The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1911-10-14

THE IRIsH
f1ous consequences. II failure RESULT
ed. 1t meant certain and deserved dis.
grace. Yet l could absolutely trust
him with the dispatch; he was soil
der, and would faithfully perform q
soldiers duty. More, he would carry
the message with even greater GER
tainty than I. for he knew the roads
much better, and-1 write the words
hesitatingly-I could not trust him
there alone with the woman.
I glanced aside at him as I thus
turned the perplexing situation over
in my mind-a tall, gaunt mountain
Ger, 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 Jews Of hell, but whose NOR
ais were those of tho 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" 1 asked, flinging 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, IAN I reckon
with another Yankee outpost atween."
with fair luck and good riding it
might be made by daylight"
II reckon as how it might, captain,
It 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"
well, 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 you?" he asked, wonderfully.
Il 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
(for 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. It was a winsomS
sight to soldier vision, but with cer1
tain semblance Of pride and reserve
about it that caused hesttancy In my
speech strange to me.
Madam rested my hand upon
her horses name and looked at hei
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 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 q gentleman" she said
coldly.
I smiled, even as I felt the full
chill Of her words, and my purpose
stiffened within me.
"Dven as yet claim, and trust tc
be able to prove to your satisfaction.
my eyes looked unfalteringly into
hers-'but unfortunately. I 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. have already told
you that We ride with dispatches foz
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 un
protected to the mercies of the
wolves who haunt these hills"
"You are exceedingly kind"
The tone in which she spoke was
most sarcastic.
I thank you for your appreciation "
ana 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 we'll, sir; simply yield to
what 1 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, az he Is the
more fit Of the two"
Greatly to my surprise and relief
she placed her gauntleted hand in
mine, and, without 50 much as a word
of protest, permitted me to swing her
lightly from the saddle to the ground
Craig" I called, come here.
You know your work." said to
him briefly. "And now the soone,
you are at 1t the better. Ride this
horse and lead your own. AS soon az
you deliver Lees message at head