The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1891-06-24

All, here they comcl |
Not as Swayne and Frank had done,
but up the full sweep Of the lowland-a
long line OF struggling horsemen, half
a mile away yet, but in full sight Of the
wary watchers.
tBy Moses, but them hyenas amt on
our tracks after ALL See that chap q
leadin' 'em--he's the one they're
chasin', an the Lord hev mercy on his
soul, ef they catches him."
1t was an exciting scene. As Swayne
said, the leading man was evidently
the quarry Of the others, and as they drew
nearer 1t was apparent that he wore
the uniform of Union officer. The
chase must have been long and severe,
for the horses OF all we-a pounding
along with that rolling gait, which told
how nigh they were exhausted. In
fact, several in the far distance could
be seen who had dropped out Of the
race altogether: only three were within
pistol-shot of the fugitive, on whom
they were gaining at every stride.
81 allow we're agoin' ter take han
in this game" Dick said, grimly,
Tightening his saddle-girth as he spoke.
-"Now soon es they git alongside, dash
out on 'em, an holler fur all yer worth
they'll think the woods is full on us,
an you'll see circus"
So when the laundering hoofs were
close upon them, the two young fellows
burst out Of ambush, yelling like a
band OF Comanches.
Swayne, with his strong fresh horse,
In the fury of his attack literally rode
down the foremost of the pursuers,
while Frank hurled himself upon the
second, who, however, managed to keep
his saddle.
But the rout was complete. Without
stopping to look behind them the en-
emy had turned tail and fed, doubtless
believing from the daring nature Of the
attack that whole regiment was at
their heels.
"Quick, b'ys, to the wood!' Swayne
cried, "aforc these wildcats kin git ther
eyes skinned ter see the trick we've
played EN-"
AS they rode under cover again
Frank turned to examine the man they
had rescued. He was well-built,
handsome man of thirty-well bred,
too, If one could judge from his clear.
cut features.
"Well, boys, you've done me the best
turn any one ever did for me in this
world, and / only pray 10 Heaven that
II either Of you are ever in such tight
FIX as was ten minutes ago you'll find
as brave hearts TO help you as I've done" !"
"Amen to thatl'' Frank said. 'Now
satisfy our curiosity by telling us who
you are and where you are from?"
"Mark Henderson, at your service,
Captain Of Zagonyi's cavalry, and now
-or at least dozen hours ago-on the
staff Of General Lyon. started at
dawn with guide 10 try and make
communication with troops that are
supposed TO have left Kansas City 70
come TO our aid, but the rascally villain
led me right into that nest of hornets
you saw buzzing about my ears.
"And am on my way to General
Lyon 10 tell him that those very troops
are hurrying by forced march to Join
him." Frank ejaculated.
Henderson looked keenly at the
speaker.
'Tt's rather curious dodge, isn't it2'
he said, Ito rig you up in private's uni
form? What rank do you hold in the
service?"
"Just what you see-full private
that is all"
"Then your Colonel must have fine
regiment II his rank and file are filleC
by such as you. Give me your hand
my boy, you will have your commission
before the month Is out, or I'm no judg'
Of matters"
"T appears ter me, you two uns i
gassin' tolble sight too much
Wouldn't It be jess es sensible eff ye
was ter put few more miles atweei
you an them gorillas atare yer got s.
tonguey."
The hint was too valuable to be dis
regarded, so once more they resumes
their journey. II they could have gon
In direct line they would have reaches
Springfield by night-fall, but they wer
30 often obliged TO make detours :
avoid the enemy that when darkness
came on they were obliged to camp 1
the woods till daylight. And whe
dawn came the roaring Of guns an
clattering Of small-arms in the near dii
tance told them that for all their drear
ride and headlong speed they were TO
late.
Up steep hill before them they rod
In haste, and on morSting It's cres
though the sky was but Just gleamin
with the rays Of the newly risen Sun
the whole panorama Of the BATTLEFIELD
lay before them.
"Wilson's creek, by thunderl An
thought we was ten miles away" Die
Swayne cried, as he dashed his spul
In his horses flank and gnlloped dow
the dcclivity.
AS they rode they could see u
armies Of either side massing-B M
Culloch, with his Hiteen thousar
"a fighting men from Arlxansas--Lyon al
6iegel with their FIVE tAsusand, some
"a whom had borne themselves SO well
Boonville.
y In the mad ride down the hillsi
Franks horse trippea On root Of
:. tree, hurling him TO the ground with
y force that for the time stunned hi
!. and when he recovered his senses,
- - was only TO see the boast hurrying
~ full speed after his companions.
no Picking himself upas bost as he cou
ss ss he started on run. u was no ca
he task to reach the Union lines, but