The free press. (Poplarville, Miss.) 1890-19??, 1894-05-24

rier was the best friend she had on
earth. Her father had fought by his
side, and once on the field of battle he
had saved that dear fathers life.
he had taught her how to row and
ride and shoot, and since her fathers
death he had looked after her mother
and herself with as much interest as
If they really belonged To him. She
must save him at any cost, and while
she worked her brain was busy with
schemes to accomplish her purpose
AS soon as the redcoats were seated at
the table, without word even to her
mother, who OWNED her object she
| slipped out of the back door, and, run
ming down to where the horses were
feeding, she sprang upon the Cap
tain's fiery steed, and in moment
was galloping down the hilly, rock
strewn path, needless alike of storm or
darkness. She had not dared to wait
for cloak or bonnet, and whenever the
ragged lightning cleaned her long,
black hair might have been seen
| streaming out behind her.
Her flight was not discovered until
the dragons were ready to mount,
and then chase began for life or
death. Soon from the mute hills
over which she had passed Jennie
heard the clatter of hoofs in hot pur-
suit, but she had chosen the Captains
gray-the swiftest flyer among the
steeds-and for miles the distance be-
tween her and her persurers increased
rather then diminished. On, on she
sped, fire flying from the rocky road
Us the gray horse shoes clashed
along at fearful pace.
More than half the distance had
been covered when far in the rear,
came command, loud and stern,
"Halt! or your blood be on your
head?" con- on, brave beast. On,
for your lifel Don't fail me now?"
cried Jennie, stroking the horses
foaming neck with coaxing hand.
''Halt," again came the voice of
dread "Halt, halt, or take the risk
of losing your life!" No answer be-
ing returned, a volly of leaden bullets
ratified after her. They passed her as
the maddened flight continued, scream
ing to the right, screaming to the
left, whizzing over her head like so
many harmless birds seeking for
shelter from the nights storm.
With prayer of thanksgiving on
her lips she rushed on over the slip
perry track, through wood and valley,
over hill and plain, the gray horse as
true as steel, until in an unlucky leap
he stumbled and fell, throwing his rid
er with force against rock on the edge
of the ditch, over which he had tried
to spring.
The foaming steed was unhurt, and
in a moment was on his feet again,
but poor Jennie Jared worse, and rose
with broken arm hanging useless by
her side. Regardless of the numblng
IL
horses bride, and after quoting him
by gentle words and patting him soft
ly with her able hand she managed to
spring again into the saddle and gave
the brave fellow free rein. ''Now,
do you best, she said coaxlngly as she
stroked his long name. "Do your
best, my good fellow, for upon you
depends the safety of my friend, good
Col. Adair. "
As if understanding the entreaty,
the gray horse raised his head, and
setting his feet firmly gathered his
strength once more, as if for hnal
plunge, then galloping down the steep
hillside he gained on the troopers at
every leap, until he paused at the
Coloners gate, fully furlong ahead
of the pursuers. Throwing the rein
over the gate post, Jennie rushed up
the path, and without knocking flung
open the Colonel's door, crying IN her
eager haste, "Quick, be QUICK, Colonel
say Fly, fly for your life, for the
redcoats are the door. Don't wal''
you've not moment to spare lhey
come they come Away away ana
then she tainted and sank TO the
floor.
With hasty good-by the Colonel
left his bright hreside and rushed out
into the nights fearful storm-not'
bowever until he had kissed the pale