Waterbury evening Democrat., 1895-01-25

up on to a hmSe's back. There was no sidesaddle for her, but the high front of a Mcclellan" served very we'll. and she was so good horsewoman that she could have ridden sideways on the ami malls bare back. The stirrup was fitted, the colonel and RatiGan mounted, and the three rode rapidly away.
 We must dodge the picket" said the colonel Even the countersign might not avail us with n woman in the party"
 What does it all mean, Rats?'' ask ed Miss Fitz Hugh. 'I 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 q woman's life isn't a duty, then me mother didn't bring me up right.
 Who's the other?" she asked while Maynard was riding little in advance.
 ''One who this night makes me his slave"
 And from this night will be in debted for my life to both of you if you succeed in saving it. But can't bear to have you sacrifice yourselves for me. You may be committing an unpardon- able sin toward your comrades. but I cannot believe you are committing a sin toward our Father. And one day it will be all ended, Rats, and then who will care?''
 ''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 arc you?" she asked.
 ''One 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:''
 No"
 "Why should you try to save me?''
 Ask mo rather why should not. "
 It 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"
 "why sop
 Your commander in chief of the Ar my of Tennessee has delayed too long already. He will attack us almost i'm mediately. Your information would not now hasten that attack.
 How do you know?'
 we have captured prisoners show ing that your men havo been re-enforced from Knoxville and Virginia General Bragg has ceased toretrcat and is about to fall upon us with a concentrated ar my
 "You arc right in assuming that nei- ther you nor can have influence for or against either side now. These troops have been coming from Virginia for a month. They are nearly all arrived. You may expect to hear the opening shot of great battle at any moment.
 The corporal, who was ill front. rein ed ill his horse and held up his hand in warning. They were on the edge of a wood and within few hundred yards of the creek and could see to the right and 10 the left.
 My Godr exclaimed the corporal, ''thero arc vcdettes there, and vedettes there, pointing north and south. And they are both Comin this way. We must go back. Colonel Maynard rodo forward to see. He glanced at both parties of vedettes. then in front of him. From that front at that moment there came q horses neigh. IL was answered by neigh from behind the three on the edge of the wood.
 Your people are where that horse neighed. Can you keep your seat in the saddlo for dash:" "YCs." 'We arc surrounded. It is the only chance, Arc you prepared? Ready! Col"
 Tho two men dug their spurs into their horses Hanks, and all three shot | ont toward the creek. They had not l gone a hundred yards before they heard, Halt thcre"' immediately followed by | q shot. They paid no attention to either, | but dashed on over the uneven ground, the two men riding close on either side l the prisoner for fear she would lose her balance, Her horse stumbled. but recov-