The Bridgeport evening farmer. [volume] (Bridgeport, Conn.) 1866-1917, 1911-09-07

ssThe Yankees air gettin' moth right
smart" the man replied. Reckon tn
air left Battle creek"
Mark argued that If this were true
there would be confusion on that route.
and 1t would be better to take an
other. They were not far from the
road leading from the Chattanooga
pike north to Anderson, on which the
Stacks lived. Mark concluded to take
this road as far as Anderson. and then
strike west with view to reaching
.McMinnviue on the other side of the
mountains. Mrs. Fain left all to Pro-
lessor Rhett, in whom she had perfect
confidence, and on coming to the road
in question Mark led the party north
ward.
The change Of route was unfortu-
nate, inasmuch as it would add an
other day to the journey. The depar-
ture from the Fain residence had been
delayed by the preparations till nearly
noon. McMinnville was considerable
distance over the mountains. and
Mark knew they could not reach 1t
that night. He remembered that they
would soon pass the Stacks. and it
occurred to him that 1t would be a
capital place to pass the night. giving
them a good day Of twelve hours light
on the morrow to pursue their jour
ney. His disappointment at the delay
was compensated for by the thought
that he would likely learn something
of Souri, and >Jakey, of whom he had
heard nothing since he left them in
the Chattanooga jail.
At last they drove up at the Stacks
gate. Mark handed the reins to Laura
and jumped from the phaeton impa-
t1ently. Not seeing any one in the
front Of the house he proceeded to the
rear. The FIRST person he met was
Jakey. He took the boy up and hug,
ged him. &
"Are you glad to see your big broth
er, Jakey?"
"Air tn corn ripe"
Souri, came out Of the house. her big
eyes glistening and her expressive
face radiant with pleasure and excite
ment. She had heard nothing Of Mark
since he left her in prison. Mark
seized her by both hands. =
"You uns air safe. I knowed it. -
she said, almost in a whisper. She
could hardly speak for JOY.
For the present, Souri,, thanks to
you"
Mark asked no questions then. He
knew that they were safe and at
home, and he FASTENED to inform them
and the father and mother who came
out to welcome him that he was with
a party whowas unaware Of his true
character, which they must not be-
tray, and desired permission to stay
in the house over night Then he led
them around to the gate. Daniel had
meanwhile caught up. and the two
vehicles were halted in the road.
I'VE will spend the nigM with these
good people," said Mark. "They are
quite willing. and will make us as
comfortable as possible
The party alighted and the horses
were driven to the barn. Mrs. Fain
and her daughter were given the room
in which Mark had changed his clothes
when he went through to the south,
and Mark was assigned a bivouac, on
the gallery. or in the barn. or any
other place he might select.
Laura found Marks uniform and
arms concealed beneath the bed.
what do you suppose it means
mamma?" she said.
II fear" replied the mother. that
we shall be murdered before morning
These people are doubtless guerrillas.' "
An apology for meal was carried
In to Mrs. Fain and Laura. which
they left untasted. preferring lunch,
con they had brought with them In a
basket. After supper Laura came out
and begged Mark to bring Souri, and
Jakey to speak to her. She ,smoothed
Jakey's tumbled hair out Of his eyes