Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1912-07-25

IelloW Tar enough back from the lines
TO make an open attack possible. Here,
at least, was the only course which
seemed to promise success. l tore of
my Jacket. turning it inside out to hide
the CLEAN of buttons; ripped off the in
sigma from the front Of my SLOUGH hat.
Inu pulled the wide brim low over my
eyes. There would be nothing natty
about Yheilens ,rregulars. ana the
color OF my clothes could not be easily
guessed at In the gloom. All else was
sheer luck ana audacity. was with
in i've feet OF the fellow before ne
even saw me. Before he could draw
his weapon. asked hurriedly:
lis this Captain Doddy"
"N-no; am an officer Of Johnston's
staff" peer1ng forward in vain en-
deavor to decipher my face. "Who are
you! What do you wantY'
II have been sent forward by Cap
tain Theiien. he wants to know where
he Is to bring his men"
The lieutenant stiffened up, the
slight faltering OF bis voice vanished
in an effort at command.
"Oh. see! Well. 1 am technically
In command here. being OF the regular
service. Where Is YheiienI''
Back yonder on the creek. He's
waitin' for orders an guide"
well. hurry back and bring him up
You know the way. don't vouT'
1 stared Off into the black night, as
though it hid thousand mysteries.
We'll. l don't exactly Know" con.
fessed unwtllingly. II got here all
right because the firing from the house
sorter guided me. but them weeds Is
mighty confusin.' an reckon it will
take me right smart while to find my
way back again. You couldn't 20
along. could your"
There was nothing In the request to
arouse suspicion. yet he nesitated. APP
parently at first inclined to refuse.
perhaps considering such a service be-
meath his dignity.
Maybe II you got me as far the
head of that path / might make the
rest all right" suggested doubtfully
1t was plain enough he would prefer
remaining where he was. but anxiety
to have these welcome re-enforcements
hurried forward caused him grudpinr-
~ TO consent
"How large force have your"
"A few over hundred. I reckon"
swell. come on; I'll show you to the
path. You could follow that with your
eyes blindfolded."
IL had forgotten the way myself, or,
rather the night confused me as to
the points of compass. yet as he start
ed of to the right followed, perfectly
satisfied so long as every step took us
farther away from the Immediate
vicinity of the house. We had truv-
ersed the orchard and We're upon the
edge of the weed patch when be came
to sharp halt
Here's where the path begins lead.
ing down to the creek It's not very
straight. but you can't lose 1t, for the
growth is solid on both Sides"
ut all looks the same to me-" staring
beyond him. Where did you say the
entrance WASP"
Right here in 'front.'" half angrily.
what Is the matter with yonr eyes?
III lead you into 1t. and then. perhaps,
you can follow your nose"
He gripped my sleeve. forcing me
forward. The next instant l had my
leg twined about his. never had an
easier Job at tanning man. and be.
fore he got his scattered senses to-
gether ] pressed revolver barrel
against his temple, threatening instant
death II he so much as moved. What.
ever other ambitions Lieutenant Cal.
vert Dunn may have possessed. depar
ture from life surely was not included.
and ! doubt If he winked an eyelash
while stripped him OF weapons and
tightly buckled his waistbelr about his
arms. binding them helplessly against
the body.
''Sorry to be compelled to treat you
In this manner" remarked cooily.
"but 1t seems to be your luck to get in
my way constantly. Besides. believe
you advocated hanging me only few
hours ago"
He recognized me then. and the sud
den gust OF anger overcame his pru
dence. yielding him voice He burst
forth into voley OF oaths.
stop that" the words like bullets.
the grip of my hand shutting Off his
wind. II hold your life in this one
finger and you either obey me or die.
How many men are about this honse?''
He squirmed under the pressure OF
the gun barrel. but comprehended the
necessity for nm immediate answer.
'About sixtv'
"All Donald's guerrillasT'
Except the small squad brought
with me-"
'.How are they posted? %
"Thirty or so in front OF the house.
perhaps dozen at the rear. the others
scattered so as to watch the side win
dows."
mo patrols thrown out to protect the
rear?"
mot so far as know. There may
be a picket on the main road We had
no reason to expect any Yanks from
this direction"
m