Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1895-08-22

The night was warm anu soi'' ana the
moon shone so bright and clear that
the old soldier and his pretty daugh-
ter walked on another square before
going in to enjoy the night. The Ma
ior was about TO say something about
the stiffness of it all, when from be-
hind them there came light tread,
and the next moment, without the
slightest warning, the kindly old sold
Ter was staggering forward from a stun
ming blow on his head.
With little cry of terror Dorothy
caught at him as he fell, but she was
quickly grasped from behind, and a
hoarse voice whispered in her ear:
Scream, an I'll choke the life out o
We"
"Go through his pockets, jim, con-
tinued the fellow, who was now bind
ing Dorothy's arms to her sides "he
won't come to right away, but we've
cot no time to lose" As he spoke,
he picked up the short, heavy stick he
had used with such murderous effect
moment before, and as he stopped to
do so Dorothy sprang away from him
and dashed toward the corner With
muttered oath the man rushed after
her.
Despite her clinging skirts and I'M
prisoned arms, the brave girl had
gained the corner and was just turn
ing down it, however, while her pur-
suer was still several yards away, when
she ran plump into a tall, soldierIy
young man, who was coming up the
street with long, easy stride.
"What-why, Dorothy-you.' he
exclaimed, as he looked down into her
white face; but he got no further, for
the man was upon them. With an
other fierce exclamation Of disgust and
anger, for he recognized the Lieuten-
ant as he turned the corner, and utter
. ly desperate as to the consequences, he
threw himself at the young officer.
Halloway stepped quietly aside as he
saw him coming then, as the footpad
missed his aim and hurled himself past
the Lieutenant, the latter struck him
sharp, hard, scientific blow just be-
low the ear, and doubling mp like an
empty sack, he fell to the pavement
without a sound.
Then the young soldier sprang to
Dorothy side
"What in Heavens name Is the
meaning Of this ?" he cried, freeing her
arms.
There are two Of them-he struck
papa-back there :" she answered,
pointing to the spot where the other
highwavmau was still bending over
the Major. Without stopping to ques-
ton her further, her lover ran quickly
up the dark street and made out the
PROSTATE form of the Major and the
kneeling one of his assailant. As he
came upon them, the latter sprang to
his feet, and seizing his own club he
struck at the Lieutenant yiciously, but
the soldier was too quick for him.
Like flash of light the slender,
tough sword leaped from its scabbard,
and as the mans blow fell it was par
ried neatly by the officer only weapon.
Again the stick was raiseI and swung
about his head, and as the man moved
his face came into the single patch Of
moonlight that shone through the
thick boughs above and Halloway
laughed grimly as he recognized his
antagonist-the man who had wound
ed him at the mines
80 it is you, is it, Scarry? p said
the officer.
There was no reply to Halloway's
remark, but faster and faster rained
the blows of the frenzied man.
At the first clash of wood and metal
the Major had opened bis eyes and
struggling to his feet he leaned against
one of the trees near by and watched
the little battle going on before him,
lam sorry to hurt you, my friend, "
said Lieutenant Holloway, coolly, but
I really think you've done enough to-
night ana IN OTueT % IShueI you
harmless I'll have to He did not
finish the sentence in words, but be-
fore the other could recover from his
last misdlrected stroke he was reeling
backward with singing blow from
the fat Of the Lieutenants sword.
The Major though still dazed, held
out his hand to Tom, and wrung 1t
heartily.
a hope that villain did not hurt
you badly, Major" said he; "and as
soon as I find policeman and get
these two pleasing individuals in the