The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1911-12-21
CHAPTER discontinued.

onuchIe, out before | had Sufii cientl-
regained control over my own feel
tngs to venture upon a suitable reply
the entire party had drawn forward
the leader pressing so close to my sid,
that | felt safer with my face vel
shaded
Where Is your escort. major?" h,
asked. and the gruffness OF his ton,
put me instantly on defense.
Just behind u.s." returned. with
affected carelessness, and determined
now to play out the game, lady or nc
lady, ] was extremely sorry for her
but the cause outweighed her comfort
The sergeant and | rode out ahead
when we heard you coming. Where
Ia tho lady?"
He glanced around at the group
huddled behind him.
Third on the left"
All right. then. Nothing else, |
believe" for | was eager to get
away. Sergeant. Just ride in there
and lead out her horse. We will have
TO be moving, gentlemen. for It is n
rough road and dark night"
'Beastly." assented the other, heart.
ny.
! fairly hold my breath as Craig
rode forward. n one OF them should
shaoe to strike a match TO light a
pipe. or any false movement OF Craig's
should excite suspicion II he should
even speak. his soft southern drawl
would mean instant betrayal. And
how ooolly he went at It; with a
sharp touch Of the spur, causing his
ssdcd horse to exhibit such sudden
restlessness as to keep the escort
well to one side, while ! ranged close
up to our unwelcome guest, and lay.
ting firm hand upon her horses bit,
Aet forth to where waited. II was
quickly. nobly done. and | could have
Rugged the fellow.
We'll. good luck TO you, major,
and pleasant ride. Remember me TO
Brennan. Deuced queer, though, why
ne failed to show up on such an oc-
sasion as this"
He was unfortunate enough -te--be
nsat out In the other direction with
elspatches-goodnight, gentlemen"
1t was sweet music to me to listen
b their hoof-beats dying rapidly away
hehind US as we turned back down the
dark road. the sergeant still riding
With his one hand grasping the
Strangers rein. endeavored to scan
her figure In the blackness. but found
The effort useless. as little more than
, shadow was visible. Yet It was i'm.
pressed upon me that she sat straight
and firm in the saddle, so concluded
ahe must be young.
Madam" began, seeking to feel
my way with caution into her conf
dence, Il fear you must be quite
wearied by your long ride"
She turned slightly at sound of my
voice.
mot at all. sir: | am merely eager
10 push on. Besides. my ride has not
been a long one. as we merely came
from General Sigels headquarters.
The voice was PLEASANTLY modulated
md refined.
"Ah, yes, certainly" stammered,
fearful lest I had made a grave mis-.
take. But really | had supposed
General Sigel was at Coulterville."
He advanced to Bear creek yes.
lsrday," she returned quietly. 80
Tou see We had covered scarcely more
han three miles when We met. How
much farther is II to where Major
Brennan Is stationed?"
fear was guilty OF hesitancy, but
4 was only for moment.
II am unable to tell exactly, for, as
1 chances. have never yet been in
he camp. but l should Judge that 20
Yours riding will cover the distance"
Why" in a tone OF sudden surprise,
Captain Hale certainly told me 1t
vas all Of twenty miles!"
From Bear creek?" | questioned
Eagerly. for It was my turn to feel
Itsrtled now. THE map barely makes
( ten"
1T is but ton. and scarcely that, by
No direct White Briar road; or, at
Il least, 80 ! heard some OF the
Younger o1icers say; but II seems the
pickets are posted 20
lose to the White Briar that my
riands decided It would be unsafe to
,roeeed that way"
This was news lndeed-news SO I'm.
and startling that | forgot
II caution.
Then what road do they call this ?" |
She laughed at my evident igno-
ance. az well as the eagerness OF my
one.
Really, you are most peculiar |
,uidO." she exclaimed gayly. You al
most convince me that you are lost
sir. out Of my vast knowi-
'dge Of this mysterious region. am
bile to enlighten you To some extent
Ee are now riding due southwark
long the Allentown pike