The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1912-02-03

main picket post amt more nor a
hundred yards ter the right o. ther
crossin'"
He did not remount. but. with reins
flung loosely over his arm. led the
way slowly forward. and carefully We
followed him.
What had become OF the sentinel
did not know. respecting Craig's evil
dent desire for silence: but as we
drew nearer the White Briar road
sought in vain TO pierce the dense
gloom and note some sign OF strug-
gle. some darker shadow where a
body might be lying. There was moth.
ing visible TO tell the story.
The sergeant walked without the
least hesitation across the open space.
directly into the deep shadows oppo-
site. where the cross-road continued
TO hold way. Crouching low in the
saddle, we followed him as silently
as though we were but spirits OF the
night. Up the road | caught the red
CLEAN OF fire almost spent, and a
black figure crossed us, casting an odd
shadow against the face OF the rock
where II was lighted by the pickering
red blaze II was all over in a mo-
ment mere glimpse, but II formed
one OF those sudden pictures which
paint themselves on the brain and
can never after be effaced recall
yet the long shade cast by the mans
gun, the grotesque shape OF his flap
ping army overcoat. the quick change
In the silhouette as he wheeled 10 re-
trace HIS beat But there was no
noise not even the sound OF his foot
steps reaching us Even as | gazed
lying open at full length upon my
horse. we had crossed the open, and a
perfect tangle Of low bushes hid us
as completely as II we had entered the
awning mouth Of cavern.
a hundred yards or more OF sharply
curying road densely lined with shrub
berry on either hand and then Craig
swung into saddle and again gave
spur 10 his horse.
we must ride for II now" he said.
tersely when thet patrol makes
their round, them fellers win be after
Us hot
/ urged my tired horse TO gallop,
pressing upon Craig's heels as closely
as / dared; nor did | glance back. Tor
! knew we'll that dead picket was
lying somewhere by the crossroads,
and that his comrades would be heard
from before dawn. We were moving
bravely now; for the road under foot
grew better as We advanced, and gave
back the dull thud OF soft earth in
stead OF the rafting clang OF the
rocks we had been so long accustomed
to- Then, suddenly, my horse was
jerked almost to a standstill, the hand
upon his bit seemingly as hard as my
own, and | wheeled in the saddle.
pressing my knees tightly TO prevent
being thrown, only TO perceive the
woman Juggling desperately at the
lines.
What now?" | asked sharply, and
in sudden anger / forced her to re-
lease her grasp. I'VE must ride. and
ride hard madam. to be out OF this
Gordon by daylight"
Ride where?"
She faced me stiffy, and there was
a slight sting in her voice. ! felt.
"Where?" / repeated: then partially
gathering my scattered Wits why,
10 the camp we are seeking, OF
course"
was conscious that her eyes were
striving anxiously 10 see my face
in the darkness-that her suspicious
were now fully aroused. yet her quick
retort surprised me
You lie" she said, coldly THAT
was a Federal picket he killed
II was no time for argument and
knew e. Craig, noting our pause. had
ridden back, and refined in beside US
without a word.
You are right" | said, tersely. In
one sense OF the word you are a pris-
oner, for the time being, at least. but
not through any wish OF mine. We
do not make war on women. and your
being in this situation is altogether an
accident However. be that as II may
We must. first OF all. protect ourselves.
] would very gladly leave you with
your friends. II possible. but as things
have shaped themselves there remains
but one alternative-you must ride as
| order"
"You-you are not Major Brennans
friend then? You were not sent by
Frank 10 meet me?" The questions
burst from her lips so rapidly that
| scarcely caught their import
Il am Captain Phillip Wayne. til
Virginia cavalry. at your service.
madam ! said. calmly, and TO the
best OF my knowledge have not the
pleasure OF Major Brennan's scquaint.
ance"
She suddenly lifted the heavy rid
ing whip that was clenched In her
right hand. struck me with IL full
across the face. and then. as quick
ly flung up my own arm 10 ward or
second blow, she sent the lash