Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1910-08-10

diers. Hitching their horses. the
troopers strobe boldly into the house
and up to the fireplace. where log
was cheerfully burning.
They were coarse faced men and
the fumes of their breath gave evil
dence. to their having freely imbibed
but a short time before. Their rude
ness caused Mrs Harding ana Faith
to shrink back with apprehension and
loathing.
Its beastly cold outside" observed
the leader, stamping his feet before
the hearth. Here, beauty" TO Faith,
you and the old woman fly around
and get us up warm supper. You
Americans have to be forced into
showing hospitality Be lively. We've
got a job to attend to and a supper
will brace US up"
With as good grace as it was pos
sible to command, under the circum-
stances, the women at once prepared
warm meal for their unbidden
guests.
As the ravenous troopers arranged
themselves around the smoking
viands. the leader addressed the
women in these words:
las we have some important bust
ness TO discuss among ourselves, we
will excuse you ladies and serve our
selves"
Only too glad to leave the presence
Of their unwelcome visitors, Mrs.
Harding and her daughter went into
an adjoining room, then mounted a
ladder to an attic over the kitchen
Scarcely had they gained this re-
treat, when they heard a hor seman
coming furiously up the rock! road
of the bluff.
Looking from a small window. Faith
recognized the newcomer.
Mother" she announced ut is
Warren Dalton. He is coming to the
house. Some plot must be brewing -
II fear So" answered the mother.
Il am going down the ladder and
listen from the clothes closet" said
the girl.
DO be cautious. child" whispered
the mother. reluctant to see her go.
The table at which the troopers sat
was only a few feet from the little
closet where Faith crouched to listen.
Inclining her ear to the thin partition
| she could overhear their conversation
| distinctly.
Warren Dalton. after greeting the
troopers, had made himself comfort.
| able before the fireplace.
We'll, what news. Dalton?" asked
the leader.
Good" returned Dalton with ,
triumphant laugh.
$50 we can bag the young fox to-
night?"
Yes, tonight" answered Dalton
with an oath.
You will remove an enemy from
my path, and at the same time cap
ture one who can give you all the
army's plans now Matching over at
Morristown."
Good" cried the leader. THE
general would give a deal to know
the schemes now being concocted in
the brain of that SLY old fox in those
|
this information if we have to torture
It out of him. How did you manage
the business?"
I've been watching Major Ridge
ways movements very closely" re
piled Dalton with a chuckle. To-day
he has been visiting his grandfather
I've Just come from him. Disguisine
myself l carried to him a false mes
sage from the widow here, whom
reported very i'll and DESTROYS of see
ing him. Ridgeway is dead in love
with this girl, and he promised to be
here just as soon as he can tear him
self away from his doting grand
parents"
HE may suspect that something is
wrong and fail to come" suggested
one of the troopers.
"He suspects nothing" declared
Dalton. He'll be here in an hour al
least Finish your supper and con
ceal your horses. The game will walk
right into the sack"
Waiting to hear no more, Faith
climbed back up the ladder and wits
pered in her mothers ear the bold
plot she had overheard. I'm going
to outwit Warren Dalton, mother,
said the girl. her eyes flashing reso
lutely.
How can you do It, child?"
"I'll mount Daltons Blueskin and
ride forth 10 meet Major Ridgeway
and warn him of the plot" exclaimed
Faith. THE troopers haven't horse
that can overtake Blueskin"
But. Faith. think of the danger"
Mother. a patriots daughter serv
ing the patriot cause has no time tc
think of danger Major Ridgeway's
safety means more than my own"
Wrapping herself in her mantle
Faith Harding kissed her mother
softly descended the ladder, ther
noiselessly let herself out at a win
dow in the bedroom.
I Darkness now enwrapped the bluff
Making her way through the snow tC
the rack where Dalton's horse was
hitched, she mounted 1t and rode
away.
| Inc was iAIItdSiiiS EdluPl
than abating. and the cold air made
her SILVER and draw her mantle closer
about her. Undaunted by the snow
and wind. Faith Harding rode on
resolute in her purpose to meet an
warn Major Ridgeway.
Reaching the foot of the bluff. she
entered a road through the wood. q
short cut to the home of Grandfather
Ridgeway. By this way she knew