Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1915-12-23
X !, X X X X X X X Y X Y X X u
Copyright by a. C. McClurg g. Co.
CONTINUED

we sat ever the poor meal q long
while, talking like old friends, laugh
ing over revived memories, almost for
getting that we we're fugitives, our
very lives at stake. Twice we heard
guns, but the reports were but distant
echoes, sounding afar off to the west
ward. Yet these made me nervous to
get away, and when a number sounded
together-alrnost volley, distinctly
audible, fastened to pack what little
remained of food on our horses, and
stream, and guiding my horse up the
opposite bank into the deep shadow of
the woods beyond The summit Of
the hill was open, except for con-
siderable grove to the rear of the
church. That edifice appeared, as I
remembered it, unchanged in any re-
spect-a fairly large building, con-
structed solidly of logs, with square,
clapboarded tower in front, four Win
dows on each side, containing small
panes of glass, a number of them
broken. We were at the rear, which
row door at one corner, protected by
a porch. 1t appeared desolate and
deserted, the loneliness accentuated
by the empty hitching racks on either
side.
We advanced side by side along
what was once a well-trodden path,
making no attempt at conceaIment.
Indeed, any such effort would have
been useless, as the crest Of the ridge
lay open, and bare of vegetation, but 1
was SO fully convinced we we're unob-
served that | took no precautionary
entire thought, indeed, centered upon
the girl at my side.
The heavy latch of the front door
lifted easily to the pressure of my
hand, and we stepped into a narrow
vestibule, Noreen grasping my arm
nervously, as she faced the shadowed
interior of the deserted building Some
instinct of caution caused me tc close
the door behind us, and then | drew
her forward, laughing at her fears,
until we obtained glimpse of the larger
room, already becoming obscured by
the approaching night. 1t was a rather
shabby-looking place, not overly clean
even in that merciful dimness. Rude
benches, without backs, stretched al
most from wall to wall, a narrow aisle
leading to the pulpit, set within an al
cove, and scarcely discernihle except
in barest outlines. / recognized a big
Bible, lying open on the gaunt pulpit
stand A book of some kind, dogs
cared and coverless, lay on the floor
at my feet, and l bent to pick it up.
AS | came upright again, a man
stepped from the shadow of a corner,
and the steel barrel Of a revolver
flashed before my eyes. | felt Noreen
cringe against me, uttering a muffled
cry.
Stand as you are, Yank," said a
rather pleasant voice. Pardon me-
lacy"
lie was a young fellow, with bold,
black eyes, a little, jaunty mustache,
and a mouth inclined to laugh, but
what | stared at in open-eyed aston
ishment, was his broad-brimmed hat
and natty gray cavalry jacket.
Some surprise party, I reckon" he
chuckled grimly. Here, Wharton
kindly relieve the gentleman of his
arsenal; take the ladys gun, also. It's
all right, boys"
To my unbounded amazement, up
from the floor, where they had been
lying concealed beneath the benches,
a number Of men came scrambling to
their feet. Those nearest me were
gray clad troopers, with carbines in
their hands.
who, in heavens name, are your"
I asked, at last finding my voice. Con
federates here?"
Your first guess is an excellent
one," he answered lightly, evidently
enjoying the scene. you have the
honor of being prisoner to the Third
Kentucky cavalry. Wharton