Idaho County free press. [volume] (Grangeville, Idaho Territory) 1886-current, 1911-05-18

hI0SCs I'LL WIN aO
bank. while the others spread in twos
and threes fanlike over the country.
They did not intend me to escape.
plunged into the wood. keeping from
trodden paths. and broke of a stout
stick to help me to walk and to serve
as a weapon in case Of need. 1t would
be a poor defense II I were once seen.
I came out from a thick piece of un-
dergrowth on to a broad turf path
and then drew quickly back again.
Three soldiers had dismounted not
two dozen yards away and were lying
upon a bank.
From my leafy ambush I saw two
other horsemen turn into the path.
mot found yet?' called out n of
the three I had first seen.
"No, and never will be-" was the
answer, and I recognized Costa. "T'd
give a good deal to lay my hands upon
him. took a liking to him. and it's
hard to know that one has loved a
traitor"
This traitors a man at least" said
one.
~ shouldn't have taken a liking to
him II he hadn't been. ! think he Is
dead"
1--WE ought to have found his body"
1.-THE river has that" was the an
swer.
ut didn't keep the prisoner who died
yesterday" said his companion. HE
was lying on the bank. . sorry sight
enough"
Presently all I've mounted and rode
slowly up the path. and I crept through
the underwood again. Perhaps
should have been safer had I stopped
where I was. but inaction was impos-
sible. Besides, hunger and thirst were
prompting me. A few berries might
be found and a stream. ! must have
wandered far out Of my way, for I
came suddenly upon a small clearing.
A hut built Of stout logs was there,
and before 1t was an old woman fac.
ing half o dozen horsemen.
you've searched" she was saying.
sThere's not a hole where a IA could
Ne concealed. What have I to do with
your fightingr
'You have seen no man pass this
way today"
mo. l was within, and the door
vas shut"
mark you, dame, there is a man
wandering in these woods. and he'll
want food Maybe he'll ask you for
It. If you give 1t this hut will be
without an owner. Were he your o
even you should not escaped"
Maybe not. but I'd chance that and
give him food IT,
The horseman muttered a threaten
ing oath. turned and left the old wo-
man standing at her hut door. As
soon as they were out of sight she
shook her fist at them. The action
made me wonder II I could trust her.
Within the hut doubtless were food
and drink. and both ! sorely needed:
perhaps, too, q corner where l could
rest q little.
She stood at the door for a few mo-
ments and then came to the side Of
the hut to pick up a bundle Of sticks.
1t was risky. but l was almost faint
ing for wan of food.
Holding up my hand in warning. I
stepped into the clearing. She saw me
and let the sticks fall. but she did not
utter q sound.
They are for the king" I whispered.
Fl am for the princess. Who is your
son fort"
The princess"
She beckoned me t. follow her. and
I entered the hut.
you shall eat first and. II you will.
tell me the tale afterward."
It was frugal fare she set before me
such a pottage that at other times my
stomach might have turned against,
but now enjoyable as the dainty feast
Of an epicure. and hen ! told her a
garbled version of my story, true
enough in particulars. but wanting in
detail.
you're a brave man." she said. my
son would have acted so. for he Is a
brave man too. Now let me look at
your wounds. Living in the woods. we
old women find strange herbs"
She could not have used me more
tenderly had ! been her Vol In the
midst Of her work she stopped sudden
~. She had quick ears.
They are returning.
Good mother. give me some weap-
on and my life shall stand between
them and you"
There Is a better way" she answer
cd. 'Come with me-"
She led me into a small back room
and. pushing some faggots back from
q corner. opened a trap.
TITS a we'll" she said. but it's some
thing more. Catch hold of the rope,
hang at arms length and your feet will
feel . ledge It IL the floor Of q little
hiding place and safe enough. l war.
rant Quick; they are at the door,
She replaced the lid of the trap. and
beard her sweep the fagots over 1t
a. ! swung myself into the hiding
place. q fair sized kind of cellar under
AAA A~ n