The St. Mary banner. (Franklin, Parish of St. Mary, La.) 1889-1931, 1911-12-02

c''''A' II az CtaktSiCa !" ~ ~ ~
70 tie camp We are seeking. Of
course"
VAS cousciGas mat ter eyes were,
striving al xi0usly 10 see ms face
II III" darkness hat her sus p.clou )
were Gow tnlly aroused, 5et her quick
'ejut surprised nae.
You lie" she said. cuiGiy That
was Federal picket he killed
II vas 10 time for argument, and |
knew II. Craig, noting our pause. had
ridden back. and reiued in beside US
without Il word
You are right" said. ,erseig lii
one sense OF the word you are 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, he that as II may
wo must. first Of all. protect Ourselves
would very gladly leave you with
your friends. II possible. but as things
have shaped themselves there remains
but one alternative-you must ride as
order"
"YOu-you are not Major Brennan s
friend then? You We're not sent by
Frank 20 meet me?" The questions
burst from her lips SO rapidly that
scarcely caught their import
Il am Captain Phillip Wayne, til
Virginia cavalry. at your service.
madam | said, calmly. and 10 the
best of nay 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 as quick
J. flung up my own arm to ward Off
q second bow, she sent the lash
swirling down upon the tank OF her
horse. With one bound the maddened
animal wrenched the reins from out
my hands. nearly dragging me from
the left. There was a shock. smoth
cred oath. moments fierce struggle
in the darkness. the sharp ping Of the
whip as ii came down once, twice
then silence. broken only by deep
breathing
I've got her. captain" chuckied the
sergeant softly, but dcg-gone II |
know what to do with her"
There was small sentiment of mercy
in my heart as | drew up toward
them. for my cheek burned where the
lash had struck as though scorched
with FIRE; but when saw her lean
ing help,essiy forward on her horse
neck, all bravato gone. her hands pin
of the sergeant, my fierce resentment
Gled away within ME.
Let her hands go. Craig" COM
handed briefly
She lifted her body slightly from its
cramped. uncomfortable posture. but
her head remained bowed
Madam spoke ste:nly. for mo-
ments were Of value no"-"itsteu to
what | say. We are Confederate sol
diers passing through the Federal
tines with dispatches 10 order to
save ourselves from discovery and
capture We were compelled to take
you In charge 1t was the fortune OF
war. If now We could honorabiy leave
for having you with us 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
ard consequently you
must continue to ride In our COM
pany Now answer me plainly. will
you proceed quietly. or shall We be
10 tie you to your torse""
| knew she was crying: but with
an effort she succeeded In sieadying
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. rs before"
She scarcely changed her posture
as | spurred forward, riding now so
,ose to her side that | could feel the
flap of her saddle rise and fail against
nv knee Whatever of evil she may
have thought Of MS. | felt that she
was sorry enough now for her hasty
action. AMI forgot the pain that yet
knowing how. to tell her so.