Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1911-08-31
CHAPTER M.-tcohtinued.)

CHAPTER M.-tcohtinued.)
It was the quiet, confident voice of
assured command. of one satisfied
with his plans, and the obedient negro.
breathing hard, never dreamed Of OPP
position; all instinct OF slavery held
him to the dominion Of this white mas
ter. Keith leaned forward. staring at
the string Of deserted ponies tied to
the rail. Success depended on his
choice, and he could Judge very little
In that darkness. Men were strag-
Cling In along the street to their right.
on foot and horseback, and the sa-
loon on the corner was being well pat
ronized. A glow Of light streamed
forth from It's windows. and there was
the sound Of many voices: But this
narrow alley was deserted. and black.
The fugitive stepped boldly forward.
afraid that otherwise he might startle
the ponies and thus create an alarm
Guided by horseman's instinct he
swiftly ran his hands over the animals
and made quick selection.
Here, Neb, take this fellow; lead
him quietly down the bank" and he
thrust the looseneo rein into the
blacks hand.
An instant later he had chosen his
own mount, and was silently moving
In the same direction. although the
night there was so black that the.
obedient negro had already entirely.
vanished The slope Of the land not
only helped cover their movements.
but also rendered it easy for them to
find one another. Fully hundred yards
westward they met. where gully led
directly down toward the river. There
was no longer need for remaining on
foot, as they were q SUFFICIENT distance
away from the little town to feel no
fear of being discovered. unless by.
come drunken straggler. At Keith's
command the negro climbed into his
saddle. Both ponies were FESTIVE. but
not vicious. and after plunge or two,
to test their new masters. came easily
under control Keith led the way.
moving straight down the gully, which
gradually deepened. burying them in
its black heart. until 1t finally de-
bouched onto the river sands The
riotous noises 81 the drunken town
died slowly away behind. the night
silent and dark. The two riders could
scarcely distinguish one another as
they drew rein at the edge Of the wa
ter. To the southwark there cleaned
q cluster OF lights, marking the posi-
tion of the camp OF regulars. Keith
drove his horse deeper into the stream
and headed northward. the negro fol-
lowing like shadow.
There was ford directly opposite
the cantonment, and another. more
dangerous, and known to only few,
three miles farther up stream. Keep
ing well within the waters edge, so
as to thus completely obscure their
trail, vet daring to venture deep for
fear of striking quicksand. the plains
man set his pony struggling forward.
until the dim outline Of the bank at
his right rendered him confident that
they had attained the proper point for
crossing. He had been that way only
once before, and realized the danger OF
attempting passage In such darkness,
but urgent need drove him forward
Follow me Just as close as you can.
boy he said sternly. and keep both
your feet out of the stirrups. II your
horse goes down hang to his tail. and
let him swim out ;.
There was little enough to guide by
merely q single faint star peering out
from rift of the clouds. but Keith's
remembrance was that the ford led
straight out to the center OF the
stream, and then veered slightly to-
ward the right. He knew the saad
ridge was only used by horsemen, not
being wide enough for the safe pass-
age of wagons. but the depth OF the
water on either side was entirely
problematical. He was taking 4 big
chance. yet dare not wait for daylight.
GMmmoning all his nerve and alert.
ness. he urged his horse slowly for
ward. the Intelligent animal seeming
" comprehending the situation, and
feeling carefully for footing. The ac-
lions of the animal gave the rider
greater confidence. and he loosened
his grip on the rein. leaving the pony's
instinct to1 control The latter fairly
crept forward. testing the sand before
resting any weight upon the hoof. the
negro's mount following closely. The
water was unusually high and is they
advanced II bore down against them
In considerable volume then, as they