Dakota farmers' leader. (Canton, S.D.) 1890-19??, 1912-01-26
CHAPTER NH.-continued.

tor q Federal ofncer VINO came 10 keep IL
CHAPTER Ill.-Continued.
The lady! Heavens! What ode
turn OF fortunes wheel was this? Th'
lady. | heard Craig's smotheree
chuckIe, but before l had sufficient,
regained control over my own feel
ings to venture upon a suitable reply
the entire party had drawn forward
the leader pressing SO close to my side
hat | felt safer with my face wei
shaded.
Where is our escort, major?" he
asked, and the gruffness of his tone
put me instantly on defense.
"Just behind <us." returned, with
affected carelessness, and determined
now to play out the game, lady or nc
lady. l was extremely sorry for her
but the cause outweighed her comfort
"The sergeant and l rode out ahead
when we heard you coming. Where
is the lady?"
He glanced around at the group
huddled behind him.
Third on the left"
"All right, then. Nothing else,
believe" for l al eager to get
away. Sergeant, just ride in there
and lead out her horse. We will have
to be moving, gentlemen. for 1t Is a
rough road and a dark night"
"Beastly," assented the other, heart
fly.
/ fairly held my breath as Craig
rode forward. II one of them should
chace to strike a match to light a
pipe, or any false movement Of Cratg's
should excite suspicion! II he should
even speak, his soft southern drawl
would mean instant betrayal. And
how coolly he went at 1t; with a
sharp touch Of the spur, causing his
faded horse to exhibit such sudden
restlessness as to keep the escort
we'll to one side, while J ranged close
up to u unwelcome guest, and lay
ing firm hand upon her horses bit.
let forth to where l waited. 1t was
nobly done. and l could have
Rugged the fellow.
We'll, good luck to you. major,
and a pleasant ride. Remember me to
Deuced queer. though, why
he failed to show up on such an oc-
casion as this"
He was unfortunate enough to DO
sent out In the other direction with
gentlemen"
It was sweet music to me to listen
behind us as we turned back down the
dark road, the sergeant still riding
with his one hand grasping the
rein. endeavored to scan
her figure in the blackness, but found
the effort useless. as little more than
. shadow was visible. Yet it was i'm
pressed upon me that she sat straight
and firm in the saddle. so l concluded
she must be young.
Madam" l began, seeking to feel
my way with caution into her conf
dence. Il fear you must be quite
wearied by your long ride"
She turned slightly at sound Of my
voice.
mot at all, sir; I am merely eager
70 push on. Besides, my ride has not
been q long one, as we merely came
from General Sigel's headquarters"
The voice was pleasantly modulated
md refined.
"Ah, yes, certainly" l stammered,
fearful lest had made q grave mis-
lake. But really l had supposed
General Sigel was at Coultervills."
He advanced to Bear creek yes
tsrday." she returned quietly. 80
vou see we had covered scarcely more
han three miles whom We met. How
farther is 1t to where Major
Brennan Is stationed?"
fear I was guilty OF hesitancy, but
{ was only for q moment
II am unable to tell exactly, for, a.
{ chances. l have never yet been in
he camp. but should Judge that two
lours' riding will cover the distance"
why" in q tone Of sudden surprise.
Captain Hale certainly told me 1t
vas all Of twenty milesl"
From Bear creek?" questioned
'agerly. for It was my turn to feel
now. THE map barely makes
{ ten"
ut is but ten, and scarcely that, by
he direct White Briar road: or, ut
i least, so l heard some OF the
younger officers say; but It seems the
pickets are posted 20
lose to the White Briar that my
riends decided 1t would be unsafe to
)roceed that way"
This was news indeed-news 20 un-
Ixpectsd and startling that l forgot
caution.
Then what road do they call this 7"
She laughed at my evident igno-
ancs. q we'll ~ the eagerness OF my
one.
Really, you are . most peculiar
she exclaimed gayly. You Al
most convince me that you are lost
sir, out Of my vast knowl-
ldge Of this mysterious region. l am
lble to enlighten you to some extent.
are now riding due southwark
dong the Allentown pike"
Craig leaned forward 20 ~ to look
lcross her horses neck to whore
ode o. the opposite side.
May I speak : word, sir9. he
lsked. cautiously.
Certainly. sergeant; do you make
anything out Of al this7"
Yes. sir" he answered eagerly. Il
NOW now exactly how We missed Il,
I'D Whero We are Tho cutof to the
vvAits Br1ar I spoke to you about this
l1tornoon cannot BE- more than Z hun
A~HA- 49, d wsG8E@a fa-