The pioneer express. [volume] (Pembina, Dakota [N.D.]) 1883-1928, 1903-03-06

CHAPTER VIII. (continued.)
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CHAPTER VIII. Continued
y But they were hardly prepared for,
Che sight that met their eyes. In the
shelter ot the Skopje, her face turned
towards It, lay, q young girl, her print
gown torn and stained. her face like
that q the dead. her eyes closed. her
hair falling IN tangled masses about
hsr face. She was frightfully pale, and
Ct first they thought she was dead.
Feel, her heart, Preston said
Greene, ina whisper. what ansema-
ciated creature! Is she dead?'
BID 81 don't think so,'' said the other.
Quick! give me some water. Greene!"
The other obeyed. and Preston put
some to the white. stiff lips. The
liquid seemed to bring back a feeble
flicker Of life. Her eyelids half closed,
then shut again. Y, %.
Quick! get her on my horse! We
must take her with u.s. said; young
Preston quickly. .'We cannot leave
her here to die, even II she dies in our
hands. Help me. old fellow!"
The girl was a mere featherweight.
Greene uttered an exclamation as he
lifted her. They carried her to Pres
toms horse. and managed to hoist her
up In front Of the saddle, Greene hold
ing her while Preston mounted.
TITS all right" said the latter. II
4 think I can manage. Get into your
own saddle and let us ride as quickly
~ We can and rejoin the men,
Greene IL.
II hope she won't die In our hands, !"
said Greene. as he tumbled into his
saddle. y.
The two specialized as to the ex-
traordinary occurrence as they rode
EDWARDS. They were young, and had
perhaps touch of romance in their
prosaic English hearts, and the lin
gering traces Of beauty in the seem
ingly dead face had touched them
more than they would have confessed.
What's to be done with her when
We get to camp? We have no place
1T for wounded girl, though our
quarters may do for wounded men,
said Greene. q:
Perhaps we can get her sent to
Ladysmith. She could be looked after
there" the other answered, reflective
1y.
AS they were nearing the camp,
suddenly out of the darkness-it was
coming down rapidly-two horses
whirled toward them, a white man and
native.
Halt! Who goes there?" said Pres
ton, as the former galloped right in
front Of him. Then he added, with an
exclamation: "Rothes. old chap, is it
you? What on earth are you doing
here? And you look III! Are you
Ill!
They other horseman's face was
CHASTITY, and for moment he seemed
to stay In the saddle; but, recovering
himself with a great effort, he pointed
to the figure Preston was supporting
with his one arm.
What have you there?" he asked,
hoarsely. 81 have been for six days
securing the veldt between this and
Harrismith, seeking for some one who
has been lost upon It; and now fear
you have found something. For PHYS
sake let me see her face. Lieutenant
Preston!" n
Without q word the young man dis
mounted, still holding the inanimate
figure securely; then. tlift ting her down,
he laid her gently on the dry sand.
Adair Rothes. who had sprung from
his saddle. bent over her. "A sound
that was almost like Wild cry came
from his lips; but no one heard it but
Arthur Preston. ;ss
1 'sIt issshe!" he said An q moment, in
. choked voice. Thank God abe is
still living! You will give her into my
charge. Lieutenant Preston 2,