The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-08-07
FRIEND OR ENEMY?
BY FRANK w, SWEET

sinia. Already the light, soft green' oI early spring were deepening t'
 more mature shades; everywhere tn, ar was filled with the odors of cherry and apple blossoms.
 Half way up the northern slope o one of the mountains was a grassy V-shaped plateau. which extended pack between two sharp spurs like q protecting wedge. Colonel Blair had selected it from all the country round as the best site for d summer home.
 Mildred. the daughter, was stauncf Southerner. with an unc!uuded beliei in the cause for which her father and brothers were fighting; and with nc sympathy whatever for one whose be- lief was not as staunch and unclouded as her own.
 One morning she heard the sounds of alteration in the back yard, and | presently small squad of rough | noisy men came round the corner driving the three remaining COWS be- fore them. Old Jake. the colored man who looked after the cows, came hob bling behind with indignant expostu- 1 Dardngsdhenpast few months Mill dred flIa q d4ften seen this class of men They obeionged to neither army, and preyed on whoever thcy found unpro- | tected. In the leader she recognizd a man whom her father had once em- ployed on the plantation. As they mo'ed across the lawn she hurried down the steps.
 you. sMiner!" she called sharply What does this mean? Under whose authority are you acting?' The men laughed boisterously.
 Yves our own 'thority," one of them answered jeeringly: We all don't ast for no higher
 She appeared not to notice, but her
 Miller" she called again. 'I am speaking to you! Drive those COWS back!"
 The leader turned sullenly. Cant do hit, Miss" he said dog gedly. Tn war times everything be- longs to everybody. We's jest dividin 'em mo ekally. An I low yous bet ter go in an shet the do; -josers ain't no call to argy O wimmin."
 'Halt!'
 The command rang out sharp and peremptory. The freebooters looked dazed. Mildred turned with low ex- clama tion of relief A tall broad shouldered man was just emerging from the shrubbery. and he was clad in gray uniform.
 Drive those cows back. as the lady ordered you he commanded sternly; and then leave the premises. And don't let me hear of you being round here again"
 The freebooters hesitated and looked at each other questioningly. They vera six to one, but they had seen enough of army life to feel the influ- ence of discipline; and there was something in the face and stern decis- | ion of the man that awed them. They back into the field. Old Jake followed with a hilarious chuckle of satisfaction The stranger waited until they came back. and then watched them go down the slope, one after another. When the last man had disappeared, he went | forward to where Midfel awaited him.
 II do not think they will trouble you l any more" he said. Such men are | generally towards
 Your coming was very opportune, she answered. smiling. 'The cows are our main dependence just now, and the cook would be lost without them. There is her signal now" as the faint tinkle of a bell sounded from the house. "Of course you VIII oreaktast with us"
 He hesitated. and then laughed frankly.
 II am very sorry" he said; but shall have to decline. The fact Is. have just eluded a squaS of cavalry down in the valley, and l expect they are coming this way They seemed to be very earnest about my capture" He turned his head and listened in- tently. The faint sound of hoofbeats could be heard in the distance.
 You heard" he said significantly. They are not far off. There will be plenty of time for me to hide. but not enough to accept your Kind invita- tion.'
 He turned to go. but she stepped for ward impulsively.
 You are a stranger here. They will be almost sure to find you"
 II must take my chance, as I did be- fore" There was no trace of anxiety or haste in his voice, and he even rAached down and selected a spray of heilotrope from a bed at his feet. Have you any place to suggest?"
 She tapped her foot impatiently
 "I hardly know" she hesitated. 'The house would not be safe; and | am afraid none of the hands could be trusted. Most of them sympathize with the other side"
 There was a troubled look in her eyes. and she gazed at him in such a puzzled. hopeless manner that he be- gan to laugh. At the same moment they heard the indistinct hum of voices mingled with the approaching hoof- beats.
 "The wistaria!" she cried suddenly. Can you climb? They will never think of looking for you there"
 He glanced in the direction indi- cated An immense wistaria had climbed over the lattice-work of a summer house. and then. finding no further support for it's adventurosu arms. had coiled and twisted them into dense. overhanging layers on the