Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1911-11-22
CHAPTER V.-cOntInued.

On one side of us the bank fell away
with such precipitancy that when we
once succeeded in dragging our load
to the edge, we experienced no diff
Guilty in sending 1t crashing down
ward. The body plunged through the
thick underbrush at the bottom of the
oggre, where knew it would be com
pletely hidden, even in the glare OF
daylight, from the spying eyes Of any
troopers riding hard upon our track.
As we rapidly worked on this disa-
greeable task, thought and planned;
two horses and three riders-one of
these a woman in need of protection
"a dispatch to be delivered by day
light, at all hazards 1t was indeed
a difficult proposition, and saw only
a single possible solution. One of our
number must press on; two of as
must remain behind. Which one?
what two? If | rode with the dis
patch land how eagerly | longed to
do sO!) and succeeded in bringing
Lees message safe to Longstreet, it
meant much to me-promotion, dis
tinction, honor. On the other hand.
If | remained behind, and Craig sue
cessfully carried out the duty which
had been especially intrusted to me,
! should be fortunate indeed to escape
with a reprimand instead of more SCI
rtous consequences. If failure result
ed. 1T meant certain and deserved dis
grace. Yet | could absolutely trust
him with the dispatch; he was a SOL
der, and would faithfully perform a
soldiers duty. More, he would carry
the message with even greater GER
tainty than |, for he knew the. roads
much better, and write the words
hesitatingly-I could not trust him
there alone with the woman.
| glanced aside at him as thus
turned the perplexing situation over
In my mind-a tall, gaunt mountain
eer, whose sole discipline of mind and
body had been the army; hardened by
service until every muscle in his lean,
sinewy frame was like steel, a cavalry
man who would follow his leader into
the very jaws of hell.
Sergeant" ! asked, flinging aside
the improvised brush, "how far do you
suppose we are from Longstreet's
picket liner"
Ten miles at the very pest. sir, -
he answered promptly, IAN | reckon
with another Yankee outpost atween. .
with fair luck and good riding 1t
might be made by daylight"
Il reckon as how it might, captain,
If we only he'd sum fresh bosses, he
said glumly; but it's bin mighty hard
on my nag; I've looked fer him to roll
two mile"
Well, Craig, you shall have both
horses. Ride the woman's. 1t is the
fresher of the two; but you are to
get through if you kill them both and
then walk"
Il remain with the woman; there
is no other way. Wait here moment
while speak with her."
left him standing there, and moved
back to where she waited. AS | came
I'D she faced me. and for the first time
flor the night had Iightened some
WHAT | could see her eyes and dis
Germ some faint outline of her face
where the night wind flung back the
upturned cape 1t was a winsome
sight to soldier vision, but with GER
tain semblance of pride and reserve
about it that caused hesitancy in my
speech strange to me.
Madam rested my hand upon
her horses name and looked at her
with a glance as proud as her own
'It might be as well for you to draw
the cape closer about your face at
present There are rough men in all
armies who would consider your
beauty q lawless prize. The life We
lead il not conducive to gentleness;
virtue is not born in camps. and 1t
would be better not to provoke dan
ger which may be so easily avoided
You claimed, believe. to be an
officer and a gentleman" she said
coldly.
smiled, even as felt the full
chill of her words, and my purpose
stiffSned within me.
Even as | yet claim, and trust t.
be able to prove to your satistac1ion'
my eyes looked unfalteringly into
hers-"but unfortunately, | have one
with me tonight who is neither. l
would that he were for my own sake,
However, madam, let that pass, The
fact is here, and we have no time to
argue or quarrel. | have already tod
you that we ride with dispatches for
Longstreet. These must go forward
at all hazards, for thousands OF hu-
man lives depend upon them; yet /
dare not leave you here alone and I'M
protected TO the mercies of the
wolves who haunt these hills.
You are exceedingly kind"
The tone in which she spoke was
laost sarcastic.
= thank you for your appreciation, :"