Rural Retreat times. [volume] (Rural Retreat, Va.) 1892-1918, 1911-12-01
CHAPTER v.-continued.

49,
with such precipitancy that when we
once succeeded in dragging our toad
TO the edge. we experienced no ditii-
Guilty in sending ii crashing down
ward The body plunged through the
thick underbrush at the bottom OF the
oggre, where knew it would be com
pletely hidden. even in the glare OF
daylight, from the spying eyes OF any
troopers riding hard upon our track.
AS we rapidly worked on this disa-
greeable task. thought and planned;
two horses and three riders-one OF
these woman in need OF protection
"a dispatch to be delivered by day
tight, at all hazards. 1t was indeed
difficult proposition. and saw only
single possible solution. One OF our
number must press on; two OF US
m It remain behind. Which one?
vi / two? II | rode with the dis
PATCH (and how eagerly longed to
do SOY and succeeded in bringing
Lees message safe to Longstreet, it
meant much to me-promotion, dis.
tinction. honor. On the other hand
II remained behind and Craig sue
cassfully 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. Ii failure result
ed. it meant certain and deserved dis
grace Yet could absolutely trust
him with the dispatch; he was SOL
der and would faithfully perform a
soldiers duty. More. he would carry
the message with even greater GER
tainty than |. for he knew the roads
much better. and-l write the words
hesitatingly-l 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.
sinewy frame was like STEEL cavalry.
man who would follow his leader into
the very jaws of hell
Sergeant asked. flinging aside
the improvised brush, "how far do you
suppose we are from Longstreet' S
picket liner.
Ten miles at the very best. sir
ne answered promptly. IAN | reckon
withAanother Yankee outpost atween.
with fair luck and good riding it
might be made by daylight?'
Il reckon as how it might captain.
if we only ned sum fresh bosses, he
said glumly; but it's bin mighty hard
= ~. ~
over like yer sorrel did fer the las
two mile
Well, Craig. you shall have both
horses Ride the womans 1t is the
fresher OF the two; but you are to
get through If you kill them both and
then walk
4 remain with the woman; there
Is no other way. Wait here 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
4, flor the night had lightened some
what) | could see her eyes and dis
Germ some faint outline OF her face
where the night wind flung back the
upturned cape, 1t was winsome
sight to soldier vision. but with a Ger
tain semblance OF pride and reserve
about 1t that caused a hesitancy In my
speech strange to me
Madam, II rested my hand upon
her horses name and looked at her
with a gance as proud as her own
Fit might be as well for you to draw
\ the cape closer about your face at
present There are rough men in all
armies who would consider your
beauty iawless 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
colby.
chill OF her words. and my purpose
stiffened within me.
Even as | 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
TACT is here, and we have no time to
argue or quarrel | have already told
you that we ride with dispatches tor
Longstreet, These must go forward
at ali hazards. for thousands of nu-
Man lives depend upon them; yet |
dare not leave you here alone and un-
protected to the mercies OF the
wolves who haunt these hills"
You are exceedingly kind"
The tone iu which she spoke was
most sarcastic.
4 thank. you for your appreciation.