The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1903-02-12
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death. How could | bring myself to
do so with all these beloved ones en-
deavoring to prevent me! There was
one way by which might render them
less averse to the plan. By proclaim
ing the military mission which had
taken me to Alabama | might render
myself an object Of hatred and con-
tempt. Despite the pain this confess
sion would cost me, resolved to
make 1t.
At the moment took my resolution
I looked up at Helen, who was always
my first object Of thought before any
important move. She was leaning over
the battlement looking down upon the
guerrlllas. In her face was a 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 un-
changed. Rising, called out In a
tone which at once attracted attention
and denoted that I had something of
Importance to say.
Dear friends"
All looked at me inquiringly.
81 am going down there to give my
self up. Then you can go free"
Helen's gaze bespoke not only her
establishment. but dismay.
"What yo' going to do that fo'?" ask
ed Jack quickly.
Because l owe 1t to you all to do
So"
I'm goin with yo'." said Buck.
"You will do no such thing. You
must stand by your sister and cousin"
"What do yo' want to leave us in the
lurch TO ~ 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,
buried my face in my hands. A soft
hand was laid on mine. Helen was en-
deavoring to uncover my face. turn
ed and met her gaze-strOng. tender.
sympathetic.
"YOur life Is not yours to surrender.
You must wait till It is forced from
you"
II would be unworthy Of your sub
lime devotion should l accept any fur
ther sacrifice, especially since 1t can be
Of no avail"
by giving up now you would turn
all our efforts to nothing. We shall
have made a failure that will remain
an eternal burden"
1T will be light compared with my
self condemnation when l 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
1t. What would we do without yo'?"
"Cease trying to make a coward OF
me-" cried. 'or shall go mad"'
Isprang toward the rampant.
"Stopv cried Helen imperatively. Il
own your life to dispose of as will
and Jack. Had it not been for me you
would have bled to death when you
received your wound. Had 1t not been
for Jack you would have already been
murdered by the guerrillas."
Eyes. and am not so base rs to pull
my benefactors down with me. Stand
aside"
"Harkw
Jack spoke the word In her quick
way. pOising her head on one side to
In another moment 1t was repeated.
seeming to come from below, where we
had built our bonfire. A figure was adj
vancing through the gloom, holding
aloft white handkerchief. Jumped
from the rampant and ran down to
meet this flag" which soon saw was
borne by Captain Rlugold.
"What do you wantW
Don't let your women come into our
camp again. Jaycox Is back, and he
and Halliday have got the upper hand.
I'm powerless."
"Will your men let the women 60 IL
I give myself upY
"No; stay with them to the last"
zone word more"
'"There's no time. l have stolen
away, and II I am missed and It's
known where have been I'll be q dead
man."
He was gone before the last word
was spoken. l returned to the fortress.
"What is itT cried Jack expectantly.
"He has lost the power to protect
you. He advises me to stay with you
to the last"
"Will you"
YES" replied with sigh.
THANK God" exclaimed Helen.
Another night Of horror; rising sun,
flooding the face OF the rocks and our
wan faces with ruddy glow. A more
wretched lot Of beings could not be
found among castaways at sea. We
had not slept during the night. for
whatever Of rest had come to any Of us
had been rather stupor than sleep. Our
cheeks were sunken: our eyes. deep In
their sockets. were turned toward the
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