Custer County Republican. (Broken Bow, Neb.) 1882-1921, 1903-05-07
CHAPTER Will

Had he been asleep and dreamed that
he and Abel had escaped, and then that
he was in the Dells' boat, with Mary
polling il along?
What did it all mean? Bart was in
boat, and behind him lay back the sol
der with his mouth open, sleeping heav-
lily. On his left was Abel Dell. also sleep
ing as man sleeps who Is utterly ex-
hausted by some terrible exertion. But
that was not the Devon coast upon which
the sun was shedding its early morning
rays. Dense belts of mangrove did not
spread their muddy roots like intricate
rustic scaffoldings on southern English
shores, and there were no clusters of al
ligators lying here and there among the
mud and ooze.
1t was true enough. They did escape
in the night, and Mary had been there to
help them with a boat; but where was
she now? and who was this sturdy youth
in loose pettcoat-canvas trousers and
heavy fisherman's boots?
Bart stared till his eyes showed a ring
of white about their pupils, and his mouth
| opened roundly in unison for time. Then
eyes and mouth closed tightly. and wrin-
kles appeared all over his face, as he
softly shook all over, and then, after
glancing at Abel and the Irish soldier, he
uttered low
"Haw haww
The figure in the boat swung round and
faced him sharply glancing at the two
sleeping men, and holding up roughened
| brown hand to command silence.
"All right" said Bart, half choking
| with mirth; and then. "Oh, l say, my
| lass, you do look rum in them big boots!'
"Silence, idiot!' she whispered, sharp
| ly. DO you want that strange man to
knowr
NAY, my lass, nay" he said, becoming
sober on the instant. But you do look
SO rum. | say, though" he cried, sharp.
| ly, whats gone of all your beautiful long
hairT
Fire" said Mary, coldly.
Fire! what-you've cut it off and burn
ed IT'D"
| Mary nodded.
"Ohr' calculated Bart, and it sounded
like a groan.
Gould girl with long hair have work
! ed her passage out here as a sailor boy,
and have come into that cane-brake and
saved you twoT said Mary, sharply; end
as Bart sat staring at her with dilated
eyes once more, she bent down after gaz-
ing at Dinny, still soundly sleeping, and
laid her hand with firm grip on her
brothers shoulder.
J He started into wakefulness on the In
J stant and gazed without recognition in
the face leaning over him.
Don't you know me, Abelw said
Mary, sadly.
you, Mary-dressed like this%
He started up angrily, his face flush
/ I'M hnrn had -l...I l. i L 4 l.
ened into scowl.
What else could / do?" she said, re-
peating her defense as she had pleaded to
Bart. Then, as IL her spirit rebelled
against his anger, her eyes flashed with
Indignation, and she exclaimed hoarsely,
well, | have saved you, and if you have
done with me-there is the sea-"
But you-dressed as boy" said Abel.
Hush! Do you want that man to
known whispered Mary softly. My
brother was unjustly punished and sent
out here to die in prison, while l, help
, less girl, might have starved at home.
What could do?"
There was only one of the two equal
to the emergency as the soldier woke up,
and that was Bart, who gave his knee q
sounding slap and cried aloud:
. Jack Dell, my lad, you've behaved like
a trump, and got us away splendid.
,, only wish, Abel, / had such a brother
Halloo, soger, where shall we set yor
ashore"
"Set me ashore" said the Irishman
nodding at Mary; "what for?'
u What forT cried Bart. ITO go back.
"Tm not going back" said the Irish
c man, laughing. Sure. want a change
"You can't go with u.s.
Sure, and you forced me to come. anC
ye wouldn't behave so dirthily as to sent
u me backT
= But we're escaping" said Bart.
- Sure, and III escape too," said Dinny
u smiling. Its moighty dull work stop
V ping there"
u But you're a soldier" said Abel.
&c ar be sure l ana sowldier OF for
ie tune"
y You'll be a deserter if you stop wit
u.s." growled Bart
he "Ye made me prishner. and couldn
n help meself."
at why, wanted you to 90 back las
Is night" growled Bart.
n ITO be ate up entoirely by the ugl
IN bastes of dogs! Thank ye kindly. so
Id Id rather not"
re Dinny looked at Mary, and gave her
droll smile, which made her frowu IN
y. look uneasy.
Mt Can you keep faith with those wi
ry trust your she said, quickly.
nd "And is 1t a Kelly who can keep fait
he me lad? Sure, an we're the faithfule
ID people there Is anywhere. And. beda
IS but you're handsome boy, and have
he way wild you ASH make some hearts acl
Id. before ye've done"
lst Mary started and turned a deep dal
red, which showed through her su
{! Drowned skin.
I'm trust YOU" she said.
ter "And We shau't repent it, me lad, (
he you've done no harm. and were niver
in prshner. And now. as we are talkin
ler I'd like to know what yer brother al
number noinety-sivin did to be STINT o
Eek of the country. 1t wasn't murther.
the they'd have hung 'em. Was it-helpi
lex yerselvesT
my brother and his old friend BJ
rm Wrigley were transported to the plan
ynu | ,in,, %, haotinoy and hale killint, m