The Huttig news., 1915-12-04

afeerd yer would shoot was thet mad at Anse l didn't care; but I reckon hen bout skin me alive if ever he ketches me yere.'
 Do you know of any way out ?"
 He glanced about cautiously, to as- sure himself that no soldier was with in earshot.
 'fhe baptistry under the pulpit; this is Baptist church, and ther is an opening in the neer just back of where you are Feel a little to the left-yes. about thar-don't you touch an iron ring? What? We'll, thar's ore thar an it lifts two puncheon slabs spiked tergether"
 Yes, but what is below-just a tank"
 His voice tremblad with eager ex- citement and he eripned me tightly.
 ' ain.t afeerd ter tell you. cause l knew both yer daddts3 on' | reckon yer'H take me long with yer won't you? Yer won't leave me yere fer ter face That Anse Cowan? Yell promise me tbat?'
 "9f course Nichols" I said sooth- iHgly, the mans cowardice almost dis eusting, If you show us a way of escafe we'll go toeether if the chance comes-What is it? Sneak quiek?''
 Il know the ol' trail over the mountings down ter Coringtoa; reckon as hoW you couldn't never git liar without me. T-I thought it all out while l was lYin' yfse trussed ID like a turkey, but they never giy' me no chance fer ter get loose. Now if you folks will cut this yere rope offan my legs I'll show yer bow fer ter git out-an nobody'1 never know nuthin' bout it."
 Explain first" I said shortly. As far as trust goes, I have confidence in you, Nichols, just so far as can see you. What is below?"
 Five steps leadin down inter wood tank" he explained slowly, real izing that his only nope of release lay in a full description. Its empty now, an dry as board; ant been a bap- tism yere in six months The place Whar' the water runs out is at the south side, right down gainst the bot. tom. ther cover ter the opening is screwed tight by q wheel. or Ned Gowan made tber eontfaption, an yer kin stand on ther upper step an open an shut the thing an never git yer feet vet
 And how big is the opening?"
 Wal l don't iist know. but I've craTled through thar fixing a leak, an if did it onct. l reckon l kin again. Faint morn bout six feet beyond ther wall til it hits the edge 0 ther ravine. Thet's why the Yanks didn't make nc attack on =thet side O ther church. thar ain't 10 room.
 The whole situation lay clear before me. l had no thought Of utilizing this unexpected opportunity myself. for meant to stay with the others, and perform my part of the fighting to the end. But here was protection, and possible escape, for Noreen. Yet could the preacher be trusted? Would he play fair if I released him, and left them alone together? Did not his in- terests also lie in getting away safe ly? What act of treaehery could he commit, and. besides the girl was armed
 How do you light this church?"
 Candles mostly" surprised at the question, yer ain goin' fer ter light up, are you?"
 Not here-no; but below; where IS there one?"
 T reckon on thet thar shelf Tn the pulpit yerll find dozen CT SO.
 Bring coapie here. Noreen."
 She slipped across silently, and came back with two in her hand
 You are going to try to get away?" she whispered cautiously.
 No, not now An opportunity may eeme later If t was possible to slip ail these men out would gladly do so but t is already too late for any such attempt But there is a chance tQI you, and It Is even barely possible That, when all hope of defense is over. l may find some way of joining you"
 You-you promise that?" she asked IT consent to go, you-you will come later if you can?"
 Yes; will pledge myself to accept every chance. when l can do no more fighting I'll come to you, if l live Now, Nichols. listen-~I am going to set you free, and permit you to slip down through that trap door with this lady, She is armed, and she knows how to shoot. Attempt one treacher ous trick and you pay the penalty"
 T ain't thet kind, he whined.
 "Oh, yes you are; but it will never pay this time. Don't take your eyes of Aim, Noreen; the moment that trap door closes light the candle, and keep the revolver ready. Make him unscrew the cap, and leave it of out of the way. Set the candle down in one cor her as far back as possible. You bet, ter go cur first"
 s4-i am not to wait for youon be- wildered.
 Not in there-no: outside, for they might fire the building. Nichols, where is the best place for the two of you to hide so I could find you ?"