Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1911-12-07
know as well as do that he has beer


wrongly condemned"
He stepped forward with a half
smothered oath, and rested one hand
heavily upon her shoulder.
Il rather guess not, madam" he
said. Damn him! I will hang him
now higher than Hannah. just to show
Queen Esther that it can be done. Out
OF the way, madam!"
Rendered desperate by her slight
resistance and his own jealous hatred,
he thrust the woman aside so rudely
that she fell forward upon one knee.
His revolver was yet in his right
hand, cleaning in the starlight, but
before he could raise or fire it had
grasped the steel barrel firmly, and
the hammer came down noiselssly
upon the flesh of my thumb. The next
instant we were locked close together
in fierce struggle for the mastery. He
was the heavier, stronger man; the
younger and quicker. From the first
every effort on both sides was put
forth solely to gain command Of the
weapon-his to IRE. mine to prevent,
for knew we'll at the sound Of the
discharge there would come rush of
blue-coats to his rescue. MY nrst
fierce onset had put him on the de-
fensive, but as We tugged and strained
his superiority In weight began to tell,
and slowly he bore me backward. un-
till all the weight Of my body rested
upon my right leg. Then there oc-
r11Hp cd tn d. 10
trick taught me years before by an
old negro on my fathers plantation.
Instantly appeared to yield to the
force against which commended with
simulated weakness, sinking lower
and lower, UNTIL I doubt not, Brennan
felt convinced must go over back
ward. But as thus sank, my left
foot found steady support farther
back, while my free hand sank slow
~ down his straining body until my
cropping fingers grasped firmly the
broad belt about his waist. l yielded
yet another inch, until he leaned SO
far over me as to be out of all bal
ening of my left leg, at the same time
forcing my head beneath his chest in
leverage, with one tremendous effort
flung him, head under, crashing
down upon the hard road. Trembling
like a reed from the exertion, stood
there looking down upon the dark
form lying huddled at my feet. He
rested motionless, and / bent over,
placing my hand upon his heart, hor-
rified at the mere thought that he
might be dead. But the heart beat,
and with a prayer of thankfulness l
looked up. She stood beside me.
Tell me, Captain Wayne" she ex.
riously hurt?"
Il believe not" answered soberly.
He is heavy man, and fell hard, yet
his heart beats strong. He must have
cut his head upon stone, however,
for he is bleeding"
She knelt beside him, and caught
the wilderness Of a handkerchief within
her hand
Believe me, Mrs. Brennan" fal-
tered lamely, II regret this far more
than can tell Nothing has ever oc-
Cured to me to give greater pain
than the thought that have brought
you so much of sorrow and trouble.
You will have faith in me?"
Always, observation-disclosures 1t
ever be our fate to meet again or not.
But now you must go"
60? And leave you here alone?
Are you not afraid?"
"Afraid?"she looked about her into
the darkness. "Of what? Surely you
do not mean of Frank-of Major Bren-
nan? And as to my being alone, our
quarters are within scant hundred
yards from here, and single cry will
bring me aid in plenty. Hush! what
was that?"
It was the shutting tread of many
feet, the sturdy tramp Of body of
infantry on the march.
Col" she cried hurriedly. "If you
would truly serve me, If you care at
all for me, do not longer delay and
be discovered here. 1t Is the grand
rounds. beg of you, go!"
grasped her outstretched hand,
pressed my lips holly upon it, and