The News-Herald. [volume] (Hillsboro, Highland Co., Ohio) 1886-1973, 1912-01-25

| rF;dI'Hs'HSG
II
"Is II Possible This is Your" He Cried
Excitedly.
pipe, and held my watch TO the glow
in its bowl in order to see the time.
1t was nearly midnight
Those fellows ought to be at it
before this" | said to him, "if they
intend to accomplish anything to-
night"
II dink so too" he answered slowly
II will see dot der guard is all right,
an den will get some sleep, for am
| pretty moch done op already"
He arose ponderously to his feet,
and stretched out his short arms in a
prodigious yawn. AS he stood there,
his pudgy figure outlined against the
sky. there was borne to our ear the
sound Of furious struggle on hilltop
to the south-a shout, blows, a volley
OF cursing, then silence. An instant
later we were both running through
the darkness toward the scene Of
trouble.
What is it, Sands7" questioned
breathlessly, as l came suddenly upon
the little group.
"A fellar on hossback," was the an
swer. HE come up on us like a
streak out O. thet black hollor, an he'd
a sure got away ef Mason hedn't
dubbed him with his gun. I've got
the cuss safe collared now"
who are your" asked sternly,
striving in vain to see something Of
him through the darkness. Where
were you riding?"
had scarcely spoken when our
prisoner thrust Sands roughly aside
and took one hasty step toward me.
my God, Wayne Is It possible this
is your" he cried excitedly.
"Caton?" 1 exclaimed, as surprised
as himself "Caton? What Is It?
What is wrong. Are you from the
Minor house? Has 1t been attacked"
Yes" he answered, painting yet
from his exertion and excitement.
we were to start North with the Ia
was surrounded as soon as 1t became
dark. Those devils supposed it to be
unguarded, and advanced without pre-
cautions. We fred and drove them
back. He had repulsed three attacks
when left at eleven, but three of our
men were already hit"
you were after aid?"
vance pickets at Mcmillan. It seemed
the only possible chance, and none OF
the men would volunteer to make the
ride. One was killed trying It before
! started. God knows how hated to
leave them, but It had to be done.
How many have your"
only twenty; but II we could once
get inside along with your fellows.
We might hold the house until rein
forcements came"
Thank God! | knew you would"
he cried joyfully. grasping me again
fervently by the hand. You are not
one to hesitate over the color of a
uniform at such a time as this. Only,
Wayne" and he hesitated an instant,
1T is right should tell you that Bren-
nan is there. and In command"
II know 1t, but those women must
be saved nevertheless" / answered
firmly, my mind settled. This is no
time for personal quarreling, and
whatever color of cloth we wear those
outlaws are our common enemies, to
be hunted down like wild beats.
have seen specimens of their fiendish
cruelty that make my blood run cold
to remember. The very thought OF
those who are now exposed falling
into such hands is enough to craze
one; death would be preferable a
thousand times. How many fighting
men have your"
Seven fit for duty"
'Will you ride forward, or go back
with us?"
I'VE must send word"--and the gal
liant fellows voice shook-"but God
knows, Wayne, want to go back. II
We both live I am to marry Celia
Minor"
II understand" said gravely.
"Ebers, who is your best rider?"
1T vos dot funny leetle yellow Glen.
Captain"
Glen, come here"
The trooper, a mere boy, with
freckled face and great honest gray
eyes, but wiry and tough as steel,
pushed his way through the group and
faced me.
ITO Be Continued)