Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1916-01-06
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CHAPTER XXtl-Continued,

1t was . single sheet, very formal In
expression. as though the writer mere
iy performed duty which he consid-
cred unpleasant, but necessary. He
acknowledged receipt of q communica.
lion reaching him at Ramsay's head
quarters, apparently an application for
pardon, and q pledge to unite with the
Federal forces. and stated that the
writer would be at the Minor house
near Hot Springs at a certain date,
where he would be glad to confer fur
Their regarding the matter. He agreed
10 come unattended. and suggested
that his visitor use the name of Tay-
Tor 30 as to prevent any suspicion. The
closing paragraph referred to a for.
iner misunderstanding between them,
and expressed q kindly desire to blot
put all memory OF what had occurred.
My hands trembled as I read the lines,
and the girl at my side cried softly.
her eyes SO filled with tears I doubt
II she could distinguish the words.
Scarcely aware of the action, I held
her with my arm. the letter crumpled
between my fingers.
It's all clear enough now, little
girl" l whispered. my voice trembling
from sympathy. your father met his
death at the hands of a treacherous
sesundrel. 1t was plot carefully con-
feived. and now Cowan has paid the
penalty. l am glad we have learned
the truth; but Major Harwood would
never wish you to mourn here in the
midst OF all this danger--you are lis
tening?"
Yes; I will do just as you say"
1T will be best to go; safer, think,
Also"
Her hands chung to me, but she was
40 longer crying, although unshed
tears dimmed her eyes.
Il thank God" she faltered, that
he sent you to me. l could not bear
all this alone"
Il am glad you care to have me
here" answered eagerly. II was half
afraid you did not"
"Oh. but l do; cannot tell you all
1t means. II think have never felt
more helpless. or-or discouraged"
1T lie the strain of so much occur.
ring at once, and you are worn out
We will get away from here, some
where back into the hills, where we
can feel safe from discovery. Then
We can rest all day, and you will be
all right again. We need sleep and
food"
/ released her hands gently, began
q swift search, and found all we re-
CURED. left Cowan lying Just as he
had fallen. Both of US were glad
enough when we closed the door OF
the shack and returned to our horses,
We rode on steadily for an hour, only
occasionally exchanging word. The
road was rough and mountainous, SO
rocky underfoot our horses left no
trail. At last we came to narrow
ravine down which brook plunged
over a stony bed. There was no trail
visible, but 1t was possible to advance
some distance by keeping close to the
bank. ! dismounted, and, holding to
the rein. led my horse carefully for
ward.
Follow as closely as you cam"
called back to her, land keep at the
rock edge SO as to leave no trail"
A safer place surely could not have
been found. We were in a narrow de-
file, scarcely fifty feet across. and
guarded on either side by high rock
walls. precipitous. and exhibiting no
sign of a trail. l picketed the horses
close to the stream and spread blan-
kets for the lady to lie on at the foot
Of the bluff. where she would be well
screened by thicket OF underbrush.
Then / came back to where she sat
silently against the bole OF q large
tree. watching my movements.
mo doubt we are safe enough here,
I said, opening the pack. But III not
risk fire; you can eat, suppose?"
Il hardly know" YEARLY. Perhaps
I can choke a little food down; but
really l am not hungry. How far
have we Gomez"
"As a mere guess should say near
~ ten miles since leaving the cabin.
BY the sun 1t must be nine O'Clock.
Eat what you can, and then lie down
on the blankets and rest. We will not
leave here until just before dark"
And your"
"Oh. / may doze later IL there IL
no alarm; l shall never be far away"
She ate of the coarse food daintily.
apparently without appetite, but I did
full justice to the meal. satisfied. for
the time being at least. that We were
securely hidden. There was . strange
constraint between US. and, finally.
hoping to make her feel more at ease,
ventured to breach the subject which
I knew must be also uppermost In her
mind.
TT Ii an odd situation In which We
ind ourselves" began awkwardly'
my eyes on the ground. but | hope
you-you will not feel embarrassed
or-or fail to have complete conf
dence In me. II have no wish 10
take any advantage; or-or assume
any authority
stopped. unable to express the
thing desired to say. and the silence
seemed long. l lifted my eyes. ana
she was looking at me.