Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1910-02-01
CHAPTER x.


On all the many adventures that fol-
lowed my escape from the enemy it is
not my purpose to dwell I could tell
of finding Jenifer. of hurried journey
where he. myself and others removed
my dear lady and her father to place
of safety when the whole country was
in turmoil l could tell how she never
spoke to me during the brief journey
of her return to the protection of the
redcoats. aid of note which reached
me after narrow escape from death
telling of love. but intended. l consid-
cred, for Richard.
Then there was a collision with Fall
cannot in which 1 bested him. He fed
and was supposed to have persisted in
a forest fire. Find me, therefore, later
on with an old scout and Indian COM
panions making for the camp of the
patriots and caring little for life, for I
knew that my dear lady loved me not
We had crossed our own Catawba
and were putting our horses at the
steep bank on the outcoming side
when my saddle slipped. Dismounting
to tighten the girth, l called to the
others to press on, saying l should
overtake them shortly.
The promise was never kept / scarce
had my head under the saddle flap
before a couple of stout knaves in
homespun, appearing from / know not
where, had me fast gripped by the
arms. whilst a third made sure of the
horse.
"a dispatch rider" said the bigger of
the two who pinioned me. Search him,
Martin, lad, whilst 1 hold him; then
we'll pay him out for Tarleton's hang
ing of poor Sandy MCGUIRE"
l held my peace and let them search.
taking the threat for a bit of soldier
bullyragging meant to keep me quiet.
But when they had turned the pockets
of nv borrowed coat inside out and
ripped the lining and made It other
wise as much the worse for their mis-
handling as it was for wear. the third
man fetched rope.
Did you mean that, friend?-about
the hanging?" 1 asked.
Sure enough" said the big man.
coolly You had best be saying your
prayers"
coat and / yours, you might hang me
and welcome; indeed, you may as it
is"
The man stared at me as one de-
mented. Then he burst into a guffaw,
IF you beant a cool plucked one. I've
a mind to take you to the Colonel"
Don't do it, my friend. Though 1
am something loath to be snuffed out
by the men of my own side, we need
not haggle over the nfceties. Point out
your tree"
You're too willing. What's at the
back of all this?"
Nothing, save a decent reluctance to
spoil your sport. Have at it. man. and
let's be done with it,
Not if you beg me on your knees.
You'll go to the colonel. l say, and he
may hang you if he sees fit. You must
be villain to want to die by the first
rope you lay eyes on
That is as it may be. Who is your
colonel?"
Nay. rather, who are your
gave my name and circumstance
and was loosed of the hand-grip,
though the third man dropped the cord
and stepped back to hold me covered
with his rifle
An Ireton, you say? Not little Jock.
surely!"
NO, big Jock: big enough to lay you
on your back. though you do have a
hand as thick as ham,"
He ignored the challenge and stuck
to his text Il never thought 20 see the
son of old Mad-bull Roger wearing a
red coat" he said.
That is nothing. Many as good a
Wing as 1 am has been forced to wear
a red coat ere this. or go barebacked.
But why don't you knot the halter? In
common justice you should either hang
me or feed me. 'Tis hard upon noon,
and l breakfasted early
"Fan in" said the big man; and SO
was marched quickly aside from the
road and into the denser thicketing OF
the wood. Here my captors blindfold-
ed me. and after spinning me around
to make me lose the compass points
hurried me away to their encampment
which was inland from the stream
though not far, for 1 could still hear
the distant splashing of the water.
When the kerchief was pulled from
my eyes was standing in the midst OF
a mounted rifemen's halt-camp. face
TO face with q young officer wearing
the uniform OF the colonelcy in the
North Carolina home troops. He was
a handsome young fellow, with curling
hair and trim side whiskers to frame q
face fine-lined and eager-the face oil
a gentleman well-born and well-bred
Captain Ireton?" he said; by which
l guessed that one OF my capturers had
run on ahead TO make report
The same" l replied.
And you are the son of Mr.. Justics
Roger Ireton. OF Applehy Hundredg"
Il have that honor
He gave me his hand most cordial
ly
You are very welcome, Captain
Davie is my name. I trust we nay
come to know each other better. Yo'
are in disguise. as / take il: do yos
bring news OF the army
"On the contrary. l am thirsting 70
news rejoined. Il and three other'
have but now returned from PURSUING
British aud Indian powder convo,
into the mountains TO the westward
We have been out five weeks an,
more"
He looked at me curiously. 'Yo'
and three otherse" he aueried. Conn
apart and tell me about il whilst Pom
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