Marble Hill press., 1915-10-14

turned In that direction, assured that
1t would lead directly into the heart
OF Green Briar. The road ran through
thick woods, the darkness intense, and
as the way was silent and seemed de-
serted I gave the animal the spur,
must have loped along thus for ten
minutes, all thought of pursuit already
| dismissed. and my mind occupied with
plans for the future, when the woods
suddenly ended in bare ridge, the
ribbon OF road revealing itself under
the soft glow Of the stars. | know not
why | heard no sound of warning, but
| at the instant, half dozen shadows
loomed up blocking the path. ! bare
| ly had time to rein In my horse before
We were interminsled. the surprise ev'
identity mutual, although one OF the
newcomers was swift enough to seize
] my animals bit, and hold him plung.
| ing in fright. | clung TO the stirrups,
aware Of the fash OF weapon in my
| face. and an oath uttered in gruff
voice
| In Gods name, where did you come
from? Here. Snow, see what this fel.
low looks like"
The speaker had a wide brimmed
| hat, drawn low over his face. and o
| cape concealed his uniform. But
Snow wore the cap OF the Federal cav.
, airy, and knew had fallen into
| Yankee hands.
Il have no objection to telling you
my name and rank" / said coldly.
but lower that gun first: | am In uni
form"
The rather contemptuous tone OF
voice employed had greater effect on
the fellow than the evidence OF his
eyes. His arm fell to his side. al.
though he still retained a grasp on my
bride.
so see," but with no cordiality In
the words. But that Is hardly con.
vincing. Federal officers are rare birds
who ride these roads alone Who are
you. sir and why are you here!"
Perhaps may be privileged 70 ask
first by what authority you halt and
question met"
He laughed. and waved the weapon
he still held toward the others OF his
party.
Our force alone is sufficient author.
ity should suppose. However, will
set your mind at rest-l am Captain
Fox, in command of detachment of
the Twelfth Pennsylvania cavalry"
"Oh. yes" responded more pleas.
antly, "of General Ramsay's command.
You know Major Harwood, no doubt?"
We are OF his escort" both suspi.
clon and command lost before my cool
assurance You are in the service.
sir?"
Third United States cavalry; ON re-
cruiting detail. was to meet Har.
wood at Hot Springs, but was told
he had gone to Green Briar."
by whom?'
"A scout met by chance; he gave
the name Taylor"
The captain swore grimly. glauctug
across my horse into the face OF the
trooper opposite.
We'll. this stumps mel" his voice
grown suddenly harder. TT doesn't
sound straight, for we left him safely
in Hot Springs an hour before sun.
down. and he had no purpose at that
time except TO wait there for Taylor
Do you carry any papers!
| drew the official envelope from my
pocket. and held 1t out to him calmly.
He opened the flap.
"A little light, Snow-yes. a match
will do"
The fame lit up their faces--the on.
Ger a thin-faced man with musta che
and imperial. his teeth oddly promi.
neut; the trooper older In years but
smooth-shaven, with deep-set eyes and
square chin. Their uniforms we're
dusty and well worn The others.
clustered behind, remained mere shad.
ows. The captain took In the nature
OF the document at glance, and /
marked a change In his expression be-
fore the match went out
On, see-you are Lieutenant Ray
mond. Got to US earlier than you ex.
pected. Find many recruits north"
No" answered. taken completely
by surprise, but msusging to control
my voice. That was why thought
might accomplish more In this section.
Those counties have been combed
over" hesitated an instant. and yet
II was best for me to learn what
could. i was not aware. captain. that
my projected visit had been an.
nopnced."
He laughed. and the second match |
went out leaving us again In dark
ness
Nor was It. oficially: merely q |
friendly letter from an oficer on
Heitzelman's stan to our major asking |
for you q friendly reception. Camp
gossip brought the news to me You
knew Harwood!"
No: only General Ramsay advised
me to confer with him. because OF his |
intimate knowledge OF this section. He |
belonged. ] believe. In Green Briarr
Yes, we we're at his pacs yester.