The Kinsley graphic. [volume] (Kinsley, Kan.) 1890-1940, 1903-06-05
Just a Man and a Woman.
I BY EDWARD E. Web.


Copyright. 100, by Daily Story Fub 60 !,
The small cabin of logs looked
eyre enough high on the knoll. scarce
lys discernible amid the torrents of
rain that enveloped it 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 in
creased in volume until the fall par.
took of the nature of a deluge. The
stream, swollen by heavy spring rains.
flowed swiftly between its dripping
banks and on the opposite ST. gre rude
blockhouse and barracks were dimly
outlined against 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 strea-t. For
minute the solitary occupant per.
mitted it to take les course. then, ap-
parently becoming conscious of the
depression pointed the bark up stream
at an angle of forty-five degrees. Aft.
er much effort the prov stuck in the
soft clay and a slight water-proof-en-
veloped and hooded form arose, and
that the figure was feminine was evi.
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 cudgel she shattered the
solitary window and after an instant's
hesitation and some difficulty, entered.
Once inside she drew from the folds
of an inner garment a 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 cart, for
his face showed an ugly cash and he
appeared 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 he er-
rand, then sank to the straw and drew
from the folds of her dress a large
coarse file. Intense femininity showed
} in every action of her graceful, al
NEST childish figure and she smiled
| apologetically, almost indiscernibly, as
she pushed the dank, blonde hair
which moisture had robbed of it's
waves, back into the recesses of her
hood and vigorously applied the edge
IF the file to the mans chains. Meth
y SPOKE. A slip of one of the der
hands brought blood to the tip one
of the white finge.s and wltho It a
word the man took the stained digit
into his mouth and dried it on the
edge of his shirt. TIL chains severed
the man sat erect. Still mute she took
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
| pohlOll, Will q ooU pdooCu uSI
about him and lent the support of her
body. Reverently, fearfully, his arm
stole around the little figure and aft
er minute the girl broke the long
silence.
Come" she said, withdrawing from
the close contact.
| Where? Why?"
| "Neyer mind come"
In respectful, obedient silence he
passed out and half drew, half Gifted
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 rays
of the moon. At the boat he hest
tated.
You are making a mistake, little
girl''-and the great voice trembled.
She turned ON him fiercely,
IF Io did NOT believe you innocent,
dc you think l would release your"
/ A storm of passion shook the soul