Waterbury Democrat., 1901-01-16
MY CAPTIVE.
By JOSEPH A. ALTsHELER, Author of A Soldier Of Manh0ttdn," "The Sun of Saratoga" Etc.

"The Sun of Saratoga" Etc.
 tcopyright, 1900 by Joseph A. Altsheler.1
 it is curious how rapidly the fee11ngi develop under the stress of great hard ships and danger. The day and a half that had been with her were equal to a year and half of ordinary time
 Would you bring me a little of that cool water to drink in your cap"' asked. ''I see that the cap is wet al- ready, and it won't hurt it.
 She brought the water, and I drank. It was as cold as ice and as refreshing as nectar as it ran down my throat. l have seen men lying on the battlefield begging for water as if it were the one great gift of heaven to man.
 T felt twice the man that l was minute before. The girl was strangely quiet, even shy, and more than ever l felt as if it were my chief duty to pro- tect her.
 "No, Julia," I said; "this rebel against the king means to live. So far from dying, haven't had anything more than a knockdown which has left sore spot on my head and little ache inside it, but can travel as well as ever. Here, Old Put is waiting for you. Get up and ride-''
 But she declined with indignation.
 "I will not do that, D she said. "You may be rebel-in fact, I know you are-but you shall not walk while you are wounded. You must ride.''
 As was still little dizzy yielded at last, though did not like to do it, and rode for a couple of hours. Then, feeling as strong as ever, l dismounted and made Julia take her turn on horse. back. But at the end of an hour she, too. dismounted, and we walked on together, as before, not talking much, but happy. The sun was again retreating before the night, and the western skies were ahame. The light fell full upon the girl's face, and her beauty, splendid and glowing before, was tender and spiritual now.
 We shall be in Morgan $ camp soon, Julia,'' said, land will have to re- sign my prisoner.''
 II shall consider myself your prisoner until I am retaken by the English, she said.
 did not reply, but was willing to accept my responsibilities.
 Old Put, who was walking slowly behind us after his custom, raised his head and neighed. It was not a whinny, but loud, sonorous neigh that could be heard afar. It was full of meaning too. And quarter of a mile ahead of us on one of the open ridges I saw the cause-a troop of a dozen horsemen riding toward us at half gallop. Old Put neighed again, long, loud and promptly.
 fought we not to escape into the wood?' exclaimed Julia in alarm. ''There is time yet. Those troopers may be English ''
 She did not seem to notice the strange. hide from the English, but I was con fident.
 "They are not English" I said "They are Americans. Old Pu, knows his friends. Trust hin.''
 In truth, the horse uttered his lou6 and joyous neigh 8 third time, and had not the slightest apprehension, for it was impossible to deceive Old Put when he was wide awake.
 The horsemen saw us and quickened their pace to gallop. As they ap- preached I could recognize the Conti- mental buff and blue, and, telling Julia that it was all right, we walked grave ly on to meet them. Old Put, his dem. onstrations of joy made, followed after with equal sQbriety.
 They were dashing riders, those men, and their curiosity must have been aroused by the sight of the girl, for they came on at the long, swinging gallop o1 the good cavalryman and quickly in closed us.
 Good evening, colonel,'' said te the leader, saluting. II am happy tc see you again and to join your com mand.
 It was Colonel William Washington, the distant cousin of our great com mander in chief, one of the finest cav airy commanders of our time, fne open faced man of about 30.
 "Why, Marcel-Phil Marcel!' ht cried in surprise. s'Is it you:''
 "Yes it is I, colonel"
 "And the lady?''
 'The lady is my prisoner, colonel an English spyv'
 Did she give you that wound o1 your head:"
 l Every hat came off, and there wa admiration as we'll as respect in the boy that each trooper made.
 1.-The lady carried the news of ou most important movements" I said land I was compelled to hold her prisoner" -..
 "You have done well, MT. Marcel, said my colonel.
 thought so too. Perhaps I had don better than thought.
 ''Now that have brought the pris oner in," said, ''I will have to resig her into your hands, colonel.''
 ''It will be but for brief space, fo the camp of Morgan is only three mile back There are some American wome there who will take care 0f her."
 ''But wish to remind. you of on thing, colonel" - I "What is that?''
 "A lady cannot be shot or hanged g spy, even though she be a spy.''