The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1901-11-07

ter, showing conclusivcly that they in
tended to wait patiently for the starry
Ing process to do its work.
During the day the remnant of the
provisions Jack had purloincd was con-
sumcd and the command was supper
less. Again we entered upon long.
weary night. All except myself were
SO worn that they cvinccd little care
for watching. They were getting be-
numbcd, condition which comes ut
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 insti&satcd the attempt,
had planned it and had led the others
into 1t. was deceived rs to my
true character. ] brOOdcd over the
situation tn / was well nigh insane
Then made n rcSulvc--n resolve that
might free the others, but would end
in my death. would go down to the
guclrillaS and give myself up. 1t was
possible that my case having been dis
posed OF, Captain Ringold and his adj
hcrcnts would be able to protect the
girls, and, Buck and Ginger being of
no moment to the band. all might 20 In
peace.
But there WAS an obstacle in the way
that knew would not be easily over
comc-thc opposition OF all my friends.
II was hard for me to go down to my
death. How could | bring myself to
do so with all these beloved ones en-
dcavoring to prevent mo! There was
one way by which | might render them
less avcrSe to the plan. Ry proclaim
Ing the military mission which had
taken me to Alabama 1 might render
myself an object of hatred aud con.
tempt. Despite the pain this courcs-
sion would cost me, resolved to
make 1t.
AZ the moment took my resolution
looked up at Helen. who was always
my first object Of thought before any
Important move. She was leaning over
the hattlrmrnt looking down upon the
gucrrillas. In her face was a STRENGTH
I'M honesty such rs had never seen
before on that Of any woman. NV re-
solve dwindlrd before that heroic cou,-
tennncc. ! could not turn her sublim,
faith In me to drtcStatiOn
However. my purpose to end TN,
struggle by my own surrender was un
tone which at once attracted attention
ami denoted that had tninrtbing OF
Importance to say.
"Dcar frIcnds"
All looked ut me inuulringly.
Il am going down there to give my
self up. Then YOU can go IEcr."
llclrns gaze bespoke not only hcl
aStonishmcnt, but dismuy.
"What yo' going to do that fo'?" ash,
ed Jack quickly.
So"
"Im goin with yo'," said Buck.
Aou Will do no such thing. Yo,
must stand 10y your sister and cousin.
w nat 90 No' want to leave us In tht
'urch fo'?' said Jack lmpatirn!!y.
This imputed motive brought ,
IrcSh addition to my distress. Ever
with perfect understanding bctwcc,
me ana the others my burden was har,
enough TO bear. Jacks taunt wen nigl
turned the scale. Bending to the cll
buried my face In my hands. a sof
hahd was laid on mine. Helen was en-
deaVorlng to uncover my fncr. | turn
Ell ana met her gaze strong tender
sympathetic.
Your life IS not yours to surrender
You must wait till it is forced from
YOU"
Il would be unworthy OF your sub
llle devotion should | accept any fur
thcr sacrifice, especially since II can be
Of no avail"
hy giving UP now you would turn
"'A our efforts TO nothing. We shall
nave made failure that will rcmniu
an eternal burden"
IL VIII be light compared With my
'eii eolneihnation when l sec Won die
with me-" ~" viz
by TINS time Jack had seized NV 9th.
or hand with both of hcrn
10 can't so. io mustn't thlnk of
It, What would we do without vn,y
cease trying to make q cownrd 90
me-" l cried, 'or shall 80 madw
sprang toward the rampnrt
"Stop" cried Helen impcrativcly. ~
own your life to dispose OF ns wiu-R
and Jack. Had 1t not been for me Won
would have blcd to death when YOU
received your wound. Had 1t not been
tor Jack you would have already bccn
murdered by the guerrllas."
YES and am not so base as to pul,
my benefactors down With Ele. Stand
aside"
"UarkW
Jack spoke the word In her quick
way, poising her head on one side to
n'ten. She had heard low whistle.
In another moment 1t was repeated,
seeming to come from below, where we
had built our bonfire. figure was nd.
yancing through the gloom, holding
afoft white handkerchief / jumped
from the rampant and ran down to
meet this flag" which soon saw was
borne by Captain Ringold.
what do you want?"
Don't let your women come into our
camp again. Jaycox Is back, and he
and Halliday have got the upper hand. |
I'm powerless."
"Will your men let the women 20 IL |