The Maryville times. (Maryville, Tenn.) 1884-1944, 1895-07-04
CHAPTER XIV.


81 will rescue her." replied Brown,
with flashing eyes. ''Her rescue must
be accomplished by strategy, not at
tempted by force of arms. o, Col. San
ford, as you value that loving daugh-'
ter's life, give me a strong, feet horse
and will take the trail at once, and If
l do not return your beloved child
to your arms it will be because my
name has been stricken from the roll
of life and added to the great roster of
death. will and can rescue her If you
will permit me to do So"
The old commander regarded the sol
der with searching look, admiration
oeaming from his eyes. In the young
mans clear, unflinching gaze he saw
evidence of the courage of the lion,
courage that would not waver in the
face OF any danger. His hatred of the
humble private was intense, for he had
dared to look upon his daughter with
eyes of love, yet that daughters life
was now at stake, and he realized that
her rescue depended perhaps wholly
upon the efforts of the man he so de-
spised. 1t was doubtful if q man in all
that garrison could be found who would
take his life in his hands and go upon a
mission so fraught with deadly peril.
Brown stood and awaited the result of
his plea, his well-poised head thrown
back and his clear eyes looking into
those of the commander with unt1inch-
ing steadiness. Addressing Capt. Col
by, the colonel said:
Captain, supply this man with
everything he may need and let him go,
and may God go with you, sir, may
God go with YOU" Then turning he
entered his quarters.
Captain, there is not moment to
lose" said Brown, his eyes flashing
with impotence.
II know it, my man, know it. There
stands my horse ready saddled, and he
is one of the swiftest and strongest in
the garrison. My pistols are in the
saddle holsters, and here is my VIM
chester rife. Mount and away at once.
Give me your hand, my brave fellow,
for you are made of the right metal
and l believe you will succeed"
'Thank you, captain. | will succeed
If it lies in the power of mortal man
to do So"
Taking memorandum book from
his pocket he tore a leaf therefrom and
after writing his aunt's address upon
it handed it to the captain with the
words:
Captain, if it be in Gods will that |
shall not return, please write to that
lady and tell her how died. Toll her
that Private Brown YVES her own boy
Ned. Tell her that in his army life he
lived as an upright, true, honorable
man, and died as a soldier"
Your wishes shall be religiously
carried out. Brown" Then drawing
near the soldier, SO that those who
were gathered about might not hear,
he said: II know your history, Mr..
Thornton, and no one more than
wishes for you safe return and the
consummation of your fondcst hopes
for the future. | have read your ambi.
tions, in your eyes when the name OF
your commanders daughter has been
spoken. The prize is well worth any
risk, and feel that you will win it."
Thank you, captain. thousand
times. l trust the future will demon
strate to you that am not unworthy
Of your confidence. Good-by."
Springing into the saddle he put
spurs to the noble animal he bestrode
and went laundering away on the
trail, followed by the approving shouts
of his comrades.
After his departure from the fort tn,
troops were dismissed with orders Il
hold themselves in readiness to noun
at q moments notice. Every Office
and officers wife gathered at tn,
colonel's quarters TO cheer him in hi
great grief, and bid him hope for tn,
best. Despite their assurances the OLD
warrior sat stricken with sorrow. 4
nameless fear had settled upon hi
soul, almost prostrating him beneath
It's crushir- we'~h. y he EASY chat.