The Laurens advertiser. (Laurens, S.C.) 1885-1973, 1901-11-06
CHAPTER XVI.
nrrr- -.-
A BUGLE CALL.

Day dawned, and we could
see that the guerrillas had made Them
selves more comfortable. having con
structed n rude hut of boughs for shell
ter, showing concluslvely 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 a purloined was con
sumed and the command was supper
less. Again we entered upon a long,
weary night. All except myself were
so worn that they evinced little care
for watching. They were getting be-
numbed, a 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 me were starving.
and, to crown all, Helen Stanforth,
who a ~instigated the attempt,
had planned it and had led the others
into 1t, was deceived as to my
true character. 1 brooded over the
situation till 1 vas well nigh insane.
Then | made n resolve-a resolve that
might free the others, but would end
in my death. | would go down to the
guerrillas Inc give myself up. 1t was
pOSoIbiC thht III SdoC VII pSSh hio-
posed of, Captain Ringold and his ad-
herents would be able to protect the
girls. and, Buck and Ginger being OF
no to the band, all might go In
peace.
But there was an obstacle In the way
that | knew would not be easily over
come-the opposition of all my friends.
1t was hard for me to go down to my
death, How could 1 bring myself to
do so with all these beloved ones en-
deavoring to prevent mel There was
one way by which L might render them
less averse 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 1 took my resolution
l 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 q strength,
an honesty sue as l had never seen
before on that of any m My re-
solve dwipdled before that heroic coun-
tenance. | could not turn her sublime
faith in me to dctestation.
However, my purpose to end the
struggle by my w surrender was un-
changed. Rising, l called out In q
tone which at once attracted attention
and denoted hat 1 had something OF
Importance to say.
Dear friends"
All looked Mt mo innuirinply
IL 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 30 want to leave us In the
lurch fo'T said Jack impatiently.
This imputed motive brought q
fresh addition to my distress. Even
with n 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 I'm my hands. a soft
hand was laid OF mine. Helen was en-
deavoring to uncover my face. 1 turn.
ed and met her gaze-strong, tender,
sympathetic.
Your life Is not yours to surrender
You must wait till 1t is forced from
you."
II would be unworthy of your sub.
lime devotion should L accept any fur.
ther sacrifice, especially since it can be
of no avail"
by giving up now you would turn
all our efforts to nothing. We shall
AVE made a failure that will rcmain
an eternal burden.''
ut will be light compared with nv
self condemnation when I see YOU die
with me-"
BY this time Jack had seized my 9th
er hand with both of hers.
Y can't 90. Yo' mustn't think of
1t. What would we do without yo'Y'
Cease trying to make q coward Of
me-" l cried, cor 1 shall go madr
/ sprang toward the rampant.
Stop cried Helen im%peEatively. "a
own your life to dispose Of ms 1 will-1
and Jack. Had 1t not been for me Won
would have bled to death when Won
received your wound. Had 1t not been
for Jack you would have already been
murdered by the guerrillaa"
Yes. and I am not SO base as to pun
my benefactors down with hne. Stand
aside" "
"Harkp
Jack spoke the word in her quick
way. poising her head on one side to
listen. She had heard q low whistle.
In another moment 1t was repeated,
seeming to come from below, where we
a built our bonfire. A figure was af.
vanclng through the gloom, holding
aloft a white handkerchief. / Jumped
from the rampant and ran down to
meet his flag" which I 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 uppe hand.
I'm powerless."
VIII your men let the women 10 II
l give myself up"
mo; stay with them to the last"
One WORD more.~
There's 10 time. ] have stolen
away, and IL l am missed and It's
known where / have been TIL he n dead