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

htoSt teFenSeiul ClasS OF 'mOOn6nln6rS. I"
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 spy.
In as few words as possible he told his
situation; that his coming was the result
of accident and mistake; that he had no
desire to learn anything of their secrets
and regretted as much as they cotild his
being among them.
Then the leader turned 6ercely upon
the girl, who stood pale and trembling,
and brutally cursed her for her stupidity.
81 did just as was told," she ans
wered 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 1 have settled with her we will
attend to you"
"You will do her no harm while
i've" answered. the prisoner firmly, and
the glittering barrel aud sharp click of a
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 unavaillng struggles. Hs saw, how.
ever, and gladly, that the girl had
escaped and was standing upon the rocks
high above them.
With their ever violent tempers in
famed by deep draughts of their own
unlawful distilling and the appearance OF
a stranger, they again turned upon
Everleigh 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.
His bold front staggered them. They
hesitated about doing violence, consulted
together, and his release was almost as
sured when one more suspicious "~A
bloody-minded than his companions
came to tho front with
dead men tell no tales. He has
learned the way here, could guide others,
would recognize us and"
''I will promise, will swear never to
say word OF what have seen and
heard" interrupted the prisoner, real
izing how absolutely he was in theil
power.
"Humphl 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. Au
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 means DEATH" said the leader
to Everleigh. 81 am sorry, for believe
you innocent, but"
"When am to be butchered in cold
blood9" questioned the prisoner, deter
mined to meet his fate as became man.
"Now"
Scarcely had the murderous word been
spoken before peculiar whistle Hoated
down on the hills. 1t was instantly fol.
lowed by fash Of bright red flame.
"The bloodhounds of the law are
upon US shouted the leader. "Take
care of yourselves. No, mol" as rife,
were pointed at the prisoner, "that will
never do. Out with the firei Out with
the 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
whispered:
"The1e 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 II found
you will be murdered"
"And you9"
"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 ha
questioned of his horse she told him he
would never see it again, but she had
provided two others.
"Two7" he asked.
eyes; one for you and one for my.
SELF"
"Then you intend to leavea"
81 dare not remain"
"Where do you intend to go2"
"Where shall be safe. But don't
talk. Yes, have money-have had
purpose in view for years. Careful, you
are not yet out of danger
Rapidly, silently she led the way until
they came to pair Of horses hidden in
8 thicket. Mounting, they rode swiftly
away, by unfrequented road, until the
light of morning revealed the valley
stretching out before them, the waters Of
the Tennessee winding through it as a
blue serpent and the houses of city
gilded with sunshine.
"Now," said the girl, "you are safe
and we part. The world is wide and we
shall probably never meet again. Yet
sometimes think kindly of me and as one
who, though unfortunate, was not lost