Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1912-01-31
CHAPTER xlx.-continued.

CHAPTER xlx.-Continued.
This gave me inspiration, and be
fore the speakers sullen growl had
wholly ceased l 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 a mere flsherman's shack, with
out windows, but possessing a door
at either end. Meeting no opposition
l crept within, where l 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 it seemed to
be secured around the end of a pro
jecting log, out into the night, evi
IDENTIFY finding its other terminus at a
big tree whose spreading top l could
dimly perceive Swallowed against the
sky. Along it were tethered the
horses, a few impatiently champing
their bits and pounding with their
oofs 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 l could dis.
tinguish nothing-doubtless he was
lounging on his back, half asleep upon
some soft patch of grass.
l turned when 1t suddenly occurred
to me that the deserted hut might
contain something l could use to ad.
vantage-a firearm, perhaps, or even
stray box Of matches. l felt about
me cautiously, creeping along the
hard earthen floor until l had nearly
reached the opposite entrance. The
light from the fire without leaped up
and it's glow revealed saddle, with
leather holster attached, hanging to
nail just within the doorway. Nov
Ing noiselessly managed to extract a
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, yawped sleepily, stand
ing 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
tainly have stepped upon me, and be
fore he could realize the situation
had him by the collar, with the colo
muzzle of my stolen revolver pressed
hard against his cheek.
"A single word or sound, and
fire." l said sternly.
have no recollection of ever see
Ing any one more completely as
founded. He gasped like a fish newt,
landed, and l doubt If he could hav,
made utterance even had he dared.
Come in little farther" l com
manded. Nov look here, Lieutenan,
you do exactly as tell you and 20,
Will net out Of this affair with a who'll
skin; otherwise I'm playin,
this tune to the limit. Now answe
me: How many men have you mour,
ed this side the ford?"
He glared at me sullenly. and
drew back the hammer with an omi1
Gus click, eyeing him f1ercely.
WELL" I said shortly, do 20
choose to answer, or die?"
Two"
ION the other bank?"
None"
Lieutenant" l said. speaking low
but in tone which left no doubt as t
my exact meaning, Il am an escape
prisoner, and shall not hesitate to XII
rather than be recaptured. 1t is you
life Or mine tonight, and l natural
prefer my own; but I'll give you on
chance, and only one-obey my order
and ] will leave you here unhurt; di
obey, and your life is not worth th
snap OF finger. Move back now vi
till you face the door, and don't forge
my pistol is within an inch of you
ear, and this is a hair trigger. Wha
Is your sergeant's name?"
"Handley."
Order him to take ten men on foe
one hundred yards west on the pix,
and wait further ORDERS"
"Handley," he called out, his voic
SO choked with rage as to make m
fearful it might arouse suspicion
take ten men on foot to the eros
roads, and wait there until you hea
from me-"
/ could plainly note the dark sha,
ows of the fellows as they filed O,
past the fire, but never ventured
take eye or gun of the man watche,
How many remain there now?"
Seven"
ANY non-com. among them?"
"A corporal"
Have him take them all south O
the crossroads"
Jones'" he called out huskily.
Yes, SIR"
Take what men you have left
hundre6 yards south on the eros
k41d'