The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-07-16

later we were both running thr> gh
the darkness toward the see. u
trouble.
What is 1t, Sands?" / questioned
breathlessly, as I came suddenly upon
the little group.
"A fellar on hossback," was the an
swer. "He come up on us like a
streak out O thet black hollor, an he'd
a sure got away eff Mason hedn't
dubbed him with his gun. I've got
the cuss safe collared now"
who are you?" | asked sternly,
striving in vain to see something of
him through the darkness. Where
were you riding?"
l had scarcely spoken when our
prisoner thrust Sands roughly aside
and took one hasty step toward me.
MY God, Wayne! Is it possible this
is you?" he cried excitedly.
"Caton?" / exclaimed, as surprised
as himself. "Caton? What Is it.?
What Is wrors. Are you from the
Minor house! Has 1t been attacKed?'
YES" he answered, painting yet
I'VE were to start North with the IA
dies at nine o'clock, but the house
was surrounded as soon as 1t became
dark. Those devils supposed 1t to be
unguarded. and advanced without pre-
cautions. We fired and drove them
back. He had repulsed three attacks
when l left at eleven, but three of our
men were already hit"
"You were after aid?"
81 was striving to reach our ad-
vance pickets at Mcmillan. It seemed
the only possible chance, and none Of
the men would volunteer to make the
ride. One was killed trying it before
started. God knows how / hated to
leave them, but 1t 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 God! / knew you would"
he cried joyfully, grasping me again
fervently by the hand. you are not
one to hesitate over the color of a
uniform at such a time as this. Only,
Wayne" and he hesitated an instant,
lit Is right should tell you that Bren-
nan Is there, and In command"
II know it, 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
be hunted down like wild beats. l
have seen specimens of their flendish
cruelty that make my blood run cold
! to 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 fighting
men have you?"
Seven fit for duty"
"Will you ride forward, or 60 back
with us?"
/ I'VE must send woodland the gal
liant fellows voice shook-"but God
knows, Wayne, l want to go back II
We both live l am to marry Celia
Minor"
Il understand" / said gravely.
"Ebers, who Is your best rider?"
1T vos dot funny leetle yellow Glen,
Captain"
Glen, come here"
The trooper, mere boy, with
freckled face and great honest gray
eyes, but wiry and tough as steel,
| pushed his way through the group and
! faced me-
Glen" I said, your Sergeant tells
me you arc the best rider in the troop.
l 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 If 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 to the commandant of the first
military post you find. Insist upon
reaching him In person. 1t makes no
difference which army the post be-
longs to, for this is a matter of hu-
manity. The Federal outpost at Nc
MILAN is the nearest to us; make for
there. You understand"
The boy saluted gravely, all mis-
chief gone from his face.
81 do, sir" he said. But I'd darn
! sight rather stay here and fight"
you will be back In plenty of time
to take hand. my lad. Now, mem
and | turned to the dark, expectant
ring about me-"thts Is no 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 wom-
err, three of them Virginians, are at
tackled at the house We have just left
by large party Of bushwhacking
guerillas, the offscourings Of hell.
Every one of you knows what that
means VIII Won % with ma m tbair