The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1906-05-17

the doings Of the future that is now
before YOU"
IF everybody had been ike you, Miss
Martin, I shouldn't have been what
am; but they amt and never will be.
The bloodhounds of Captain Nick would
soon have torn me in pieces, il you
hadn't shown your blessed face just as
you did"
IAN offense like yours, believe, is al
ways punished with DEATH" remarked
Kate.
Il know it is; but We'll let that pass.
Henceforth care nothing about parties;
/ will serve you only; you shall be my
queen, and will be your subject.
swear to you lifelong allegiance. /
will be to you the most abject of slaves.
There is no service so hard, so danger
Gus or so humiliating, but that l will not
attempt 1t in obedience to your COM
mands."
''such language surprises me-" ex-
claimed Kate.
That's because you didn't expect
gratitude from man who could be base
enough to betray his neighbors. You
can say it boldly in plain words, if you
want to, and won't think hard of YOU"
II am glad that you have redeeming
qualities, Joe, but | cannot stop to talk
with you now; have far to ride"
II shant leave you, Kate Martin. I'll
follow you anywhere that you please
to CO."
'To Marion's camp, Joe?"
"Yes. You can't shake me off. Go
where you will, III tramp after you, see
if WON'T" added Joe, decidedly.
But what possible motive can you
have for persisting in such a strange
courseT'
ITO look after you if ycu should be
in danger, and die for you like a dog
that perishes for his MASTER" said Saw
yer.
"But you were afraid of death the
other day, joe"
II was engaged in a bad cause then,
Miss Martin; and bad cause makes
anybody miserable coward. Yes, l will
go anywhere with you! So ride along,
and 1 will keep near you"
Indeed, Joe, don't know as I can
allow you to so with me-"
"You can't help yourself. I'm bound
to stick to you like shoemaker's wax,
come what will"
81 don't think your horse can keep
up"
Then I'll lick him to death" said
Joe, and then added, shut there's moth
ing that wears hoofs that can keep out
of his way, when in the course of hu-
man events speed becomes necessary; so
so ahead, Queen Kate"
'You are resolved to follow, I see."
you may believe it's a fact. Give
that horse the rein. What noble-spir-
tied animal he is! You sit upon him as
firmly as trooper. Here we go, my
queen and I. Now for Marion's camp;
and if they string me up, all I ask is
just one tear from them heavenly eyes
of yours"
'You shall have two, Joe--two as real
tears as ever a queen shed over de-
voted subject" responded Kate, gayly.
Miss Martin did not much regret that
she was to have company during that
long and dangerous ride. In some re-
spects Joe might prove detrimental to
the success of her enterprise, but in
others he might prove of essential SER
vice. She had no reason to distrust the
sincerity of his professions, So Kate
went forward with brave and hopeful
heart, while Joe clattered along by her
side, speaking only when he was ad-
dressed. A little before midnight the
moon arose, and the maiden hailed the
event with gladness.
As they were proceeding in the man
ner described. Kate perceived in the
road a few yards before her the figure
Of man. He was on foot and walked
along slowly, as if engaged in thought.
A military cloak was thrown over his
shoulders, which made Kate think that
he was an officer, belonging probably to
the British army, or heading some of
the Tory bands that infested the coun-
try.
The man stopped when he heard the
sound Of horses's feet, and drew a pistol
from beneath his cloak.
SIT is Col Cunningham" whispered
Joe.
Kate's heart beat little faster than
usual, but she kept on as if she felt there
was no reason why she should act diff
ferently.
"Cover your pretty face with your
veil," said Joe.
She attempted to follow his wellmeant
direction, but the veil unfortunately had
become entangled about the hat, and
she struggled with the vexatious thing in
vain.
'Stopw exclaimed Cunningham, who,
upon discovering that young female,
attended by ccuntryman, was ap-
preaching, had remained In the middle Of
the road, with the pistol still in hand.
who are you, and where are you go-
ingY he asked, in an authoritative voice.
This young lady," replied Joe, quick
ly, ''is on her way to Camden"
"What for2 Don't Won know INV clod-