The Lamar register. [volume] (Lamar, Colo.) 1889-1952, 1911-10-11

us. Jeu nad Scrambled TO M IoSt,
and rubbing himself vigorously with
one hand. utilized the other to drag
outward a rough cupboard. which ap-
peared to be a portion Of the house
itself. AS It swung open there was ~
vealed behind 1t a fair-sised opening
extending into the face Of the hill. Il
was a most ingenious arrangement
doubtless finding frequent use in those
troublesome times. Its presence par
TALLY explained how Jed had thus fAs
escaped the CONSUMPTION officer. Into
this hole we entered one at . time,
and when the heavy cupboard had
been silently drawn back into place.
found ourselves envelopsd In suoh
total darkness as to make any move
ment a dangerous operation. felt
the clasp of my companions hand
tighten. and knew that her whole form
was trembling from intense excite
ment-
DO not permit the darkness to
ing down as l spoke until could
feel her quick BREATHING against my
cheek. Our visitors are not likely to
remain longer than will be necessary
to get something to eat They need
never suspect our presence. and all
we have to do is to wait patiently
until they move on. I only wish I
could discover something upon which
you might sit down."
Pray do not think me a coward"
she answered. but ! have heard Of
this man Lowrie in the Federal camps.
and would rather die than fall into
his hands"
had heard Of him also. and of his
outrageous treatment of women. The
memory caused me to clasp my hand
warmly over hers. and set my teeth
hard.
1T may not prove to be Lowrie At
all" | said soberly: but all these
gentry are pretty mum alike. ! fear.
However. / promise that you shan
never fall alive into the hands Of any
of their breed"
Before she could answer me other
than by a slight nesting closer in the
darkness. Bungay whispered: This
yere. hole. Cap. leads down ter the
right. an comes out in a sort O. gully
.
light 'nough ter see ter walk by alter
ye turn the corner. bout twenty
feet err SO. You uns kin go on down
thar II ye'd rather. follerin' Their dorgs.
but ! reckon as how I'll stay right
yere an sorter see how Their OIL woman
comes out
Where. where was Roderick then?
One blast upon his bngle horn
Were worth a thousands men,
II you uns like ter see u burned good
fight maybe ye better stay tew-ther
oil woman is pisen II she once gifts her
dander up"
His voice was expressive of great
cxrectations. and l had reason to be-
'ieve his faith d Maria would be
justified. Before any Of US. however.
nad time to change our positions We
heard the fellows come stamping
7oaghly into the cabin. The thin slabs
which divided Us scarcely mufflsd
their loud voices.
Well. old woman" exclaimed one In
voice SO gruff as to seem almost a.
sumed. pretending to be alone. are
YOU. with all those dishes sitting out
On the table: Just been eaten off, too.
Have MT seen no strange party along
the road this morning. have YET"
Nary a one." said Maria, and
ky ew from her voice she was standing
close beside the fireplace.
Are you Mrs. Bungay?"
Il reckon I am. II it's any O. yer
business"
Don't git nifty. old woman. or we're
liable to give you q lesson in polite
ness before we leave The leader
dropped the butt of his gun with q
crash on the floor. Where is the lit
tie sneak. anyhow
What do you want of himr'
Want him to 60 long with US:
we're hunting some parties. and need
a guide. They toll US up the road .
bit he knew every inch O. these yers
mountings."
There was a pause. as II Maria was
endeavoring to decide as to the hon
esty OF the speaker. Her final answer
proved the mental survey had not
proven satisfactory.
Wal. ! reckon" she said calmly,
''as you uns II be more likely ter
find him down bout Connersvilis."