say, it serves
you right. No use trying to get back
to the Union lines by that road. And
devil knows where this one leads to.
Well the chance in front can't be much
worse than the certainty behind. Per.
hsps Providence may interpose in
my behalf, and lead me into
some promised land of safety
For once nv uniform il
decidedly in the way. All, their SHARP
eyes have discovered it already. Well
Moll, this isn't our first tight squeeze, il
it? Do your best, old girl. It is rae,
to the death, and may the devil catch
the hindermost.
He bent with the words, and onc'
more patted Moll's silky neck. Sh'
turned her head affectionately, and he
heels responding promptly. They wer,
covering the ground at a speed tina
promised to distance their pursuers.
@They are no match for your flee
legs, my beauty" continued our hero
with quick backward glance and an
other caressing tonch. "We are leav
ing them badly in the lurch. Well
Just here his flow of remarks was in
terrupted by sudden stumble, which
brought Moll to her knees, and sen
her rider ingloriously over her head.
This was, indeed, q most unfortunat,
contretemps. Even Moll, who had re
gained her foothold too late for the bene
ct of her master, appeared to appreci
ate it, but Allen, lying immovabl'
where he had fallen, beyond q vsgu,
impression of flying through the air
was conscious of nothing until he opened
his eyes few minutes later to find
young and beautiful woman bending
over him. His feelings at this crisis cal
scarcely be described. Who or wha
abe was, he did not pause to conjecture
The impression of dreaming was to-
strong within him. Nor could he dispe
the illusion, until the quick, proud ges
ture, and bright, warm flush, will
which the fair stranger drew back from
his admiring glance, convinced hin
that no dream. but living reality, con
fronted him. With the knowledge
thousand sweet and subtle sensation
surged over him.
All the sentiment in his nature rose t,
the surface. His pulses quickened, ant
his every nerve thrilled under tn
subtle magnetism of her presence
For the time beng he forgo
Ill. but the lovely vision which ha'
charmed him back to consciousness
Determined to diecover her identity, b
rose with some difficulty from his posi-
ton on the ground. and prepared :
address her. Evidently divining hi
intention, she turned with RESTRAINING
gesture. and the quick words: This
no time to talk. Do you not see the.
are quite upon you. Answer one NOR
question. Are you not Allen Berkeley
Yes, I thought so. Stand where 70.
are please. Twill speak to these men.
Intenaely surprised BY her words ant
action, Allen could only obey her.
Leaning against the tree beside him
hs saw her walk forward fsv PAGES
md face the horsenan WHO. Rod nov
dawn rein.
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