The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1894-03-28

not reached the men were doing, or in
low, awestricken tones talking Of the
tragic events of the night. Near the
east gate, reverently and deeply covered
with the only shroud to be had, the
newest of the saddle blankets, lay the
stiffening remains of poor Donovan and
his comrade. Lurking about the west
ward end of the Enclosure, their beady
eyes every now and then glittering in
the freight, the Me1icans, men and
boy, were smoking their everlasting
papelitos, apparently Indifferent to the
fate that had deprived them Of home
and occupation.
One of the troopers had burrowed a
hole in the sand, started a little cook
fire and was boiling some coffee in a
tin quart mug. Overhead and far down
to the horizon on every side the stars
shone and sparkled through the vapor-
less skies. Eastward toward the Chris
tobal they were just beginning to pale
when a fail: voice was heard pleading
for water. Sergeant Butler sprang
from his seat and FASTENED to where he
had left Mr.. Harvey but a few minutes
before, still in deep and obstinate
swoon.
Water, is it, sir? Here you are!
I'm glad to see you picking up a little.
Mr.. Dru1nmond left this for you too,
sir. He said you would maybe need
it." And the sergeant raised the dizzy
head and held a little flask to Harvey's
lips.
Where is hep at last the sufferer
was able to gasp.
"Overhauling the outlaws, hand I'VE
fist, by this time, sir. He has 90 good
men at his back. and we'll have the la
dies safe tonight-see if we don't"
'.Oh, God!"' groaned the stricken
brother, bu-ying hlsface in his arms as
the recollection of the fearful events
of the night came crowding upon him.
For a moment he seemed to culver and
tremble in every limb, then with sud
den effort raised his head and turned
again, the blood trickling anew from
a cash in his face as he did Sc.
Give me moreo of that" he moaned.
stretching forth a trembling hand.
More water too. Lend me a horse
and your carbine. | must go! must
got" But there his strength failed
him, and grasping wildly at empty air
poor Harvey fell heavily back before
the sergeant could interpose an arm to
save.
Don't think of it, sir. You're far
too weak, and you're not needed. Never
fear, the lieutenant and G troop will
do ali that men can do. They'll bring
the ladies safely back as soon as they've
hung what's left of that numbering
gang. Hello! That you, Fox" he
shouted, springing up as two or three
horsemen came squirting in.
Its Wing" was the answer IN
ringing tones. Fox is coming slower.
Quick now. Is It so that that gang has
run off the young ladies:'
Its Gods truth. Here's Mr.. Ned
Harvey himself"
In an instant Wing was kneeling by
the side Of the PROSTATE man.
"Mercifrl heaven, my friend, but
they've used you fearfully! They only
bound and held me till Jackson got
back from Ceralvo's a couple of hours
ago. Are you shot-injured::'
mo, no." groaned Harvey. But l
am broken, utterly broken, and my Sis
tiers are in the hands Of those hounds
Never worry about that, man. |
know young Drummond we'll. There
isn't a Drawer, better officer in the old
regiment if he is but a boy. He'll never
drop that trail till he overtakes them.
and by the time he needs us old Pike
here and / will be at his side. Thank
the Lord, those louis were frightened
off and never took our horses. They're
fresh as daisies, both.of 'em. Cheer up,
Mr.. Harvey. If hard riding and hard
fighting will do it. We'll have your Sis
tiers here to nurse you before another
night. Come, Pike he cried as he
vaulted into saddle. Now for the
liveliest gallop Of your lazy, good Tor
nothing life. Come on"