The Washburn times. [volume] (Washburn, Wis.) 1896-1976, 1911-10-26
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striving anxiously to see my face
in the darkness--that her suspicious
were now fully. aroused; yet her quick
retort surprised me.
You lie!" she said, coldly. That
was Federal picket he killed"
1t was no time for argument, and
knew it. Craig, noting our pause, had
ridden back. and reined in beside us
without word t'
"You are right" | said, tersely. 'ln
one sense of the word you area 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 It may
we must. first of all, protect. ourselves
Il would very gladly leave you with
your friends. If possible. but as things
have shaped themselves there remains
but one alternative-you must ride as
order" .7 1879
"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
| scarcely caught their import.
81 am Captain Phillip Wayne, -th
Virginia cavalry, at your service
madam" i said, calmly, land to the
best of my knowledge | have not the
pleasure of Major Brennan's acquaint-
.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 quick
ly flung up my own arm to- ward of
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 swervings sharply to
the left. There was a shock, asmoth-
cred oath, moments fierce struggle
in the darkness. the sharp ping of the
whip as 1t came down once, twice
then silence, broken only by deep
breathing. t1s
1--WE got her, captain" chuckled the
sergeant, softly, but dog-gone II
know what to do with her." e@
There was mall;sertim'ent of mercy
In my heart as i drew up toward
them, for my cheek burned where the
lash had Struck as though scorched
with fire; but when saw her leah
ing helplessiy forward on her. horses
neck. -all bravado. gone, her hands pin
toned behind her in the iron grasp
of the sergeant. my fierce resentment
died away within me-
LET her hands go. Craig" 7 com
manded, briefly:
She lifted her body slightly from its
cramped, uncomfortable postiire. but
her head remained bowed. = ssf'' & &.
Madam AT spoke sternly, for mo
ments were of value listen to
what i 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 III how we could honofably leave
you here we would most gladly do so,
for having you with us adds vastly to
oug own danger; but. these mountains
are simply overrun with wandering
guerrilias 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?'
II. knew she was crying; but with
an effort she succeeded in steadying
herwoiee sufficient to reply: n.
aIswill CO." she said. ! II
l"Thank you" and gravely lifted
my hat as l spoke. "You have saved
me Almost unpleasant duty You may
ride on} sergeant; this lady and ] will
follow,s,as before" issf
She scarcely changed her posture
as | spurred forward, riding now SO
close to her side that / could feel the
flap of her saddle rise and fall against
my knees Whatever Of evil she may
have thought of US, felt that she
was sorry enough now for her4hasty
action, and forgot the pain that yet
stung me, and .longed, without well
knowing how. to tell her so.
. -. - 4.