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

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perfect tangle Of low bushes hid us
as completely as II We had entered the
yawning mouth OF a cavern.
A hundred yards or more of sharply
curv!ng road densely lined with shrub
berry on either hand. and then Craig
swung into saddle and again gave
spur TO his horse.
We must ride for II now" he said,
tersely. When tibet patrol makes
their round. them fellers win be after
US hot"
! urged my tired horse to a gnllop,
pressing upon Craig's heels as closely
as dared: nor did | glance back, for
! knew well that dead picket was
lying somewhere by tho crossroads,
and that his comrades would be heard
from before dawn. We were moving
bravely now; for the road under foot
grew better as we advanced. and gave
back the dull thud OF soft earth In
stead Of the rafting clang OF the
rocks we had been SO long accustomed
to. Then. suddenly. my horse was
jerked almost to stendstlll, the hand
upon his bit seemingly as hard as my
own, and ! wheeled In the saddle,
pressing my knees tightly to prevent
being thrown, only to perceive the
woman Juggling desperately at the
lines.
What now7" asked sharply, and
In sudden anger | forced her to re-
lease her grasp. I'VE must ride, and
ride hard, madam, to be out of this
Gordon by daylight"
Ride where7"
She faced me stiffly. and there was
q slight sting in her voice, | felt.
"Where2" | repeated; then partially
gathering my scattered WITS: why,
to the camp We are seeking. Of
course"
was conscious that her eyes were
striving anxiously to see my face
In the darkness-that her suspicious
we're now fully aroused; yet her quick
retort surprised me.
you lie!" she said. coldly. THAT
was Federal picket he killed"
II was no time for argument. and
knew II. Craig. noting our pause, had
ridden back. and refined In beside us
without word
You are right" | 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 IL altogether an
accident However. be that as It may,
We 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 then7 You were not sent by
Frank to meet me7" 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 to the
best OF my knowledge have not tho
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 II full |
across the face, and then, as quick. |
ly flung up my own arm TO ward of |
second blow, she sent the lash |
swirling down upon the flank OF her
horse With one bound the msddened |
animal wrenched the reins from out |
my hands, nearly dragging me from |
the saddle, and swerving sharply to |
the left. There was shock, a smoth.
cred oath, q moments fierce struggle
in the darkness. the sharp ping of tho
whip as II came down once, twice
then silence. broken only by deep
breathing.
i've got her, captain" chuckled the
sergeant. softly. but dog.gone II l
know what 10 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 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 mo.
Let her hands 20. Craig" COM
briefly.
She lifted her body slightly from its
cramped, uncomfortable posture, but
her head remained bowed.
"Madam."--I spoke sterniy, for mo-
nents were OF value now-"llsten to
what say. We are Confederate SOL
Hers passing through the Federal
lines with dispatches. In order to
ave ourselves from discovery and
rapture We were compelled to take
'ou in charge. II was tho fortune OF
var. II now we could honorably leave
'ou here we would most gladly do so,
or having you with US adds vastly to
,ur own danger: but these mountains
ire simply overrun with wandering
who would show you neither
aspect nor mercy We simply dare
lot. as honorable men, leave you here
and consequently you