Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1899-04-19

hut the fellow dealt me SO smart a blow In
the face that for second it caused me to see
lights.
l was in the mood to cuff him into insen-
sibility, and might have done 80 had he not
spoken, or rather gasped:
Fore God, thought you redcoat, and
tried to vex you into killing me! Ifyou have
the heart of man, do not deliver me to them
esain!"
"Who are your" demanded, loosening my
hold and trying to get at his features through
the black that covered them, though 1 made
out no more than that part of his face was
overgrown by a young beard well singed, the
rest being SO grimed that he might have worn
mask and been no safer from recognition.
"on your mercy, them" he answered; "an
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" said /, softened more by his
manner than his worlds, eve will roast here
in three minutes. Let US get into better air. !"
So, taking him by the arm, I led him into the
street, where the smoke was 80 dense that
it became necessary to grope ones way.
Once we were in danger of suffocation, but
the wind whirled aloft the thick muck for
an instant, and gradually we worked to q
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 breaches
hanging in shreds.
But had no sooner brought him to where
we could take whole breath and see few
rods in advance than he held back, darling
his glances in every direction as though in
fear of detection. Hat not kept close
grip on him, he would have broken away and
fled, being more like a frightened animal
than man.
"Now, once for all" said !, with great
pity stirred by his miserable condition as
well as admiration by his gameness, what
are you-a criminal or prisoner of warp
"Nay, no criminal" he answered, looking
me fairly in the eye and drawing 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 rebel, you have found
friend and I the same. We were each in
need"
'Then, for the love of God, let me go!
There will be price on my head! It is
death to hold me here! was to be hanged
as spy, but the fire set me free"
"a spy! By the Lord, from your looks you
!, might be second Shadrach! What name
ore you under? Come, let us work into safer
quarters" said !, full of a sudden fever, for
it never occurred to me to be doubtful Of his
statement.
"Nay, then, I am best alone. Let me 60,
man; your grip is crushing my arm! I have
friend, and, once with him, am safe.
believe you to be true. Know me as Rex"
Zone second more, then!" said I, loosen.
ing my grip. Where can we meet?"
He had drawn from me apace and was
prepared to run, but halted long enough to
throw back: '"The Dove-Kingsbridge road
If God be willing get so far. See Nick