The Chickasha daily express. (Chickasha, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1899-current, 1903-01-15

eyrie enough high on the knoll, scarce
ly discernible amid the torrents or
rain that enyeloped II as with a mist.
The fringe Of trees between It and
the river wept in sympathy with the
mournful soughing OF the wind
through their tops The patter on
leaves, roof and river steadily sn-
creased in volume until the fall par
took Of the nature Of q deluee. The
stream. swollen by heavy spring rains.
flowed swiftly between It's dripping
banks and on the opposite shore rude
Dloekhouse and barracks were dimly
outlined against a sky almost a.
black.
From out the gloom on the fort side
small boat emerged. Although
pointed directly across it bore more
down than over tho stream. For a
minute the solitary occupant per
mitted Il 10 take its course. then, ap-
parently becoming conscious OF the
digressicn pointed the bark up stream
at an angle OF forty-nve degrees. Aft
er much enort the prov stuck IN the
sofk clay and slight waterproof en-
veioped and hooded form arose, and
that the figure was feminine was evil
deneee a. skirts were raised and q girl
stepped 20 the shore. Tying the boat
she passed quickly through the fringe
Of trees to the cabin.
Graspins a cudgel she shattered the
solitary window and after an instant's
hesitation and some difnculty. entered
once inside she drew from the folds
OF an inner garment a small candle
and matches. with these she made a
light and pressed the waxen taper into
the yielding earth.
A stalwart fellow Of perhaps nye.
and-twenD years lay on a thin bed
Of straw. his hands and feet manacled
to iron stakes As the feeble light
waxed penetrating II disclosed that
be wore the fatigue uniform Of = cav.
alryman OF the United States army.
Evidently II has been no easy task 10
thus spike him to mother earth, for
his face showed an ugly cash and he
appeared a man who loved not inae
tivity.
The girls face was pale: her large
blue eyes were dilafed and her full
red lips trembled. For an instant she
stood AZ though forgetfnl Of her or
rand. then sank to the straw and drew
from the folds OF her dress a large
coarse fle. Intense femininity showed
In every action Of her graceful. al.
most childish figure and she smiled
npologeticaily. almost indiscernibly. a.
she pushed the dank. blonde hair.
which moisture had robbed OF It's
waves, back into the roceases Of her
hood and vigorously applied the edge
OF the hle TO the mans chains Meth.
er spoke A slip OF one Of the tender
hands brought blood 10 the tip Of one
OF the whits fingers and without 4
word the man took the stained digit
into his mouth and dried Il on the
edge OF his shirt The chains severed.
the man sat erect Still mute she took
his hand. assisted him 10 arise and
drew him 70 the shattered window.
A. bis cramped limbs trembled and he
lenned against the rude wall hin com.
pauion. with a sob passed her arm
about him and lent the support OF her
body. Reverently. fearfuily. hls arm
stole around the iittie figure and AFT.
er minute the girl broke the long
silence.
Come she said. Withdrawing from
the close contact
~where1 Why
Never mind. come"
In respectful. obodient silence he
passed out and haif drew. half lifted
her through the aperture san hold. ,
ind hts hand. she led him beneath tho 7
dripping boughs and down tho slip
perry path NOW glittering in tho rays !
Of the moon. At the boat be hesl. /
iated
You are making = mistake. little I
the great voice trsmbled. 4
She turned on him nerceiy.
II I did not believe you innocent !
10 you think would reieass your :
a storm OF passion shook the soul !,
,f the man. He essayed TO speak. hesl- i,
ated and finally said:
Il am Glad you believe me guiltlesa. !
Nadec ] did not kin him" Y
'-Therei I knew you didn't Come !.
His feeble objections atailed moth. :,
ne snd for half an hour the boat
Urged on By current and the swift
trokes of the girl sped down the
tream, while the man sat with bowed 70
lead.
why don't you talk to me. Jimr' I.
sked the girl a. length. resting her
ars save for an occasional splash 70 Z
.ecp the course clear OF the shore =
See, how fast we are driftingl" Y
'.fss. We are drirung fast" he re- y
lied sadly. Then with sudden
ul