Ottumwa tri-weekly courier., 1904-10-29

care not try the roads, or Thorough
rare Gap-and from New Baltimore,
once across the Warrenton pike. Ben
ton hoped to be able to reach the union
lines. True to his word and his hopes
Oh reward, the young fellow reused
tnem an, hour before the dawn and had
tnem clear of the valley roads before
sun up. Then from the heights back
OF the Warrenton pike Benton secured
the low ground toward Manassas with
MS glasses, and only far south of Broad
Kun could he see sign of cavalry of any
klnd, and so, bidding their latest guide
adleu, he and his faithful Hector rode
hopefully-yet slowly, for the beasts
were leg Weary-down from the wood
ed range toward the long seam through
the open country, the once well-trav-
eled high road to the lovely old county
seat of Fauquier. They were looking
for abandoned shack, cabin or barn
where they could hide until twilight.
Toward noon their startled ears
caught the sound of hoof-beats on the
hillside, and there came shambling in
to sight wild-eyed negro on a re-
monstrant mule Run, Marse!" he
cried, at sight of Benton. Run, TO
GaWd's sake! Dey's 100 sojers hunt
in every house an balm just over the
hill, sub. and comm dis way!"
Then came a ride almost for life.
They turned into a lane leading away
southeastward between desolate fields;
halted to "blow" their painting, reek-
ing horses at little clump of trees
near southwark sweep of the mill
stream-Broad Run-then Benton un-
slung his glass and took deliberate
survey Of the distant hills, then of
the country over which they had come,
and, squirting like mad down a slope
of the heights, barely three miles back
of them, came dozen gray horsemen.
They've seen u.s." said he, as quietly
as he could, and Hector's trembling
hands helped him again to mount.
Then away dashed the pair for the
first ford of the stream, only to see
as they rode out dripping on the oppo-
site bank that the distant fringe of
the Manassas woods looked far away
as ever. Oh, for sight of union flank
ers now!
as jaded steed could bear them, but
Hectors horse was nearly done. The
spare oak openings, the scattered
copses, now were only half mile
ahead, but southwark cutting them off
from Bristoe, galloped jaunty half
dozen, following the lead of dashing
rider. Behind them, still beyond car
bine range but slowly gaining, full 20
troopers were spreading out over the
open fields, turning" them. as it were,
from the left. The soil was growing
loose and soft and spongy now that
they had left the lanes, and every now
and then they plunged through holes,
deep and treacherous, but still they
lashed ahead, Hector's poor brute
groaning-staggering with every Stride
Presently the ground began slowly ris-
ing and the woods grew thick. If only
they could reach them! Surely the
union pickets must be close at hand,
and now, as they drove in among the
clumps of stunted trees, they lost sight
of the troopers to the south Now the
yells of those in rear became exultant,
and still came no shot. Then as they
struggled through boggy slough, with
sicllening groan Hector's exhausted
horse went down and foundered help
1nc in hn hif, afah ,,.I
dragging himself from underneath,
and, limping to the foot of a tree, fell
gasping and terrified. ooh, Gawd,
don't leave me, Marse Benton" he
pleaded in agony. "Doan' leave me or
dey'll kill me, suah." With one glance
at the cheering chase, one longing look
at the eastward slopes, Benton sprang
from the saddle, and with firm-set lips
and flashing eyes, he planted himself
between the yelling troopers and the
PROSTATE, helpless, humble friend
Bursting through the trees, the fore
most riders drove straight at him
Down with that pistol" shouted a
voice in stern command Don,
snoot. men; nes wounueu! Drop your
pistol. sub. We're ten to one!" And
realizing the hopelessness of fight,
Fred Benton tossed his puny weapon
away.
But what meant that sudden shot to
the southwark that suffering
volley, that burst of cheers? "The
major!' "The yanhs!" Come on,
come on" were the shouts. Away
darted half the mud-spattered group,
and then sudden as the shot, in
spurred u GREATNESS young officer.
"Motnt, sur, Instantly! Help him, cor
poral. Up with you, sub! We haven't
moment" Rough, powerful hands
fairly lifted him into saddle Another
hand seized the reins of his horse.
Come on now lively!" was the order.
Get him back out O. range. We've
run slap into brigade, general and
all. Off with you--to Buciland, you
two! The rest of you come with me to
the major. Nhatll we do with the
nigsuh? Damn the nigguh-we've no
time to bother with him!"
Darins and devoted, away went the