Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1893-04-06

shape. Had Original Sin come in that
trap and spoken in that voice, Pete had
accepted them as countersign and pa
role.
''And here am again, Pete,'' the girl
said, as she threw back her veil. 'Can
we get across now?'
''Sarvant, missy the negro repeated
''Glad yo's cum, sholy. 1 has inspected
yo' de fo' las trips
''Thank you. Can we get across to-
night?' she again asked, anXiously.
''Reck'n," the black replied. as grave
ly as briefly. ode creeks is scummed
wild ice, but cts light, an l kin wuk
out onto de flats, sholy. Den, eff de rib
Der ent Close
.'But aoM it be?'' she interrupted, i'm
patiently.
''De marster knows Pete answered,
gravely as a Covenanter. ''He ent send
in Pete no marracles; so dis ole nigga's
acknowledgements don't go no fudder dan
de presunt- But reck'nI''
'And we reckon on some hot coffee,
Pete" Mckee said. Come in, Miss
Clay. You need it, after that freezing
ride
''Sarvant, Mars Kee,'' the negro said,
removing his wooden cap. as they en-
tered. ''De coffee's dar; an, wild de
ladys pe.>nission, I'll go tend ter Mars
Car'Ps hoss.''
While the worn horse was led into
sheltered glade, well back from the
road, and rubbed brislzly from muzzle
to heel by the bsawny black, Mckee
poured steaming coffee. Then Carolyn
Clay produced Mrs Grays much-praised
tin.
mo, not that the youth cried.
''Those are your marching rations.
Here's our Observation-Disclosures club
cookery"
He dived deep into Mrs. Clonan's
pocket, coming up with a package
| wrapped in oil-silk and packed with the
best of cold substantials; and the adj
venturous pair breakfasted with appe-
tite natural to frosty morning, largely
aided by danger passed and hope re-
| newed. Then, as the negro again
| doomed gigantic in the low doorway.
| the girl asked:
ANY patrol boats In the river, Pete?''
| PLENTY, missy; but dem doan' count.
| Mos o. dey knows Pete, an left him
| fish onqueshshonable.''
But Mars Carl said transports were
| passing up, night before last" Mckee
said.
''Dem's all gone up t'wa'ds town." the
black replied. Las night, Wen mex
| my 'specshun, der warn't one o. dey in
| de ribber. But 1 does 'spise dose trans
| puts shOlyi''
They are usually full of green re-
cruits," Miss Clay said, quietly, .swho
shoot as they hail"
''An' denis Gurus, too. DENIS fon' o.
lowerin' boats an 'spectin' sh'mun wot
| de patrul boats lows ter pass"
God forbidl'' the girl exclaimed.
"Should an inspection come tonight, we
are lost!'
But none will comel'' Mckee cried,
gayly, quoting:
THE stars have said it. and the voice
OF my own prophet and oracular soul
Confirms the shining sibyls''
"You are as safe now as though al
ready in Stuart's camp. But come; the
day will be long one, anyway. and a
tramp in this air will help, after your
| imprisonment
They walked briskly through the Lar
sunshine that frightened all nature,
but gave little warmth, plunging into
| an error OF crossed paths that seemed as
familiar as Charles street to her escort.
Spite Of his awkward attire, that
caught in underbrush and vine, and of
his painted face, made more absurd by
garish light, Mckee proved himself cap
ita1 company. He talked poetry and
| people, sang a little, and good-natured-
| " chaffed mutual friends. Then, quiet
ing down, h heard for the first time
! minute details of Miss Clay's race for
| freedom, of her capture, and of her sim
| Qular rescue from the hut
! fro BE coNrINUED.l