The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-04-19

the right of the crossing. lie judged that the issue was still in doubt there, although he could make out little in the confusion on account of the glar- ing headlight. which dazzled him.
 As he ran, however, he discovered that the S. R. and N. forces were in possession of the middle ground, hay ing divided the enemy's ranks like a wedge, and this encouraged him. Out of the darkness to right and left came shouts; curses, the sounds of men wall lowing about in the knee deep tundra. They were Gordon's helpers who had been routed from their positions.
 Now that Appleton had time to col 1ect himself, he, too, grew sick with suspense, for he knew that arms had been stacked inside the barricades. Any instant might bring them into play. He began to wonder why Denny withheld the word to fire.
 As a matter of fact, the explanation was simple, although it did not appear until later. MT. Denny at that mo- ment was in condition to issue or ders of any kind, the reason being as follows: When preparations for the advance we're made pr. Gray, who un- derstood perhaps more fully than any one else except O'Neil the gravity of the issue and ne slender pivot upon which the outcome balanced, had talk en his place in the vanguard of the at tacking party instead of in the back ground, as beftted his calling. The first rush had carried him well into the fray, but once there he had shown his good judgment by refusing to par ticipate in it. ts
 Instead he had selected Denny out of fbknn nd 7trl1 the crowd in hi. direction, needless of aIlj efforts to stop him. His great strength had enabled him to gain ground. He had hurled his assailants aside, upsetting them bursting through the press as football player pene- trates line, and when the retreat had begun he was close at the heels of his victim. He had overtaken Denny be- side one of the barricades just as Denny seized a rifle and raised it. With one wrench he possessed him. self of the weapon, and the next in- stant he had bent the barrel over it's owners head.
 Then as the light surged onward he had gathered the limp figure in his arms and borne it into the light of a gasoline torch, where he could admin fster first aid. He was kneeling over the fellow when Appleton found him as he came stumbling along the grade.
 But the decisive moment had come and gone now, and without leader to command them Gordon's men seemed loath to adopt a more bloody reprisa1. They gave way therefore in half hearted hesitation that spelled ruin to their cause. They were forced back to their encampment.
 Dan Appleton, very dirty, very tired, but happy, found Natalie and Eliza awaiting him when he lmped up to their tent in the early morning light. One of his eyes was black and nearly closed, his lips were cut and swollen, but he grinned cheerfully as he ex- claimed:
 Say. It was a great night, wasn't it?"
 Eliza cried cut in alarm at his ap- pearance.
 You poor kid! You're a sight, She ran for hot water and soap, while Ma talie said warmly:
 You were perfectly splendid, Dan. knew you'd do it."
 Ibid you ?' He tried to smile his appreciation, but the effort resulted in a leer so repulsive that the girl looked disnayed. AYou ought to have. seen the shindy."
 "seen it! Maybe we didn't."
 Honestly ?''
 s'Did you think we could stay be- hind? We sneaked along with the cookhouse gang, and one of them help ed us up on the gravel cars. He smell ed of dfshwater, but he was a he4o. We screamed and cried and Eliza threw stones until MT. O'NeiI discover ed us and made us get down. He, was awful1y mean"
 He's mean man"
 "He isn't! He was jumping around on one leg like crippled grasshopper."
 sI made a thousand dollars" said Dan. Guess what I'm going to do with it?'
 How can I guess2''
 'I'm going to buy an engagement ring" Once more he leered repul- siveIy.
 "How nicer said Natalie coolly. "Congratulations.''
 Guess who it's for?''
 'I couldn't, really
 Its for you-''
 'EOh, no, it isn'tt" NataIies voice was freezing. You have made mis- take, a very great mistake, Dan. I like you, but-we won't even mention such things, if you please"
 Eliza's entrance saved her further embarrassment and she quickly made her escape. Dan groaned so deeply as his sister bathed his injuries that she was really concerned.
 Goodness, Danny she said. "Are you as badly hurt as all that?"
 "I'm worse," he confessed. 'I've just been shot through the heart. Slow music and flowers for mel Arrange for | the services and put rose in my hand, l sis.''
 Nonsense. I'll put a beefsteak on i your eye'' she told him unfeeling4y. Under Dr. Gray's attention O'Neil's ankle began to mend, and by the time