The Dakota chief. (Gann Valley, Buffalo County, S.D.) 18??-1913, 1908-01-23

0fcch ahSuuScs duu tHtu tTuuSidlcu dt
Boston. 1t is book, woman, that should
be in the hands Of every Christian, espe-
cially such as die upon the gallows. Have
a horse prepared instantly for this black,
who shall accompany me, end / viii send
down the volume yet in season. Brother,
compose thy mind; you are now in the
narrow path to glory"
Caesar wrigled little in his chair, but
he had sufficient recollection to conceal
his face with hands that were, In their
turn, concealed by gloves. The landlady
departed to comply with this very reason
able request, and the group of conspira-
tors were again left to themselves.
The man soon returned, and announced
that the horses were at the door. Har-,
vey gave the captain a glance, and led
the way down the stairs, first desiring the
woman to leave the prisoner to himself,
in order that he might digest the whole
some mental food that he had SO lately
received.
A rumor of the, odd character of the
priest had spread from the sentinel at the
door to his comrades; so that when Har-'
vey and Wharton reached the open space
before the building, they found dozen
idle Dragons lettering about, with the
waggish intention of Quizzing the fanatic,
and employed in affected admiration Of
the steeds.
"a fine horse !" said the leader in this
plan of mischief; ''but a little low in
flesh; / suppose from hard labor In your
calling"
my calling may be laborsome to both
myself and this faithful beast, but then q
day of settling is at hand, that will re-
ward me for all my outgoings and incom-
ings," said Birch, putting his foot in the
stirrup and preparing to mount. Cesar,
you can ride up the road and deliver the
note-the unhappy prisoner will be want
ing the book, for his hours are num-
bered"
"Ay-ay, so along, Caesar, and get the
book" shouted half dozen voices, all
crowding eagerly around the ideal priest,
in anticipation Of frolic.
"What are you at there, scoundrels"
cried Lieutenant Mason, as he came in
sight; away with every man Of you to
your quarters, and let me find that each
horse is cleaned and Uttered when come
round" The sound of the officers voice
operated like charm. The peddler took
that opportunity to mount, but he had
to preserve the gravity of his movements
for the remark Of the troopers upon the
condition of their beasts was but too just,
and dozen dragoon horses stood saddled
and bridled at hand, ready to receive their
rideps at moments warning.
"Well, have you bitted the poor fellow
said Mason, ''that he can take
his last ride under the curb of divinity,
old gentleman?" .N
.'Out upon thee for reviler and scoffer
of goodness said Birch, moving slowly,
and with due observance of clerical dig
nifty, down the road, followed by the imag-
mary Caesar; "but I leave thee, and that
behind me that will prove thy condemna-
ton. and take from thee hearty and joy
full deliverance.'
Corporal of the guard corporal of
the guard ~ shouted the sentinel in the
to the chambers; corporal OF
the guard corporal of the gr.ard!"
The subaltern few up the narrow stair
way that led to the room of the prisoner,
and demanded the meaning of the out
cry. The soldier was standing at the open
door of the apartment. looking in with
suspicious eye on the supposed British
officer. On observing his lieutenant, he
fell back with habtual respect, and re-
piled, with an air OF puzzled thought:
Il don't know, sir: but just now the
prisoner looked queer. Ever since the
preacher has left him he don't look as he
used to debut" gazing intently over the
shoulder of his officer, .'it must be him,
too! There is the same powdered head,
and the darn in the coat, where he was
hit the day he had the last brush with tae
enemy"
'.And then all this noise is occasioncd
by your doubling whether that poor gen.
tleman is your prisoner or not, Is 1t, SIR
rah? Who do you think it can be elseT'
II don't know who else it can BE-" re-
turned the fellow. sullenly; but he 10
grown thicker and shorter, If it is he;
and see for yourself. sir, he shakes all
over, like a man in an ague."
"That anabaptist. methodistical, quaker.
misunderstanding rascal has frightened the
boy with his farrago about flames and
birthstone. I'll step in and cheer him
with little rational conversation
"I have heard of fear making man
white" said the soldier, drawing back, and
staring as il his eyes would start from
their sockets, "but it has changed the
royal captain to a black ~
The truth was that Caesar, unable TO
hear what Mason uttered in low voice,
incautiously removed the wig a little from
one of his ears in order to hear the bet
ter, without in the least remembering that
It's color might prove fatal to his disguise.
The sentinel had kept his eyes fastened on
his prisoner, and noticed the action. The
attention of Mason was instantly drawn
to the same object; and. forgetting all
delicacy for brother officer in distress,
the lieutenant sprang forward and SELF
ed the terrified, African by the throat.
'Who are you?" cried Mason, dashing
the head of the old man against the angle
Of the wall at each interrogatory who
are you, and where is the EnglishrnanT .
AZ th,,n Il Avaex m