Tazewell Republican. [volume] (Tazewell, Va.) 1892-1919, 1912-05-30

70 de Lawd's sake, yer don't actu-
ally mean ter steal dem hosses?"
Keith glanced about at the others
dim. black shadow.
Sure not; just borrow EN-"
But OATS a hangin' job in dis yere
country. Massa Jack"
Sure It is II they catch us. But
we'd be strung up anyway, and we
can't be hung twice. Besides there is
a chance for us with the ponies, and
none at all without. An hours start
In the saddle. Neb, and this bunch
back here viii never even find our
trail; pledge you that Come, boy,
stay close with me-"
1t was the quiet, confident voice OF
assured command, of one satisfied
with his plans, and the obedient negro.
breathing hard, never dreamed OF op-
position; all instinct of slavery held
him to the dominion Of this white mas
ter. Keith leaned forward. staring at
the string of deserted ponies tied to
the rail. Success depended on his
choice, and he could judge very little
In that darkness. Men were strag-
CLING In along the street to their right,
on foot and horseback, and the sa-
loon on the corner was being well pat
ronized. a glow of light streamed
forth from It's windows, and there was
the sound of many voices. But this
narrow alley was deserted. and black.
The fugitive stepped boldly forward.
afraid that otherwise he might startle
the ponies and thus create an alarm.
Guided by a horseman's instinct he
swiftly ran his hands over the animals
and made quick selection.
Here, Neb. take this fellow; lead
him quietly down the bank" and he
thrust the loosened rein into the
blacks hand.
An instant later he had chosen his
own mount, and was silently moving
in the same direction, although the
night there was so black that the
obedient negro had already entirely
vanished. The slope OF the land not
only helped cover their movements.
but also rendered it easy for them to
iud one another. Fully a hundred yards
westward they met, where a gully led
directly down toward the river. There
was no longer need for remaining on
foot. as they were a sufficient distance
away from the little town to feel no
fear of being discovered unless by
Some drunken straggler. At Keith's
command the negro climbed INTO his
saddle. Both ponies were FESTIVE, but
not vicious, and after a plunge or two.
to test their new masters, came easily
under control. Keith led the way.
moving straight down the gully. which
gradually deepened. burying them in
It's black heart, until It finally de-
bouched onto the river sands. The
riotous noises OF the. drunken town
died slowly away behind. the night
silent and dark. The two riders could
scarcely distinguish one another ar
ltey drew rein at the edge Of the wa
Ter. To the southwark there cleaned
cluster of lights. marking the posi-
ton Of the camp OF regulars. Keith
drove his horse deeper into the stream
and headed northv ard, the negro fol
lowing ike 4 shadow.
There was ford directly opposite
the c2ntonment, ard another. more
dangerous. and known to only a few.
three miles farther up stream. Keep
Ing well within the waters edge. so
as to thus completely obscure their
tran, yet not daring to venture deep 70,
fear OF striking quicksand. the plains
man set his pony struggling forward.
until the dim outline ef the bank 1t
his right rendered him confident that
they had attained the proper point for
crossing. He had been that way only
once before. and realized the danger of
attempting passage in such darkness.
but urgent need drove him forward.
Follow me just as close as you can.
boy" he said sternly, and keep both
your feet out Of the stirrups. II your
horse goes down hang to his tail. and
let him swim out"
There was little enough to guide NV
merely a single faint star peering ont
from rift of the clouds. but Keith's
remembrance was that the ford led
sTalSnt out TO the center of the
stream, and then Veered slightly to
ward the right He knew the Sand
rldge was only used by horsemen, not
Deihg VIDE enough for the safe pass