River Falls journal. [volume] (River Falls, Pierce County, Wis.) 1872-2019, 1912-09-19
CHAPTER XII.
Introducing Peter.


1t was new country to me that we
traversed, a rolling country, but not
thickly settled, although the road ap-
peared to be a wei: -beaten track. The
gloom, coupled with the rapidity of
our movements. prevented me from
seeing anything other than those dim
objects close at hand. yet we were
evidently travelling almost straight
east. l endeavored To enter into con-
versation with the two fellows riding
on either side of ue, but neither one
SO much as turnel his head in re-
Spouse to my voice, and / soon tired
Of the attempt The night told me
little of who they might be, although
they were both in the uniform OF the
Queens Rangers, the one called Peter
on my right round, squat figure, and
bald-headed, his bare scalp shining
oddly when once Ike removed his
cooked hat; the other was an older
man, with gray chin beard, and gilt
tering display of teeth.
The movements Of my horse caused
the ropes to lacerate my wrists and
ankles, the pain increasing so that
once or twice 1 cried out. The fell
lows guarding me did not even turn
their heads, but the lieutenant drew
up his horse so as to block US.
what is the trouble? Are you
hurt?"
"These ropes are tearing into the
flesh" | groaned. I'D be just as safe
IOnonnnd a
saw him lean forward. shading his
face with one hand, as he stared
toward me through the darkness.
thought he drew q quick breath as
from surprise, and there was a mo-
ment's hesitancy.
Let out the ropes trifle. Peter"
came the final order.
The little bald-headed man went at
it without a word, the lieutenant rein
ing back his horse slightly, and draw
ING his hat lower over his eyes. In
the silence one of the horses neighed.
and the boy seemed to straighten in
mis- saddle, gIancing suspiciously about.
ride ahead slowly, Tenepah," he
ordered. "Ill catch up with YOU" He
you, anyway!
Surprised at the unexpected ques.
ton. nv first thought was to conceal
nv identity. These were Kings men,
and was in ordinary elothes-the
rough homespun furnished by Farrell.
II. by any chance. was not the party
they had expected to waylay, might
who am II" l echoed. do you
mean you have gone to all this trouble
without knowing whom you hold pris-
oner?"
1T seems So" coOlly. 1--WE know
who we thought you were, but | am
beginning to doubt your being the
right man. Peter, take his hat off,
l Strengthened up bareheaded, the
faint star-gleam on my face. The lieu
tenant remained quiet. but Peter broke
his sphinx-like silence.
''T amt him, is it,"
mo; he must have taken the other
road after all" with slight laugh.
We've been on wild-goose chase.
However, it's too late now to catch
the fellow on this trip"
Peter rubbed his bald pate, his eyes
on me-
An what1l we do with this lad?
he answered drawlingly. Turn him
loose?"
Bring him along. Wen find out to-
morrow who he is. and what his bust
ness may be. Men are not riding these
roads at midnight without some pur-
pose"
He wheeled his horse, and, with a
touch Of the spur, disappeared in the
darkness ahead. Peter clambered back
into the saddle, and gripped my rein.
Come on" he said disgustedly, kick
ing the black in the side. It's ways
yet afore yer lie down."
We rode steadily, and at a good
pace. Occasionally the older man
swore solemnly, but Peter never ut.
tered a sound, not even turning his
head at my attempts to draw him into
conversation The situation mystified
/ hut