The Fargo forum and daily republican., 1909-06-19

Zeb dropped quickly to his knee and caught il ia his
hand She thought he taking off the bunch of rags
that numbered her. and stood patiently letting him hold
il lifted though still listening After little he set the
foot gently down, and rose ready smother against his
shoulder the whinny which he feared would be the next
thing The mares loud breathing as she puffed her
nostrils and drew them in again. and the hurried beat
ing OF their own hearts, seemed to fill the room as the
two young rebels waited, and waited, and waited But
the laundering knock which they expected to hear did
not Instead, there were only few faint sounds
from without they could not tell exactly what whence
though they seemed to from the direction of the
barn. They not quite sure they heard any
thing And then, suddenly horse neghed almost under
the window, and Leb had caught up old shawl from
the floor and buried poor Belindas nose in ii and was
huggng and soothing her with his arms round her neck
and his face to hers, clngng only the tighter in silent
desperation as she started away Ay, prompt and pale
snached up an armful of the soft wooens Benda's
foreoot quilted the and tossed them behind her heels
to deaden the sound OF her movements she backed
1t was over IN moment-the answering whinny smota-
cred in time the startled creature freed again from her
hasty blndfolding and her more startled guardians
painting beside her, close in front of the wide hearth
Do you suppose they heard7" Zeb breathed rather
than whispered,
NO" Axy whispered back; then, very anxiously:
Where can lilly be? Why didn't she warn us?" She
paused and added: I'm going out. Aunt Nancy may
miss and ask questions. And I'm going to lock you
in and hide the key That would give Won minute t
get out by the windows if they try the door But ri
keep them away if can, and don't you think of any
thing but just Keeping Belinda quiet lilly and I'll do
the rest"
She was gone, and he heard the key click cautiously
in the lock- and then he left alone with Belinda in
the aim, SnutteTed room.
AS Axy round the corner of the house the first
thing she lilly, pale and fearful standing be-
tween two soldiers, of whom held her by the arm
while Aunt Nancy, her black eyes swapping with wrath
confronted the group. She must have Just demanded
their errand, and received reply which, it was plain
had not been UNDERSTOOD for now one Of the men was
roaring at her, while his comrade and third soldier
by mounted and holding the horses of the Others
were laughing heartily at his efforts make himself
heard.
"A horsel" he fairly shouted "Horsei Horset
Bay horse-boy-came this zUGyi (Oh confound it all
she's as deaf adderi) Boy-hoysei"
There's horse here" Aunt Nancy replied with
spirit You have been in the barn and seen for yo,r-
selves there is not And pray let 60 of my little niece
there You are frightening her to death, Sure do you
think the child keeps bay horse hidden in her apron
pocketl
We won't hurt herl +" shouted the soldier but she
TetnSeS-to aHsaUey-Qwes0nS, and thtnk-she knows
more-than she'll tell You had best speak oat if you
want us to let her go! Have you Seen-a bay horse
fine bay horse with white stay-red-headed BoY?"
His voice broke with the strain of yelling so long an
address, and he mopped his brow with his red sleeve
while his comrades grinned appreciation of his diff
cutes.-
have seen neither horse nor boy You may see for
yourselves If there be either about the place. responded
Aunt Nancy, angriy A likely thing indeed to hide
away horse and rider on the top Of stony bare hill
with not so much tree on it for covert Let nv
niece 60 you bunderng boobies She too frightened
to answer your questions. But will answer as many
as you please, and you may make the most of what I
say Nancy Binns is afraid of man; no. nor soldier
either!"
One deaf and tother dumb /" groaned the exhausted
soldier I've had enough of the pair. Here, little