The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-06-25
CHAPTER XVII.
FLIGHT.

was at loss to know what had
brought q body OF cavalry UP into the
Cumberland mountains. learned after
ward that they had come from Shelby
Vile and were on their way to attack
Bridgeport, where the Memphis and
see. with q view to burning the bridge
At Tracy City they had heard Of q Con-
federate force moving on their flank to
cut them of and retraced their steps.
Buck and Jaqusline had really heard
them going southwark early In the after
noon. The bugle calls we all heard 80
distinctly were sounded on their way
back.
Where did you leave your horses7"
asked quickly OF Helen as we hurried on.
I'm a clump OF trees near the road.
There IL Is now" She pointed to
thicket
Great was my anxiety as I ran to the
place designated TO know II the horses
were still there. / was doomed TO dis
appointment; they were gone. There
was no time for repinnfng over the loss.
/ must think out the problem of our Inn
mediate action. and that Instantly. Two
courses were open to us-we might fol-
low the cavalry northward, or we could
strike out toward the south. Each plan
had its advantages. II we followed the
cavalry, we might succeed In coming up
with them, in which event we should be
safe, but as they were mounted and we
were not there was little hope OF our
overtaking them. Besides. the guerrillas
would expect us 10 follow that course.
IL we pushed south. we. must abandon all
hope OF falling In with the troopers, but
would doubtless mislead the guerrilias
and gain considerable time. We would
also be moving toward the homes OF the
others OF the party / struck out south
ward
g.. -
cried Jack.
ITS the way to CO."
We'll, go ahead; I'm going after the
soldiers"
She turned and started northward
seized her and. taking her In my arms.
carried her along with the rest. she rain
ing a shower Of blows from her little
fist upon my head We pressed on with
out a word TIL Jack. either tired OF the
situation or becoming sensible of the alb
surdity of her action, promised that II
would put her down she would go with
US peaceably. i set her on the ground In
very disgruntled condition.
81 wish Captain Ringold were here"
she muttered angrily. He'd make you
pay TO- that"
The road was so winding that l did not
fear any one behind could see us from a
distance while, should we leave It, our
progress would be very slow. / chose
to take the risk OF being seen and put
as great a distance as possible between
us and the outlaws while they supposed
they were on our track In the direction
OF the cavalry. for felt sure they would
expect us TO take that course. We had
not gone far before we met a lean counr
tryman on horseback In few words l
told him OF our situation and begged
! him II he met the guerrillas to mseao
them. When he learned OF our starving
condition, he pulled small black bottle
containing whisky out OF his saddle-bag
1 forced every member OF the party 10
drink and tossing the empty bottle TO the
countryman, hurried on. | knew that the
stimulant would avail us but n little
while, then would only make matters
worse Helen walked on, showing no ef-
feet whatever from the potation. Jack
| danced along as II she were at n picnic
party. while Buck suddenly became brave
as Hon.
Don't yo' think Mr.. Brandystone," he
said. with difficulty getting breath enough
10 articulate while walking so fast, wed
better stop an fight 'em?'
II think you'd better stop talking and
save your breath for walking"
Reckon we better stop" said Ginger.
| IAN thank de Lawd 70 lettin us out o. dat
| I'm de wilderness"
I'VE can do that while we're walking -
said Helen. "and not lose any time"
Spec de pra'rs on de knees II mo ef-
| hcacerous." replied Ginger. but mebbe
we won't need EN- like we did n spell
ago"
still there was no sound I'm our rear.
Helen asked II 4 did not think that keep