The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-05-14

uTSeu my tiTeG nOTb9 10 RallOp,
pressing upon Craig's heels as closely
as l dared; nor did glance back, for
l knew we'll that dead picket was
lying somewhere by the crossroads,
and that his comrades would be heard
from before dawn. We were moving
brayely now; for the road urder foot
grew better as We advanced, and gave
back the dull thud of soft earth in
stead Of the rattling clang of the
rocks we had been SO long accustomed
to. Then. suddenly. my horse was
jerked almost to a standstill, the hand
upon his bit seemingly as hard as my
own, and / wheeled In the saddle,
pressing my knees tightly to prevent
being thrown. only to perceive the
woman tugging desperately at the
lines.
What now?" asked sharply, and
In sudden anger I forced her to re.
lease her grasp. I'VE must ride, and
ride hard, madam, to be out Of this
Gordon by daylight"
Ride where?"
She faced me stiffly, and there was
a slight sting in her voice, l felt.
"Where?" repeated; then partially
gathering my scattered wits: why,
to the camp We are seeking, OF
course"
/ was conscious that her eyes were
striving anxiously to see my face
In the darkness--that her suspicious
were now fully aroused; yet her quick
retort surprised me.
You le!" she said, coldly. That
was Federal picket he killed"
II was no time for argument, and
knew 1t. Craig. noting our pause, had
ridden back, and refined In beside US
without word.
You are right" said, tersely. I'm
one sense of the word you are q pris-
oner. for the time being. at least, but
not through any wish of mine. We
do not make war on women. and your
being In this situation is altogether an
accident. However. be that as It may,
We must, first OF all, protect ourselves.
would very gladly leave you with
your friends. II possible. but as things
have shaped themselves there remains
but one alternative-you must ride as
I order"
"You-you are not Major Brennan's
friend then? You were not sent by
Frank to meet me9" The questions
burst from her lips so rapidly that
scarcely caught their import.
Il am Captain Phillip Wayne, --th
Virginia cavalry. at your service.
madam" said, calmly, and to the
best Of my knowledge have not the
pleasure OF Major Brsnnan's acQuaint-
ance."
She suddenly lifted the heavy rid.
Ing whip that was cienchod In her
right hand, struck me with It full
across the face, ana then. IA ru'ch.
ly flung up my own arm ~ ward ot
q second blow, she teIt tle lash
swirling down upon 20 ~ TX ci Gar
horse. With one bourd the .aodcued
animal wrenched the re'us from on.
my hands. nearly dragging me from
the saddle, and swervinE sharply to
the left. There was a shock, a smoth
cred oath, a moments fierce struggle
In the darkness. the sharp ping Of the
whip as II came down once, twice
then silence, broken only by deep
breathing.
I've got her, captain" chuckled the
sergeant. softly. but dog-gone II
know what to do with her"
There was small sentiment OF mercy
In my heart as l drew up toward
them. for my cheek burned where the
lash hed struck as though scorched
with hre: but when saw her lean.
ing helplessly forward on her horses
neck. all bravado gone, her hands pin
ioned behind her in the iron grasp
OF the sergeant, my fierce resentment
died away within me.
Let her hands 60, Craig" com
manded, briefly.
She lifted her body slightly from Its
cramped, uncomfortable posture. but
her head remained bowed.
Madam spoke sternly. for mo
ments were OF value now-"listen tC
what | say. We are Confederate sol
diers passing through the Federal
lines with dispatches. In order tc
save ourselves from discovery and
capture we were compelled to take
you In charge. 1t was the fortune OF
war. IL now we could honorably leave
you here We would most gladly oc 80
for having you with us adds vastl, tc
our own danger; but these mountains
are simply overrun with wandering
guerrillas who would show you neither
respect nor mercy. We simply dare
not. as honorable men. leave you here
unprotected. and consequently you
must continue 10 ride In our com
pany. Now answer mo plainly. will
you proceed quietly or shall We be
compelled to tie you to your horse?'
knew she was crying; but with
q ~ a~ nh