Vilas County news. [volume] (Eagle River, Vilas County, Wis.) 1896-1927, 1912-01-17
CHAPTER XlX.-continued.

CHAPTER XIX.-Continued
This gave me inspiration, and be-
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. 1t proved to be a tiny structure.
containing but a single room-prob-
ably a mere fishermans shack, with
out windows, but possessing a door
at either end. Meeting no opposition
| crept within, where | felt some
what safer from observation. and then
peered warily forth into the darkness
extending between it and the river.
The picket-rope stretched from one
corner of the hut, where it seemed to
be secured around the end of a pro
iecting log, out into the night, eYi-
IDENTIFY finding it's other terminus at
big tree whose spreading top could
dtmly perceive Swallowed against the
sky. Along it were tethered the
horses, a few impatiently champing
their bits and pounding with their
boots on the trampled ground, but 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.
Il L i
to NE that the deserted hut might
contain something could use to adj
vaniage-a fTearm, perhaps, or even
q stray box Of matches. | felt about
ME cautiously, creeping along the
hard carthen floor until | had nearly
reached the opposite entrance. The
tight from the fire without leaped up.
and its glow revealed saddle, with
leather holster attached, hanging to
a nail just within the doorway Mov-
ing noiselessly managed to extract a
revolver, but could discover no cart
ridges.
was yet fumbling in the holster
pocket when the lieutenant rose from
his seat without, knocked the ashes
= y,
ing directly between me and the fire,
and then, turning sharply. walked
slowly into the open door Of the hut.
sprang to my feet. or he would GER
Eainly have stepped upon me, and be-
lore he could realize the situation /
had him by the collar, with the cold
zmuzzle of my stolen revolver pressed |
hard against his cheek
A single word or sound. and |
ltire," said sternly.
l have no recollection of ever see
ing any one more completely as
founded He gasped like a fish newly
landed, and | doubt if he could have
made utterance even had he dared
Como in a little farther" | com
manded Now look here. Lieutenant
you d exactly as tell you and you
will st cut of this affair with whole
skin; otherwise-well. 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. and
drew back the hammer with an omin- !
oUs click. cycling him flercely.
We'll" said shortly, 90 voa
choose to answer, or die?'
Two"
"On the other bank?"
None"
Lieutenant" | said, speaking low, !
out in a tone which left no doubt as to !
my exact meaning. Il am an escaped |
prisoner, and shall not hesitate to Kill !
rather than be recaptured. 1t is your
life or mine tonight, and | naturally |
prefer my own; but III give you one |
chance. and only one-obey my orders |
and will leave you here uDaurt: dis |
obey, and your life is not worth the |
snap of a finger. Move back now I'M
till you face the door, and don't forget I
my pistol is within an zach Of your |
ear. and this is a hair trigger, What ,
Is your sergeant's name?"
"Handley."
order him to take ten me1 on foot /
one hundred yards west on the pike, /
and wait further orders
"Handley.' he called out. his voice T
81 ehoked with rage as to make me I
FEARFUL il migat arouse suspicion, |
.,ake ten mea on foot 20 the cross (!