The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1912-04-22
CHAPTER v.-contlnued.

CHAPTER V-Contlnueo.
On ole side of us the bank fell away
with such precipitancy that when we
once succeeded in dragging our load
to the edge. we experienced no ditii-
Guilty in sending 1t crashing down
thick underbrush at the bottom OF the
oggre. where l knew it would be com.
pletely hidden. even in the glare of
daylight. from the spying eyes OF any
troopers riding hard upon our track.
As we rapidly worked on this disa-
greeable task. thought and planned:
two horses and three riders-one OF
these a woman in need OF protection
"a dispatch to, be delivered by day
light, at all hazards. 1t was indeed
a difficult proposition. and saw only
q single possible solution. One of our
number must press on; two of US
must remain behind. Which one?
what two? II rode with the dis
patch land how eagerly longed to
do soD and succeeded in bringing
Lees message safe to Longstreet. it
AAO0Ae AAuSA ~ OluOlAOns Oio-
tinction. honor. On the other hand.
II remained behind. and Craig sue
cessfully carried out the duty which
had been especially intrusted to me,
! should be fortunate indeed to escape
with reprimand instead of more &C.
rious consequences II failure result
ed, 1t meant certain and deserved dis
grace. Yet could absolutely trust
him with the dispatch; he was a SOL
der. and would faithfully perform a
soldiers duty. More. he would carry
the message with even greater GER
tainty than l, for he knew the roads
much better. and-I write the words
hesitatingly-l could not trust him
there alone with the woman.
glanced. aside at him as thus
turned the pArplexing situation over
In my mind-a tall. gaunt mountain
eer. whose sole discipline OF mind and
body had been the army; hardened by
service until every muscle in his lean
sinewy frame was like steel, a cavalry
man who would follow his leader into
the very Jaws Of hell.
Sergeant" | asked, Ringing aside
the improvised brush. how far do you
suppose we are from Longstreet's
picket line?"
Ten miles at the very best, SIR
he answered promptly. AN reckon
with another Yankee outpost atween."
with fair luck and good riding it
might be made by daylight"
Il reckon as how it might, captain,
II we only he'd sum fresh hosses." he
said glumly; but It's bin mighty hard
on my nag; I've looked fer him to roll
over like yer sorrel did fer the las
two mile"
We'll. Craig. you shall have both
horses. Ride the woman's. 1t is the
fresher OF the two; but you are to
get through II you kill them both and
then walk"
II no other way. Wait here a moment
while speak with her."
left him standing there. and moved
back to where she waited. AS ! came
up she faced me. and for the first time
(for the night had lightened some
what) could see her eyes and dis.
Germ some faint outline OF her face
where the night wind flung back the
upturned cape. 1t was q winsome
sight to soldier vision, but with a GER
tain semblance Of pride and reserve
about It that caused hesitancy in my
speech strange to me.
'Madam,"-l rested my hand upon
her horses name and looked at her
with glance as proud as her own
1t might be as well for you to draw
the cape closer about your face at
present There are rough men in all
armies who would consider your
beauty a lawless prize. The life we
lead Is not conducive to gentleness;
virtue is not born in camps. and 1t
would be better not to provoke a dan
ger which may be SO easily avoided"
You claimed. | believe, to be an
,ticer and a gentleman" she said
loidiy.
smiled. even as | felt the full
chill of her words. and my purpose
stlifened within me.
Even as l yet claim. and trust to
be able to prove to your satisfaction"
my eyes looked unfalteringly into
hers-"but unfortunately. have one
with me tonight who is neither.
would that he were for my own sake
However. madam, let that pass. The
fact Is here. and We have no time to
argue or quarrel. have already told
you that we ride with dispatches for
iOngstreet These must GO forward
1t all hazards. for thousands of hu-
man lives depend upon them: yet |
iare not leave you here alone and un-
protected to the mercies Of the
wolves who haunt these hills"
You are exceedingly kind"
The tone IN which she spoke was
aus. sarcastic.
4 ,t' YOU for your appfobatior."