Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1905-01-06

to blessing when, near midnight, they
found themselves at an unguarded
reach OF this far-away branch of the
Rappahannock. and the thirsting
horses, eager for drink, found their
own ford to the other shore
That night they slept in a barn
some distance south of Salem, hidden
by friendly darkies. for now Hector
feared to return. He felt sure that his
connection with Benton's escape was
known, and that dire punishment
awaited him. He would unite his for
tunes with those of his new master,
and be his groom and hostler for the
rest of his days. A young negro prom
ised to fetch a mule at four in the
morning and guide them over the hills
toward New Baltimore. eastward-they
dare not try the roads, or Thorough
fare 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
of reward, the young fellow reused
them an hour before the dawn and had
them 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
his glasses, and only far south of Broad
Run could he see sign of cavalry Of any
kind, and So bidding their latest guide
adieu, 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
70 sight a wild-eyed negro on a re-
monstrant mule. Run, Marsei" he
cried at sight of Benton. Run, TO
Gawd's sakei 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 lane leading away
southeastward between desolate fields;
halted to blow their painting, reek-
ing horses at little clump of trees
near a southwark sweep of the mill
stream-Broad Run-then Benton I'M
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 a 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!
A long half hour they rode, as fast
as jaded steed could bear them, but
Hector's horse was nearly done. The
spare oak openings, the scattered
copses. now were only half a mile
ahead, but southwark, cutting them OF
from Bristoe, galloped a 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
lOOSS anu SOIl duU SpOuSy uOW tudl
| they had left the lanes, and every now
and then they plunged through holes,
| deep and treacherous, but still they
| dashed 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 themi 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 Doggy slough, with
sickening groan Hector's exhausted
| horse went down and f1oundered help
| less in the mud, his wretched rider
| dragging himself from underneath,
and, limping to the foot of a tree, fell
| gasping and terrified. "Oh, Gawd,
| don't leave me, Marse Benton!" he
pleaded in agony. ''Doan' leave me or
| dey'l 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't
shoot, men; he's wounded, 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 what that suffering