The Huttig news., 1915-09-18
CHAPTER II.
An UnweIcome Companion.
door.

IL was In the cnlll or cOlu, gray morning that 1 rode into Strasburg, jogging along at the rear ot squad ron of Fifth Virginia cavalrymen who chanced to be headed for the same place. These found quarters in the town, but I proceeded mile or more south on the valley pike, until l reached a single-roomed 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 hundred feet back from the valley turnpike, which was never without its travellers, and along which armies marched and countermarched, the surroundings were those of remote wilderness. I dismounted, and leading my horse. pressed difficult passage through the bushes. To my surprise the rear door stood slightly ajar, and my eyes per ceived the movement of an ill-defined shadow within.
 Hello there!" I called out, yet in stinctively drawing step backward. "Is there any room here for tired man?"
 The tall, angular figure of noun taineer immediately appeared in the doorway, and gray, wrinkled face, scraggly bearded. looked forth. the eyes glinting and filled with sus- | picion.
 Wal, who be ye, an whut do ye want yere?"
 'I am a soldier" I replied, rather shortly, not particularly pleased with either the mans appearance or man. ner. Myself and horse are about worn out I mistook this for de- serted eabin'
 ''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. T have as much reason to ask you such questions as you have me. However, 1 am willing enough to an- swer I am on furlough. and am go- ing home across the mountains to see nay folks. Do you know Raleigh county?"
 The man, who was now standing up- right in the doorway, one hand grip ping the barrel of a musket, the early morning light on his withered face, stared unwinkingly into my eyes.
 "I rather reckon I do, young man" he replied slowly Fur was raised up on the Green Briar. What mout be yer name?"
 "Cowan,'' answered promptly my mind instantly alert, and aware ] had made a mistake
 "Ho! Ye don't say! One O or Ned Cowan's boys?"
 No. l am 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 wrinkled face. His jaws rose and fell on the tobacco which extended his cheek.
 'I don't reckon I've been over that way fer nigh on fifteen year." he said at last refectively. An somehow don't just recall no Widow Gowan- but know ol' Ned mighty well. He's i took to the brush with his whole breed since this fracas started, an som cusses burned his house, an sent the ol' woman after em. It's plumb hell in Green Briar. Maybe yer a Cowan. but I'm d---d if ye look like eny O | thet outfit ever l see afore. What | part O the army wus ye with?"
 "Sixty-ffth Virginia Covington company, Captain Daniels
 The older man chewed awhile in si- lence, evidently impressed with the seeming frankness of the reply.
 Wal, ye mout be Cowan, O course,s' he admitted reluctantly. 'Enyhow I reckon it don't make no great difference, fer if ye be goin' ter Green Briar we kin ride awhile ter gether. Two is better than one these days. Hitch yer hoss out thar Tn the scrub alongside O mine. an then come in yere We'll eat bite fust. an then lie down a spell. fer I've been a.ridin' most O ther night myself"
 His voice was hardly as cordial as his words sounded. but l felt 1t best to accept the rather surly invitation