The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1915-12-25


as the guerrillas, must have dlscoy-
cred by this time that we were not In
advance OF them, They would return
searching every nook and corner In
hope OF discovering our hiding place.
They might even unite their forces.
impelled as they were by the same de-
sire. and thus become truly formidable.
Personal hatred OF me and the wish to
regain possession OF Noreen. would
animate anc control both Anse Cowan
and the angry, humiliated lieutenant
While neither would likely confess his
purpose to the other. yet their mutual
Interests would naturally suggest an
alliance. And there was no war feud
between the two which would neces-
sarfiy prevent their cooperation. In.
deed. the troopers would gladly vel
come any excuse which would bring
Cowan's gang OF outlaws into closer
connection. And the outfit would
never pass by this church again with
out searching its interior. Only ca
gerness, a haste to overtake us in our
attempted Night, had led to their blind
riding by before. I turned to Har-
wood. who was whispering nonsense
TO Noreen.
What do you mean to do, heuten-
anti" l asked quietly, but with my
own mind made up. Remain here7"
He stroked his small mustache.
Il thought we might hang on until
midnight, Wyatt. and then, II nothing
happened. take the back trail. I don't
Want to pass another day in this
cussed hole. What do you Think"
That the sooner we get away the
better" I answered promptly. Your
position here Is far more dangerous
than you appear to realize. Both those
parties travelling east were In search
after us: they were led by men who
would 20 to any extreme to effect our
capture. haven't time 10 tell you
the whole story now, but II involves
your cousin as well as myself. They
rode straight on because they were
convinced we we're still ahead OF them.
IT'S likely they know better now. and
will search every ravine and covert on
their return. II the forage train Is
moving this way those cayalrymen are
with II In addition TO the regular
guard, and you will never dare attack
with your small force. The only
chance you have OF bringing your
command safely back to Covington.
lieutenant Is to get away before your
presence here is suspected"
Il suppose that's right" he admit
ted reluctantly. "But | don't like to
turn tail without hitting blow--its
not the style OF the Third Kentucky.
We could give good account OF our
selves against those Yankee troopers"
Possibly; but not against comb.
bination OF troopers. wagon guard. and
Cowan's gang OF guerrslas. They
would outnumber you four TO one; and
they are lighting men"
"You think they will combine?"
"lf they meet, and there is an ex-
planation--yes. Cowan doesn't care
which side he fights on. so he gains
his end, and the cavalry commander
They might quarrel later over results,
but now they possess a common OBJ
iect. and Will be like two peas In
pod. Do as you please. Harwood, but
am not under your command, and, II
you choose 10 remain here. we will
ride on alone. VIII you 20 with me.
Noreen?"
She had not spoken, and In the fast
increasing gloom | could scarcely dis
tingulsh her presence. But at my d.
rect question she took a step toward
me. and felt the presence OF her
hand on my sleeve.
Yes" she said simply, whenever
you think best. Cousin" she added
glancing across her shoulder at the
perplexed officer. II would like you to
come too"
lie laughed. wheeling about in sud.
den decision.
II reckon ! might as we'll" he ad.
mitted good -humoredly. Wharton
have the pickets drawn in. and the
men mustered. Wen start-Great
God What is that?"
II was the sound OF scattered vol.
ley. the pieces not all OF the same
callber. the reports ringing clear In
the instant OF silence which followed
voice called down excitedly from
the tower
There is firing TO the east. sir"
Hsrwood swore as he strobe across
TO the nearest window on that side.
Except for a faint tinge OF light in
the west. and half moon In the
southern sky. we we're enveloped In
darkness, but we all OF us heard the
sounds of hoofs and the approaching
rumble or wagon wheels. Harwood
turned and faced inward.
ITS tho forage train. boys" he said
sharply. with bunch OF cavalry rid.
Ing ahead. Get to the windows. but
be quiet about it--you know the or
ders. Wharton. have the men load:
rnmn with me WYATT where va can