Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1915-12-30

lingering the equipment.
Didn't the lieutenant say tibet the
spy an the CURL got off on horses
hitched by the hotel?"
II didn't hear tell"
We'll, l did; enyhow they wusn't
army horses they took. By God! / be-
lieve they're hidin' now in that church.
Here, you Kelly" new, exultant tone
in his voice, scatter your men out
around Their who'll buildin'; we've
freed our game, reckon
The guerrillas came forward on
foot, running, and scrambling up the
incline, but inclined to keep we'll back
| from the silent church. Jem was clat-
tering down the pike, the clang of
his horses hoofs dying away in the
distance. Harwood dropped his grip
ping hand from off my shoulder, and
stepped back from before the window.
Sergeant"
Here, SIR" and Wharton moved
slightly in the darkness, so as to sig
nifty his whereabouts.
"You attended to the door,"
Eyes, sir; we found an old iron bar
to fit across; they'll have to crush in
the wood to get through
Let Johnson and McIlvaine join
me here; what is the name of that lad
l was going to recommend for cor
poral?"
"O'Hare, sir; Jacob O'Hare."
"Put him in command of the south
side, and you take the north; place
benches to stand on under the win
dows, but keep your men down until
you get the word. There is to be no
firing until | give the order. Tell
them they have got to fight for their
lives You understand"
Eyes, sir; we'll do that, sir"
Then get to your stations. Now,
Wyatt, you command at the other
end; there are two windows and a
door Here, take this gun and belt; I
can get another" He stopped, and
drew in a quick breath, glancing out
out again through the window.
Friend Cowan-if that be his name
seems to be waiting for the military
to come up" he commented mock
ingly. prefers to let the Yanks pull
his chestnuts out Of the fire. Perhaps
he has known you long while-hey,
Wyatt?"
"The acquaintance has been rather
brief, but warm"
"No doubt; we'll, I'll help make it
warmer presently.
Fair cousin, I do not know where
to hide you in safety. This is going
to be a real fight, or | am greatly mis-
taken, and bullets fly wild through the
dark"
IF it is left to me-" she said qui
city, 81 prefer to go with Tom Wyatt"
But you do not understand"
broke in hastily, my pulses throbbing
at her unexpected decision. "They
may attack"
ooh, yes, the lady does, Wyatt"
chuckled the lieutenant, his reckless
good nature in no wise lost by the
desperation Of our position. "She is
a HARDWOOD, that's all. Hullo! here
comes the cavalry! Now, men, to
your posts-and stand up to the mu-
Sic"
| caught her hand in mine.
"YOu-yOu mean that, NOreen?"
yes; do not refuse. l am not
afraid she implored. "Take me with
you"
We came to the platform, and felt
our way up the steps. 1t was darker
here, yet my eyes, accustomed to the
gloom, caught glimpse of crouching
figures beyond the pulpit. Outside,
sounding some distance away, Kelly's
sharp, penetrating voice shouted an
order, accompanied by an oath. One
Of the kneeling figures rose slowly I'M
til his eyes were even with the win
dow sill
Men," | said quietly, barely loud
enough to reach their ears. II am a
sergeant IN the Staunton horse artil-
lery. Your lieutenant has just as.
signed ne to take command at this
end of the church. How many are
there Of you?"
Ten, sir, answered the one near
est, after a pause, turning his head
slightly. Three at each window, and
four at the door"
You have prisoner, I understand"
He gave muffled sound, as though
sitting an incipient laugh.
Muffin ter worry bout; he's lynn
over thar in the corner with Jack
Gold a-guardin' Of him. | reckon the
cuss likes prayin better ner fghtin'
any day O. Their week"
AL right" l dropped my voice to
whisper "Noreen, it will give us
an extra fighting man if you will keep
an eye on Nichols, and we'll need
them all. I shall be less a coward if
| believe you out of danger
"A coWard-you! Yes, of course,
will go"
stepped across the platform, hold
ing her arm.
Gold, the lady will watch the pris-
oner; you join the others at the door"
He moved off, evidently glad enough