The Central Nevadan. [volume] (Battle Mountain, Nev.) 1885-1907, 1901-04-18

CHAPTER vIII.-(continued.)

i 1A% tSCA
But they were hardly prepared for
the sight that met their eyes. In the
shelter of the kopje, her face turned
towards 1t, lay a young girl. her print
gown torn and stained. her face like
that of the dead. her eyes closed, her
hair falling in tangled masses about
her face. She was frightfully pale, and
at FIRST they thought she was dead.
Feel her heart, Preston" said
Greene, In a whisper. What an ema-
ciated creature. Is she dead?"
II don't think So" said the other.
Quick give me some water. Greene!"
The other obeyed. and Preston put
some to the white. stiff lips. The
liquid seemed to bring back a feeble
flicker of life. Her eyelids half closed.
then shut again.
"Quick! get her on my horse! We
must take her with u.s." said young
Preston quickly. we cannot leave
her iere to die, even II she dies in our
hands. Help me. old fellow"
The girl was a mere f~eatherweight.
Greene uttered an exclamation as he
lifted her. They carried her to Pres
tons horse, and managed to hoist her
up In front of the saddle. Greene hold
ing her while Preston mounted.
ITS all right" said the latter. Il
think | can manage. Get into your
own saddle aid let us ride as quickly
as We can and reioin the men,
Greene"
II hope she won't die In our hands"
said Greene. as he tumbled into his
saddle.
The two speculated as to the ex-
t%raordinary occurrence as they rode
UPWARDS. They were young. and had
perhaps a touch of romance in their
prosaic English hearts, and the lin
gering traces of beauty in the SEEM
ingly dead face had touched them
more than they would have confessed.
Whats to be done with her when
we get to camp? We have no place
fit for a wounded girl. though our
quarters may do for wounded men,"
said Greene.
Perhaps We can get her sent to
Ladysmith. She could be looked after
there" the other answered, reflective
iy.
As they were nearing the camp.
suddenly out of the darkness-it was
coming down ra~pidly-two horses
whirled toward them, a white man and
a native.
Halt, Who goes there?" said Pres
ton, as the former galloped right in
front OF him. Then he added. with an
exclamation: "Rothcs. old chap, is 1t
you? What on earth are o doing
here? And you look III! Are you
tll?"
The other horseman's face was
CHASTITY, and for a moment he seemed
to stay in the saddle: but. recovering
himself with a great effort, he pointed
to the figure Preston was supporting
with his one arm.
What have you there?" he asked.
hoarsely. Il have been for six days
securing the veldt between this and
Harrismith, seeking for some one who
has been lost upon 1t; and now | fear
you have found something. For PHYS
sake let me see her face. Lieutenant
Preston."
Without a word the young man dis
mounted. still holding the inanimate
figure securely: then. lifting her down.
he laid her gently or the dry sand.
Adair Rothes. who had sprung from
his saddle. bent over her. A sound
that was almost like a wild cry came
from his lips; but no one heard 1t but
Arthur Preston.
ut Is she." he said In a moment, in
a choked voice. Thank God she Is
still living. You will give her into my
charge, Lieutenant Preston?"