The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1915-11-05

thick woods, the darkness intense, and
as the way was silent and seemed de-
serted 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
doomed up blocking the path. ! bare
ly had time to rein In my horse before
we were intermingled, 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. | chung 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 fell
low looks like"
The speaker had q -brimmed
hat. drawn low over his face, and a
cape concealed his uniform. But
Snow wore the cap OF the Federal cav
airy. and | knew I had fallen into
Yankee hands.
II 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 bis
eyes. His arm fell to his side, al.
though he still retained a grasp on my
bride.
$50 | 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 to ask
first by what authority you halt and
question me?"
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--I am Captain
Fox, In command OF detachment Of
the Twelfth Pennsylvania cavalry"
"Oh, yes" l responded more pleas
antly, "of General Ramsay's command
You know Major Harwood, no doubt?'
I'VE are OF his escort" both suspi
cion and command lost before my COO
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, glancins
across my horse into the face OF the
trooper opposite.
We'll. this stumps mel" his voice
grown suddenly harder. at doesnt
sound straight. for we left him safely
in Hot Springs an hour before sun
down. and he had no purpose at thai
time except to wait there for Taylor
Do you carry any papersi"
| drew the official envelope from my
pocket. and held II out to him calmly
He opened the flap.
"A little light. Snow-yes. a mattel
will do"
The fame lit up their faces-the Off
Ger thin-faced man with lnusta che
and imperial. his teeth oddly promi
nent; the trooper older in years, bu
smooth.shaven, with deep-set eyes ant
square chin. Their uniforms wer,
+, dusty and we'll worn The others
clustered behind, remained mere shad
ows The captain took In the natur,
of the document at glance. and
marked change in his expression be
fore the match went out.
"0h. ! see--you are Lieutenant Ray
mond. Got to us earlier than you en-
pected. Find many recruits north 2
No." answered. taken completed,
by surprise, but managing to contro
my voice THAT was why | thought
might accomplish more In this section
Those counties have been combe,
over" ! hesitated an instant. and We
II was best for me to learn what
could. Il was not aware. captain. tina
my projected visit had been an
nounced."
He laughed. and the second mattel
went out. leaving US again in dark
ness.
Nor was II. officially; merely
friendly letter from an officer Of
Heitzelmans staff to our major askin
for you friendly reception. Cam
gossip brought the news to me. Yo
knew Harwood?"
4 mo: only General Ramsay advise
me to confer with him. because of hi
intimate knowledge of this section. Fl
belonged, ! believe, In Green Briar ?
Yes, we were at his place yestel
day; south Of Lewisburg What sol
of looking man was this fellow Ia,
lori"