The Mobridge news. [volume] (Mobridge, Walworth Co., S.D.) 190?-1917, 1911-10-20
CHAPTER lIi.-Continucd.

The lady! Heavens. What ode
turn of fortunes wheel was this? The
lady. heard Craig's smothereC
chuckle, but before | had sufficiently
regained control over my own feel
ings to venture upon a suitable reply
the entire party had drawn forward
the leader pressing so close to my side
that | felt safer with my face well
shaded.
Where is your escort, major?" he
asked. and the gruffness of his tone
put me instantly on defense.
Just behind u.s." returned, with
affected carelessness, and determined
now to play out the game, lady or no
lady. was extremely sorry for her.
but the cause outweighed her comfort.
The sergeant and | rode out ahead
when we heard you coming Where
is the lady?"
He glanced around at the group
huddled behind him.
Third on the left"
"All right. then. Nothing else. |
believe" for was eager to get
away. Sergeant. just ride in there
and lead out her horse. We will have
to be moving. gentlemen, for 1t is a
rough road and dark night"
"Beastly," assented the other heart
fly.
fairly held my breath as Craig
rode forward If one of them should
chace to strike a match to light a
pipe. or any false movement of Craigs
should excite suspicion If he should
even speak. his soft southern drawl
would mean instant betrayal And
how coolly he went at It: with a
sharp touch OF the spur, causing his
Jaded horse to exhibit such sudden
restlessness as to keep the escort
well to one side. while ranged close
up to our unwelcome guest, and lay
ing firm hand upon her horses bit.
let forth to where | waited. 1t was
quickly, nobly done. and could have
hugged the fellow.
We'll, good luck to you, major.
and pleasant ride. Remember me to
Brennan. Deuced queer. though. why
casion as this"
He was unfortunate enough to be
sent out In the other direction with
dispatches-goodnight. gentlemen"
1t was sweet music to me to listen
to their hoof-beats dying rapidly away
behind us as we turned back down the
dark road. the sergeant still riding
with his one hand grasping the
strangers rein. | endeavored to scan
her figure In the blackness. but found
the effort useless, as little more than
a shadow was visible Yet 1t was i'm
pressed upon me that she sat straight
and firm in the saddle. so | concluded
she must be young.
Madam" | began, seeking to feel
my way with caution into her conf
dence. Il fear you must be quite
wearied by your long ride"
She turned slightly at sound OF my
voice.
mot at all. sir; | am merely eager
to push on. Besides. my ride has not
been long one. as We merely came
from General Sigels headquarters"
The voice was pleasantly modulated
and refined.
"Ah. yes, certainly" stammered.
fearful lest had made a grave mis-
take. But really had supposed
General Sigel was at Coulterville."
He advanced to Bear creek yes.
terday." she returned quietly. 80
you zee We had covered scarcely more
han three miles when we met. How
mcen farther Is It to where Major
Brennan is stationed?"
fear was guilty Of hesitancy. but
1t was only 70: . moment
Il am unable to tell exactly. for. as
1t chances, have never yet been In
the camp. but should Judge that two
hours riding will cover the distance"
Why" In tone OF sudden surprise,
Captain Hale certainly told me It
was all OF twenty miles!"
From Bear creek?" | questioned
eagerly. for 1t was my turn to feel
startled now. THE map barely makes
1t ten"
1T Is but ten. and scarcely that, by
~~~~ ~S SS>s w hAtC biioA IOoQs ~
at least. SO | heard some of the
younger officers say; but 1t seems the
Confederate pickets are posted so
close to the White Briar that my
friends decided 1t would be unsafe to
proceed that way"
This was news tndeed-uews SO un-
expected and startling that | forgot
all caution.
Then what road do they call this 2"
She laughed at my evident igno
rance. as we'll as the eagerness OF my
tone.
Really. you are q most peculiar
guide" she exclaimed gayiy. "You al.
most convince me that you are lost
fortunately, sir, out Of my vast knowl.
edge OF this mysterious region. am
able to eni'Ehten you to some extent.
We are now riding due southwark
along ths Allentown pike