Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-12-23

the other fellow"
went at him to make an end of it,
"In make you squint, you young
cub" he Missed, lunging at me.
He ripped my blouse at the Shout
der, and, gods of war! we made the
sparks fly. Then he went down, wrig-
Cling; had caught him in the side,
poor fellow! Like flash was off
in thicket. One of the enemy got
out of my way and sent bullet after
me. I could feel it rip and sting in
the muscle as 1t rubbed my ribs. 1
kept foot and made for my horse. He
had caught his reins. and l was on
him and OFF in the bush, between bull
lets that came ripping the leaves about
me, before they could give chase.
Drums were beating the call to arms
somewhere. I struck the trail in
minute, and, leaning low in the saddle,
went bounding over logs and rocks
down a steep hillside as if the devil
were after me. looked back, and was
nearly raked off by bough. 1 could
hear horses coming in the trail behind
with quick and heavy jumps. But
was up to rough riding and had little
fear they would get sight of me.
However, crossing long stretch Of
burnt timber, they must have seen me.
l heard crack OF pistols far behind;
a whiz of bullets over my head. I
shook out the reins and let the horse
go, urging with cluck and spur, never
Stacking for rock or hill or swale. It
was a wilder ride than any have
known since or shall again, can
promise you, for. God knows, have
been hurt too often. Fast riding over
a new trail is leaping in the dark and
worse than treason to ones self. Add
to 1t saddle wet with your own blood.
then you have something to give you
a turn of the stomach thinking Of it.
When was near tumbIing with
kind OF rib-ache and could hear no pur-
suer. I pulled up. There was silence
about me, save the sound of light
breeze in the tree-tops. 1 rolled off
my horse. and hooked my elbow in
the reins. and lay on my belly, grunt-
ing with pain. felt better. having
got my breath. and a rod of beech to
bite upon-a good thing If one has been
badly stung and has journey to make.
In i've minutes l was up and of at a
slow jog. for knew was near safety.
thought much Of poor D'ri and
how he might be faring. The last
had seen Of him. he was making good
use OF pistol and legs. running from
tree to tree. He was dead shot, little
given to wasting lead. The drums were
what worried me, for they indicated
q big camp. and unless he got to the
stirrups in short order. he must have
been taken by overwhelming odds,
It was near shutdown when I came to
q brook and falls could not remem-
Der passing. looked about me. Some
where had gone OF the old trail
everything was new to me. It widened.
- rode on. up q steep hill. Where
tho tree-tops opened, the hill was COW
cred with NOISY turf. and there were
fragrant ferns on each side of me.
The ground was clear of brush and
dead timber. Suddenly heard voice
singing-a sweet girl voice that thrilled
me, I do not know why. save that I
always longed for the touch Of wo-
man II badly hurt. But then I have
felt that way having the pain of neither
lead nor steel. The voice rang in the
silent woods, but could see no one
nor any sign Of human habitation.
Shortly came out upon a smooth
roadway carpeted with sawdust, It
led through grove. and following it,
! came suddenly upon big green man
sion among the trees, with Dorio Dill
lars and great portico where ham
mocks hung with soft cushions in
them, and easy-chairs Of old mahog-
any stood empty. have said as little
as possible Of my aching wound:
have always thought 1t bad enough
for one to suffer his own pain. But
must say was never so tried
to keep my head above me as
when came to that door. Two
figures in white came out to meet me.
At drst did not observe-I had enough
to do keeping my eyes open-that they
were tho Miles. de Lambert.
God save us!" I heard one of them
say. He Ia hurt: he is pale. See the
blood running of his bootleg"
Then, as one took the bit, the other
eased mo down from my saddle, calling
loudly for help. She took her hand
kerchief-that had a perfume have
not yet forgotten-as she supported
me, and wiped the sweat and dust from
my face. Then saw they were the
splendid young ladies had seen at
the counts table. The discovery put
new life In me; 1t was like a dash Of
water in the face. lifted my hat
and bowed to them.
Ladies', my thanks to you," said
In as good French as I knew. II have
been shot. May I ask you to send
for doctor?"
A butler ran down the steps; gar
dener and a stable-boy hurried out Of
the grove.
ITO the big room-the Louis
Qunze." said one of the girls, excited
ly. as the men came to my help.
The fat butler went putting upstairs,
and they followed, on each side of
me.
go for doctor. quick" said one of
them to the gardener. who was coming
belinda Frenchman who prayed to a
saint as he saw my blood.
They led me across great green rug
IN large hall above-stairs to cham
Der of which saw little then save its
size and the wealth of its appoint
ments. The young ladies set me down,
bidding one to take off NV hoots and