The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1915-10-22
CHAPTER II.
An unweloome Companion.

An unwelcome Companion.
II was In the chill of cold, gray
morning that rode into Strasburg,
jogging along at the rear of squad
ron Of Fifth Virginia cavalrymen who
CHANGED to be headed for the same
place. These found quarters In the
town, but | proceeded mile or more
south on the valley pike, until
reached 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.
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!" called out, yet In.
stinctively drawing step backward
is there any room here for a tired
MANI"
The tall, angular figure of a 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 We, an whut do ye
want yere?"
Il am soldier" replied, rather
shortly, not particularly pleased with
either the mans appearance or man.
ner. Myself and horse are about
worn out. mistook this for a de-
serted cabin"
"Whar be We bound? an whut may
We be up to a-travelin' alone?"
smiled. endeavoring to retain my
temper.
See, here, friend" returned short
ly. Il have as much reason to ask
you such questions as you have me.
However. am willing enough to an
swer. am on furlough, and am 60
ing home across the mountains to see
my folks. Do you know Raleigh
county?"
The man, who was now standing up
right in the doorway. one hand grip
ping the barrel of musket. the early
morning light on his withered face,
stared unwinkingly into my eyes.
II rather reckon do. young man."
he replied slowly. EUR was raised
up on the Green Briar. What mout
be yer manner"
"Cowan." answered promptly, my
mind instantly alert. and aware had
made mistake"
"Hoi Ye don't say! One o. oil Ned
Cowan's boys?"
mo. 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.
Il don't reckon I've been over that
way fer nigh on fifteen year." he said
at last refiectively. AN somehow |
don't just recall no Widow Cowan-
but know oil Ned mighty well. He's
took to the brush with his whole breed
since this fracas started, an SOM
cusses burned his house. an sent the
OIL woman after 'em. It's plumb hell
In Green Briar. Maybe yer Cowan,
but I'm d---d II We look like eny O.
thet outfit ever see afore. What
part o. the army wus ye within"
"Sixty-ffth Virginia Covington
Captain Daniels"
The older man chewed awhile In ST.
Ience. evidently impressed with the
seeming frankness OF the reply.
wal. ye mout be Cowan, o.
course" he admitted reluctantly.
.Enyhow reckon It don't make no
great difference, fer II ye be goin ter
Green Briar we kin ride awhile ter.
sether. Two is better than one these
lays. Hitch yer boss out thar In the
scrub alongside o. mine. an then come
n yere. Wen eat bite fust. an then
ie down spell. fer I've been a-ridin'
most o. Their night myself"
His voice was hardly as cordial as
ais words sounded. but felt II best
20 accept the rather surly invitation.
led my horse down the dim path In.