Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1911-11-01

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 Federal picket he killed.
II was no time for argument. and
knew It, Craig. noting our pause. had
ridden back. and refined in beside, Us
4, without a word
You are right" said. tersely. I'm
one sense of the word you are a pris.
oner. tor 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 Il may.
We must. first OF all. protect ourselves.
I would very gladly leave you with
your friends. II possible. but as things
have shaped themselves there remains
but one alternatiye-you must ride as
I order"
"You--you are not Major Brennan's
| friend then? You we're 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. --th
| Virginia cavalry. at your service.
madam | said. calmly. and TO the
best of my knowledge have not the
pleasure OF Major Brennan's acquaint.
ance."
She suddenly lifted the heavy rid.
ing whip that was elenched 10 her
right hand. struck me with 1t full
! across the face. and then. as | quick
l ly flung up my own arm to ward OF
a second blow. she sent the lash
swirling down upon the flank OF her
| horse. With one bound the maddened
! animal wreached 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 ii camo down once. twice
then silence. broken only by deep
breathing
i've got her. captain" chuckled the
sergeant. softly. but dog-gone II /
know what TO do with her"
There was small sentiment OF mercy
In my heart as | 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
1 OF the sergeant. my fierce resentment
died away within me
Let her hands go. Craig" ! com
manded. briefly.
She lifted her body slightly from its
cramped. uncomfortable posture. but
her head remained bowed
Madam spoke sternly. for mo
ments we're of value now-"listen TO
what | say. We are Confederate sol
diers passing through the Federal
lines with dispatches. In order 10
save ourselves from discovery and
capture we we're compelled TO take
you in charge II was the fortune OF
war. II 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 oyerrun 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
compelled to tie you to your horse?'
knew she was crying; but with
an effort she succeeded in steadying
her voice sufficient to reply;
Il Will go" she said.
Thank you" and I gravely lifted
my hat as I spoke you have saved
me most unpleasant duty You may
ride on, sergeant: this lady and | will
(. follow, as before
She scarcely changed her posture
as I spurred forward. riding now so
close to her side that could feel the
Zap OF her saddle rise and fall against
my knee Whatever of evil she may
have thought Of US. felt that she
was sorry enough now for her hasty
action. and forgot the pain thai yet
stung me. and Ionged. without well
knowing how, to tell her So