Semi-weekly Windham County reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1897-1901, 1901-09-17

| fore, but 1t was not needed
Day dawned, and we could
see that the guerrillas had made them
selves more comfortable. having con
structed a rude hut Of boughs for shell
ter. showing conclusively that they In
tended to wait patiently for the starry
ing process to do its work.
During tie day the remnant Of the
provisions Jack had purloined was con-
sumed and the command was supper
less. Again we entered upon long,
weary night. All except myself were
so worn that they evinced little care
for watching. They were getting be-
numbed, a condition which comes at
last over one hunted for his life. AS
for me, my position was narrowing.
My devoted friends who had made the
| attempt to rescue me were starving,
and, to crown all. Helen Stanforth,
who had instigated the attempt,
had planned 1t and had led the others
into 1t, was deceived as to my
true character. / brooded over the
situation till 1 was we'll nigh insane.
Then made q resolve-a resolve that
might free the others, but would end
in my death. l would go down to the
guerrillas and give myself up. 1t was
possible that my case having been dis
posed Of, Captain Ringold and his adj
herents would be able to protect the
girls, and. Buck and Ginger being of
no moment to the band, all might go in
peace.
But there was an obstacle in the way
that knew would not be easily over.
come-the opposition Of all my friends.
1t was hard for me to 60 down to my
death. How could l bring myself to
do so with all these beloved ones en-
deavoring to prevent me! There was
one way by which l might render them
less averse to the plan. By proclaim
ing the military mission which had
taken me to Alabama l might render
myself an object of hatred and con-
tempt. Despite the pain this confess
sion would cost me, l resolved to
make it.
At the moment I took my resolution
I looked I'D at Helen, who was always
my first object Of thought before any
important move. She was leaning over
the battlement looking down upon the
puerrillas. In her face was q strength,
an honesty such as l had never seen
before on that Of any woman. My re-
solve dwindled before that heroic coun-
tenance. could not turn her sublime
faith In me to detestation.
However, my purpose to end the
struggle by my own surrender was un-
changed. Rising. I called out In
tone which at once attracted attention
and denoted that had something or
importance to say.
Dear friends"
All looked at me inquiringly.
IT am going down there to give my
self up. Then you can go free"
Helen's gaze bespoke not only her
establishment, but dismay.
"What yo' going to do that fo'!" ASK
ed Jack quickly.
Because 1 owe it to you all to do
So"
"I'm goin with yo'," said Buck.
"You will do no such thing. You
must stand by your sister and cousin"
"What do yo' want to leave US In the
lurch fo'?" said Jack impatiently.
This imputed motive brought
fresh addition to my distress. Even
with a perfect understanding between
me and the others my burden was hard
enough to bear. Jacks taunt well nigh
turned the scale. Bending to the CHI,
I buried my face In my hands. A SOFT
hand was laid on mine. Helen was en-
to uncover my face. / turn
ed and met her gaze-strong, tenoer'
sympathetic.
your life is not yours to surrender.
You must wait till 1t IL forced rom
you."