The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-06-21
cOsyrigAL by A. c. MeCisrr A Co
knl<rcd a Stztloocr's HAIL Loodoo-

NnOW tneI sroWled the soldier,
dououuily, but thet thar kid is no
good. an I don't want my hoss all
banged up Just as we're goin' on
campaign. Tain't no sorter way ter
nitch 'em anyhow. to a picket rope:
ruins more hosses than ther Rebs
dew '
thi5 rave me inspiration, and be-
Tore ne speakers sullen growl had
wholly ceased I was again upon hands
and Knees silently cropping my way
along the bank toward the rear OF the
MI. II proved 20 be tiny structure,
containing but d single room-prob.
aoiy moro fisherman's shack. with
out windows. but possessing a door
NJ either end. Meeting no opposition
4 crept within, where I felt some
what safer from observation, and then
peered warily forth into the darkness
extending between II and the river.
The picket-rope stretched from one
corner OF the hut, where IL, seemed TO
DO secured around the end OF a pro-
1ectins log. out into the night, evi.
IDENTITY finding fits other terminus at a
Dig tree whose spreading top could
dfmly perceive shadowed asainst the
sky. Along 1t were tethered the
horses. a few impatiently champing
their BITS and pounding with their
hoofs on the trampled ground. but the
majority resting quietly, their heads
hanging sleepily down. The one near.
est me appeared finely proportioned
animal OF dark color, and was
equipped with both saddle and bride.
OF the soldier In charge I could dis
tnguish nothing-doubtless he was
iounging on his back, half asleep upon
some soft patch Of grass.
1 turned when II suddenly occurred
TO me that the deserted hut might
contain something | could use 10 ad.
vantage--a firearm. perhaps, or even
q stray box OF matches. felt about
ne ceutiously, creeping along the
h'rd 'arthen floor until had nearly
reached ne opposite entrance. The
Hght from ths fire without leaped up,
I'D It's glow revealed a saddle. with
leather holster attached, hanging to
q Ddli iist within the doorway. NOV.
Ing IJiselessly managed to extract q
revolver. but could discover no cart
ridges.
l was yet fumbling In the holster
pocket when the lieutenant rose from
Ms seat without, knocked the ashes
from his pipe. yawned sleepily. stand.
Ing directly between me and the fire.
and then. turning sharply. walked
slowly into the open door OF tho hut.
i sprans to my feet. or he would GER
tainly have stepped upon me. and be-
fore he could realize the situation 1
had him by the collar. with the cold
muzzle OF my stolen revolver pressed
hard against his cheek.
"A single word or sound, and /
rre!" | said sternly.
1 have no recollection of ever Sec
ing any one more completely as
founded. He gasped like a fish newly
landed. and | doubt II he could have
made utterance even had he dared
Come In a little farther" | com.
manded. Now look here. Lieutenant.
you do exactly as tell you and you
Will get out OF this affair with q whole
skin: otherwise--well. I'm playing
this game TO the limit. Now answer
me; How many men have you mount.
cd this side the ford?"
Tie glared at me sullenly. and
drew back the hammer with an omin-
Gus click. cycling him fercely.
Well" said shortly. do you
choose TO answer. or die?"
Two"
"On the other bankr"
None"
Lieutenant" I said. speaking low,
but In tone which left no doubt as 10
my exact meaning. II am an escaped
prisoner. and shall not hesitate TO kill
rather than be recaptured II is your
HE or mine tonight. and naturally
prefer my own; but I'll give you one
chance. and only one--obey my orders
and | will leave you here unhurt: o,s.
obey. and your life Is not worth the
snap OF a finger. Move back now un.
I'LL you face the door. and don't forget
my pistol Is within an inch OF your
ear. and this is hair trigger. What
is your sergeants name?"
"Handley."
Order him TO take ten men on foot
one hundred yards west Oh the pike,
and wait further orders"
"Handley," he called out, his voice
30 choked with rage as to mako me
fearful II might arouse suspicion,
take ten men on foot TO the cross.
roads. and wait there until you hear
from me-"
I could plainly note the dark shad.
ows OF the fellows as they filed out
past the FIRE. but never ventured 10
take eye or gun of the man watched
"lIow many remain there now?"
Seven"
ANY non.com. among them"
rnvpnroI"