Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1912-02-14

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striving anxiously TO see my face
In the daFkness--thAt her suspicious
were now fully aroused: yet her quick
retort surprised me,
You liel" she said. coldly. THAT
was a Federal picket he killed"
It was no time for argument and
knew II. Craig. noting our pause. had
ridden back. and refined IN beside us
without word.
You are right" ! said. tersely. I'm
one sense Of the word you are a 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 II may.
we must. first Of all. protect ourselves.
| would very gladly leave you with
your friends, II possible, but as things
have shaped themselves there remains
but one alternatlve-you must ride as
order"
"You-you are not Major Brennan's
friend then7 You were not sent by
Frank to meet met" The questions
burst from her lips so rapidly that
scarcely caught their import
Il am Captain Phillip Wayne. --th
Virginia cavalry. at your service.
madam" | said. calmly, "and TO the
best OF my knowledge have not the
pleasure of Major Brennans acquaint-
ance."
She suddenly lifted the heavy rid
Ing whip that was clenched in her
right hand. struck me with It full
across the face. and then. az | quick
ly flung up my own arm to ward on
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 swerying sharply to
the left. There was a shock. smoth-
cred oath. a 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.
1--WE got her, captain. chuckled the
sergeant, softly. but dog-gone II |
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 saw her lean
ing helplessly forward on her horses
neck. all 'bravado gone. her hands pin.
Toned behind her in the iron grasp
Of the sergeant, my fierce resentment
died away within me.
Let her hands go, Craig" com
manded, briefly.
She lifted her body slightly from its
cramped, uncomfortable posture. but
her head remained bowed.
Madam. ~ spoke sternly, for mo
ments were of value now-"listeh to
what | say. We are Confederate sol
diers passing through the Federal
lines with dispatches. In order tC
save ourselves from discovery and
capture we were compelled TO take
you in charge. It was the fortune Of
war. If now We could honorably leave
you here we would most gladly do so
for having you with US adds vastly tC
our own danger; but these mountains
are simply overrun with wandering
guerrillas who would show you neither
respect nor mercy. We simply dare
not, as honorable men. leave you hers
unprotected. and consequently yot
must continue to ride in our com
pany. Now answer me plainly, viii
you proceed quietly. or shall we b'
compelled to tie you to your horse?'
knew she was crying; but witt
an effort she succeeded in steadyini
her voice sufficient to reply:
Il will 60" she said.
Thank YOU" and grayely lifted
my hat as | spoke. you have saveC
me a most unpleasant duty. You ma!
ride on, sergeant; this lady and ! will
follow, as before"
She scarcely changed her posture
as spurred forward. riding now 81
close to her side that could feel tn,
flap OF her saddle rise and fall agains
my knee. Whatever OF evil she ma.
have thought of us, felt that sin
was sorry enough now for her hast,
action. and forgot the pain that We
stung me. and longed, without vel
knowing how. to tell her So