The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1900-02-09
CHAPTER, XXI.


We galloped at break-neck pace to the
gate, but the guard was already alarmed, and
half dozen men came fastening towards
US. They were on foot, however, and had
no mind to stand the shock of meeting horses
coming at full speed down an incline, so
skipped nimbly aside. The officer alone held
his ground, paying for his courage with his
life, for Bande Mere sliced his head in two
like ripe watcrmelon-poor wretch. Had
they only closed the gates we were lost, but
we reached them just in time, and, passing
through like flash, were free of the town.
A bullet or two whizzed past us, but did no
damage. It was done, and another half
hour of the pace we were going would place
US beyond pursuit. It was no easy matter,
however, to sit the horse and hold Angola
as was doing, and I very soon began to feel
that the strain ON my arm was getting be-
yond me, and that she was slipping from my
grasp. She lay still and passive, her eyes
closed, her head resting on my shoulder, and
seemed in faint. Perhaps spoke roughly,
but it was no time to mince words.
"Come, madam" said, you must rouse
yoursef-take another day to swoon-hold
me as closely as you cap-quick."
My words-and the tone they were spoken
in-had the effect l wanted. She looked a
little indignant, but held on, leaving my left
arm, which was getting numbed, more free
to guide the horse, and my sword arm great
ec liberty should occasion arise.
The country, rugged although it was, de-
scended in a slope towards the basin of
'Trasimene, but l turned sharp aside from
the road, fearing there might be picquet
thereon, and galloped across the open, far
outpacing my followers, who I saw were
coming after me in bunch, and at their
utmost speed-the honest knaves. The
glance over my shoulder that / took to OBJ
serve this also showed me strong body of
horse squirting from the gate, and chucklctl
to myself as thought we had gained mile g
start and that they had to deal with Castor
Five leagues to got was nothing to the
brave horse; and in answer to my call he
stretched himself out as he had never done
before. As for me, such thoughts as had
when felt the arms of the woman 1 loved
clasped about me are to be recalled for ones
self alone, and concern none else beside.
Once or twice / glanced down, meeting her
eyes, and as she dropped her lids over them
they seemed to me to be alive with a soft
light. After a little felt the arms begin
ming to relax.
Hold tight" said.
II cannot; my strength is going"
Courage, take heart; see, to our left is
che Tower of Magione-a few minutes and
we are safe
drew her closer ttrTards me. With an
effort she rallied, her arms again frightened
in their clasp, and we sped down the long
slope which led to Trasimene, Castor
stretching himself like a greyhound.
looked again over my shoulder. Far behind
MY men were riding for their lives, and far
eher still was the dark line of our pursuers,
coming on with logged persistence, the sun
lighting up their armor and flashing from
their spears. Once beyond Magione we
were comparatively safe, but false step, a
stumble, and all was lost. Magione itself
was held by the Baglioni, and from the old
watch tower, built by the Sforza, which
stood high above the country, we might have
already been spied and party sent out to
intercept US. The thought seemed to grow
into q reality, and despair began to come
over me. "On, on, Castor!" spoke to the
good horse, and he laid his ears back at the
sound Of my voice, and even as he did SO /
saw q cloud of dust coming towards our left,
and knew that the. danger feared was at
hand. Going ~ we were was riding right
into the party from Magione, and therefore
with a touch on the rein / swung Castor
round to the north. and we raced on, leav-
ing the tower over my shoulder. The double
burden and the tremendous pace, however,
began to tell ON the horse, and within the
ssxt Eve minutes he slaekened perceptibly