Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1911-12-21

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striving anxiously to see my face
in the darkness-that her suspicious
were now fully aroused; yet her quick
retort surprised me.
You lie!" she said, coIdly. That
was a Federal picket he killed"
1t was no time for argument, and |
knew 1t. Craig. noting our pause, had
ridden back. and refined in beside us
without a word.
You are right | said. tersely. In
n 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 is altogether an
accident. However. be that as it may,
We must, first of all, protect ourselves.
| would very gladly leave you with
your friends. If 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 were not sent by
Frank to meet me?" The questions
burst from her lips so rapidly that
| scarcely caught their import.
II am Captain Phillip Wayne, til
Virginia cavalry, at your service,
madam" | said, calmly, land to the
best of my 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 it full
across the face, and then, as | quick
ly flung up my own arm to ward Off
a second blow, she sent the lash
swirling down upon the flank of her
horse. With I'M bound the maddened
animal wrenched the reins from out
my hands, nearly dragging me from
the saddle, and swerving sharply to
the left. There was a shock, a smoth-
cred oath, a moments fierce struggle
In the darkness, the sharp ping of the
whip as it 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 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 helplessly forward on her horses
neck, all bravado gone, her hands pin
toned behind her In the iron grasp
Of the sergeant, my fierce resentment
died away within me.
Let her hands CO., Craig" | COM
handed, briefly.
She lifted her body slightly from its
cramped, uncomfortable posture, but
her head remained bowed.
Madam, IL spoke sternly, for mo-
ments were of value now-"listen to
what |, say, We are Confederate sol
diers passing through the Federal
lines with dispatches. In 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 honorably leave
you here we would most gladly do so,
for having you with us adds vastly to
our W 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
unprotected, and consequently you
must continue to ride in u com
pany. Now answer me plainly, will
you proceed quietly, or shall we be
compelled to tic you to your horse?"
| knew she WAS crying; but with
an effort she succeeded in steadying
her voice sufficient to reply:
Il will CO." she said.
Thank you," and | gNaveIy lifted
my hat as l spoke. "You have saved
me a most unpleasant duty. You may
ride on, sergeant; this lady and | will
follow, as before"
She scarcely changed her posture
as | spurred forward, riding now SO
close to her side that l could feel the
flap Of her saddle riBe and fall against
my knee. Whatever of evil she may
have thought of us, | felt that she
was sorry enough now for her hasty
action, and l forgot the pain that yet
stung me, and longed, without well
knowing how. to tell her so.