Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1903-05-22


Day dawned, and we could
see that the guerrillas had made them
selves more comfortable, having con-
structed Il rude hut of boughs for shell
ter, showing conclusively that they in
tended to wait patiently for the starv-
ing process to do its work.
During the day the remnant Of the
provisions Jack had purloined was con-
sumed and the command was supper
less. Again we entered upon 4 long,
weary night. All except myself were
so worn that they evinced little care
for watching. They were getting be-
numbed, a condition which comes at
last over one hunted for his life. As
for me. my position was narrowing.
My devoted friends who had made the
and, to crown all. Helen Stanforth,
who had instigated the attempt,
had planned 1t and had led the others
into it. was deceived as to my
true character. brooded over the
situation till l was well nigh insane.
Then l made a resolve-a resolve that
might free the others. but would end
in my death. l would go down to the
guerrillas and give myself up. 1t was
possible that my case having been dis
posed Of. Captain Ringold and his ad-
herents would be able to protect the
girls. and. Buck AMI Ginger being Of
no moment to the band. all might 60 in
peace.
But there was an obstacle in the way
that l knew would not be easily over
come-the opposition Of all my friends.
1t was hard for me to 60 down to my
death. How could bring myself to
do SO with all these beloved ones en-
deavoring to prevent me! There was
one way by which l might render them
less averse to the plan. BY proclaim
ing the military mission which had
taken me to Alabama l might render
myself an object Ut hatred and con-
tempt. Despite the pain this confess
sion would cost me. resolved to
make 1t.
At the moment l took my resolution
I looked up Mt Helen. who was always
my first object Of thought before any
important move. She was leaning over
the battlement looking down upon the
guerrillas. In her face was n strength.
an honesty such as l had never seen
before on that Of any woman. My re-
solve dwindled before that heroic coun-
tenance. l could not turn her sublime
faith in me to detestation.
However. my purpose to end the
struggle by my own surrender was IN
changed. Rising, called out in a
tone which at once attracted attention
and denoted that I had something of
importance to say.
Dear friendsw
All looked at me inQuiringly.
Il am going down there to give my
self up. Then you can 60 free"
Helen's gaze bespoke not only her
establishment, but dismay.
"What yo' going to do that for" ask
ed Jack quickly.
Because I owe it to you all to do
So"
''Tm goin with yo'." said Beck.
you will do no such thing. You
must stand by your sister and cousin"
what do yo' want to leave us In the
lurch for" said Jack impatiently.
This imputed motive brought a
fresh addition to my distress. Even
with a perfect understanding between
me and the others my burden was hard
enough to bear. Jacks taunt well nigh
turned the scale. Bending to the cliff.
l buried my face in my hands. A soft
hand was laid on mine. Helen was en-
deavoring to uncover my face. l turn.
ed and met her gaze-strong, tender.
sympathetic.
"Your life Is not yours to surrender.
You must walt till It 10 forced from
you"
II would be unworthy of your sub.
lime devotion should accept any fur.
tier sacrifice. especially since 1t can be
Of no avail"
by giving up now you would turn
an our efforts to nothing. We shall
have made a failure that will remain
an eternal burden"
TT will be light compared with my
self condemnation when I see you die
with me-"
BY this time Jack had seized my 9th.
er hand with both of hers.
"YO' can't go. Yo' mustn't think OF
II. What would we do without yo'Y'
"Cease trying to make a coward Of
me-" I cried, ''Or 1 shall 60 madv'
I sprang toward the rampant.
"Stop!' cried Helen imperatively. VI
own your life to dispose Of as l will
and Jack. Had 1t not been for me you
would have bled to death when you
received your wound. Had 1t not beer
for Jack you would have already beer
murdered by the guerrillas."
"Yes. and | am not SO base rs to pul
ray benefactOrs down with me. Stand
aside"
"uarkw
ITO b Co'.finuek,