Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1911-12-14


banged up just az we're gom- on
campaign. 'Tain't no sorter way ter
hitch 'em anyhow, to picket rope;
ruins more bosses than Their Rebs
dew"
This gave me inspiration, and be-
fore the speakers sullen growl had
wholly ceased was again upon hands
and knees, silently CROPPING my way
along the bank toward the rear OF the
hut 1t proved to be tiny structure,
containing but single room-prob-
ably mere fisherman's shack, with
out windows. but possessing door
at either end Meeting no opposition
I crept within. where felt some
what safer from observation, and then
peered warily forth into the darkness
extending between 1t and the river.
The picket-rope stretched from one
corner OF the hut, where 1t seemed to
be secured around the end of pro-
jecting log, out into the night, evil
IDENTIFY finding Its other terminus at a
big tree whose spreading top could
dimly perceive shadowed against the
sky. Along it were tethered the
horses, a few impatiently champing
their bits and pounding with their
hoofs on the trampled ground, but the
majority resting quietly, their heads
hanging sleepily down. The one near
est me appeared a finely proportioned
animal of dark color, and was
equipped with both saddle and bride.
OF the soldier in charge could dis
tinguish nothing doubtless he was
!ounging on his back. half asleep upon
some soft patch Of grass.
I turned when It suddenly occurred
TO me that the deserted hut might
contain something could use to adj
vantage-a hrearm, perhaps, or even
. stray box Of matches. / telt about
mo cautiously, creeping along the
hard earthen floor until l had nearly
reached the opposite entrance. The
light from the fire without leaped up,
and its glow revealed saddle, with
leather holster attached, hanging to
nail Just within the doorway. Nov
Ing noiselessly managed to extract q
revolver, but could discover no cart
ridges.
was yet fumbling in the holster
pocket when the lieutenant rose from
his seat without, Knocked the ashes
from his pipe. yawned sleepily, stand
ing directly between me and the fire,
and then, turning sharply, walked
slowly into the open door of the hut.
sprang to my feet. or he would Ger
tainly have stepped upon me, and be-
fore he could realize the situation
had him by the collar, with the cold
muzzle Of my stolen revolver pressed
hard against his cheek.
"a single word or sound. and ]
firel" said sternly
/ have no recollection of ever see
ing any one more completely as
founded. He gasped like a fish newly
landed, and doubt II he could have
made utterance even had he dared.
Come in little farther" com
manded. Nov look here, Lieutenant
1 you do exactly as tell you and vol
| will get out of this affair with whole
skin; otherwise-well. I'm playing
this game to the limit Now answer
me: How many men have you mount
ed this side the ford?"
He glared at me sullenly, and
drew back the hammer with an omin
Gus click, cycling him fiercely.
WELL" said shortly. do 70,
choose to answer, or def"
Two"
ION the other bank7"
None"
4 Lieutenant" said. speaking low
but in tone which left no doubt as t
my exact meaning, Il am an escape
prisoner. and shall not hesitate to xii
rather than be recaptured. It is you
life or mine tonight, and naturall
4 prefer my own; but I'll give you on
chance, and only one-obey my order
and will leave you here unhurt; dill
obey, and your life is not worth tn
l. snap OF finger. Move back now III
till you face the door, and don't forge
my pistol is within an inch of you
ear, and this is a hair trigger. VIVA
| Is your sergeant's name?"
"Handley."
"Order him to take ten men on foe
one hundred yards west on the pix,
and walt further orders"
"Handley," he called out. his voic
so choked with rage as to make m
fearful 1t might arouse suspicion
, take ten men on foot to the eros
roads, and wait there until you hes
from me-"
!. | could plainly note the dark sha'
ows Of the fellows as they filed o,
past the fire, but never ventured
take eye or gun off the man watche
How many remain there now?"
Seven"
ANY non-com. among them?"
: "A corporal"
. "Have him take them all south (
; the crossroads"
: Jones'" he called out huskily.
yes, sir"