The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1916-01-14

thick woods, the darkness intense, ant
as the way was silent and seemed de
serted l gave the animal the spur.
must have Hoped along thus for tel
minutes, all thought of pursuit alread!
dismissed, and my mind occupied will
plans for the future, when the wood
suddenly ended in a bare ridge. the
ribbon of road revealing itself under
the soft glow of the stars. | know moi
why heard no sound of warning, but
at the instant, a half dozen shadows
doomed up blocking the path. l bare
ly had time to rein in my horse before
we were intermingled. the surprise ev
identity mutual. although one of the
newcomers was swift enough to seize
my animals bit, and hold him plung
ing in fright. l chung to the stirrups
face, and an oath uttered in 4 grufl
voice.
"In Gods name! where did you come
from? Here, Snow. see what this fel.
low looks like
The speaker had a wide-brimmed
Adt, Ito WI INV 0fCl LILO ldSC, anu q
cape concealed his uniform. But
Snow wore the cap of the Federal cav.
airy, and I knew | had fallen into
! Yankee hands.
Il have no objection to telling you
my name and rank" l said coldly,
but lower that gun first; am in uni
| FORM"
The rather contemptuous tone of
voice employed had greater effect on
the fellow than the evidence of his
eyes. His arm fell to his side, al
| though he still retained a grasp on my
bride.
$50 | see," but with no cordiality in
the words. But that is hardly con-
vincing Federal officers are rare birds
who ride these roads alone. Who are
you, sir. and why are you here?"
| perhaps l may be privileged to ask
first by what authority you halt and
question me?"
He laughed, and waved the weapon
he still held toward the others of his
party.
ity l should suppose. However. will
set your mind at rest-I am Captain
Fox, in command of a detachment of
the Twelfth Pennsylvania cavalry"
"Oh, yes" / responded more pleas
antly, "of General Ramsay's command
You know Major HARDWOOD, no doubt?"
1--WE are of his escort" both suspi-
cion and command lost before my cool
assurance. You are In the service,
sir?"
Third United States cavalry; on re-
cruiting detail. l was to meet Har-
wood at Hot Springs, but was told
he had gone to Green Briar."
"By whom?"
"A scout ! met by chance; he gave
the name Taylor"
The captain swore grimly, glancing
across my horse into the face of the
trooper opposite.
well, this stumps mel" his voice |
grown suddenly harder. "It doesn't |
sound straight, for we left him safely |
N Hot Springs an hour before sun
down. and he had no purpose at that |
time except to wait there for Taylor
Do you carry any papers?"
/ drew the official envelope from my
pocket. and held it out to him calmly.
He opened the flap.
"A little light, Snow-yes, a match
will do"
The fame Lit up their faces-the off,
Ger a thin-faced man with musta che
and imperial, his teeth oddly promi-
nent; the trooper older in years. but
smooth shaver, with deep-set eyes and
square chin. Their uniforms were
1usty and well worn. The others,
clustered behind, remained mere shad.
,ws. The captain took in the nature
4 the document at glance. and /
marked a change in his expression be-
ore the match went out.
"Oh. see-you are Lieutenant Ray
nond. Got to us earlier than you ex-
,ected. Find MANY recruits north 2" |
NO" ] answered. taken completely
y surprise, but managing to control
ny voice. That was why thought {
night accomplish more In this section.
hose counties have been combed ,
YER" hesitated an instant. and yet t
was best for me to learn what |
ould. Il was not aware, captain. that
~ projected visit had been an t
ounced."
He laughed, and the second match Z
'ent out. leaving us again in dark. 8
eee. 4
Nor was 1t. oficially; merely b
'iendiy letter from IN officer on 4
eitzelman's star to our major asking
y you . friendly reception. Camp d
'ssfp brought the news to me. You G
new Harwood?" o
NO; only General Ramsay advised b
Q to confer with him. because of his G,
innate knowledge OF this section. He o,
,longed. believe. in Green Briarr Il
Yes. We we're at his place yester-
~; south of LewisburG What sort !,
looking man was this fellow Tay- lie
n" :,
! described him infinitely. hoping for th
mo recognition. but the captain did pr