The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1892-07-01

sent out beautiful temptation to LEAD
mo dnectIy into their power. May Coo
fonQivo You II anv harm cnnre~ ~ ne, &c,
my innocent blood will be upon your
soul, he answered, and then the hand
shs pressed upon his lips sti6sd speech.
A moment later he was surrounded by
half dozen savage looking armed men,
and he who acted as leader sternly de.
manded:
''what brought you heref"
It needed no explanation for Everleigh
10 understand that they were engaged in
Illicit distilling; were of the worst and
most revengeful class Of "moonshiners.
There was sufficient evidence around and
he knew how desperate they were and
how little they scrupled at taking life
when discovered; how every stranger
was looked upon as an internal revenue
officer and q spy.
In as few words as possible he told his
situation; that bis coming was the result
of accident and mistake; that he had no
desire to learn ANYTHING of their secrets
and regretted as much rs they coti1u his
being among them.
Then the leader turned fercely upon
the girl, who stood pale and trembling,
and brutally cursed her for her stupidity.
al did just as 1 was told" she ans
wored sullently and avoiding blow
aimed at her head.
The man sprang toward her with angry
face and clenched fists. But Everleign
was before him, shielded the girl With
his own bcdy and exclaimed.
"For shame to strike girl, and one
innocent of any wrong"
"Better look to yourself, was growled.
"When have settled with her we will
attend to you"
"You will do her no harm while
live, answered the prisoner firmly, and
the glittering barrel aud sharp click of
revolver emphasized his words.
1t was brave action, but of little
avail. The men behind seized, disarmed,
threw HIM to the ground and laughed at
his unavailing struggles. He saw, how.
ever, and gladly, that the girl had
escaped and was standing upon the rocks
high above them.
With their over violent tempers in
famed by deep draughts of their own
unlawful distilling and the appearance OF
r stranger, they again turned upon
Everlcigh and questioned him closely.
His words bore the stamp of truth; he
disavowed any meditation to visit them,
to learn aught of their secrets; protested
against being looked upon as an official
spy.
Ills bold front staggered them. They
hesitatcd about doing violence, consulted
together, and his release was almost as
sured when one more suspicious ""H
bloody-mindcd than his companions
came to tho front with
"Dosd men tell no tales. He has
learned the way here, could guide others,
would recognize us and
al will promise, will swear never to
say word OF what | have seen and
heard" interrupted the prisoner, real
izing how absolutely he was in theii
power.
"Humph! A man will promise any
thing when rope is around his neck.
The law is death to spies"
THAT vote must decide said the
leader, and he motioned to one of the
youngest of the band.
The ballot was final, if primitive. An
old straw hat containing white aud black
beans, was passed around, each taking
couple. Then an empty hat received
their votes-for life or against it-and
the counting showed that the dark ones
far outnumbered the white.
"That meaus death" said tho leader
to Everlcigh. 81 am sorry, for believe
you innocent, but
"When am to be butchered in cold
blood?" questioned the prisoner, deter
mined to meet his fate as became man.
"Noww
Scarcely had the murderous word been
spoken before peculiar whistle tloated
down on the hills. 1t was instantly fol.
lowed by flash of bright red flame.
"Thc bloodhounds of the law are
upon us" shouted the leader. "Take
care of yourselves. No, no!' as rifle,
were pointed at the prisoner, "that will
never do. Out with the tirei Out with
tho torches! Let them break their neck:
in the darkness. We know the way.
Silence, and every man to his home as
quickly as possible"
Almost instantly upon their departure
the girl was at the side of Everleigh, cut
away the ropes that fastened him and
whlspered;
''rhclc is no enemy coming. They
little thought knew the signal. Now
we must run for our lives. The truth
will quickly be found out, and if found
you Will bc murdercd.'
"And you"
"No matter about me. was the
cause of your trouble aud will save you
or"
She did not finish the sentence, but
led him rapidly forward, not by the
way they had come but by another, far
more rugged and dangerous. When he
questioned Of his horse she told him he
would never see it again, but she had
provided two others.
"Two7" he asked.
"Yes; one for you and one for my
self
"Thcn you intend to ieavef"
81 dare not remain"
"Whcrc do you intend to go3"
"Whcrc | shall he safe. But don't
talk Yes, | have moncy-have had
purpose i'll view for years. Careful, you
are not yet ont of danger.
Randy, silently she led the way until