The Washington times., 1902-05-25
CHAPTER III.
IN WHICH IT APPEARS THAT THERE Is
MORE THAN ONE REASON FOR
MATRlMONl

cept to look up at my companion
and finding her locking at me steadfast-
ly; but could not say a word. And yet
could see the men who had returned
growing more and more confident. as
those who had carried the wounded Off
Ger away talked in low tones TO the 9TH
ers. But the minutes gave me my wind.
and then they came on with set faces.
stood up and grasped my pistols,
but in that moment the girl stepped
forward with her head up and as proud
an air as ever chicken had against mail
coach.
What do you wish?" she asked
quietly.
we want that man, He has killed
one Of us. and"
"onc OF you. clovns?" | cried. taking
her by the shoulder and setting her
aside "Hc is 70 mere Of you than 1
ann
"who arc ye, them" cried the spokes-
man. And what do We here? We do
not like the look of We. and yc shall 20
no further till We settle with us and tell
us who you may be-
1t was no drunken crew that spoke
now. and knew it. They had made up
their minds, and was too weak to try
TO cope with four Incn. They seemed to
be natives hcreabouts. and l must take
my chances OF their being colonials by
sentiment as well as birth. There was
raurht else to do.
Il am an American soldier" / said.
"craveling north alone and you have
no more to do with me than with the
river outside the door,
Il knew it," cried the man, and the
others began TO surround us. .'Ye rebel
bastard, we've struck the wrong gang.
Travelling alone. eh, And what is this
baggage here with yc?"
"She?" said l stuinped again. why,
she"
81 am his sweetheart" said the girl,
stepping before me again. Then she
went on in an earnest way that finally
became plaintive: I'VE have run away
to be married. Will you not help us to
make merry? We've just escaped from
see our coaci, broken down in the road
not hundred yards from here-you can.
indeed, sirs,''
Her breath was coming fast, but she
went on with excited earnestness that
caught the inen: "Our coach boys will
be here shortly with the horses. You
can see the coach If you will but go
down the road, He does not tell the
truth, He is no rebel. 'Tis not SO,
good sirs, VIII you not drink bumper
to the king and to Our honeymoon"
/ could not say a word. / could do
naught but stare open-mouthed at her. |
for, with the skill of intuition. she had
hit the one point-would they not drink |
a bumper to us-would they? The one
thing 10 via them over, Then caught |
her arm. What was she doing? Twas |
a foolish and futile plan.
See, sirs, you see he tries to make me |
deny it, But will not. You would not |
injure good soldier of his majesty. |
would you' And you will drink to our
health ami happiness. Mr. Landlord. |
will you not fill us up mugs of ale to
drink the toast" And she stepped back
and took my arm with a hand that |
shook like leaf, though her eyes never |
wavered iron the men she addressed.
by Gndi 'Tis brave wench." cried /
one of t,le men. And a health it shall
be-"
Stay" said another. huge clout,
who WAS no more Dritisher than l.
II do not relieve it? He called our
friend in there a British spy. Dost know
that"
"Bu; say she shall have the health"
cried the other. Jack Purdy, We have
no soul in 10! Can ye not see the girl
telA the TRUTH"
AYE. look at him." said third:
"he'D sh; ;me-faced bridegroom"
Wen do it in shape" said the first
Here you. Gowan'-to the landlord
tell Jim .iarv!n to come in here. Now,
mistress. 10 you and your happiness!c
'To you!" chorused the crowd. And
we two stood there. the shaking arm in
mine. the brave eyes smiling a forced
smile. but looking the men in the face.
as she raised the filthy pewter to her ,
lips and touched the ale. The devil him ,
self could not make me drink. TIL be- ,
thought ME OF another toast. and. turn
ing to hcr. drained the cup without a
word. I,
TIE somber individual, who IT ap- Q
peared WIS Martin. now entered and
watched them confer with him. laugh ,
broke from his tipsy lips. and he NUT
tered. 'Twould be > good close Here
am ! saving one mans life, and now ,
paving the way for the making OF .
others" and still we two stood there.
neither looking nor speaking TO n
the other. n
so IL shall be-" cried the big one IN =,
/ moment. and instinctiyely ] clutched
a pistol as they all moved over toward ,
he fireplace near us.
"You say we've Just run away 10 be f
rarrled. do you?" asked the man.
She nodded. Sc
Very well. then, wen have the cere- A
nony here and now. Here's Marvin. as s.
rood at marrying as at curing the dead 2
men. aud well have the ceremony ard o
the wedding this night, damned a
Z we don't eh. boys?" Another chorus /
u assert greeted this. But ] found M II
ongue ut last.
"T'hat YOU shall not" said I firmly n