The Lamar register., 1911-10-04

pa'eise tueSe ROADS alOne. Inc inouH-
tains all about us, deserted as they
now appear, are filled with wandering
bands Of desperate and hunted men
whose tenderest mercy is death. Any.
rock may be the hiding place of an
outlaw. any dark ravine the rendez-
vous OF as wild gang as ever muir.
dered for plumber"
But the Sergeant said there was
Federal picket post at the crossing OF
the White Briar."
Her voice trembled as she spoke.
He merely supposed there would
be; but even II It were true. we have
no positive means of knowing that the
men stationed there would be of the
regular service. Doubtless those
thieving. numbering bands-such as
that headed by Red Lowrie. of whom
you may have heard-are sufficiently
organized to keep patrols posted. and
may. indeed. be utilized at times by
both armies for that purpose. Were
you to go to them you might be sim
ply walking into den Of wolves"
But could you not go with me?"
/ smiled at tho naive Innocence of
her query.
Il wish you to feel that have
never thought 30 much about my own
danger as about yours" returned
quietly. But would II be a pleasure
even to you to behold me swinging
from the limb of a tree. hung as
spy without trial. merely because l
ventured to walk with you into Fed
eral camp"
l could see her eyes now resting
full upon me. and much OF the hard.
ness and doubt seemed to have gone
out OF them as she scanned my I'M
covered features in the dim light
scarcely think I was ever considered
a handsome man even by my friends,
but I was young then. frank of face.
spired confidence. and 1t did me good
to note how her eyes softened. and to
mark the perceptible tremor in her
voice as she cried impulsively:
"Oh. no! Not that"
Your words yield me new heart"
replied fervently. determined, now
that ice was partially broken. to per-
NIT no excuse for its again forming.
FOR II you but once fully realize our
situation you will certainly feel that
I am merely endeavoring to perform
my plain duty"
IT will. Of course, bow to the newt
able. air." sho said. and shall en-
ieavor to adapt myself to the require
ments Of my unfortunate situation.
May venture to inquire what you
now propose to dof"
To the right of whore we stood tho
ground sloped rapidly downward un-
I'll the dense darkness at the foot Of
the steep defils shrouded everything
from view. The descent appeared
rocky and impracticable. and could
distinguish the sound Of rapid water
far below. On the opposite side stood
dense wood. the outer fringe OF
trees overhanging the road. and
through tho waving leaves the moon
ver. while the dense mass beyond
seemed to flow back up tho steep side
Of the mountain. thick with under
brush. Just below us. and possibly
nifty feet from the highway. could
perceive q small o~e-story log cabin.
a. silent. gloomy. and deserted to all
outward appearance as were the SOM
Der woods Of which It formed a part.
There seems small choice" I said.
speaking as cheerfully as possible.
But I propose to investigate the log
hut yonder. and learn II It may not
ifYord some degree OF shelter. II you
will rest here. in the shadow Of these
rees. l will soon discover whether II
aas inmates or not"
She followed me In silence across
he road to the spot designated. but as
turned to leave her seated upon the
grass. and well protected from prying
eyes. she hurried quickly after me.
and in her agitation SO far forgot her.
self as to touch my sleeve with her
hand.
"Oh, please do not leave me here
alone. | am not naturally timid, yet
everything is SO gloomy I cannot stand
II Let me go with you. II you must
goi"
Most assuredly you shall II you de-
sire" | returned heartily.
There appeared before us dim, lit
tle-used path leading in among the
trees. and following its cratic curves
we were soon before the cabin, which