The Ocala evening star. [volume] (Ocala, Fla.) 1895-1943, 1914-04-21


trail ended there / explored the bank
without result. There were tears
glimmering in Rene's eyes, as 1 came
back-she also was beginning to un-
derstand. Without a word l waded
out into the water, and swan across to
the other shore. There was nothing
there-no sign, no mark OF any de-
scription-and 1 came back to where
she waited. wading out with dripping
garments to the bank
"There-there was nothing, mon
sieur?"
Nothing" answered gravely. He
has not crossed over" hesitated an in
slant. but could not resist the question
ing horror in her eyes. You under
stand, do you not?"
"You-you think" she faltered, that
Monsieur Brady has-has killed him.
seif?''
HE has given his life for others, my
diers OF st. Clair's.'
She stood moment. silent, tears on
her checks, looking blindly out at the
water Then she sank upon her knees.
holding the crucifix against her face.
l could see the movement of her lips,
but heard nothing; only l knew that
she prayed for his soul. and my own
eyes were moist as knelt beside her.
Then l lifted her up by the hand, and
we went back up the hill to the camp.
There was nothing to hope for in
Ill H,~<x, lox
Without the exchange of word we
packed what few things we had. and
started. following the bank of the
stream.
1t was a raw November morning that
we came Unexpectedly upon St. Glars
outposts. The ground was covered
with snow, and the little pools were
SKINNED over with thin ice. 1t had
been too cold to rest, and we had
walked much Of the night. afraid to
build fire. Chilled to the marrow
by the icy wind that swept through
the trees and buffeted us, l had
wrapped the girl in our only blanket,
fastening it about her head and face,
hurt as l did SO by the dumb. pa
tent, bewildered look in her eyes, She
tried to protest, yet at my first stern
word ceased and wrapped herself
closely in the folds. was in front,
breaking the trail that she might have
easier marching, when suddenly a
man stepped out of thicket, and with
gun at my breast roughly commanded
halt. I paused instantly. uncertain
as to which side the challenger was
on, yet glance at his face and dress
treasured me.
"Who are yer, an what do yer
want?" he asked suspiciously.
Il am an officer of the Fort Harmar
garrison" / answered, with news
from the north. To what command
do you belong?"
THE Kentucky militia" he acknowl-
edged sullenly Colonel Oldham"
Where is your colonel?"
Back yonder on that rise o. ground;
you kin go on, but I'll keep an eye
on yer"
We left him. following the direction
pointed out, hearing him call to some
one in our rear, yet paying no heed.
The very ease with which he had
passed us on was evidence enough OF
lax discipline, and small conception
of the danger of the command. There
was a plain track through the snow,
which led to a camp fire blazing cheer
lily in a grove of trees. with maybe a
dozen men clustered about it. No one
appeared to notice US as we drew near.
(Which is Colonel Oldham"
asked, glancing about the group. One
stood up, a smooth-faced. ruddy-
checked man of fifty, with iron-gray
hair, and eyes that looked as IL they
laughed easily. l liked him at first
glance.
THAT is my name," he said shortly.
What is it? st. Denis. mani" as his
glance swept over me. you look as
if you had been far from the settle
ments and had hard trip
81 have, sir; l come from the Maui
mee l am an officer of regulars with
news of Importance for st. Clair
Every eye was on me now and Old
ham took step nearer.
THE Maumee." he exclaimed. cay,
that is journey. News for st. Clair,
you say-what news? There was a
rumor down below that the Indians
of the northwest were mastering.
Know you anything of that?"
They have already mustered, sir.
was at their rendezvous. Even now
| they are at my heels-the whole of
| them, Shawnees, Miamis, Delawares,
| Wyandots and, for all know, as many
more There are white renegades with
| them, and English officers 1 suspect
/ saw Hamilton myself on the Maui
NEE, and he evidently was managing
| affairs"
There was a muttering of voices.
and Oldham let out an oath.
well, sir. / believe it, but I'll be
hanged if you can make st. Clair. The
arrogant old fool may listen to you,
| but l doubt even that He thinks this