The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-11-21
CHAPTER XIII.
RIVANNA TO RAPIDAN.

Long as he lives Fred Benton will never
forget that night ride from the Chiltons
and the thrilling days that followed. I'm
periously had Queen Rosalie dismissed him.
Impulsively had she turned away, refusing
further look, touch or word. Her door
closed behind her, and he well knew she
meant her mandate to be final. mot
second to lose!" Even now he should have
been far up toward the mountains. Yet the
doctor was again stirring uneasily about
his room below. The light burned dimly in
the lower hail. Pomp had disappeared from
the window-small task was 1t for that
agile imp to climb lightning "rawd." But,
cropping back to his room, Benton heard
again the stamp of hoofs beneath the win
dow and muttered words and a sound as
of straining over some unresponsive, IMAM
innate burden. Then something heaved up
through the dim starlight and lightly
tapped against the clapboards below the
sill, and something black came 'swarming''
up the other something-Pomp again-and
Pomp chuckled at sound Of Benton's whis-
pered hail.
We've got ladder dis time sub. Didn't
dass try it befo' wild dem sojus at de bahn,"
and by ladder not by lightning rod, was
the descent accomplished. Dusky hands
helped the crippled soldier into saddle.
Dusky hands waved him goodbye and good
luck. Darby voices muttered blessings for
the astonishing feel Of gold in dusky palms
for Benton would not ride until he had
rewarded-and then, never knowing until
long, long after what chattel it was that
aided Pomp in aiding him to mount, never
seeking to know until the dawn whose was
the dusky hand that took his bride rein
and led him cautiously away through the
darkness, Benton lifted UP his brave heart
in BRIEF silent prayer for heavens blessing
on those that dwelt within that house. for
heavens guidance on his way, and gave
himself unquestioning to Him whom she,
his imperfous queen, had appointed his
guide, and together they rode forth into the
murmuring night.
Through leafy lanes until clear of the vii
lage, across a broad highroad into dark
depths beyond, over a sloping pasture
where, studying the stars on high, Benton
first took note that they were heading west
ward again. twisting and turning through.
winding woodpath. ever accompanied by
the clamor of watch dogs not yet reconciled
to night patrols. Twice compelled to let
barnyard gates, his silent conductor led on
and Benton followed, until even the dogs
of the suburbs were left behind, and they.
the fugitives. had found the open country.
Then at last his escort turned and said:
kin you stand little canter, Marstuh?"
and Benton recognized the voice of Dusky
Dan, and stood accordingly. They ford
ed, somewhere about o'clock. a little
ma, and were still heading westward when
Fred's darby guide left him with both
horses at the edge of a grove, while he
went forward afoot and reconnoitered
Presently he came back rejoiceful. "Dey
amt soul a lookin' out TO de bridge, sub.
Dey's all over Gawd'nsville way We save
nigh onto five miles hyuh,' and so led or
again, the hoof beats sounding hollow OF
the planking of some old-time truss acros.
a swift, exuberant mountain stream, run
ming bank full and far and near, said Dan
unfordable. Still on through whisperin;
aisles of forest trees. through squash,
cross-country bride paths far from pike
or toll road, only at rare intervals nov
stirring the challenge of some farmer.
dog, and never seeing habitation of an,
kind until, just the dawn was faintI
lighting the placid eastern sky clean sweI
of every cloud, old Daniel led his soldi,
charge from the beaten track. and, turnin.
square to the left, began a tortuous climl
that brought them presently into an opel
pasture. half way up a line of woode
heights, and there, family visible at the VI
per side of the clearing. were two litt.,
cabins with outlying shed and SON..
ramshackle fences. and here. while BentoI
was made comfortable in his blanket wit;
his feet TO a fire. Dan held converse wit
other unseen occupants, giving explicit di
rectfons, family audible in the hiss of fry
ing bacon and the bubble of boiling coffe.
Benton heard vaguely, drowsiy. the wore
Swift Run gap. Sperryville, Chilean
Hedgman river and when he reused hin
self in response to vigorous yet regretf,
prodding. he knew not how long thereaftel
a new voice sounded on his sleepy sense
Another guardian bent over him in III
shape OF negro with wrinkled face an
grey-white. kinky hair. but world of syn
patty and interest in his somber eye
Marstuh's breakfast was spelling. and &.