Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1899-1903, 1901-11-07

see that the Suerrillas had made them
selves more comfortable having con-
structed n rude hut of boughs for shell
ter, showing conclusively that they in
tended to wait patiently for the starv
ing process to do it's work
During the day the remnant of the
provisions Jack had purloined was con-
sumed and the command was supper
less. Again we entered upon long,
weary night. All except myself were
so worn that they evinced little care
for watching. They were getting be-
numbed, condition which comes at
last over one hunted for his life. AS
for me, my position was narrowing.
My devoted friends. who had made the
attempt to rescue. nae were starving,
and. to crown all; Helen Stanforth,
who had instigated the attempt,
had planned it and had led the others
into it. was deceived as to my
true character. brooded over the
situation till was well nigh insane.
Then l made resolve-a resolve that
might free the others, but would end
in my death. | would go down to the
guerrillas and give myself up. 1t was
possible that my case having been dis
posed of. Captain Ringold and his ad.
herents would be able to protect the
girls. and, Buck and Ginger being of
no moment to the band, all might, go in
peace.
But there was an obstacle in the way
that l knew would not be easily over
come-the opposition of all my friends.
1t was hard for me to 60 down to my
death. How could bring myself to
do so with all these beloved ones en-
deavoring to prevent me! There was
one way by which might render them
less averseN to the plan. By proclaim
ing the military mission which had
taken me to Alabama might render
myself an object of hatred and con-
tempt. Despite the pain this confess
sion would cost me, resolved to
make it.
At the moment l took my resolution
I looked up at Helen, who was always
my first object of thought before any
important move. She was leaning over
the battlement looking down upon the
guerrillas. In her face was strength,
an honesty such as had never seen
before on that Of any woman. My re-
solve dwindled before that heroic coun-
tenance. | could not turn her sublime
faith in me to detestation.
However, my purpose to end the
struggle by my own surrender was I'M
changed. Rising, l called out in a
tone which at once attracted attention
and denoted that had something Of
Importance to say.
Dear friends" a&.s
All looked at me inquiringly.
II am going down there to give my
self up. Then you can go free"
Helen's gaze bespoke not only her
establishment, but dismay.
what yo' going to DO that fo'?" ask
ed Jack quickly.
Because 1 owe it to you all to do
So"
I'm goin with yo'," said Buck.
"You will do no such thing. You
must stand by your sister and cousin"
what do yo' want to leave us in the
lurch fog" said Jack impatiently.
This imputed motive brought
fresh addition to my. distress. Even
with perfect understanding between
me and the others my burden was hard
enough to bear. Jacks taunt well nigh
turned the scale. Bending to the cliff,
buried my face in my hands. A soft
hand was laid on mine. Helen was en-
deavoring to uncover my face. / turn
ed and met her gaze-strong, tender,
sympathetic.
"Your life is not yours to surrender.
You must wait till it is forced from
you."
II would be unworthy of your sub
lime devotion should / accept any fur
ther sacrifice, especially sinceit can be
Of no avail
"By giving up now you would turn
all our efforts to nothing. We shall
have made a failure that will remain
an eternal burden
1T will be light compared with my
self condemnation when.I see you die
with me-" .
By this time Jack had seized my 9TH
er hand with both of hers.
"Yo' can't go. Yo' mustn't think Of
it. What would we do without yo'"'
"Cease trying to make coward of
| me" l cried, ''or shall 60 mad!"
sprang toward the rampant.
stop" cried Helen imperatively. II
own your life to dispose of as will
and Jack. Had it not been for me you
would have bled to death when you
received your wound. Had it not been
for Jack you would have already been
murdered by the guerrillas."
Eyes, and am not so base as to pull
my benefactors down with me. Stand
aside"
"Harkw
Jack spoke the word in her quick
way, poising her head on one side to
listen. She had heard a low whistle.
| In another moment it was repeated,
seeming to come from below, where we
had built our bonfire. A figure was ad-
vancing through the gloom, holding
aloft white handkerchief. jumped
from the rampant and ran down to