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

| the Cumberland mountains.
learned afterward that they ha<
come from Shelbyville and were OF
their way to attack Bridgeport where
the Memphis and Charleston railroad
crosses the Tennessee, with view tc
burning the bridge. At Tracy C!ty
| they had heard OF q Confederate force
moving on their flank to cut them Oh
and retraced their steps. Buck and
Jaqueline had really heard them going
southwark early In the afternoon. The
bugle calls we all heard SO distinctly
were sounded on their way back.
Where did you leave your horsesT
I asked quickly Of Helen as we bur
ried on.
"In a clump Of trees near the road.
There II is now" She pointed to a
thicket
Great was my anxiety as l ran to the
place designated to know If the horses
were still there. was doomed to dis
appointment; they were gone. There
was no time for repining over the loss.
! must think out the problem OF our
immediate action, and that instantly.
Two courses were open to us--we might
follow the cavalry northward, or we
could strike out toward the south.
Each plan had Its advantages. II we
followed the cavalry, we might succeed
in coming up with them. in which
event we should be safe, but as they
cd on1 OF
was little hope Of our overtaking them.
Besides, the Suerrillas would expect us
TO follow that course. If we pushed
south, we must abandon all hope OF
falling in with the troopers, but would
doubtless mislead the guerrillas and
gain considerable time. We would also
be moving toward the homes of the 9th
ers of the party. struck out south
ward.
What are yo' going that way for
cried Jack
Its the way to go"
well, go ahead; I'm going after the
soldiers"
She turned and started northward.
seized her and taking her in my
arms. carried her along with the rest.
she raining shower Of blows from
her little fist upon my head. We
pressed on without word, till Jack,
either tired of the situation or becom-
Ing sensible of the absurdity of her
action. promised that If would put
her down she would so with US peace
ably. | set her on the ground in a
very disgruntled condition.
II wish Captain Ringold were here"
she muttered angrily. He'd make you
pay TO that"
The road was so winding that I did
not fear any one behind could see us
from n distance, while, should we leave
It. our progress would be very slow.
chose to take the risk of being seen
and put as great distance as possible
between us and the outlaws while
they supposed they were on our track
In the direction of the cavalry. for l
felt sure they would expect US to take
that course. We had not gone far be-
fore we met a lean countryman on |
horseback. In few words told him |
Of our situation and begged him If be
met the guerrillas to mislead them.
When he learned of our starving con-
1ition. he pulled a small black bottle
whisky out of his saddle
bag. I forced every member Of the /
party to drink and, tossing the empty
bottle TO the countryman, hurried on.
knew that the stimulant would avail
is but little while. then would only
make matters worse. Helen walked
IN, showing no effect whatever from
he potation. Jack danced along as If
The were at picnic party, while Buck
suddenly became brave as lion.
Don't yo' think, Mr.. Brandystone,"
lie said, with difficulty getting breath
nough to articulate while walking so
asst, wed better stop an fight 'em"
Il think you'd better stop talking
md save your breath for walking"
Reckon we better stop" said Gin
,er, ian thank de Lawd TO- lettin us
ut O. dat trap an pray TO- dem g'rillas
git los in de wilderness"
I'VE can do that while we're walk
ng," said Helen, "and not lose any
ime."
"'Spec' de pra'rs on de knees is mo-
replied Ginger, but meb-
e We don't need 'em like we did spell
CO." ~ -.--