The Mobridge news. [volume] (Mobridge, Walworth Co., S.D.) 190?-1917, 1911-12-22
CHAPTER XIx-conSinued.

NTNF AIAS-NQHhnue0.
This gave me inspiration, and be-
fore the speakers sullen growl had
wholly ceased was again upon hands
aud knees, silently cropping my way
along the bank toward the rear Of the
hut. 1t proved to be a tiny structure.
containing but a single room-prob-
Ably a mere fishermans shack, with
Dut windows. but possessing a door
1t either end Meeting no opposition
] crept within, where | felt some
Fbat safer from observation, and then
lpcsred warily forth into the darkness
attending between 1t and the river.
Mhe picket-rope stretched from one
Aorner of the hut, where 1t seemed 10
be secured around the end of a pro-
5ecting log. out into the night, evi-
IDENTIFY finding its other terminus at
big tree whose spreading top | could
dfmly perceive shadowed against the
sky. Along 1t 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 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.
I turned when 1t suddenly occurred
TO me that the deserted hut might
contain something | could use to ad-
vantage firearm, perhaps, or even
q stJay box of matches. | 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 saddle, with
leather holster attached, hanging to
a nail Just within the doorway. NOV
ing noiselessly managed to extract a
revolver. but could discover no cart
ridges.
l was yet fumbling In the holster
pocket when the lieutenant rose from
his seat without, knocked the ashes
from his pipe, yawned sleeply, stand
ing directly between me and the fire,
and then, turning sharply, walked
slowly into the open door of the hut.
I sprang to my feet, or he would Ger.
tainly have stepped upon me, and be-
fore he could realize the situation
had him by the collar, with the cold
muzzle OF my stolen revolver pressed
hard against his cheek.
"A single word or sound. and
6re!" | said sternly.
l have no recollection of ever see-
ing any one more completely as-
founded. He gasped like fish newly
landed, and doubt II he could have
made utterance even had he dared.
Come In a little farther" com
manded. Nov look here. Lieutenant.
you do exactly as | tell you and you
will get out of this affair with a whole
skin; otherwise-well. I'm playing
this game to the limit Now answer
me: How many men have you mount
cd this side the ford?"
ne glareu at me suilenly, and ]
drew back the hammer with an omin-
Gus click. eyeing him fiercely.
WELL" l said shortly do you
choose to answer. or die?"
1.-TWO"
ION the other bank?"
None"
Lieutenant" | said, speaking low
but in tone which left no doubt as TO
my exact meaning. II am an escaped
prisoner, and shall not hesitate to kill
rather than be recaptured. II Is your
hfe 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 tina door. and don't forget
my pistol Is withia an inch of your
ear. and this Is hair trigger. What
n your sergeant's nane!"
"Handley."
'Order him to take ton men ON fcot
one hundred yards west on the pike.
and wait further orders"
...Handley." be called out his voics
20 choked with rage as to make ms
fearful It might arouse suspicion
-take ten men Oh foot to the cross