The Miller press. [volume] (Miller, S.D.) 190?-current, 1913-02-20

was not in my heart to believe she had
| deceived me.
had almost forgotten where l was,
as well as the presence of my com.
panion. when he suddenly arose to his
feet, and, pushing aside the wooden
window shutter, looked out. A glance
Of his keen eyes was sufficient.
Get back into your box, Major" he
exclaimed, quickly. Pull the papers
over you"
was upon my feet, conscious OF the
distant sound of horses hoofs.
What Is it? The enemy3'
Rangers; fifty of them, ! Judge, an
they'll never pass here without rum
maging around. Quick now, uLder COW
err"
but what about yourself?"
Don't worry about me; those fell
lows haven't any evidence against me
yet. They're after you"
| was through the intervening door
with a bound and an instant later had
burrowed under the crumpled papers
The shifting of the sun had left this
corner of the repair shop In shadow,
but | was scarcely outstretched In my
hastily ~improvised hiding place, when
| heard the blacksmith calmly open
his outer door, where he stood snos.
ing, clad In leathern apron, awaiting
the approaching horsemen. They
swept about the corner of the smithy
almost at the same moment, pulling
up their tired horses at sight of him.
From amid the thud Of hoofs, and the
rattle OF accoutrements, a voice spoke
sharply:
s you're here, Farrell, you old
rebel hypocrite. Well, what are you
hiding now?"
II vas not aware that | had any.
thing to hide. Captain Grant" was the
dignified response. This Is my shop,
an where should be-"
"Oh, hell! We all know you well
enough, you old fox. and well catch
o re~d-handed yet, and hang you.
But we're no hunting after your kind
today. Did you see anything of a fell
low in scarlet jacket along here last
nNBnt, OF THIS morning
l failed to catch Farrell's answer,
but the voice of the officer was suf-
~tfciently loud to reach me.
"A rebel spy; the sneaking rascal
must have swan the Delaware. Well
look about your shop Just the same
before we ride on. Mason. take a half
dozen men with you, and rake the
pisce over"
i heard the sound of their boots on
the door. and burrowed lower in my
bog. Two or three entered the old
shop, and began to probe about among
the debris. One kicked the box In
which | lay. and thrust a bayonet
down through the loose papers, barely
messing my shoulder. With teeth
cliachtd ! remained breathless,> but
the fellow seemed satisfied, and moved
on. after searching the dark corner
beyond. At last | heard them all go
out, mumbilng to each other, and VEN
tured to SIT up again. and draw a fresh
breath. They had left the door ajar.
and had O. glimpse through the crack.
Farrell al leaning carelessly in the
outer doorwar, smoking, his short legs
wide apart, his expression one of total
indifference. A big fellow stepped
past him, and saluted some one lust
out OF sight.
Nobody In there. sir" he reported.
"All right, Mason" and Grant came
into view or a rangy sorrel. Get
your men back into saddle; weIl
move on"
Think he went this way?" asked
the blacksmith carelessly.
How the hell do l know!" savage
~. HE must have started this way,
SUIT likely he took the north road.
Well get the chap before night, unless
lie runs into Delavan's fellows out
ycnder. See here. Farrell" holding In
his horse, well be back here about
dark. and viii want something I o eat"
You will be welcome to all you
find"
You impudent rebel. you see that
you are here when we come. l know
you. you night rider. and will bring
you 20 book yet. Forward men-trot.
Close up the rank there. sergeant;
Wen take the road to the left"
| watched them go past. the dust
covered green uniforms slipping by
the crack OF the door. as the men
urged their horses faster. Farrell
never moved. the blue tobacco smoke
above his head. and ! stole
across the Uttered storeroom to . cob
webbed window, from which / could
watch the little column Of riders go
down the hill. They finally disap-
peared In the edge OF q grove. and ]
turned around to find tae blacksmith
against his anvil waiting for
nc.
SGeAiHs~YcRG ke4
"Alwaya ur1n iafne 70 hanx uo |