The Huttig news., 1915-11-20

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, number of them broken. We were at the rear, which showed larger window, and a nar- row door at one corner, protected by a porch. It appeared desolate and deserted. the loneliness accentuated by the empty hitching racks on either side.
 We advanced side by side along what was once well-trodden path. making no attempt at concealment Indeed, any such effort would have been useless, as the crest of the ridge lay open, and bare of vegetation, but was so fully convinced we were unob served that l took no precautionary entire thought, indeed, centered upor the girl at my side.
 The heavy latch of the front dool 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 to close the door behind us, and then I drew her forward, laughing at her fears. until we obtained glimpse of the Arger room, already becoming obscured by the approaching night. It was rather shabby-looking place. not overly clean, even in that merciful dimness Rude i benches, without backs, stretched al. most from wall to wall, a narrow aisle leading to the pulpit, set within an al- cove, and scarcely discernible except in barest outlines. I recognized big stand. A book of some kind, dogs cared and eoverless. lay on the floor at my feet. and I bent to pick it up. As l came upright again. man stepped from the shadow of a corner, and the steel barrel of a revolver flashed before my eyes. I felt Noreen cringe against me, uttering muffled cry.
 Stand as you are, Yank," said . rather pleasant voice. Pardon me, lady"
 He was young fellow, with bold, black eyes, little, jaunty mustache, and a mouth inclined to laugh. but 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 lady's gun. also. It't all right. boys"
 To my unbeunded amazement, uI from the floor, where they had beer lying concealed beneath the benches a number of men came scrambling t their feet. Those nearest me wer, gray clad troopers. with carbines + 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"
 "Yes. sir" The sergeant advanced.
 Conduct the lady and gentleman to the sanctity of the pulpit, sergeant. where they may commune with the presiding genius of this house of wor- ship erected in the wilderness"
 You mean you hold prisoner Par son Niehols?" I asked.
 No doubt 'tis he We discovered the party alone here, and held him for the pleasure of his company
 Just a moment, lieutenant" and l faced him squarely, ignoring the grip l of Wharton's hand on my arm. There is no reason to hold us prison ers;s all there is Yankee about me is this uniform. | have just escaped from the Federal guard at Lewisburg."
 His eyes, laughing, yet suspicious, swept our faces.
 I'm not easily fooled" he said, but ready enough to learn. Who are you?'
 Thomas Wyatt, sergeant. Staunton horse artillery"
 By all the gods, it soundeth strange. How came you here?"
 "On Jackson's orders, I was born in this county and because of that he chose me to find out the numbers and ] disposition of the Federal troops in this neighborhood. together with some other facts he wished to know. 1 was captured in Federal uniform. and held under death sentence as spy. l escaped last night"
 And the woman?"
 She threw back the cape which had partially concealed her face, revealing her bright eyes and flushed cheeks.
 Permit me to answer for myself, Lieutenant Harwood."
 'Noreen Harwood! Why. it takes me of my feet. How comes it you are 1 here?"
 My father is dead" she answered simply, the brightness vanishing from her face. He was killed only few days ago"