Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1911-11-15

as completely as If we had entered the
yawning mouth of cavern.
A hundred yards or more of sharply
curving road densely lined with shrub
berry on either hand, and then Craig
swung into saddle and again gave
spur to his horse.
I'VE must ride for it now" he said,
tersely. When tibet patrol makes
their round, them fellers will be after
us hot"
| urged my tired horse to a gallop,
pressing upon Craig's heels as closely
as | dared; nor did | glance back, for
knew we'll that a dead picket was
lying somewhere by the crossroads,
and that his comrades would be heard
from before dawn. We were moving
bravely now; for the road under foot
grew better as we advanced, and gave
back the dull thud of soft earth In
stead of the rafting clang of the
rocks we had been so long accustomed
to. Then, suddenly, my horse was
jerked almost to a standstill, the hand
upon his bit seemingly as hard as my
own, and l wheeled in the saddle,
pressing my knees tightly to prevent
being thrown, only to perceive the
woman Juggling desperately at the
lines.
What now?" | asked sharply, and
in sudden anger l forced her to re-
lease her grasp. I'VE must ride, and
ride hard, madam, to be out of this
Gordon by daylight
Ride where?"
She faced me stiffiy, and there was
q slight sting in her voice, felt
'Where?" l repeated; then partially
gathering my scattered wits: Why,
to the camp we are seeking, of
course"
was conscious that her eyes were
striving anXiously to see my face
in the darkness-that her suspicious
were now fully aroused; yet her quick
retort surprised me.
You lie!" she said, coldly. That
was a Federal picket he killed"
1t was no time for argument, and |
knew it. Craig, noting our pause, had
ridden back, and reined in beside us
without word.
You are right" l said, tersely. In
one sense of the word you are pris-
oner, for the time being, at least, but
not through any wish of mine. We
do not make war on women, and your
being in this situation is altogether an
accident However, be that as it may,
We must, first of all, protect ourselves.
would very gladly leave you with
your friends, if possible, but as things
have shaped themselves there remains
but one alternative-you must ride as
order"
"You-you are not Major Brennan's
friend then? You were not sent by
Frank to meet me?" The questions
burst from her lips so rapidly that
| scarcely caught their import.
Il am Captain Phillip Wayne, til
Virginia cavalry, at your service,
madam" l said calmly, and to the
best of my knowledge | have not the
pleasure Of Major Brennan's acquaint-
ance."
Slp suddenly lifted the heavy rid
irg whip that was clenched in her
right hand, struck me with it full
across the face, and then, as / quick
ly flung up my own arm to ward off
second blow, she sent the lash
swirling down upon the flank of her
horse. With one bound the maddened
animal wrenched the reins from out
my hands, nearly dragging me from
the saddle, and swerving sharply to
the left There was a shock, smoth-
cred oath, moments fierce struggle
in the darkness, the sharp ping of the
whip as it came down once, twice
then silence, broken only by deep
breathing.
I've got her, captain" chuckled the
sergeant, softly, but dog-gone if |
know what to do with her."
There was small sentiment OF mercy
in my heart as l drew up toward
them, for my cheek burned where the
lash had struck as though scorched
with fire; but when | saw her lean
ing helplessly forward on her horses
neck, all bravado gone, her hands pin
Toned behind her in the iron grasp
of the sergeant, my fierce resentment
died away within me.
Let her hands go, Craig" l COM
manded, briefly.
She lifted her body slightly from its
cramped, uncomfortable posture. but
her head remained bowed.
Madam spoke sternly, for mo-
ments were of value now-"listen to
what | say. We are Confederate sol
diers passing through the Federal
lines with dispatches. In order to
save ourselves from discovery and
capture we were compelled to take
you in charge. 1t was the fortune of
war If now we could honorably leave
you here we would most gladly do so,
for having you with US adds vastly to
our own danger; but these mountains
are simply overrun with wandering
guerrillas who would show you neither
respect nor mercy We simply dare
not. as honorable men. leave you here
unprotected. and consequently you
must continue to ride in our com
pany Now answer me plainly, will
you proceed quietly, or shall We be