The Huttig news., 1915-09-25

| deliberately taken the weapon for that very purpose. Where had the fellow gone? And what had become of the negro?
 stood there, lamp in one hand and revolver in the other, staring down at the dead face of this man who had once been my fathers friend. Out of the mist fioated the face of the girl. the girl who had waved to me in the road. The vision brought back to me coolness and determination. felt through the pockets of the dead man and found knife, keys and roll of bills untouched, but not scrap of pa- per. On the floor, partially concealed by one arm. was a large envelope, un- addressed, roughly torn open. It was some document. then, the murderer sought, and he had fled with 1t in his possession.
 Intent now on my one purpose of discovery, my mind active and alert, began a rapid search of the house. The front door was fastened and barred proving Taylor had not left that way. There was but one other room on that floor, a kitchen in con siderable disorder, as though the serv- ant had made no effort to complete his work; but it's outer door stood un- latched. Sam must have gone with the mountaineer in his hasty flight must be equally guilty. This was the only conclusion possible, and the knowledge that 1 was left there alone rendered my own position precarious Harwood had surely never ventured into this doubtful region without hay ing soldiers within call, no doubt in the village who, if he failed to appear when expected, would search for him Before they came, and made discov- cry of the dead body, I must be safely beyond reach. If found there, no de- fense, no asseveration of innocence, would ever save me from condemna tion. Their vengeance would be swift and merciless.
 Thinking now only of my own es cape unobserved, l felt my way into the night with my bundle. This would be Federal territory; or if not al ready, nay nights ride would bring me well within their lines before dawn. 1 slipped instantly out of the soiled suit of gray and donned the i'm macnlate blue. buckling the belt about my waist, and securely hooking the saber. Then I scooped out hole in the soft dirt and buried the old uni form. tearing my pass into shreds scattering the fragments broadcast.
 1t was so lonely and still all about that I felt return of confidence, a renewed courage. The house behind me. and the stable before, were mere outlines, scarcely discernible through the gloom. Once safely in the saddle, I circled the gloom of the house si- | lently and followed the roadway to the gate.
 Not light gleamed in any direction and could recall no other house near by. While it remained in view I could i aot remove my eyes from the mansion l had just left, or forget the dead body lying there in the dark. The shying of my horse at the gate caused me to note the black something lying against the post. At first I deemed it | mere shadow, but the animal would not respond even to the spur. and dismounted better to ascertain the cause of his fright. The negro lay there, dead as his master knife thrust in. his heart. Then it was Fay Tor alone who had done the foul deed.
 There was nothing could do but flee swiftly through the night. My own position was now far too desperate to permit of my giving any alarm, or seeking to trace the Turderer. To fall into Union hands would be my death warrant, irrespective of Harwood s fate. and my duty lay in carrying out the orders of "Old Jack To allow myself to be captured would spoil everything.
 rode toward Hot Springs as rap idly as 1 dared. watchful of every deepening shadow. until came to the first struggling houses. These were dark and silent, and not so much as a dog parked as I walked my horse eau tiously forward toward the mair street. I saw but one dim light stream ing through an uncurtained window oi what looked like law office, and passed close enough to learn that g group of men within were playing cards It was highly probable these belonged to the majors escort. passed the place unobserved and rode on into the night. feeling had escaped from immediate danger. At what took to be the tavern corner I discoy cred the road leading to the left ant turned in that direction. assured tha 1t would lead directly into the hear of Green Briar. The road ran through thick woods, the darkness intense, ant as the way was silent and seemed de serted gave the animal the spur. must have loped along thus for tel minutes, all thought of pursuit alread. dfcriScad and my mind occuDied will