The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1912-04-20

later we were both running through
the darkness toward the scene OF
trouble.
What is ii, Sands" | questioned
breathlessly. ms came suddenly upon
the little group.
"A fellar on hossback," was the an
swer. "He come up on US like
streak out o. tibet black hollor, an he'd
a sure got away eff Mason hednt
dubbed him with his gun, I've got
the cuss safe collared now"
WHO are your" | asked sternly.
striving in vain to see something OF
him through the darkness. Where
were you ridingg"
had scarcely spoken when our
prisoner thrust Sands roughly aside
and took one hasty step toward me.
MY God, Wayne! Is 1t possible this
Is your" he cried excitedly
"Caton?" / exclaimed, as surprised
as himself. Cation? What is IL?
What Is wrong. Are you from Me
Minor house? Has 1t been attacKu?'
Yes" he answered, painting yet
from his exertion and excitement
1--WE were to start North with the Ia
dies at nine O'Clock, but the house
was surrounded as soon as IL became
dark. Those devils supposed II to be
unguarded. and advanced without pre-
cautions. We fired and drove them
back He had repulsed three attacks
when left at eleven, but three of our
men were already hit"
.fH
Il was striving TO reach our ad-
vance pickets at Mcmillan. 1t seemed
the only possible chance, and none OF
the men would volunteer TO make the
ride. One was killed trying IL before
| started. God knows how | hated TO
leave them, but II had TO be done.
How many have you?"
"Only twenty; but II we could once
get inside along with your fellows,
we might hold the house until rein
forcements came"
THANK Cod | knew you would"
he cried joyfully, grasping me again
fervently by the hand. You are not
one 20 hesitate over the color or
uniform at such n timo as this. Only,
Wayne" and he hesitated an instant,
1T is right should tell you that Bren-
nan is there, and In command"
II know ii, but those women must
be saved nevertheless" l answered
firmly, my mind settled This is no
time for personal quarreling, and
whatever color OF cloth we wear those
outlaws are our common enemies, to
t,fi1
have seen specimens of their flendish
cruelty that make my blood run cold
20 remember The very thought OF
those who are now exposed falling
into such hands is enough TO craze
one death would be preferable a
thousand times How many lighting
men have your"
Seven III for duty"
win you ride forward, or 90 back
with us?"
I'VE must send woodland the gal
liant fellows voice shook-"but God
knows, Wayne, want TO so back. II
We both live am to marry Celia
Minor
i understand" said gravely.
"Ebers. who Is your best rider?"
II yos dot funny leetle yellow Glen.
Captain"
Glen, come here"
The trooper, a mere boy, with
frcckled face and great honest gray
eyes, but why and tough as steel
pushed his way through the group and
faced me.
Glen ! said, your Sergeant tells
me YOU are the best rider in the troop
! am going to intrust you with the
most important duty OF ALL The lives
OF every one Of us and OF four help
less women depend entirely upon your
riding You take two horses, kill
both II necessary, but stop for moth
Ing until your duty Is done You are
TO carry note from me. and another
from this gentleman, who Is an officer
in the Federal army and deliver them
both 10 the commandant OF the first
military post you find. Insist upon
reaching him In person. II makes no
difference which army the post be
longs 10. for this is a matter OF hui
mainly. The Federal outpost az Nc
MILAN is the nearest to us; make for
there. You understand
The boy saluted gravely, all mis-
chief gone from his face
Il do. sir he said but I'd darn
sight rather stay here and fight"
You Will be back In plenty of time
70 take hand, ms lad. Now, men
and turned TO the dark, expectant
ring about ma--"thIQ A M ordinary
duty OF your enlistment. and wish
no one TO accompany me tonight who
does not volunteer for the service
Seven Federal soldiers and four WON
en-, three OF them Virginlans, are at
tackled at the house we have just LETT
by a large party OF bushwhacking
guerillas the oifscourings OF hell
EXnrN one of Nnu Lnnnn ...hnA thnI