The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1903-01-16

eyrie enough high on the knoll, scarce
ly discernible amid the torrents OF
rain that enveloped it as with mist.
The fringe of trees between it and
the river wept in sympathy with the
mournful soughing OF the wlnd
through their tops. The patter on
leaves, roof and river steadily In
creased In volume until the fall par
took of the nature of deluge. The
stream, swollen by heavy spring rains
flowed swiftly between Its dripping
banks and on the opposite shore rude
blockhouse and barracks were dimly
outlined against a sky almost as
black.
From out the gloom on the fort side
small boat emerged. Although
pointed directly across it bore more
down than over the stream. For
minute the solitary occupant per-
mitted it to take it's course, then, ap-
parently becoming conscious of the
aggression pointed the bark up stream
at an angle of forty-five degrees. Aft
er much effort the prov stuck In the
soft clay and slight water-proof-en-
veloped and hooded form arose. and
that the figure was feminine was evil
denced as skirts were raised and girl
stepped to the shore. Tying the boat
she passed quickly through the fringe
of trees to the cabin.
Grasping a cudgel she shattered the
solitary window and after an instants
hesitation and some difficulty, entered.
Once inside she drew from the folds
of an inner garment small candle
and matches. With these she made
light and pressed the waXen taper into
the yielding earth.
A stalwart fellow of perhaps five
and-twenty years lay on thin bed
of straw, his hands and feet manacled
to iron stakes AS the feeble light
waxed penetrating it disclosed that
he wore the fatigue uniform of a cav
alryman of the United States army.
Evidently it has been no easy task to
thus spike him to mother earth, for
his face showed an ugly cash and he
| appeared a man who loved not mac
tivity.
The girls face was pale; her large
| blue eyes were dilated and her full
red lips trembled. For an instant she
! stood as though forgetful of her er-
rand, then sank to the straw and drew
from the folds of her dress large
| coarse file. Intense femininity showed
| in every action Of her graceful, al
most childish figure and she smiled
| alphabetically, almost indiscernibly, as
she pushed the dank, blonde hair,
| which moisture had robbed of its
waves, back into the recesses of her
hood and vigorously applied the edge
of the file to the mans chains. Meth
err spoke. A slip of one of the tender
hands brought blood to the tip of one
of the white fingers and without q
word the man took the stained digit
| into his mouth and dried it on the
edge of his shirt. The chains severed
the man sat erect. Still mute she toob
| his hand, assisted him TO arise and
drew him to the shattered window
AS his cramped limbs trembled and he
leaned against the rude wall, his com
panion, with a sob passed her arm,
about him and lent the support of hel
body. Reverently, fearfully, his arm
stole around the little figure and aft
err a minute the girl broke the long
silence.
Come" she said, withdrawing from
the close contact.
Where? Why?"
''Never mind, come"
In respectful, obedient silence h'
passed out and half drew, half lifted
her through the aperture. Still hold
ind his hand, she led him beneath the
dripping boughs and down the slip
perry path now glittering in the ray
of the moon. At the boat he hest
tated.
You are making mistake. lfttl
girl'-and the great voice trembled.
She turned on him fercely.
eff did not believe you innocent
do you think l would release you?"
A storm of passion shook the sou
of the man. He essayed to speak. hest
tated and finally said:
II am glad you believe me guiltless
Madge. l did not kill him"
| 'Therei | knew you didn't Come