Middletown transcript., 1911-10-28

jerked almost to a sts Adstill, the hand
upon his bit seemingly as hard as my
own, and l wheeled in the saddle,
pressing my knees ttfhtly to prevent
being thrown, only 10 perceive the
woman tugging desperately at the
lines.
What now?" l asked sharply, and
in sudden anger 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 stiffy, and there was
a slight sting in her voice, I felt
'Where?" 1 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 He!" she said, coldly. That
was a Federal picket he killed"
It was no time for argument, and l
knew It. Craig, noting our pause, had
ridden back, and reined In beside us
without q word.
"You are right" 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 1t 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 must ride as
l 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
I scarcely caught their import.
Il am Captain Phillip Wayne, -th
Virginia cavalry, at your service,
madam" l said, calmly, 'and to the
best of my knowledge have not the
pleasure of Major Brennan's aequaint-
ance"
She suddenly lifted the heavy rid
ing whip that was clenched in her
right hand, struck me with 1t full
across the face, and then, as l quick
ly flung up my own arm to ward off
a 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 shock, a smoth
cred oath, a moments fierce struggle
in the lrkness, the sharp ping of the
whip as it came down once, twice
then 81 ence, broken only by deep
breathir 8
'Tve tot her, captain" chuckled the
sergeant, softly, but dog-gone If
know wat to do with her."
There was small sentiment Of mercy
In my heart as I drew up toward
them, for my cheek burned Were the
lash had struck as though scorched
with fire; but when l saw her lean
irg helplessly forward on her horses
neck, all bravado gone, her hands pin
ioned behind her in the iron grasp
of the sergeant, my fierce resentment
died away within me.
LET her hands go, Craig" I 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
yeu here we would most gladly do so,
fer having you with us adds vastly to
eur 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:
II will CO." she said.
Thank you" and I graYely lifted
my hat as spoke. You have saved