Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1912-02-22
CHAPTER xIx.-Continued.

CHAPTER xIx.-continued.
This gave me inspiration, and be-
Gore the speakers suIlen growl had
wholly ceased | was again upon hands
and knees, silently cropping my way
along the bank toward the rear of the
nut 1t proved to be a tiny structure,
ably a mere f1sherman's shack. with
out windows, but possessing a door
at either end. Meeting no opposition
L 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 a pro-
iecting log, out into the night, evil
IDENTITY finding it's other terminus at a
big tree whose spreading top | could
oimly perceive Swallowed against the
sky. Along it were tethered the
horses. a few impatiently champing
N-A~LA pAlo oAN PbuLIuAAS WIN bASAh
hoofs on the trampled ground, but the
majority resting quietly. their heads
hanging sleepily down. The one near
est me appeared a finely proportloned
animal of a dark color. and was
equipped with both saddle and bride.
OF the soldier in charge l could dis
finguish 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-a flrearm, perhaps, or even
q stray box Of matches. | felt about
me cautiously, creeping along the
hard earthen floor until I had nearly
reached the opposite entrance. The
light from the fire without leaped up,
and its glow revealed a saddle, with
keather holster attached, hanging to
q nail just within the doorway. NOV
ing noiselessly | managed to extract a
revolver. but could discover nc cart
ridges.
| was yet fumbling In the holster
pocket when the lieutenant rose from
his seat without, knocked the ashes
o his pipe, yawned sleepily. stand
sng directly between me and the fire,
and then, turning sharply, walked
SLOWLY into the open door of the hut
L sprang to my feet, or he would Ger
fainly have stepped upon me, and be
fore he could realize the situation
had him by the collar, with the colo
nuzzle Of my stolen revolver pressed
bard against his cheek.
a single word or sound, and
fire!" | said sternly.
have no recollection of ever see
fng any one more completely as
founded. He gasped like "a fish newt!
landed. and | doubt If he could havt
made utterance even had he dared.
Come in a little farther" | com
gnanded. Now look here, Lieutenant
you do exactly as | tell you and you
will get out of this affair with a Who'll,
skin; otherwise-well, I'm playing
this game to the limit. Now answe
me-: How many men have you mount
ed this side the ford?"
He glared at me ~sullenIy, and
drew back the hammer with an omin
Gus click, cycling him fiercely.
Well" | said shortly, do yo'
choose to answer, or die?"
Two"
ION the other bank?"
None"
Lieutenant" | said, speaking low
but in a tone which left no doubt as t
my exact meaning. 81 am an escape
prisoner, and shall not hesitate to xii
rather than be recaptured. 1t Is you
dtfe or mine tonight, and | natural
prefer my own; but I'll give you on
chance, and only %one-obey my order
and will leave you here unhurt; dis
obey, and your life is not worth tn
snap Of a finger. Move back now III
till you face the door, and don't forge
my pistol Is within an inch OF you
ear, and this Is a hair trigger. Whs
Is your s~ergeant's name?"
/. "Handley."
-Ordey him to take ten men on foe
n hundred yards west on the pix
and wait further orders"
"Handley." he called out. hrs voic
70 choked with rage as to make NJ
fearful 1t might arouse suspicion
take ten men on foot to the eros
roads, and wait there until you hes
from me"
could plainly note the dark sha'
sCws Of the fellows as they filed OF
past the fire, but / never ventured
take w Dr. gun of the mar | watcheN
How many remain there now"
Seven.
ANY non-com. among them?"
A corporal S-
Have him take them All south {
the cross-roads.s
Jones' he called out huskily.
Yes. sir.
Take what men you have left
snundfed Yards south % the eros
road.
4AENA|I INHUMr NAThH EHtXEt