The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1915-10-09
CHAPTER u.
An UnweIcome Companion.

An UnweIcome Companion.
II was In the chill OF cold, gray
morning that | rode into StrasburB'
Jogging along at the rear OF a squad
ron of Fifth Virginia cavalrymen who
CHANGED to be headed for the same
place. These found quarters In the
town, but proceeded mile or more
south on the valley pike, until
reached a singleroomed cabin. heavy
wooden shutters barring the windows.
the door closed and securely fastened.
The place to all appearances was de-
serted, and had been for long while.
Although situated scarcely a hundred
feet back from the valley turnpike,
which was never without Its travellers.
and along which armies marched ana
eountermarched, the surroundings
were those OF a remote wilderness. |
dismounted. and leading my horse.
pressed a difficult passage through the
bushes. To my surprise the rear door
stood slightly ajar. and my eyes per,
ceiyed the movement OF an ill-defned
shadow within.
Hello there!" called out, yet In
stinctively drawing step backward.
'Is there any room here for a tired
man7"
The tall, angular figure OF a noun.
taineer Immediately appeared In the
doorway, and a gray, wrinkled face.
scraggly bearded, looked forth. the
eyes glInting and filled with sus-
picion.
wal. who be we. an whit do ye
want yere"
81 am a soldier" l replied. rather
shortly, not particularly pleased with
either the mans appearance or man
ner. Myself and horse are about
worn out. mistook this for a de-
serted cabin"
"whar be ye bound? an whut may
ye be up TO a-travelin' alone?"
smiled. endeavoring to retain my
temper.
See, here, friend" returned short
! ly. 81 have as much reason 10 ash
you such questions as you have me
However, am willing enough TO an
swer. am on furlough. and am go
ing home across the mountains to see
my folks. Do you know Raleigh
county,"
The man, who was now standing up
right In the doorway. one hand grip
ping the barrel OF musket, the earl,
morning light on his withered face
stared unwinkingly into my eyes.
IL rather reckon I do. young man.
he replied slowly. Fur | was raised
up on the Green Briar. What mou
be yer manner"
"Cowan,' l answered promptly. M
mind instantly alert, and aware | ha'
made a mistake
"Hol Ye don't sayl One o. Of Net
Cowan's boys?"
mo. am a son OF Widow Cowan
over on Coal creek"
There was not the faintest glim
mer in the cold. blue eyes. no evidence
OF any recollection in the wrinkle'
face. His jaws rose and fell on tn
tobacco which extended his cheek.
81 don't reckon I've been oyer tina
way fer nigh on fifteen year" he sal
at last renectively. An somehow
don't Just recall no Widow Cowan-
but know oil Ned mighty well. He
took to the brush with his whole bree
since this fracas started. an son
cusses burned his house, an sent tn
oil woman after EN-. It's plumb he
In Green Briar. Maybe yer Cowar
but I'm id n ye look like eny {
tibet outfit ever | see afore. Wha
part o. the army wus ye With"
"sixty-ffth Virginia - CovinEto
company, Captain Daniels"
Al The older man chcwed awhile in .
. lence, evidently impressed with IN
seeming frankness OF the reply.
wal, ye mout be Cowan, .
I course" he admitted reluctant.
> "Enyhow reckon II don't make n
, great difference. fer II .ye be goin', Il
|, Green Brlar We kin ride awhile To-
r Eether. Two IL better than one thes
I days. Hitch yer hoss out thar In II
4 scrub alongside o. mine an then com
r In yere. Well eat bite fust, an the
lie down = spell. fer I've been s-ridil
a most o. Their night myself"
) His voice was hardly ~ cordial {
his words sounded. but felt II bel
a..