Semi-weekly Windham County reformer. (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1897-1901, 1901-09-24
CHAPTER XIX.

rived but few minutes before
" us and when we appeared was
I attempting to reassure Jack,
who had completely collapsed at find
ing that both Helen and l had disap-
peared. He went to Helen and politely
offered to assist her to alight.
| I'VE must move out of this at once"
I said. IAN depends upon our getting
down the mountain and into some
| town, where these villains will not
, dare follow us. All stay here while
reconnotcr."
| l had not dismounted. and spurred
my horse few hundred yards west
ward, where | paused on the verge Of
the plateau. The sun was rising at my
back and was pouring flood of light
Oh the lowlands thousand feet below.
/ l swept my eye over the rolling fields
and woodland dotted with towns, vii
lagos hamlets and many fair planta-
ton. with its manor house surrounded
by the huts Of the field hands. Far in
the distance was a snakelike line in
the road, moving forward, it seemed,
as reptile crawls-the cavalry that
we had so nearly caught the day be-
fore, now on their way back to Join
the main force. l longed for speak
ing trumpet sonorous enough to reach
them, but there was no hope for Us
now In them, and l brushed away dis
appointment and made survey of the
ground directly before me-nothing but
steep incline. so thickly wooded that
the character of the ground was com
pletely hidden. On either hand was a
mountain spur between which ran Il
creek. / hesitated between taking one
of these spurs and following the bed
of the creek. On the spurs we might
be seen; by the creek we would be con-
cealed under the trees. decided in
favor of the latter. Returning to camp,
| informed the party of my decision.
"Wil you join US, Captain Beau
mont:" asked.
1--WE been hunting fo' 20 all TO
days" replied the captain, looking at
Jack. NOW I've found yo', I'm not
likely to part with yo'! Together we
can whip the guerrlllas."
Not dozen of them. Besides, we've
had enough of that"
what are you going to do with the
horses?" asked Helen.
Mount the ladies'" suggested the
captain.
Thank yo," observed Jack, "but
don't care to ride on horse with his
nose pointing to China and his tail at
the stars"
mo one could ride horse over such
a route" said !. IN take care of the
stock"
tethered them in the little pocket
we were leaving, knowing that they
were less likely to betray our where
abouts to our enemies there than If l
turned them loose.
They'll starve," Jack demonstrated.
81 can't help i"
"They shall not!'
"Come we have no time to lose"
But Jack set about collecting what !
little grass was to be had and piling 1t
before them. The captain. seeing her
was soon on his knees |
gathering grass and throwing it IN her |
apron.
Il hope the delay will not cost us our |
lives" | grumbled. Now, Ginger. l !
want you to go off to the right just as !
far as you can and still keep me in !
sight. Buck, you 60 to the left and do !
the same. but keep close, for it won't
do for us to call to each other"
Jack can make all sorts o noises
cats. an owls On birds-so 20 can't tell
'em," Buck volunteered.
Good! We may have occasion to
Use her. You girls keep behind about
the same distance as our fankers.
when we get to the creek, Ginger is to
work down it on the right bank. Buck
On the left. while l keep as near the
creek as possible. Captain Beaumont,
will you act as rear guard"
with pleasure. sir" l
HE'LL go to Sleep" remarked Jack,
and be left behind"
mot with you in front" said the cap
tain, looking ct her reproachfully. 4
I gave the order to move. Making as
title noise as possible, keeping each
,the. in sight, except occasionally!
when the trees and underbrush were
90 thick, we proceeded TO the brow OF
he plateau. Descending, we coon
struck the creek and. under cover of
he trees. proceeded downward in open
rider. walking rapidly, keeping sharp
ookout ahead and on the TANKS. We
lad not gone far before an owl hOoted ,
behind me. and so natural was the cry ,
hat. had mot been expectingit. lshould |
leser have suspected it TO have come
rom the throat Of Jaqueline. JprD- :