The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1911-12-28
CHAPTER XIX.-Contirued.

SF1Hf l Z NIN.-COntlnue0
This gave me inspiration, and be-
fore the speakers sullen growl had
wholly ceased was again upon hands
and knees, silently cropping my way
along the bank toward the rear OF the
hut. Z proved to be a tiny structure,
containing but single room-prob-
ably n mere fisherman's shack. with.
out windows, but possessing a door
at either end. Meeting no opposition
| crept within. where | felt some
what safer from observation, and then
reered warily forth into the darkness
extending between it and the river.
The picket-rope stretched from one
corner of the hut. where It seemed to
be secured around the end Of pro-
iecting log. out into the night, evi-
IDENTITY finding its other terminus at
big tree whose spreading top could
dimlyN perceive Swallowed against the
sky. Along it were tethered the
horses, few impatiently champing
their bits and pounding with their
hoofs on the trampled ground, but the
majority resting quietly. their heads
hanging sleepily down. The one near
est me appeared a finely proportioned
animal OF a dark color, and was
equipped with both saddle and bride.
OF the soldier in charge could dis
tinguish nothing-doubtless he was
lounging on his back half asleep upon
some soft patch of grass
turned when it suddenly occurred
to me that the deserted hut might
contain something colId use TO adj
vantage--a frearm, perhaps, or even
stray box of matchesA felt about
me cautiously, creeping along the
hard earthen floor until had nearly
reached the opposite entrance. The
light from the fire without leaped up,
and its glow revealed IA saddle. with
leather holster attached hanging to
q nail just within the doorway. NOV.
ing noiselessly | MANAGED to extract a
revolver, but could discover no cart
ridges
was yet fumbling in the holster
pocket when the lieutenant rose from
his seat without, knocked the ashes
from his pipe, yawned sleepily, stand
ing directly between me and the fire,
and then, turning sharply. walked
slowly into he open door of the hut
sprang to my feet. or he would Ger.
tainly have stepped upon me, and be-
fnrn 70 InnII fa.1i1a m
had him by the collar. with the cold
muzzle Of my stolen revolver pressed
bard against his cheek.
"A single word or sound. and
Iire!" said sternly.
| have no recollection Of ever see.
ing any one more completely as.
founded. He gasped like a fish newly
landed, and doubt if he could have
made utterance even had he dared
Come in a little farther" com.
manded Now look here. Lieutenant.
you do exactly as | tell you and you
Will get out Of this affair with a whole
skin; otherwise-wel. I'm playing
this game to the limit. Now answer
me; How many men have you mount.
ed this side the ford?"
He gared at me sullenIy, and /
drew back the hammer with an omin.
Gus click, cycling him lercely
Well | said shortly, do YOU
choose 10 answer or de
Two"
On the other bpnk?"
None"
Lieutenant" said. speaking iuW.
but in a tone which left no doubt as TO
my exact meaning II am an escaped
prisoner and shall not hesitate to XIII
rather than be recaptwcd, II is your
life or mine tonight, and | naturally
prefer my own; but I'll give you one
chance, and only one-obey my orders
and ! will leave you here unhurt: dis
obey. and your life is not worth the
snap of finger. Move back now un.
till you face the door, and don't forget
my pistol is within an inch of your
ear and this Is hair trigger. What
is your sergeants name?"
"Handley."
oIufl hlll 10 Idht Ten men ON 1901
one hundred yards west on the pike
and wait further orders"
| 'liandley," he called out, his voice
so clicked with rage as to make me
! fearful II might arouse suspicion
take ten men on foot to the cross
roads, and wait there until You hear
from me"
could plainly note the dark shad
ows OF the fellows as they filed ont
past the fire, but ! never ventured tc
take eye or gun off the man watched
How many remain there now"
Seven"
Amy non-com. among them"
"A corporal"
Have him take them all south oil
he crossroads"
jones'" he called out huskiiy.
Yes, sir"
Take what Zen you have left
hundred yards south on The cross
DAD