Williston graphic. (Williston, Williams County, N.D.) 1895-1919, 1900-01-25

up only d short distance from the
mouth. We heard one of them say
something about the west shore being
nearer the mark, whereupon they left
the creek. Pulling out after them
cautiously, we saw them making for
the other side of the river.
rowed on up, skulking along the
east bank, screened occasionally by
overhanging trees. The boat ahead of
us searched the west bank for awhile;
then we heard no more of it. We felt
no immediate apprehension till Mar
garet, who knew the river well, said
that we were approaching ferry. Be-
lieving it would be watched, we dreaded
to attempt to pass it, and paused under
the branches of tree for consultation.
"Ill tell you," said Margaret. "You
skulk through the woods back of the
ferry to some point beyond it. I'll
pull the boat up the river If I pass the
ferry I'll go to where you strike the
river, and take you i'm
"Where can I meet you?'
She thought a moment before reply
ing. ga mile above the ferry there is
an island; midway between the upper
and lower end of this island is a creek"
"On this side of the river?"
'Yes; I'll meet you at the mouth of
the creek"
She changed her seat and handed
her the oars. margaret" I said, with
a bit of tremble in my voice, "good-by."
mo, no, not good-by. I'll meet you
at the creek, depend upon it,
A few strokes drew her away from
the bank. She stopped, rested one hand
on the handles of the oars, and with
the other waved me an adieu, then
pulled out into the river as gracefully
| as a water-sprite. I watched her till
could see her no more; then feeling of
isolation came over me. My little army
was scattered; the escort had probably
been captured; PUNK had gone back
to the confederate camp; and now Mar
garet had parted from me.
Skirting the base of hill, crossed
a road, and soon after found myself on
the river bank above the ferry. There,
about q mile ahead, was the island, a
line of low timber extending from the
river westward marking the line of the
creek. 1 walked brisllly till I struck
the creek at its mouth, then looked
about for Margaret.
She was not there.
My heart sank within me. l felt sure
that if she had arrived she would make
herself known, but thinking she might
be hiding, waiting for me to give some
signal, 1 called:
"Margarct."
No reply. How odd ones voice
sounds calling in the night at nothing!
The stiffness Knocked me.
I sat on log to rest, and peered
down the river. I wondered what time
it was. 1t must be near morning, but
I had passed through so much since
the evening before that it seemed there
had been two nights instead of one.
I listened for some sound that would
denote pursuit, but could hear nothing.
With such perfect quiet about me, it
seemed impossible that l could be in
imminent danger. I looked up at the
moon. 1t wore no smile tonight; the
left cheek was caved in, and there was
CHASTITY look on its face.
At last I gave up all hope of Mar
garet's keeping her appointment.
must swim across the river and pro.
coed on my journey. dare not wait
longer, for the morning would come
and it would be sure capture either tc
remain where 1 was or cross by day
light.
Making a bundle of my coat, waist
coat and shoes, 1 tied it between my