Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1899-04-20

fists held up as if to defend himself to the
last
Conceiving that had caught a thief a
ransacker of deserted houses, il not an in
cendiary, | clinehed him by the collar to
drag him forth for delivery to his pursuers,
hut the fellow dealt me so smart a blow in
the face that for second it caused me to see
lights.
| was in the mood to cuff him into insen-
sibility, and might have done so had he not
spoken, or rather gasped:
:" Fore God, | thought you redcoat, and
tried to vex you into killing me, If you have
the heart of a man, do not deliver me to them
again!"
who are you?" demanded, loosening my
hold and trying to get at his features through
the black that covered them, though made
out no more than that part of his face was
overgrown by young beard well singed, the
rest being so grimed that he might have worn
mask and been no safer from recognition
''On your mercy, then, he answered; IAN
escaped prisoner"
From where?"
"The den lies in the heart of the fire by
this" And rolling up his eyes, the whites
of which showed pitifully against his burned
skin, he hesitated, and then broke out again:
what is it to you who or what am? If
you love justice or hope for it yourself, let
me go!"
Come, then, saidsI. softened more by his
manner than his worlds, I'VE will roast here
N three minutes. Let us get into better air"
So, taking him by the arm, led him into the
street, where the smoke was so dense that
it became necessary to grope ones way.
Once we were in danger Of sutfocation, but
thew wind whirled aloft the thick muck for
an instant, and gradually we worked to a
fairer spot, though still hard by the fire.
And here it was | noticed that the hair
Of his head was burned of on one side, his
coat scorched to finder, and his breeches
hanging in shreds.
But | mad no sooner brought him to where
we could take a whole breath and see few
rods in advance than he held back, darting
his glanees in every direction as though in
fear of detection. Hat | not kept close
grip on him, he would have broken away and
fed, being more like a frightened animal
than a man.
''Now, once for all said I, with great
Tlty stirred by has miserable condition as
well as admiration by his gameness, what
are you-a criminal or a prisoner of war;"
Nay, no criminal, be answered, looking
me fairly in the eye and drawing a long
breath.
What then? a prisoner of war-an es-
capped patriot?'
You can be no tory to have used the word
patriot he answered hastily, with sud
den lifting of his head.
You are right / returned quickly 'If
You are hunted as a rebel, you have found
1 friend and l the same. We were each in
need
Then. for the love of God. let me go,
There viii be price on my head. 1t is
eeath to hold me here! | was to be hanged
4s "A spy but the fire set ME free
~ spy. BY the Lord. from Your looks you
might be a second Shadrach! What name
ere YOU under? Come, let Us work into safer
charters, SAID ]. full al a sudden fever, COR
il never occurred to me to be doubtful Of his
statement.
Nay. then, | am best alone. Let me 90.
ran: your grip IS crushing mv arm have
friend. and. once with him, | am safe.
believe You 20 be true. Know me Is ReX.
Zone second more, then, said |. loosen
ing my graz. Where can we meet.
H. had drawn from me apaee and was
afeBared 10 run. but halted lang enough t.
throw back: The Dove -k5e gsaI}.lge roac
Sc Cod be willing ! get 50 lar See Me-
Stryker." And with this he disappeared
into the smoke.
III ms incident happened 50 QutehIN tRat
had met him, taken his status. and he had
gone before 1 realized that / had not gotten
from HIM 1.-THE of the knowledge wished
The Dove" was no puzzle, but OF Nick
Striker / had never heard. The former was
tavern somewhat back from the Kings
/ bridge road. about seven miles from the city,
and near MCGOWAN ; pass, luon included IA
Central park, the latter probably tae hos
OF that house o. call.
+ | knew the place FROM having stopped
there before the war and, IN fact. the upper
island was as familiar 10 me as 10 the ma
iarity OF its inhabitants. but at that time
/ there was no Nick Striker holding forth at
+ the Dove Years and the viciss}tudes 81 war
+ Had doubtless changed many features Of the
+ country abovethe town, and might Wei have
+ changed the proprietors II a tavern - to
I Il determined 70 80 Is soon as could come
( BIZ q pass from Clinton.
+ How the spy could run the barriers was
4 peg further than l could see, but be seemed
full Of resource. and evidently knew his bust
ness. Doubtless, thought /. his friend Is
/ powerful. and VIII put ham on his way.
berated myself for having les hlm 80.
/ would have stood by him in the face q a
/ platoon. 50 hunsered was / for enc N whom
| could con6de and who could assist me IN
the plan which sal boiled in my brai1.