Pine Bluff daily graphic., 1905-12-01


 time t6 rum oI a-sain.'
 The words were bitter. but there wa'' something behind them which caused Lige to glance at her quickly. on.y- however. to meet flashing eyes ant curling lips.
 "From the way the general spoke ! think there'll be some front wo".i to- night" he answered slowly. "Only 1t it isn't any use for you and me to talk, Sally. We never seem to get any where
 The general was writing when Lige and Pete were ushered into his pres ence by an orderly. Presently he turn ed from his desk.
 "It will be terrible night he safe. Do you think you can reach Cane Point through the storm and besieg- as-- vessels?"
 They started. Cane Point was over a mile downstream and surrounded by such a network of snags and sunken limbs that 1t was considered perllous even by daylight. The general watch ed them keenly.
 "In addition to natural dangers" he observed significantly. "there are doubt less explosives placed in the river by the enemy Are you two ready to risk all chances?'
 eff you'll let us," they answered.
 "very we'll Here are two dispatches exactly alike. If one of you fails, the other may succeed. You will go to the little cabin under the three live oaks and give the papers to a cripple you will find there. If you succeed, show a light from Live Oak hill. A lantern swung in a half circle will answer" He paused moment. then added ln all impressive voice: "The papers must not be seen by the enemy, and, if nec- essary, you must die yourselves to in- sure their destruction. Now gO."
 There was a little of the excitement of battle as they removed their cloth ing on tue wharf and fastened the wa terproof bags containing the dispatches more securely about their necks, noth ing but the solid wall of blackness around, which was now and then cut by l.ghtning's flash. showing glimpses of the black hulls of the silent watch dogs which invested the city.
 The current was in their favor, but the wind blew against them. However, 1t served to deaden the sound of the waves against their faces. As they neared the line of gunboats they swan as lightly as possible, keeping all but their faces under water. The darkness was full of ears now. One by one they felt rather than saw the dark hulls glide by. Frequently they had to sink under water as a sudden fash showed sentinel forms within a few yards.
 A dozen times they were on the point of being discovered. but escaped by seeming miracle. Sometimes their hands would encounter the side of a vessel before they were aware of its vicinity. Since leaving the wharf nei- ther had dared to speak Once or twice Lige fancied from his companion's la- bored breathing that he was becoming exhausted
 Suddenly. as they were moving along side by side. great light flashed upon them from the deck of vessel close by and dozen stern faces met their gaze. They sank instantly, and 8 shower of bullets rained upon the water. Second after second passed, and glimpse of white face was seen several rods down the river and was met by another batter of bullets. A little to the right second white face showed for an instant and received similar welcome. Some minutes pass ed, and dark spot appeared still low CT down. A perfect storm of bullets almost instantly fell about it.
 A few more seconds and then some body said, Il guess they're done for.' The lights disappeared. and the vessel returned to its dark watchfulness.
 In his quarters the general paced up and down uneasily. He had reckoned much on the success of this enterprise, It meant much to the cause. In spite of its apparent impossibility he haa hopes that the young fishermen might succeed-had almost brought himself to believe that they would.
 But as the hours went by he ceased to glance toward Live Oak hill The enterprise had failed. and the brave boys were at the bottom of the river.
 Suddenly, as he passed the window be uttered an exclamation of surprise Surely there was a light on Live Oak hill. lantern swinging to and fro Even as it moved brother officer en,