The Lamar register. [volume] (Lamar, Colo.) 1889-1952, 1911-09-27

are not getting up a directory OF the
Sixth corps. or course he's the man
Brennan sent, and that Is all we've
got TO look after"
"Oh. all right. certainly. major" re-
turned the first speaker. hastily. But
the night is SO cussed black | sup
posed we must be at least mile this
side of where we were to meet How
ever, we have the lady here for you.
all right. and she 10 anxious enough to
get on"
The lady! Heavens! What odd
turn of fortunes wheel was this? The
lady. heard Craig's smothered
chuckle. but before I had sufficiently
regained control over my own feel
ings to venture upon a suitable reply.
the entire party had drawn forward,
the leader pressing SO close to my side
that l felt safer with my face well
shaded.
Where is your escort, MAORI" he
asked. and the gruffness of his tone
put me instantly on defense.
lust behind u.s." l returned, with
affected carelessness, and determined
now to play out the game. lady or no
lady. I was extremely sorry for her,
but the cause outweighed her comfort.
The sergeant and rode out ahead
when we heard you coming. Where
is the LADY,"
He glanced around at the group
huddled behind him.
Third on the left"
"All right. then. Nothing else. l
believer" for I was eager to get
away. Sergeant. Just ride in there
and lead out her horse. We will have
to be moving. gentlemen. for 1t is q
rough road and = dark night"
"Beastiy," asssnted the other, heart
lily.
rode forward. n one Of them should
chace to strike = match to light
pine. 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 Mt Il: with
sharp touch Of the spur, causing his
faded horse to exhibit such sudden
restlessness as to keep the escort
well to one side. while : ranged close
up to our unwelcome sue.t. and lay
let forth TO where waited. II was
quickly. nobly done. and could have
Rugged the fellow.
Well. good luck to you. major.
and a pleasant ride. Remember me to
Brennan. Deuced queer. though. why
he failed TO show up on such an 90
casion as this"
"He was unfortunate enough to b
sent out In the other direction with
goodnight. gentlemen"
II was sweet music to me TO listen
to their hoof-beat dying rapidly away
behind 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 II was i'm
pressed upon me that she sat straight
and firm In the saddle. so l concluded
she must be young.
Madam" I began. seeking to feel
my way with caution into her conf
dence. II fear you must be quite
wearied by your long ride"
She turned slightly at sound of my
voice.
mot at all. sir; l am merely eager
to push on. Besides, my ride has not
been a long one. as we merely came
from General Slgel's headquarters"
The voice was pleasantly modulated
and refined.
'Ah. yes. certsfuly," ! stammered.
fearful lest had made a grave mis-
take. But really had supposed
General Sisel was at Coulterville."
HE advanced to Bear creek yes
terday," she returned quietly. so
you see we had covered scarcely more
than three miles when We met. How
much farther is 1t to where Major
Brennan is stationed?"
fear was guilty Of hesitsncy. but
1t was only for a moment.
'T am unable to tell exactly. for. as
It chances. I have never yet been in
the camp. but should Judge that two
hours riding will cover the distance"
why" in a tone of sudden surprise.
Captain Hale certainly told me It
was all OF twenty milesI"
From Bear creek?" questioned