San Antonio daily light. [volume] (San Antonio, Tex.) 1886-1907, 1891-11-06
DEATHS BRIDAL.
By DAVID KER

Ol uer own DdhluS anu lIulJ VI HeT OWL
raising, was nothing uncommon, and
the presence of the negro, presumably an
old family retainer, still true to her al
tered fortunes. was quite in keeping
with this idea. .u
Not without long and weary search
(being, of course, compelled to proceed
with the utmost caution) had they dis
covered Arthur's prison, and even now
their task seemed well nigh hopeless.
The sturdy frames and resolute faces of
his two guards showed that they would
not be easily overcome either by force or
cunning, and even if he could be freed
his rescuers would still have to get him
and themselves out of the camp unde-
tected.
Constance proffered her basket to the
two soldiers, who, saluting her with
rough respect, began to help themselves
with a will. But suddenly the elder of
the two checked himself, and said in an
insinuating tone:
"Say, miss, We hain't got drop o
whisky, s'pose, in that ar biggest
basket O. your'n? If We hev, we'd be
pOW6Il VI ID VI ~, SOu Ccl'
But is it not forbidden to sell liquor
to the sentries?" asked Constance with
well feigned reluctance. That officer
whom met just now told me so, I'm
sure"
"Wal, maybe it amt right squar' with
the orders" admitted the man unwilling
ly, "but jest fer once in way it
wouldn't matter much, reckon
Just then the negro attendant, attract
ing the attention of the two men by
very expressive pantomime behind Con-
stances back, displayed the neck of
bottle from leather pouch at his side,
winked knowingly at the soldiers, who
winked at him in return. Then, turn
ing sharply around, he contrived to up
set his basket and uttered a loud cry of
dismay.
"Oh, golly, missy, all dem tings done
tumble out! You wait lilly bit, me pick
'em up gain
"Do you think I'm going to wait for
you, you clumsy fellow" replied Con
stance sharply. Don't you see it's get
ting dark, and we must make haste
home again? I'll go slowly on, and you
pick up the things and come after me as
quick as you can"
The moment her back was turned the
negro handed the concealed bottle to the
nearest soldier with a sly grin, hastily
pouched his money, and bundiing the
scattered provisions recklessly into his
basket, hurried after his young mistress.
That's derned good stuff, >" said the
| first soldier, taking Il hearty pull,
though it has n queer sort o taste
someways."
That's So" assented the other, drink
| ing in turn; but reckon good whisky's
with hevin', if thar was pison in it,"
There was something unusual in it
beyond doubt, for before long first one
| man and then the other began to grow
| drowsy and leaned heavily against the
side of the shed, reused himself with a
sudden start, and then let fail his rifle
| and sank to the ground in dead sleep.
Up came gliding in a trice the dark
| figure of the negro scout, who had gone
no farther than the nearest clump of
bushes, and asked softly:
you dere, Marse Jolltte:
is that you, Ecker" said the prisoner.
Dat me, sure huff You wait one
minute Me get you out"
Zeke soon found Il spot close to the
earth where the crazy planking, rotted
| by constant rain, was easy to cut through.
Upon this he went to work, for the bar
of the door defed his strength, one of
the wary sentinels having damned it by
forcing large stone into the socket.
The brave man hacked away as ii
working for his life, which indeed he
was; for if fresh men came up to relieve
guard while he was thus employed he
would share the doom of the man whom
he was striving to save. Again and
again he thought he heard approaching
steps, but happily it was only his fancy,
and at length the moldering wood gave
way. The young viscount Crawled forth.
and the lovers were instantly in each
| others arms.
Whether live or die, darling, I've
seen you again" said Arthur, kissing
her, land nothing can deprive Inc Of
| that Now, Zeke, what are we to do"
| you put on dat uniform, Marse Joe"
answered the negro, hastily stripping the
unconscious men of their tattered gray
uniforms, land Missy put on dis yer 'un.
Den you two take dem two rifles and
march me off troo de camp: and if any
body ask whar you gwine tell 'em you
done cotch dis cussed niger sell liquor
to sentry, got order see him clar out oh
| de lines"
1t was bold and hazardous scheme,
but there seemed to be no other way of
escape. The shed served Constance as a
| dressing room, and, being naturally tall,