Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1915-09-23
s-sN-s-7-asAf 'ssa-z1~'@s3--s-~N
CHAPTER n.
An unweIeome Companion.

An unwelcome Companion.
1t 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 l
reached q 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
we're 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-deflned
shadow within.
Hello there!" called out. yet In
stinctively drawing a step backward.
rs there any room here for tired
man?"
The tall, angular figure of noun.
taineer Immediately appeared In the
doorway, and a gray, wrinkled face.
scraggly bearded. looked forth, the
eyes glinting and filled with sus.
picion.
wal, who be ye, an whut do we
want yere?"
Il am q soldier" replied, rather
shortly, not particularly pleased with
either the mans appearance or man
ner. Myself and horse are about
worn out. / mAtook this for 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. II have as much reason to ash
you such questions as you have me
| However. ! am Wiling enough to an
| swer. | am on furlough. and am 60
| ing home across the mountains TO SCI
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 earl,
morning light on his withered face
stared unwinkingly into my eyes.
Il rather reckon l do. young man.
he replied slowly. Fur ! was raised
up on the Green Briar. What mou
be yer name?"
"Cowan." | answered promptly, m!
mind instantly alert, and aware hat
made a mistake
"Ho! We don't say! One O. oil Ne'
Cowan's boys?"
mo. l am son OF Widow Cowan
over on Coal creek"
There was not the faintest ghm
mer in the cold, blue eyes, no evidence
| of any recollection in the wrinkle'
, face. His Jaws rose and fell on TIT
tobacco which extended his cheek.
81 don't reckon I've been over tina
way fer nigh on fifteen year" he salt
at last refectively. An somehow
don't just recall no Widow Cowan-
but 1 know oil Ned mighty well. Hei
took to the brush with his whole breet
since this fracas started, an som
cusses burned his house. an sent tb'
Oh woman after EN-. It's plumb he'll
in Green Briar, Maybe yer Cowan
but I'm id If ye look like eny o
oct outfit ever | see afore. Wha
part O. the army wus We WITH"
"Sixty.fifth Virginia Coyingtoi
| company. Captain Daniels"
The older man chewed awhile In 81
| !ence. evidently impressed with thu
seeming frankness OF the reply.
Wal, ye mout be q Cowan. O
| course" he admitted reluctantly
"Enyhow reckon 1t don't make NJ
great difference, fer If ye be goin' tel
| Greca Briar we kin ride awhile ter
| getha. Two is better than one tnes'
days. Hitch yer boss out thar In tn.
scrub alongside O. mine. an then CONS
| in yere Well eat a bite fust, an thei
lie down a spell. FER I've been a-ridin
most o. Their night myself"
His voice was hardly as cordial al
his words sounded. bun | felt II bes
| 10 accept the rather surly Invitation
] led nay horse down the dim path In