The Washington times., 1902-06-15
CHAPTER XI.
IN WHICH ROGER LEADS IN A FAST RID


AN/ tance when my thoughts
came troopipg back, and
pulled up. l was called to
Tappan-a day was lost already-and
up above were men who had waylaid
the messenger, knew the contents OF
the note. T would be folly to travel
back to Verplancks and give them time
to take me on the road. or intercept me
on the other side, If they deemed 1t
worth their while Ny feeling was that
they were merely a gang of SINNERS.
piliaging this man like all others. But
they might be. too. some of the escaped
squad We had outwitted in the old
house. who were following up the rear
of the troop. Most important of all, how
ever, had not Curtis ghost found me
with the girl whom he seemed to know.
and would he not try to get her. by TAX
ing me?
AT that l turned about and made for
the ferry, crossing as soon as l could
and setting out at once for Tappan. l
knew the road well enough, for in my
two weeks at the fort l had crossed
more than once, and from the draw
ings of the country in the coloners pos
session the lay of the land was moder
ately clear
So l had moved along for mile or
more, till Roger stopped to breathe at
the peak of a long hill. AS looked back
saw two riders some distance behind,
too far away to make them out, but
t was evident they were coming along
at quick gait. They seemed TO have
the dress of countrymen. and On this
side of the river I knew 1t was not so
safe for either British or outlaw as on
the other For moment l hesitated,
thinking to draw off the road and let
them-eome up and pass. Then the mis-
sion was on seemed too important, and
the chance of coming to blows with
them too great a risk TO be taken Just
now. Out stretched Roger, therefore, in
his great stride. and l know there were
but few animals in the country could
Keep the good nag's pace. I talked to
him. rs was my wont and bade him
save himself for that he and l had
some miles TO cover, and neither STUN
hIe nor slack might we indulge in.
Roger and I were friends of long stand
ing. and had had a run for our necks
more than once. The good beast laid
back her ears. saying. as plainly as if
in words. that if the devil were behind
on the best that he could bring from
his sulphur home, we would give him
his due and a run for his none-.
Never can man have more exhila-
rating work than such ride with sew
enteen hands Of splendid horsefesh be-
tween his knees. and I laughed to my
self 10 think of the run before us, If
indeed the two countrymcn behind were
in search OF me.
The road lay over rolling country
now down, now up-now straight again,
winding between passes in the
hills. So that shortly ] made the top
OF another long climb and was aLGuI to
20 over pass between two wooded
foothills, when, turning back. ! saw Che
two men down in the valley coming on
at the best rate-their horses could carry
them. At that instant one pointed mp
a
boy, lengthen thy stride, and let them
follow till they get their 1ll." And
the good horse fiattened along the read
in his old-time run.
Every now and then / could catch the
beat of hoofs, but they got no nearer.
l came suddenly upon a fork in the
road, and met an old oxen cart coming |
down the fork.
Tell me, my man. are you for Gen |
eral Washington said I, pulling up.
THAT | am, sir, God bless hint
Then tell me which is the way TO
Tappan."
Here to the right. sir" answered he.
looking at me in some wonder.
looked at him a moment in doubt.
then took my chance; for such a man in
such q place was like TO be on cur side,
in his heart. at least.
Would you serve him. friend?"
He nodded. looking at me from his lit
tie eyes all the while.
..TEen tell two men who viii core
running here in 4 moment that ] took
the other road
Yen do better to take it, anyway"
said he.
''Why so?'' asked sternly.
Because ! was but now stopped by a
man as is British. or I'm a span'ard.
who would know If a man riding this way
had gone by"
Again l looked the old man over.
"Ye need no fear, sir. for you wear
the uniform and I'd do what / could to
help the good cause. Go on to the