Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1899-10-18

fcer whom, even IN the dim light, 1 was
Mortified at recognizing as Maj. Bernal
Berante. It was critical moment. 1t
he recognized me, not only would all
we had gained be lost, but our citizens
dress would enable him to swing PUNK
and me from tho branch of q tree with
out trial or benefit of clergy. Margaret,
who rode little in advance. turned her
head % she passed HIM.
"How far to Col. Archard's campr
he asked.
"Reckon you'll find the picket about
mile above yo'," replied PUNK, imitat-
ing the southern accent.
Margaret had ridden on, was keep
ing as far from Berante as possible.
"Where are you going?" asked tho
major, regarding me intently.
What should I do2 II spoke he
would recognize my voice. AS before I
remained silent and PUNK broke in TO
help me out.
'oThere's no use sslkin' him any ques-
tions," he said. Hes deaf as ferry
boat"
Plunks odd comparison probably
saved my life. Berante showed his
pointed teeth in a smile, and rode on,
followed by his escort. Ibreathed one
long sigh of relief, and, riding up to
PUNK, threw my arms about him in an
ecstasy. Then we rode on and rejoined
Margaret.
"Did you recognise . friendT ]
asked Of Margaret.
"Harkl"
There were sounds Of more horses
coming. simultaneously we made for
the cover of trees beside the road
Three horsemen trotted towards ul
and passed within dozen yards. Two
were confederate cavalrymen, the third
| great heavensl the third was Enoch
Mellodew.
Not word was spoken till the mer
were out Of earshot; then / exclaimed:
Margaret, wait here while PUNK ant
60 after that traitor. We can dash il
on them from the rear, separate them
and easily capture Mellodew."
"You will do no such thing" saii
Margaret. what Importance is Mel
lodew compared with the information
we bear?"
1.-THE young lady is right, lieutenant
said PUNK. 1--WE can't stop to chas,
him now. We need to do the running
ourselves. When the general with
draws they will remember US. The,
comes this officer who has half sua
pected us, tells where we are, and the,
light out after US. II can only gi
you and the girl across the river, II
see what / can do towards calm o.
Enoch and remindin' him which sid
he belongs on. Git up, George Henry.
And he dug his spurs into his horse
TANKS.
All realized that we must now plac
distance between US and the conted
crates. spurred on, striking MAJ
garet's horse with the palm of my hand
sending him with jump In advanc
of both PUNK and myself.
Oh, Time, stop your clocks for ever
one but usi
We rode three abreast, Margaret 1
the center, without q word. Tree,
fences, barns, fields, all sailed by u
as we galloped onward. Looking u
to the sky, there was the same swi1
motion, for thin clouds, with here an
there black one, were sailing over til
disk Of the moon. Our faces were Cd
pressive OF our characters. Mine, I al
sure, wore a look Of exhilaration, Il
I felt all the excitement of q race
9 race In which life was the prize an
death the forfeit. Plunk's was stoN
as usual. AS for Margaret, caugt
glimpses of her face whenever clou
left the moon, and marked ssrenit
and intensity that I have never see
combined before OF since. It espresso
q faith, q hope. that she would complet
q great purpose. Yves 1t carrying th
news of Longstreet's move7 Was
in divulging our intentions to the col
federates? Had she not already toll
all to Col. Archard7 Or was 1t in som
way connected with the events whic
had occurred during the first few day
Of our meeting-the face at the viii
dow? I know now; then could onl
wonder.
"Where the devil are We going
PUNK suddenly called.
Don't know" I painted
II see light" said Margaret.
Better ask the way" said Plum
"I'll dismount and try for inform,
ton"
"1ql do that myself" said. II VA
to have look at my map"
We were moving so fast that v
reached tho hght-it was in log h,
almost before we had finished OF
talk. I jumped from my horse an
ran to the door. Once there, waite
q moment to catch my breath 80 g
not to excite suspicion, then knocke'
The door was opened by an old womal
Can you tell me where this ROC
leads tor
"whar Z leads tor
eyes,
1.-THE river"
"Good crossingP'