Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1915-09-23
CHAPTER II.
An unwelcome Companion.


An unweicome Companion.
II was in the chill OF cold. gray
morning that rode into Strasburg.
Jogging along at the rear OF q 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 a 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 a 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-defned
shadow within.
| Hello there!" | called out. yet In.
stinctiveiy drawing a step backward.
| lis there any room here for tired
mani"
The tall, angular figure Of a noun
taineer Immediately appeared In the
doorway, and q gray, wrinkled face,
| scraggly bearded. looked forth. the
eyes glinting and filled with sus
picion.
| Wal, who be ye, an whut do W
want yere?"
81 am a soldier" replied. rather
shortly, not particularly pleased will
either the mans appearance or man
ner. Myself and horse are abou
worn out. I mktook this for a de
serted cabin"
'whar be ye bound? an whut ma.
We be up to a-travelin' alone"
! smiled, endeavoring to retain m,
temper.
See, here, friend" returned short
ly. 81 have as much reason to as
you such questions as you have mt
However, / am willing enough to al
swer am on furlough, and am &c
| ing home across the mountains to Sc
my folks. Do you know Raleig
county,"
The man, who was now standing III
right in the doorway. one hand gril
ping the barrel of musket, the earl
morning light on his withered fac'
stared unwinkingly into my eyes.
II rather reckon l do. young man
he replied slowly. Fur was raise
I'D on the Green Briar. What MOI
be yer manner"
"Cowan." answered promptly m
mind instantly alert, and aware ma
made a mistake"
"Ho! We don't say! One O. oil Ne
Il Cowan's boysT
4 mo. am son OF Widow Co"a
over on Coal creek"
There was not the faintest g'il
mer In the cold, blue eyes. no ev1den'
OF any recollection In the wrinkle
& face. His jaws rose and fell on II
l. tobacco which extended his cheek.
Il II don't reckon I've been over TIL
way fer nigh on fifteen year" he sa
n at last refectively. An somehow
~ don't just recall no Widow Cowan'
4. but I know oil Ned mighty well. lie
took to the brush with his whole bre'
~ since this fracas started. an sol
o. cusses burned his house. an sent u
sr OIL woman after EN-. It's plumb ne
e. In Green Briar. Maybe yer q Cowa
but I'm id IL ye look like eny
| Het outfit ever | see afore. WI
part o. the army wus ye with
Z. "Sixty-fiftb Virginia - Cosingt'
v. company, Captain Daniels"
The older man chewed awhile in
4 lence, evidently impressed with u
ID seeming frankness of the reply.
IS wal. ye mout be Cowan.
II. course" he admitted reluctant
"Enyhow reckon 1t don't make
n, great difference, fer If ye be goin' I
- Greca Briar we kin ride awhile II
~ gsths. TWO is better than one the
n days. Hitch yer boss out thar In U
or scrub alongside o. mine. an then cor
I, in yere. Well 81 bite fast, an TIL
"A lie down q spell. ter I've been arid
mr. most o. Their night myself"
His voice WAS hardly as cordial
n.y. his words sounded but felt II be
~ 10 accent the rather saHy tnytfatic
! !ed my horse down the dim path