The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1911-10-05

ridden back, and reined in beside us
without a word.
You are right" I said, tersely. I'm
one sense of the word you are a pris-
oner, for the time being, at least, but
not through any wish of mine. We
do not make war on women, and your
being In this situation Is altogether an
accident. However, be that as It may,
we must, first of all, protect ourselves.
| would very gladly leave you with
your friends, If possible, but as things
have shaped themselves there remains
but one alternative-you must ride as
| order"
"You-you are not Major Brennans
friend then? You we're not sent by
Frank to meet me?" The questions
burst from her lips so rapidly that
scarcely caught their import
81 am Captain Phillip Wayne, -th
Virginia cavalry, at your service,
madam" | said, calmly, "and to the
best of my knowledge have not the
pleasure of Major Brennan's acquaint-
ance."
She suddenly lifted the heavy rid
ing whip that was clenched in her
right hand, struck me with 1t full
across the face, and then, asSI quick
ly flung up my own arm to ward of
a second blow, she sent the lash
swirling down upon the flank of her
horse. With one bound the maddened
animal wrenched the reins from out
my hands, nearly dragging me from
the saddle, and swerving sharply to
the left. There was a shock, a smoth-
cred oath, a moments fierce struggle
In the darkness, the sharp ping of the
whip as 1t came down once, twice
then silence, broken only by deep
breathing.
I've got her, captain" chuckled the
sergeant, softly, but dog-gone If
know what to do with her"
There was small sentiment of mercy
them, for my cheek burned where the
lash had struck as though scorched
with fire. but when | saw her lean
ing helplessly forward on her horses
neck, all bravado gone, her hands pin
ioned behind her in the iron grasp
of the sergeant, my fierce resentment
died away within me.
Let her hands go, Craig" l COM
manded, briefly.
She lifted her body slightly from its
cramped, uncomfortable posture, but
her head remained bowed.
HMoHar,, gnnIa etarnly mn
ments were of value now--"listen to
what say. We are Confederate SOL
diers passing through the Federal
lines with dispatches. In order to
save ourselves from discovery and
capture We were compelled to take
you in charge. It was the fortune of
war. II now we could honorably leave
you here we would most gladly do So
for having you with rs adds vastly to
our own danger; but these mountains
are simply overrun with wandering
guerrillas who would show you neither
respect nor mercy. We simply dare
not, as honorable men, leave you here
unprotected, and consequently you
must continue to ride In our COM
pany. Now answer me plainly, will
you proceed quietly or shall we be
compelled to tie you to your horse?"
l knew she was crying; but with
an effort she succeeded in steadying
her voice sufficient to reply:
Il will CO." she said.
Thank you," and / gravely lifted
my hat as spoke. you have saved
me a most unpleasant duty. You may
ride on. sergeant; this lady and will
follow, as before"
She scarcely changed her posture
as | spurred forward, riding now SO
close to her side that I could feel the
flap of her saddle rise and fall against
my knee. Whatever Of evil she may
have thought of us, felt that she