Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1900-03-10
CHAPTER NXXVI.
1 EIoDe With Ny Mother,

So 1t was arranged, and to me the task
OF coping with my own mother was com
nitted. We waited till it was dark and
then, as was my custom, 1 began to hang
about the house as If waiting for Anna. 1
spoke to both of the men on guard, whom
/ knew we'll. To one of them presented
large piece of tobacco. which 1 asked him
to divide with his knife and give part to
his companion
Coin a-sweetheartin' tonight?" he ask
ed with a smile after he had pouched the
gift
II shouldn't wonder" I replied, kicking
the ground as IL embarrassed. whats
that to you. If 1 amp
Nothing to me- he laughed But what
will the old man say if he sees you? Put
a ball in you, most like. You'd better keep
friends with cd Dick and me or We will
split on you that We will
You wouldn't do that said. Besides
1 have father as well as Anna He may
chance to prove as useful to you Saul
Mark any day
Aye" said the man, "and that's as true
The captain always comes out atop, who
shut my eyes. I've sweethearted in my
day. have. Take care of that fool Dick
though; he's ticklish in the temper is Dick
and pulls trigger easy"
Why not call him down to the hedge
/ said, ''aS II to give him some of the to-
bacco? Ask for his lantern to see and cut
it by. Yours has gone out. you know
And having made sure by bribery and
corruption Of one man, I opened his Ian
tern and let the candle fall on the dew
wet ground, where 1t instantly went out
with fzz.
The sentry swore profuseiy at the ac-
cident. "Insoent young dogr' he called me
with worse names
Dick heard the noise at the other end of
the Enclosure and called out to know what
the matter was.
Hold your tongue and do what 1 say
and you will soon not need to mount guard
any more. / promise you that. when my
father has settled with Capt Keys"
And indeed. 1t was easy enough to promise
and would prove fact. too, if we got my
mother safe away. for there would be no
guard mounting then
I've devised my candle. Dick return
ed my friend. Come about and give me a
light from yours 1 have some tobacco, too,
II you would like some"
IT take that right friendly of YOU I'm
coming" said Dick.
AS soon I heard him come tramplng
down from the back of the house 1 Slip
ped away into the shadow.
Seen anything o. that brat o. the cap
tains? grow,ed Dick as he directed the
light of the lantern on his companion.
Nix said my man. succinctly.
He'll get shot in his locker one Of these
young wench O. Saurs"
Hes after. AFTER no harm Dick" returned my
friend; didst never go after the girls thy
sell. Dick. when thou vast young?''
AYE. that were Just the trouble" said
Dick; Il went onest too often. But why
should he have a maid as white as a lily
when his betters have to put up with doxies
as black as the pot?''
Come. lad" said the more easy-tempered
sentry, thy old Dinah Is a good sort 1t
would go hard WI thee to part wi her"
I left them talking and was at the WIN
dow in another moment. i dared not call
mother" lest the sentries should hear and
burst not say Anna, as for appearance
sake | ought, because l was certain my
mother would not answer to that name So
whstled A low catch, and in a moment
my mother was at the window.
had her In my arms in another moment
and she felt no heavier than partridge, SO
small and light a thing she was.
Come, j whispered, please do not spea X
O word. We will soon be in safety,
heard my man at the other side talking
In a loud tone to conceal our movements
the window open. N
II think l see light down on the shore >,
he said. Dick. jump over and see ff Won
can place It, Perhaps It's captains gig
coming back with news" &c
i heard Dick scramble over the prickIv
pears with an oath. he jagged himsai,
even as had done the night Jim Pembury
ceased from troubling. My man heinz
faithful In his heart. flashed a lantern Al ne
furtfvely behind Dicks back The Hight
dwelt moment on Annals hood and gray
cloak, and then was shut OF again Tina