Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1912-01-03
CHAPTER XIX ontinued.

MS save me iH5IiIhllUHs anu bt-
fore the speakers sullen growl had
wholly ceased was again upon hands
and knees. silently cropping my way
along the bank toward the rear Of the
hut. II proved to be a tiny structure.
containing but single room--prob-
ably a mere flsherman's shack. with
out ".!ndows. but possessing door
at either end. Meeting no opposition
! crept within where | felt some
what safer from observation, and then
peered warlly forth into the darkness
extending between II and the river.
The pieket-rope stretched from one
corner of the hut. where IL seemed to
be secured around the end OF a pro
5ecting log, out into the night, evil
IDENTIFY finding its other terminus at
big tree whose spreading top I could
dimly perceive Swallowed against the
sky. Along II were tethered the
horses. few impaliently champing
their bits and pounding with their
hoofs on tho trampled ground, bu the
majority resting quietly their heads
hanging sleepily down. The one near
est me appeared a finely proportioned
animal OF a dark color, and was
equipped with both saddle and bride.
of the soldier In charge | could dis.
tinguish nothing-doubtless he was
lounging on his back. half asleep upon
some soft patch of grass
! turned when It suddenly occurred
10 me that the deserted hut might
contain something could use to ad-
yantage--a firearm, perhaps, or even
a stray box OF matches | felt about
me cautiously. creeping along the
hard earthen floor until had nearly
reached the opposite entrance. The
light from the fire without leaped up,
and fits glow revealed saddle. with
leather holster attached. hanging to
a mil just within tho doorway. NOV.
ing noisele3siy | managed TO extract a
revolver, but couid discover no cart
ridges.
vas yet fumbling in the holster
pocket when the lieutenant rose from
his seat without, knocked the ashes
from his pipe. yawued sleeplly, stand
:GS directly between me and the fire.
and then. turning sharply, walked
slowly into he open door of the hut
| sprang 70 my feet. or he would GER
tainly have stepped upon me, and be-
fore he could realize the sitmtion /
had him by the collar, with the cold
muzzle Of my stolen revolver pressed
hard against his cheek.
"A single word or sound. and
fire!" | said sternly
have no recollection OF ever see
ing any one more completely as
founded He gasped like a fish newly
landed. and ! doubt II he could have
made uttcrance even had he dared
Gene in a little farther" | com
manded Now look here. Lieutenant.
yon do exactly as tell you and you
will get out Of this affair with a whole
skin otherwise wen, I'm playing
this game TO the limit Now answer
me; How many men have you mount.
ed this side the ford?"
He glared at me sullenly. ana /
drew back the hammer with an omin.
GUS click. eyeing him hercely.
Well. said shortly. do yeu
choose to answer. or die"
Two"
ION the other hank?"
None
Lieutenant" | said. speaking .oW
but in tone which left no doubt as to
my exact meaning. Il am an escaped
prisoner. and shall not hesitate TO kin
rather than be recapJured II Is your
life or mine tonight and naturally
prefer my own; but I'll give you one
chance. and only one-obey my orders
and ! viii leave YOU here unhurt dis
obey and your life is not worth the
snap Of a finger Move back now uu.
till you face the door. and don't forget
my pistol is witAin an inch OF your
ear. and his is a hair trigger. What
IS your seTgeaut's nance"
Haudley."
Order him to take Ten men on foot
one hundred yards west on the pike.
and wait further orders"
HandIey." he called out, his voice
SO chOked with rage as to make me
fearful il might arouse suspicion.
take ten men on foot to the cross
roads and walt there until you hear
from me"
could plainly note the dark shad-
ows Of the fellows as they hled out
past the fire. but ! never ventured 10
take eye or gun of the man watched
How many remain there now"
Seven"
Amy non-corn. among them
A corporal"
Have him take them all south on
the cross roads.
Jones" he called out huskily.
Yes. sir"
Take what Zen you have left 1
hundred yards south on the cross
s9aA