The state herald., 1916-05-12
CHAPTER u.
An Unweleome Companion.

An Unweleome Companion.
II 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
chanced to be headed for the same
place. These found quarters In the
town. but proceeded mile or more
south on the valley pike, until |
reached 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 hundred
feet back from the valley turnpike.
which was never without its travellers,
and along which armies marched and
countermarched. the surroundings
were those OF remote wilderness. |
dismounted. and leading my horse,
pressed a difficult passage through the
bushes. To my surprise the rear door
stood slightly ajar. and my eyes per
ceived the movement OF an ill-deHned
shadow within.
Hello therel" called out, yet In
stinctively drawing q step backward.
rs there any room here for tired
man?'
The tall, angular figure OF noun
taineer Immediately appeared ip .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 ye
want yere?"
Il am n soldier" replied. rather
shortly. not particularly pleased with
either the mans appearance or man.
ner. Myself and horse are about
worn out. mistook this for n de-
serted cabin"
'whar be ye bound? an whut may
ye be up to a.trayelin' alone?"
| smiled. endeavoring to retain my
temper
"See, here. friend" returned short.
ly. 81 have as much reason TO ask
you such questions as you have me.
However. am willing enough TO an
swer. am on furlough. and am go
ing home across the mountains TO see
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 n musket. the early
morning light on his withered face.
stared unwinkingiy into my eyes.
Il rather reckon do. young man. ;"
he replied slowly. Fur ! was raised
up on the Green Briar. What mout
be yer name7"
"Cowan," I answered promptly. my
mind Instantly alert. and aware J had
made n mistake"
"Hoi Ye don't say' One o OIL Ned
cowan's boys7"
mo. am u son OF Widow Cowan.
over on Coal creek"
There was not the faintest glim
mer In the cold. blue eyes, no evidence
OF any recollection In the wrinkled
face. His jaws rose and fell on the
tobacco which extended his cheek.
Il don't reckon I've been over that
way fer nigh on fifteen year" he said
nj last rerectively. AN somehow !
don't Just recall no Widow cowan-
but know OIL Ned mighty well. Hos
took to the brush with his whole breed
since this frncas started. an som
cusHcs burned his house. an sent tho
OIL woman after EN-. It's plumb hell
in Green Driar. Maybe yer a cowan.
Lit I'm ID n ye look like cny o.
tibet outft ever ] sec aforc, What
part o. IN. army wus ye With"
"sis,y.ffth virginia - coyington
company. Captain Daniels"
The older man chewcd awhile In ni'
lencc. evidently impressed with tho
seeming frantnenn Of the reply,
wal. ye mout be a cowan. o.
course" he admitted reluctantly,
"Enyhow I reckon II don't make no
great difference, fer n ye be goin' ter
Green nriar We Kin ride awhile ter
sothcr Two Ia better than one these
days. Hitch yer hoaA out thar In tho
scrub alongside o. mine, an then come
In yerc. Wen cat bite tust an then
lie down y spell fer I've been nridin'
most o. ,hor niRh, myself"
His voice was hardly m cordial m
his words sounded. but felt I, best
10 accept the rather Hufly inyration
: ,.d ~ hnrr, ~--.- - >.~s~~ts IN