Rural Retreat times. [volume] (Rural Retreat, Va.) 1892-1918, 1911-12-15


laid hold upon me. and dragged me
off, still fighting madly. although an
helpless as child.
My opponent instantly leaped to his
feet and started forward. drawing q
revolver as he came His face was
deathly white from passion, and there
was look in his eyes which told me
he would be restrained now BY no
rule Of var.
You cowardly spy!" he cried, and
my ears caught the sharp click as he
drew back the hammer. do you
think / will let that blow go un-
avenged?"
81 assuredly trust rot" answered.
gazing up at him from behind the gum
muzzles with which was yet securely
inned to the floor. But IL you are,
as am led to believe. Federal off,
CO., with some pretensions to being
also gentleman, and not the outlaw
your clothes proclaim. you will at
least permit me to stand upon my feet
and face you as man. II am spy.
as you seem inclined to claim, there
are army courts to try me; IL not,
then / am your equal in standing and
rank, and have every right of prison
er Of war"
This has become personal" hoarse-
ly. Your blow, as well as your con-
n.ction with the forcible abduction Of
this young lady, whose legal protector
am, are not matters to be settled by
al army court"
Then permit me to meet you in any
satisfactory way. The murder of n
helpless man will scarcely clarity your
honor"
knew from the unrelenting ex-
preston upon his face that my plea
was likely to prove perfectly useless
one, but before I had ended it Mrs.
Brennan stood between us
Frank" she said calmly, "you shall
not. This man is a Confederate Off
Ger; he is no spy, and during all the
events of last night he has proven
himself ;. friend rather than an enemy.
Only for my sake is he here now"
Ignoring the look upon his face she
turned toward me. impetuously waved
aside the fellows who yet held me
PROSTATE. and extending her hand
lifted me to my feet. For an instant,
as If by accident. our eyes nj, and
sudden flush swept across her
throat and cheeks.
1T is my turn now" she whispered
cnffIv co 1u +h<, ~
ry beyond my own ears. Then she
stood erect between US, as though in
her own drawing room, and gravely
presented us to each other, as if she
dared either to quarrel longer in her
presence.
Major Brennan, Captain Wayne"
We bowed to each other as men
salute on the duelling field In his
eyes / read an unforgiveness, bitter
personal enmity, which I returned
With interest. and secretly rejoiced
over.
THE lady seems to be in control at
present" he said shortly. showing back
the revolver into his belt "Neverthe-
less l shall do my military duty, and
hold you as a prisoner. May inquire
your full lame and rank?"
philip Wayne. Captain -th vir-
ginia Cavalry. Shirtley's Brigade"
why are you within our lines?"
Il attempted to pass through them
last night with dispatches, but was
prevented by my desire to be of as
sistance to this lady"
"Indeed?" He smiled lncredulously.
Your tale is quite interesting and
rather romantic. l presume you yet
carry tt . papers with you as evidence
of its TRUTH"
IF you refer to the dispatches, l do
not. l sincerely trust they are already
safely deposited in the hands of the
one for whom tAey were intended"
A malignant look crept into Bren-
mans face. and his jaws set ominously.
you will have to concoct far
better story than that. my friend, be-
fore you face Sheridan" he said in
solently, "or you will be very apt to
learn how rope feels He is not
inclined to parley long with such fell
lows as you Bin his hands. men,
and take him out with you into the
road"
The two soldiers grasped me in
stantly at the word of command. For
a single moment 4 braced myself to
resist, but even as did SO my eyes
fell upon slight opening in the WALL
and caught quick glimpse of Bun
gays face. his finger to his lips. Even
as gazed in establishment at this
sudden apparition. lighter touch
rested pleadingly on my arm.
40 not struggle any longer. Captain
Wayne" spoke Mrs. Brennan's voice.
gently. Il will go to General Sheridan
myself, and tell HI, tn entire story"
bowed to her. and held out my
hands to be bound.
Il yield myself your prisoner.
nadam," said aaningly. and not
unconscious that her glance sank be
fore mine. Il even imagine the bonds
NAV prova mt altOpather UnDleaSant,"