Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1903-05-29

TWO courses We're open to uS-we might
follow 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
to follow that course. If we pushed
south, we must abandon all hope of
falling in with the troopers, but would
doubtless mislead the guerrillas and
gain considerable time. We would also
be moving toward the homes of the 9th
ers of the party. struck out south
ward.
What are yo' going that way fog
cried Jack.
''Its the way to co.
'Well, so ahead; I'm going after the
soldiers"
She turned and started northward
l seized her and, taking her in my
arms. carried her along with the rest.
she raining n shower of blows from
her little fist upon my head. We
pressed on without word, till Jack,
either tired of the situation or becom-
ing sensible of the absurdlty of her
action, promised that if l would put
her down she would go with us peace
ably. l set her on the ground in a
very disgruntled condition.
Il wish Captain Ringold were here"
sha muttcred anSrily. lied make you
pay TO that"
The road was SO winding that / did
not fear any one behind could see US
from distance, while, should we leave
1t, our progress would be very slow.
l chose to take the risk Of being seen
and put as great distance as possible
between us and the outlaws while
they supposed they were on our track
In the direction of the cavalry, for l
felt sure they would expect us to take
that course. We had not gone far be-
fore we met lean countryman on
horseback. In few words | told him
Of our situation and begged him II he
met the guerrillas to mislead them.
When he learned Of our starving con-
ditiOn. he pulled small bla .k bottle
COZ aiming whisky out Of his saddle
bag. l forced every member Of the
party to drink and, tossing the empty
bottle to the countryman. hurried on.
l knew that the stimulant would avail
US but little while, then would only
M nd
on, showing no effect whatever from
the potation. Jack danced along as II
she were at picnic party, while Buck
suddenly became brave as n lion.
Don't yo' think, Mr.. Brandystone."
he said. with difficulty getting breath
enough to articulate while walking SO
fast. wed better stop an fight 'emT"
Il think you'd better stop talking
and save your breath for walking"
Reckon we better stop" said Gin
ger. ian thank de Lawd TO lettin us
out O. dat trap an pray 70 dem g'rillas
t git los In de Wilderness"
I've can do that while we're walk
ing" said Helen, "and not lose any
time"
"'Spec' de pra'rs on de knees Is mo-
efdcacerous." replied Ginger. but meb-
be we don't need 'em like we did a spell
ago."
Still there was no sound In our rear
Helen asked IL did not think that
keeping the road was pretty risky.
told her that / would soon give the
word to take to the woods. Coming to
a point where there was a turn. leav-
lug straight piece OF road back Of us,
! told the rest to 60 on while l waited
and watched. l stood casting glances
back till my army reached another
turn In advance. then, pressing for
ward, caught up with them. In this
way kept them in the road and MAIN
tanned a rear watch at the same time
for nearly half an hour. Then the
strength Of the party, which had thus
far been supplied by excitement, sud-
denly began to droop, and I, feeling
that 1 had used all the energy there
was in them, led the way of the road
Into the heart Of the forest. We had
scarcely got into the woods when we
u.
Whether they were made by the guer-
rillas' horses or not did not know, but
felt sure they were. We waited till
they were out Of hearing, then every
one sank down on the ground.
'Now, Ginger" said, ut is a good
time to give thanks"
Getting on his knees, Ginger poured
out the thanks Of the party in words
that came as smoothly and plentifully
rs the waters Of running stream. 1,
being of that persuasion which has for
Its motto, Trust in God, but keep
your powder dry" and. seeing that Gin
ger was disposed to prolong his thanks
giving indefinitely, got up and started
to find a convenient place to hide.
soon struck a little pocket formed by
the coming together Of several declivi-
ties and surrounded by thickets. A lit
tie runnel passed through 1t, and,
STOPPING down, Quenched thirst that
was burning me. Returning to the
party. led them to the retreat l had
found for them, then left them to 60 in
search Of provisions.
1t was now quite dark. walked
half mile, when 1 saw the lights Of
Tracy City. Going to the town and
selecting house standing apart from
the rest, l marched boldly up to 1t and
knocked at the door. 1t was opened
by a girl, the only occupant of the
place, a wild eyed creature in dingy
calico. unshod, her square cut locks
tucked behind her ears. She appeared
to be in chronic state Of fright and
evidently thought me one Of those men
who were going about taking advan-
tage Of the absence Of restraint induced
by war to help themselves to whatever
they wanted. l asked her for some
food and a few cooking utensils, and
when l paid her for them she was
struck dumb with amazement. re-
turned to camp with provisions, match
es. a skillet and a coffeepOt.
Ginger and Buck had gathered
little wood for the fire. At the inner
extremity Of the pocket we occupied
was low ledge Of overhanging rock.