Audubon County journal. (Exira, Iowa) 1884-1993, 1911-10-12

The sergeant walked without the
least hesitation across the open space,
directly into the deep shadows oppo-
site, where the cross-road continued
to hold way. Crouching low in the
saddle, we followed him as silently
as though we were but spirits of the
night. Up the road 1 caught the red
| CLEAN of a fire almost spent, and
black figure crossed us, casting an odd
shadow against the face of the rock
where it was lighted by the Pickering
red blaze. 1t was all over in mo-
ment, a mere glimpse, but 1t formed
one of those sudden pictures which
paint themselves on the brain and
can never after be effaced. I recall
yet the long shade cast by the mans
gun, the grotesque shape of his flap
ping army overcoat, the quick change
In the silhouette as he wheeled to re-
trace his beat. But there was no
noise, not even the sound of his foot
steps, reaching us. Even as gazed,
| lying open at full length upon my
horse, we had crossed the open, and
perfect tangle of low bushes hid us
as completely as if we had entered the
yawning mouth of cavern.
A hundred yards or more of sharply
curving road densely lined with shrub
berry on either hand, and then Craig
swung into saddle and again gave
| spur to his horse
We must ride for 1t now" he said,
hot of,.o1
| their round, them fellers will be after
us hot"
urged my tired horse to gallop,
pressing upon Craigs heels as closely
as dared; nor did I glance back, for
I knew we'll that dead picket was
lying somewhere by the crossroads,
| and that his comrades would be heard
from before dawn. We were moving
bravely now; for the road under foot
grew better as we advanced, and gave
lack the dull thud of soft earth in
stead Of the rafting clang of the
rocks we had been so long accustomed
to. Then, suddenly, my horse was
jerked almost to standstill, the hand
upon his bit seemingly as hard as my
own, and wheeled in the saddle,
pressing my knees tightly to prevent
being thrown, only to perceive the
woman Juggling desperately at the
lines.
What now?" l asked sharply, and
in sudden anger l forced her to re-
lease her grasp. 1--WE must ride, and
ride hard, madam, to be out of this
Gordon by daylight"
ride where?"
She faced me stiffly, and there was
slight sting in her voice, felt.
'Where?" l repeated; then partially
gathering my scattered wits: why,
to the camp we are seeking, of
course"
l was conscious that her eyes were
striving anxiously to see my face
In the darkness-that her suspicious
were now fully aroused; yet her quick
retort surprised me.
olt'You lie!" she said, coldly. That
was a Federal picket he killed..
1t was no time for argument, and |
knew 1t. Craig, noting our pause, had
ridden back, and reined in beside us
without a word.
"You are right" said, tersely. I'm
one sense of the word you are 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 1t may,
we must, first of all, protect ourselves.
l 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"
"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.
II am Captain Phillip Wayne, tn
Virginia cavalry, at your service,
madam" 1 said calmly, and to the
best of my knowledge l 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
a 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 swerving sharply to
the left There was shock. smoth-
cred oath. moments fierce struggle
in the darkness, the sharp ping of the
whip as it came down once, twice
then silence, broken only by deep
breathing.
I've got her, captain" chuckled the
sergeant. softly, but dog-gone If l
know what to do with her"
There was small sentiment of mercy
in my heart as drew up toward
them. for my cheek burned where the
lash had struck as though scorched
with fire; but when I saw her lean
inc ho1nlocc1,, Poru,ard ~, bo,