Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1911-10-19


do soD and succeeded in bringing
Lees message safe to Longstreet, it
meant much to me-promotion dis
tinction, honor. On the other hand,
If remained behind; and Craig sue
cessfully carried out the duty which
had been especially intrusted to me.
! should be fortunate indeed to escape
with reprimand instead of more Sc
rious consequences. If failure result
ed, 1T meant certain and deserved dis
grace. Yet l could absolutely trust
him with the dispatch; he was a SOL
der, and would faithfully perform a
soldiers duty. More, he would carry
the message with even greater GER
tainty than l, for he knew the roads
much better and-I write the words
hes1tatingly-I could not trust him
there alone with the woman.
glanced aside at him as thus
turned the perplexing situation over
In my mind-a tall, gaunt mountain
eer, whose sole discipline of mind and
body had been the army; hardened by
service until every muscle in his lean,
slnewy frame was like steel, cavalry
man who would follow his leader into
the very jaws Of hell, but whose NOR
ais were those of the camp, and
whose face revealed audacious devil
try such as no man would care to see
IN one to whom he intrusted the well
fare of sister or wife.
Sergeant" asked, fiinging aside
the improvised brush, chow far do you
suppose we are from Longstreet's
picket line?"
Ten miles at the very best, sir"
he answered promptly. AN reckon
with another Yankee outpost atween."
with fair luck and good riding 1t
might be made by daylight"
II reckon as how it might, captain,
II we only he'd sum fresh hosses," he
said glumly; "but it's bin mighty hard
on my nag: I've looked fer him to roll
over like yer sorrel did fer the las
two mile"
We'll, Craig. you shall have both
horses. Ride the woman's. 1t is the
fresher of the two; but you are to
get through If you kill them both and
then walk"
His face frightened. and he raised
his hand in salute.
And your" he asked, wonderingly.
II remain with the woman; there
is no other way. Wait here a moment
while speak with her."
left him standing there, and moved
back to where she waited AS came
up she faced me, and for the first time
(for the night had lightened some
WHAT l could see her eyes and dis
Germ some faint outline of her face
where the night wind flung back the
upturned cape. 1t was a winsome
sight to soldier vision. but with cer-
tain semblance of pride and reserve
about 1t that caused hesitancy In my
speech strange to me.
Madam rested my hand upon
her hcrse's name and looked at her
with glance as proud as her own
1T might be as we'll for you to draw
the cape closer about your face at
present There are rough men in all
armies who would consider your
beauty a lawless prize. The life we
lead Is not conducive to gentleness;
virtue Is not born in camps, and 1t
would be better not to provoke dan
ger which may be so easily avoided"
You claimed. believe, to be an
officer and gentleman" she said
coldly.
l smiled. even as felt the full
chill of her words, and my purpose
stiffened within me.
Even as l yet claim. and trust to
be able to prove to your satisfaction"
my eyes looked unfalteringly into
hers-"but unfortunately, have one
with me tonight who is neither.
would that he were for my own sake.
However, madam, let that pass. The
fact Is here, and We have no time to
argue or quarrel. l have already told
you that we ride with dispatches for
Longstreet These must go forward
at all hazards, for thousands of hui
man lives depend upon them; yet
dare not leave you here alone and I'M
protected to the mercies of the
wolves who haunt these hills"
You are exceedingly kind"
The tone in which she spoke was
most sarcastic
Il thank you for your appreciation"
and l bowed again; "but venture to
tell you this merely because have
already fully determined to dispatch
the sergeant forward with the mes
sage, and remain behind myself to
render you every protection possible"
Very well. sir; simply yield to
what l am powerless to avoid, and
will obey your orders however dis
tasteful they may be. What is your
first commando"
THAT you dismount. The sergeant
must ride your horse, as he Is the
more fit of the two"
Greatly to my surprise and relief
she placed her gauntleted hand in
mine, and. without so much as word
of protest, permitted me to swing her
lightly from the saddle to the ground
Craig" called, come here.