The Holly chieftain., 1916-04-14

come any excuse which wOul0 prlug
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. haste to overtake US In our
attempted flight. had led to their blind
riding by before. / turned to Har-
wood, who was whispering nonsense
to Noreen.
What do you mean to do, lieuten'
anti" asked quietly. but with my
own mind made up. Remain here?"
He stroked his small mustache.
Il thought we might hang on until
midnight, Wyatt, and tnen, II nothing
happened, take the Sack trail. I don't
want to pass azother day in this
cussed hole. What do you think?"
"That the sooner we get away the
better" 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 go to any extreme to effect our
capture. l haven't time to tell you
the whole story now, but it involves
your cousin as well as myself. They
rode straight on because they were
convinced we were still ahead Of them.
'Tis likely they know better now. and
will search every rayine and covert on
their return. If the forage train is
moving this way those cavairymen are
with It 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 l don't like to
turn tail without hitting a blow-it's
not the style of the Third Kentucky
We could give good account of our
selves against those Yankee troopers"
Possibly; but not against q combi-
bination Of troopers. wagon guard. and
Cowan's gang Of guerrillas. They
would outnumber you four to one; and
they are fighting men,"
"You think they will combine?"
'If they meet, and there is an ex-
p1anation-yes. Cowan doesn't care
which side he fights on, SO he gains
his end. and the cavalry commander
will welcome any re-enforcements.
They might quarrel later over results,
but now they possess common OBJ
ject. and will be like two peas in a
pod. Do as you please. Harwood, but
am not under your command, and, II
you choose to remain here, we will
ride on alone. Will you go with me,
Noreen?"
She had not spoken, and in the fast
increasing gloom could scarcely dis
tinguish her presence. But at my d.
rect question she took step toward
me, and felt the presence Of her
hand on my sleeve.
YES" she said simply, whenever
you think best. Cousin" she added,
glancfng across her shoulder at the
perplexed officer. Il would like you to
come too"
He laughed. wheeling about in sud
den decision.
Il reckon might a. well," he ad-
mitted good-humoredly. Wharton.
have the pickets drawn in, and the
men mustered. wen start-Great
God! What Is that?''
It was the sound Of q scattered vol.
ley, the pieces not all Of the same
caliber, the reports ringing clear. In
the instant Of silence which followed
a voice called down excitedly from
the tower:
There is firing to the east, SIR"
Harwood swore as he strobe across
to the nearest window on that side.
Except for faint tinge Of light in
the west. and a half moon in the
southern sky. we were enveloped in
darkness. but we all Of US heard the
sounds of hoofs and the approaching
rumble of wagon wheels. Harwood
turned and faced inward.
TITS the forage train. boys" he said
sharply, with a bunch of cavalry rid
ing ahead. Get to the windows, 6u,
be quiet about it--you know the OF
ders. Wharton, have the men load;
come with me. Wyatt, where We car
see out in 'front.'"
Noreen chung to me as l CROPPED my
way through the narrow door into tn,
vestibule.