The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1903-01-01
CHAPTER TX.

| the hands of that terrible war
| time scourge Of the south. the
guerrilla. This band had been
made up IN east Tennessee and had
moved out Of their original stamping
ground to get away from their old
homes and find a better field for pill
lage. From the Cumberland plateau
they could swoop down toward Nash
vile, Murfreesboro, McMinnville, Shell
byville. Fayette or Huntsville and,
II chased, could easily take to the
mountains, where It was difficult to fol-
low them. On one Of their forays Tom
Jaycox and Pete Halliday had got
wind of my whereabouts and, with
several Of the gang. including the man
l had shot. had gone down to look al ter
me. The country In and about Hunts
vile was too civilized for open assas-
slnation, and JnycoX, after the failure
Of the attempt on my life. had pro-
cured my arrest as spy. Then fol-
lowed the plan to kidnap me and force
me into a payment Of money before the
final revenge.
We blvouacked where we had met
the band on the plateau, under the
trees that waved above us. their
sprouting leaves lighted up by our
campfire. lay awake the greater part
of the night. watching for an oppor-
tunity to escape. but one sentry after
another was placed over me. and morn
ing came without my having made the
attempt.
At sunrise we moved northward. as
on the day before, my captors still
keeping strict watch over me. Dur
ing the day JaycoX pushed on In adj
vance. Why did not know, but sur
missed that his going had something to
do with the plan to plumber me.
The mountains seemed deserted.
Not a human being did we see save
two women and n negro, all on horse
back. travelling In the same direction
as ourselves. | caught several gimpses
of them. though always at distance,
and wondered how 1t was that poor
white trash" to which class they ap-
peared to belong. could afford the at
tendance of slave.
When we halted for the night. which
we did about o'clock In the afternoon,
the captain came up to me and told
me they were going to take me to a
point near my old home, Knoxville,
where | would be required. TO sign a
check for large amount. all they
could squeeze out Of me. but If there
were not sufficient funds to my credit
in the bank | must execute papers that
would enable him to convert property
into money. If would do as he wish
ed, he would set me free. This knew
to be lie. The gang would find pre-
text to murder me whether signed the
document or not.
He left me sitting on the ground,
leaning against log, contemplating
the horrors Of my situation II ! did
not pay my ransom, | should be muir
dered; If | paid 1t, should be murder
ed. 1t was Hobson's choice. | made
up my mind that would attempt to
escape, get shot and thus end situa-
ton that was inhictng on me Il mental
torture far greater than any physical
pain mortal ever endured.
Casting my eyes inadvertently to-
ward the road. saw two women pass
ing northward and In another moment
recognized them as those ! had noticed
on the march. To my surprise. one Of
them turned and rode toward uS. The
other hesitated. started on, turned and
followed her companion. ! noticed
something familiar about their figures,
The coarse texture Of their jackets and
gowns and their unbccoming sunbon
nets were out Of keeping with their
graceful carriage. IF these women
knew" thought. that they were On
tering a guerrilla camp. they would be
stricken with terror" When they
reached point dozen yards distant.
ing In harsh voice:
Can you uns tell us how fa' it's t
Tracy"
Then beneath the homely check bon
net. through the olive darkenine OF her
complexion under the cheap calico.
recognized Helen Stanforth Her beau
tiful companion was none other than
my fascinating little friend who had
saved me from the impetuous wrath Of
Captain Beaumont -JaqueIine Rutland.
Had pair of angels come down
from heaven and liz on my shoulders
| could not have been more astonished
l rubbed my eyes. thinking that my vi.
sion deceived me, but when | looked
again there was Helen sitting on her
horse. chatting with the guerrilas as
II they were ordinary persons. making
commonplace remarks In excellent dia.
lect. with which long residence near
the mountains had made her familiar
Jaqueline remained short distance be.
hind her For awhile feared that
Jaqueline would betray them both for |
could see that she was trembling But
presently all terror seemed to leave her
She rode up beside Helen and began
to chaff the men. at once attracting the
attention Of the whole band
bulldog. Then. riding up to the en-.
trance OF the hut, he shouted:
Hello thar"