Pierre weekly free press. (Pierre, S.D.) 1889-19??, 1912-08-22


US. and had every reason. to belieys
that the Intimacy of the past few days
had created /, friendship dangerous to
his ambition. My rough treatment OF
him would never have led to such re-
prisal as comprising my death as
spy. There must be another cause,
and that cause was lean Densiow.
He stepped in between the guard
and stood still staring at me.
King" lie questioned percmptorfly.
lis there any truth i'll what have
Just heard that those murders In the
house were committed hy a woman:
YES" said. surprised at the emo
ton in his voice. II saw her"
You saw her. What was she liSe?'
"A TIM. haggard face. with wild
eyes aud s,rgsly gray hair
he stopped, gaining control of him
self with an effort. do you know
what I'm going to do With you?
am going To hang you to that tree yon-
der as Il Yankee spy"
THAT will he brave deed. Lieuten
AMI Dunn. but one you are no doubt
capable of But there is one thing you
did not dare do-confess your purpose
to lean penslow."
This has nothing to do with her
Oh. | know the trick you played on
the girl. and believe she will rejoice
to be thus easily rid of you. You may
not be a spy. but you have done a
spy.s work and are going to meet
sues foto CopporSi'
The sergeant. who had been watching
MS through half closed eyes, rose to his
fec, and saIuted.
Here. sir"
The sergeant grinned. looking me
over coolly. Dunn evidently knew his
man. for he snapped out his orders
sharply.
'Unstrar his logs and get him on his
feet. Take the fellows Jacket off: the
collar is too high. Here. Mum. YOU
and Franklin hold him by the arms.
1 That's right. men: outside with him
Well give the lad another look at the
| sunshine"
They We're grimly in earnest. hold.
/ Ing me roughly and forcing me for
ward through the door. saw the back
of the house hundred yards away.
most of the troop of cavalrymen loung
linz beside the well. The majority re
manned where they We're. staring curl
ouSly at us. hut a half dozen got upon
their feet and strolled in our direction
Scarcely knowing what did. vet obey
ing the pressure on either side. al
vauced until jerked to II lrl!t. Before
| NE dangled rome With Il Moose mt the
end | heard bird singing on the
branch above. vet | sew nothing but o
maze of faces and that dangling moose
which was intended TO choke out my
life Some one struck me. and the
blow broke the spell looked in1o
Connors' face. then beyond MIN into
the eyes of Dunn.
You internal curt" said coldly
"If you think this wins you the won.
an you'll learn your mistake"
hand reached over my shoulder
grasped the rope. and felt the moose
settle about my neck and tighten.
know not from whence She came
or how. In that first second thought
it dream. vision. but it was Jean
and she looked questioninglv at the
sergeant. what are you going TO do? q
He stammered. We We're goin' tc
hang a spy. maam"
This man is no spy Lieutenant
Dunn, you are in command here. Is
this Jest or earnest?"
This is military matter" he begar
roughly, land no affair of yours what
ever. Jean | will not brook your in
reference This man has penetrated
our lines He has taken information
derived as a spy to Federal headquar
ters In ordering his execution an
doing no more than any other officer
would
She looked directly into his face. be,
cleat eyes reading the truth behind
mis- words Suddenly she turned
grasped the rope and lifted the MOOSE
over my head.
THAT Is my answer" she said quiet
~. lyon shall not hang this man
ne is not spy: he is not here as spy
he is my husband"
Whatever veneer of gentleness Cal
vert Dunn might assume on occasion
was gone now. With Redeemed face
!: and bIazing eyes he sprang forward
grasped her arm and flung her aside
so fiercely that she fell upon one knee
.'Your husband!" he shouted. fairly
beside himself with rage. Yes, by q
.r:ck-e dirty contemplate Yankee
, trick. Now I'll play another and d.
, vorce you"
saw only the girls face as she
staggered to her feet. 1t was white
J the lips firm set, the eyes burning.
IL have not said desired divorce
"Well. / do. and I'm going to hang
this man. You can stay and see the
job done or you can leave. just as got
please. Connors, replace that roper'
saw quick movement of the girl;
hand, an outstretched arm. the glitter
of Il steel barrel.
Lieutenant Dunn" she said. hel
voice without tremor. II am wo
man, but you are going to listen t.
| Z .