The Glenwood post., 1906-09-29

what I want without your assistance"
He stood, holding his watch in his
hand.
Already John had decided that 1t
was folly to think of putting any con-
fidence in this man, whom he knew OF
old
Besides, another thing helped him
to decide. AS his eyes ranged over the
bushes he caught a ieeting glimpse OF
head that was momentarily raised
and then as speedily dropped out of
sight, not before he had recognized the
homely features of Sergeant Shanks.
The time is up, cousin" said Crock
EFT.
Il have nothing to say" remarked
John, calmly.
The other locked at him closely.
You are fool, John Ridgeway.
Well, have your own way, and stretch
hemp with which he turned upon his
heel and walked off.
Time passed on.
Once more the lights were flashing
about the windows of the old mansion,
for Crockett, inspired with new zeal
after his interview with his cousin,
had again entered upon a search for
the missing packet.
More than once John glanced that
way, a little uneasy lest the other
might by turn of fortune discover
the loose stone in the hearth.
Thus he waited, having confidence
in the ability of the sergeant to ac-
complish something, for the other was
an old campaigner
The night was nearing its end, and
presently in the east would come the
blush of early morn. Already the
mocking birds twitter could be heard
among the trees heralding the coming
of the day, when Major Worden arose
and called to one of his men.
Fetch the rope, Bob. This is an un-
pleasant duty, but soldiers must get
accustomed to such things. One the
less Yankee to enter Atlanta counts
for something anyhow, Serves him
right for coming here. Now to rid my
self of rival and Mollie of a hus-
band"
Bob evidently knew where to find
the rope, for he soon appeared with it
in his hands. limb belonging to a
monster live oak close to the fire Of
fered fine opportunity, and the
same Bob proceeded to cast the rope
over it, which feat was accomplished
after a few Intellectual tosses.
Let me make the loop" said the
major, eager to have a hand in the
execution, for somehow he had taken
sudden hatred for this Federal SOL
der, whom desiny had thrown across
his path.
Jealousy is a demon that reckons lit
| tie of consequences, when the flame
has been once aroused, and this was
| the true cause of Worden's hatred.
Bring the prisoner" came the next
| order.
Several men started forward to
obey. Then came a sudden shout.
Major Worden, guessing that some
thing was wrong, sprang in the direc-
| ton from whence the cry came. He
saw his men gathered around bound
and gagged figure, but to his amaze.
ment and chagrin, instead of recog-
nizing the man doomed to die at
| dawn, he found himself looking upon
| the guard who had been left to watch
| the other.
Colonel John was gone!
The guard being released was imme-
diately overwhelmed with questions,
but could tell little about it all. He
had received a sudden severe blow on
the head, caught glimpse of a gaunt
face bending over him, and felt rough
hands laid on his person when uncon-
sciousness relieved him of his senses.
Confusion ensued, but the search
was fruitless. Having had plenty of
time in which to make their escape
the fugitives were now far away, per-
haps within the Union lines.
Major Worden could only gnash his
teeth with rage, and renew his oath
to make the charming Mollie a widow
should the opportunity ever come
within his reach again.