Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1903-05-13

IN his hammock
back Of the guardhouse, and he could
not see the sentry on No. /, but very
distinctly there came to his ears the
methodical beat of the soldiers shoes
on the porch and at last his first proc
lamation to his brother sentries of the
hour.
"Ten O'clock" laval murmured. 1.-TWO
hours yet. 1t is year"
AS the distant calls came family
from the faraway posts and No. / re-
peated "Al's WE'LL" the young must
clan stealthily reached from his ham,
mock and grasped one of the window
bars. 1t shook beneath the pressure of
his slender fingers easily" he NUT
tered and then huddled in his ham,
mock as he heard the sentry challenge
and quickly shout to the sergeant in
side:
"Of1icer of the day, turn out the
| guard"
Had they suspected? Had they dis
covered?
| "Never mind the guardw
| The trembling lad heard the officer
step on the porch and the sergeant
make his report. Faval sweated with
| fear. What was it? Were they talking
about him? Would the sergeant, would
Holmes, betray him and have him put
in irons? 1t was likely. He had done
as Katy had told him to do, but he
could not understand when she had
said that Holmes was his friend. The
officer went away, and, trembling, Fa-
val crept from his hammock and slip
ped on shoes and clothes and stayed at
the bars, peering out anXiously.
Gle won't be back until early morn
ing" the corporal of the guard re-
marked, with yawn. Daddy Dodds
is getting old and likes his snooze even
when he's officer of the day. Where
IRE you off to, Holmes?"
The sergeant in charge replied gruff-
", as was his wont.
"There were SO many prisoners com.
ing in had no time to get my blan-
kets. Take the keys till come back"
He went out, but he did not go to the
barracks for his blankets. 1t was dark
| anu ulUOHlSSS lOMJ anu Ut llt lOOl VI
the bluff he met the girl. She was very
pale, but in her there was no sign OF
fear. Her eyes glittered with determi
nation. He tried to take her hand, but
she withdrew it and whispered:
"Not yet-not until it is done. Is he
ready?"
Gle ought to be ready. have dont
all can" he answered, little sullen
ly. "At midnight shall engage No. Is
attention"
She gave little laugh of triumph.
81 must see him." she said. 81 mus
say goodby. know the window"
He flashed up at that with suspicion,
anger.
"What do you want TO see him for?'
he whispered sullenly. you told me t.
save him, and have, but-but you ar,
mine now. l don't want you to SCI
him."
She laughed and put her hand in his.
81 know, Holmes" she said, you ar
true and-and love you better than
ever did, but
He interrupted her by passionatel.
kissing her hand, and, STOPPING, h
could not note her frown.
"But that poor boy! He loved me
too, and-and let me say goodbye
He let her go, and she slipped up tn
bluff and so to the barred window. A
once Fayaps hand caught hers.
1.-THE barY she whispered. at i
loose. The horses are at the cotton
wood clump on the river. Noel, Noe
be carefulw
"My darling, l shall be there o
shot"
She was back with Holmes immedi
ately, and, though her eyes sparkled
she wiped them with her handkerchief
"Poor felloww she said and pause
and then went on: "And so he is gon
forever. Thank you. sergeant. IL d
like you now"
Holmes took her in his arms an
kissed her.
God bless you, Katy" he said, file
with love, "and may he forget me II
do not make you happy all your IfeI
LIZ Loci .lao,s god ht2aka aanncrr