The commonwealth. (Greenwood, Miss.) 1896-1923, 1912-09-13
CHAPTER XI.
introducing Peter.

- SSAS'S
It was a country to me that we
traversed, a rolling country, but not
thickly settled, although the road ap-
peared to be a well-beaten track. The
gloom, coupled with the rapidity Of
our movements, prevented me from
seeing anything other than those dim
objects close at hand, yet We were
evidently travelling almost straight
east. | endeavored to enter into con
yersation with the two fellows riding
on either side of me, but neither n
so much as turned his head In re-
Spouse to my voice, and | soon tired
of the attempt. The night told me
little of who they might be, although
they were both In the uniform OF the
Queens Rangers, the n called Peter
on my right a round, squat hgure, and
~bald-headed, his bare scalp SHINING
oddly when once he removed his
cooked hat; the other was an older
man, with gray chin beard, and gilt
tering display Of teeth.
The movements of my horse caused
the ropes to laoerate my wrists and
ankles, the pain increasing so that
once or twice | cried out. The fell
lows guarding me did not even turn
their heads, but the lieutenant drew
up his horse so as to block us.
What Is the trouble? Are you
hurt?"
These ropes are tearing into the
flesh" l groaned. I'D be just as safe
IL they were loosened a bit"
l saw him lean forward, shading his
face with one hand, as he stared
toward me through the darkness. |
thought he drew a quick breath as
from surprise, and there was a mo-
ment's hesitancy.
Let out the ropes a trile, Peter"
came the final order.
The little b~ald-headed mar went at
II without a word, the lieutenant rein
ing back his horse slightly, and draw
ing his hat lower over his eyes. In
the silence one of the horses neighed,
and the boy seemed to straighten in
his saddle, glancing suspiciously about
Ride ahead slowly, T%onepah," he
ordered, "ITl catch up with you" He
turned back toward me. Who are
you, anyway"
Surprised at the unexpected ques
ton. my first thought was to conceal
nv identity. These were Kings men,
and | was in ordinary clothes-the
rough homespun furnished by Farrell.
If. by any chance, l was not the party
they had expected to waylay, | might
he released without search.
Who am II" ! echoed. DO you
mean you have gone to all this trouble
without knowing whom you hold pris-
oner?"
ut seems So" coolly. I'VE know
who we thought you were, but | am
beginning to doubt your being the
right man. Peter, take his hat of"
Strengthened up bareheaded. the
faint star-gleam on my face. The lieu
tenant remained quiet, but Peter broke
his sphinx.like silence.
"T amt him, is it?'
mo; he must have taken the other
road after ALL" with q slight laugh.
We've been on a wild-goose chase.
However, it's too late now to catch
the fellow on this trip"
Peter rubbed his bald pate. his eyes
on me.
AN whatn we do with this lad?"
he answered drawlingly. Turn him
loose?"
Bring him along. Wen find out to-
morrow who he is, and what his bust
ness may be. Men are not riding these
roads at midnight without some pur-
pose"
He wheeled his horse, and, with a
touch of the spur, disappeared in the
darkness ahead. Peter clambered back
into the saddle, and gripped my rein.
Come on" he said disgustedly, kick
ing the black in the side. IT'S a ways
yet afore yer lie down"
W. rode steadily, and at a good
pace. Occasionally the older man
swore solemnly, but Peter never ut
tered a sound, not even turning his
head at my attempts to draw him into
conversation. The situation mystiied
me. but 1t became more and more evi.