Rural Retreat times. [volume] (Rural Retreat, Va.) 1892-1918, 1912-02-02
CHATTER xIx.-contlnued.

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. 1t proved to be tiny structure.
containing but single room-prob-
ably mere fshermans shack, with
out windows, but possessing door
at either end. Meeting no opposition
crept within, where | felt some
what safer from observation. and then
peered warily forth into the darkness
extending between it and the river.
The picket-rope stretched from one
corner of the hut, where 1t seemed to
be secured around the end of pro
1ecting log, out into the night, evil
IDENTIFY finding its other terminus at
big tree whose spreading top | could
dimly perceive Swallowed against the
sky, Along it were tethered the
horses, a 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 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 could use to adj
Vantage-a firearm, perhaps, or even
stray 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
nail just within the doorway NOV
ing noiselessly managed to extract
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 the open door of the hut
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
fret" said sternly.
| have no recollection of ever see
Ing any one more completely as
founded. He gasped like fish newly
landed. and | doubt If he could have
made utterance even had he dared
Come in little farther" com
manded Nov look here, Lieutenant,
you do exactly as ! tell you and you
will get out of this affair with whole
skin; otherwise well. I'm playing
this game to the limit Now answer
me- How many men have you mount
ed this side the ford?"
He glared at me sullenly. and II
drew back the hammer with an omin-
GUS click, cycling him fiercely.
Well said shortly. do you
choose to answer, or die?"
Two"
ION the other bank?"
None"
Lieutenant" ! said. speaking low,
but in tone which left no doubt as to
my exact meaning, Il am an escaped
prisoner, and shall not hesitate to kill
rather than be recaptured. 1t 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 I'M
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 sergeant's name?"
"Handley"
Order him to take ten men on foot
one hundred yards west on the pike.
and wait further orders"
"Handley." he called out, his voice
SO cnoked with rage as to make me
fearful II might arouse suspicion,
take ten men on foot to the cross