The Irish standard., 1911-12-02


trouble.
What is it. sands?" I questioned
breathlessly, as came suddenly upon
the little group.
"A fellar on hossback," was the an.
swer. He come up on US like a
streak out O tibet black hollor, an he'd
= sure got away Of Mason hednt
dubbed him with his gun. I've got
the cuss safe collared now"
Who are you?" l asked sternly,
striving in vain to see something OF
him through the darkness. Where
were you riding?"
had scarcely spoken when our
prisoner thrust Sands roughly aside
! and took one hasty step toward me.
my God, Wayne! Ia it possible this
10 your" he cried excitedly.
"Caton?" I exclaimed, as surprised
as himself "Caton? What is It?
What is wrong. Are you from the
Minor house? Has it been attacned?"
! YES" he answered, painting yet
/ from his exertion and excitement
1--WE were to start North with the Ia
dies at nine o'clock, but the house
was surrounded as soon as it became
dark. Those devils supposed 1t to be
unguarded, and advanced without pre-
cautions. We fired and drove them
back. He had repulsed three attacks
when left at eleven. but three Of our
men were already hit"
| You were after aid?"
! L was striving to reach our ad-
vance pickets at Mcmillan. 1t seemed
the only possible chance, and none OF
the men would volunteer to make the
ride. One was killed trying 1t before
started. God knows how 1 hated to
leave them, but 1t had to be done.
How many have you?"
only twenty; but II we could once
get inside along with your fellows,
We might hold the house until rein.
forcements came"
THANK God! knew you would"
he cried joyfully, grasping me again
fervently by the hand. you are not
one to hesitate over the color OF
uniform at such time as this. Only,
Wayne" and he hesitated an instant,
ut Is right I should tell you that Bren.
nan Is there, and in command"
II know 1t, but those women must
be saved nevertheless" l answered
firmly, my mind settled This is no
time for personal quarreling. and
whatever color of cloth we wear those
outlaws are our common enemies, to
be hunted down like wild beats. 1
have seen specimens of their fiendish
cruelty that make my blood run cold
to remember. The very thought of
those who are now exposed falling
Into such hands is enough to craze
one; death would be preferable a
thousand times. How many fighting
men have you?"
Seven fit for duty"
will you ride forward, or go back
with u.s."
I'VE must send woodland the gal
liant fellows voice shook-"but God
knows. Wayne, want to go back. II
we both live I am to marry Celia
Minor"
II understand" said gravely.
"Ebers, who Ia your best rider?"
"It vos dot funny leetle yellow Glen,
Captain"
Glen, come here"
The trooper, mere boy, with
freckled face and great honest gray
eyes, but wiry and tough as steel,
pushed his way through the group and
faced me.
Glen" said, "your Sergeant tells
me you are the best rider in the troop.
] am going to intrust you with the
most important duty of all. The lives
of every one of us and Of four help
less women depend entirely upon your
riding. You take two horses, kill
both If necessary, but stop for moth
Ing until your duty is done. You are
to carry note from me, and another
from this gentleman, who Is an officer
In the Federal army, and deliver them
both to the commandant Of the first
military post you find. Insist upon
reaching him in person. IT. makes no
difference which army the post be-
longs to, for this is a matter of hui
mainly. The Federal outpost at Nc
MILAN is the nearest to us; make for
there. You understand"
The boy saluted gravely, all mis-
chief gone from his face
81 do, SIR" he said. but I'd darn
sight rather stay here and fight
"You will be back in plenty of time
to take hand, my lad. Now, mem
and 1 turned to the dark, expectant
ring about me-"this Is no ordinary
duty of your enlistment, and ] wish
no one to accompany me tonight who
does not volunteer for the service
Seven Federal soldiers and four WON.
en-, three of them Virginians, are at.
tackled at the house We have just left
by large party Of bushwhacking
guerillas, the offscourings of hell
Every one Of you knows what that
means. VIII you 30 with me to their
rescue7"
No one seemed anxious to be first
to speak. / could see them look aside