The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1915-10-16

beyond reach. II found there. no de-
Tense. TO asseveration OF innocence.
would ever save me from condemna-
ton. Their vengeance would be swift |
and merciless.
Thinking now only OF my own e.
cape unobserved. ! felt my way into
the night with my bundle. This would
be Federal territory; or II not. al
ready, my nights ride would bring
me well within their lines before
dawn. slipped instantly on o. =
soiled suit OF gray ar
maculate blue. buckl'ng the belt about
my waist. and securely hooking the
saber Then scooped out hole In
the soft dirt and buried the old uni
form, tearing my pass into shreds,
scattering the fragments broadcast.
II 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.
/ circled the gloom OF the house ST.
iently. and followed the roadway to
the gate. e.
Not light cleaned In any direction
and could recall no other house near
by. While II remained in view could
| not remove my eyes from the mansion
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 ! deemed IT
n 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 II was Tay-
lor alone who had done the foul deed.
/ There was nothing I could do but Zee
swiftly through the night. My own
position was now far too desperate TO
permit OF my giving any alarm. OF
seeking to trace the murderer To TAI
into Union hands would be my death
warrant irrespective OF Harwood's
fate, and my duty lay In carrying ou'
the orders of "Old Jack" To allow
myself to be captured would spoi
everything.
rode toward Hot Springs as rap
idly as dared. watchful OF ever!
deepening shadow. until came TO th'
first struggling houses. These wer'
dark and silent. and not so much as
dog barked as walked my horse cav
} tiously forward toward the mai
4 street l saw but one dim light stream
= ing through an uncurtained window
what looked like law office, an
passed close enough to learn that
! group of men within were playin
q cards. 1t was highly probable thes
l. belonged TO the majors escort
. passed the place unobserved and rod
q on into the night. feeling had escape
. from immediate danger. At what
q took TO be the tavern corner disco
% cred the road leading to the left al
turned In that direction, assured tn
IL would lead directly into the hea
~ OF Green Briar. The road ran throus
" thick woods, the darkness intense, al
as the way was silent and seemed q
serted gave the animal the spur.
must have Hoped along thus for 4
minutes, all thought OF pursuit alrea'
dismissed. and my mind occupied wi
~ plans for the future, when the WOO
NO suddenly ended In a bare ridge, {
ribbon OF road revealing itself und
'al the soft glow OF the stars. know n
ed why heard no sound OF warning, B
NJ at the instant, half dozen shade
ln doomed up blocking the path. ba
Oh Iy had time to rein In my horse befc
TO we we're intermingled, the surprise
40 identity mutual. although one OF
In. newcomers was swift enough to Sc
o" my animals bit, and hold him plul
no ing In fright l chung 10 the stirru
aware OF the fash OF weapon In
mo face, and an oath uttered In 81
~. voice.
lad "In Gods namel where did you co
OF FROM Here. Snow see what this
III low looks like"
the The speaker had wide-brimn
me hat. drawn low over his face. an'
felt cape concealed his uniform.
nan
OF Snow wore the cap OF tho Federal G
pa airy. and knew | had fallen |
lied Yankee hands.
un- Il have no objection TO telling
was my name and rank" ! said COLI
srer "but lower that gun first; am In !
his FORM"
The rather contemptuous tone
OF voice employed had greater effect
r., | the fellow than the evidence OF
use. eyes. His arm fell to his aide,
and though he still retained grasp on
iett bride.
Their 80 see,' but with no cordialit,
con- the words But that IL hardly I
erv- yincing. Federal officers are rare b
his who ride these roads alone. Who
un- you. sir. and why are you hcref"
with Perhaps I may be privileged TO
ht- nrst by what authority you halt