The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-01-19
(UHAPTER XIX-Continued. }

(CHAPTER RXIX-Continued.)
The sergeant in charge met them and
asked what they wanted. The colonel
handed him the paper he had brought
with him. 1t was an order for the per-
son of the prisoner. The place was only
lighted by q candle, and the colonel took
care to stand with his back to it. But
this was not necessary, for his disguise
was complete. Corporal Ratigan re-
mained without the door, on the porch.
The sergeant looked from the paper to
the man who stood before him inquir-
ingly.
This is very strange" he said.
Maynard made no reply.
Here Is Colonel Maynard's ORDER"
the sergeant added, reading it over
again. "Do you know what he wants
with her?'
"Do you suppose don't know any
better than to ask questions when get
an order" replied the spurious private
gruffiy.
The sergeant went into the room
where Miss Fitz Hugh was confined and
led her out, pale and wondering.
"It isn't sunrise, she said in voice
which il was difficult for her to keep
from breaking.
Come" said the colonel She fol-
lowed him to the porch, and Corporal
Ratigan joined them, but it was too
dark for the prisoner TO see who he was,
and he did not dare to make himself
known. As soon as they had got 10 q
safe distance he whispered:
"Darlinp'
"Rats''
"Not a word till we get further
away"
They walked on at an ordinary pace,
though all desired to hasten. After pass
ing some distance from the house May
nard turned and glanced back. He saw
the sergeant watching.
1--WE must go to the tent" he NUT
tered, and the three walked ON. Before
entering he looked again. The sergeant
was still watching. He evidently wish
cd to make sure that all was right. All
entered the tent, while the colonel,
standing at the front and peering be.
tween the tent flaps, watched for the
sergeant to 90 back into the house. Pres
emily he did SO and left the way clear.
Nov come on. +"
Leaving the tent. they walked short
distance down the road. Not a word
was spoken. Presently they turned aside
and entered the wood. There they found
the horses. -
mount, said the colonel to the
prisoner.
Putting foot in his hand, she sprang
up on to horses back. There was no
sidesaddle for her, but the high front of
| q Mcclellan" served very well, and
she was SO good horsewoman that she
could have ridden sideways ON the ami
mails bare back. The stirrup was fitted,
the colonel and Ratigan mounted, and
the three rode rapidly away.
1--WE must dodge the picket, said the
colonel. Even the countersign might
not avail us with woman in the
party"
"What does IL all mean, Rats?" ask
ed Miss Fitz Hugh. Il thought you
were going to do your duty at all haz-
ards
"Well, there's different kinds Of du-
ties, and sometimes they won't work
together. If savin woman's life isn't
q duty, then me mother didn't bring me
mp right"
"Who's the other?" she asked while
Maynard was riding a little in advance
lone who this night makes me his
slave"
And I from this night will be in
debted for my life to both of you if you
succeed in saving it. But I can't bear
to have you sacrifice yourselves for me.
You may be committing an unpardon-
able sin toward your comrades, but
cannot believe you are committing sin
toward our Father. And one day it will
be all ended, Rats, and then who will
carer"
"Oi know those who will rejoice. "
Ratigan now took the lead, having
passed over the route before several
times and being familiar with the best
way to get between the vedettes. Colo
mel Maynard dropped back beside the
prisoner.
WHO are your" she asked.
Zone who serves you"
The voice sounded familiar, but was
disguised, and she did not recognize it
as Colonel Maynard's.
Were you sent by Colonel May
nard?"
mo"
why should you try TO save me9'
ASK me rather why should not.
II was plain the man, whoever he
might be, desired TO remain unknown,
and she desisted from further question
ing.
After all. my death would not profit
the Federal cause" she said. MY lips
will be sealed to any information may
possess.
"Your information would be too late
In any event. Had it been otherwise
this plan would not have been attempt
ed. j."
"why sop
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