Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1916-04-06
The Red Mist
Copyrighted by A. G. McClurg & Co.

older man answered respectfully, 'but
no officer"
"Ah. yes, l see; you are not the
same men who were on guard when I
arrived. am Lieutenant Mann, of
General Ramsay's staff, and have been
with Colonel Pickney The lady will
vouch for me"
Yes. sir" yet with lingering doubt
in his voice. mo doubt it is all right,
sir; but the orders are very strict
tonight. If you have not the word I
shall have to call the sergeant"
quite right. my man; but that is
not necessary" and l took a step
nearer and bent my head. Kama
wha."
The two men shouldered their mus
kets, and the older one brought his
hand UP in salute.
Pass, SIR" he said soberly, and
stood aside. We went down the broad
steps, dimly lighted by distant fire,
my hand touching her arm. The in
fantry camp lay between us and the
read. The campfire in front yielded
just enough light to enable me to
study out our surroundings. The band
still played noisily in the courtroom
above. The camp was quiet, the SOL
diers apparently sleeping on the
ground. l could perceive only few
tents, showing white in the freight
but the figures of sentries appeared
here and there, slowly pacing their
beats. Had been alone should have
crept forward and endeavored to slip
by unseen, but was conscious of the
hand which grasped my sleeve, and
my eyes fell to her face.
You are my guide tonight" i whis-
pered softly. Have you some plan
already devised? There must be in
slant action"
Hardly that; this has all occurred
so quickly, so Unexpectedly. l have
had no time in which to think. Isn't
it best to go straight ahead, and run
the chance?"
Past the guard yonder?"
Yes; l am not greatly afraid Of
him! We have the word, and Captain
Fox and l were together when
passed here before. He will remem-
Der me, and have no suspicion. Only
there may be officers sitting on the
veranda of the hotel"
"lt looks dark and deserted from
here, and the hour is late"
"True; ! suppose all who are not
an lt1tx NJ Io 11,,1
there is no other way in which you
can attain the stables. IL am ready
to try it-are ycu?"
answered with the pressure Of my
hand on the fingers clasping my
sleeve. There was no response; nei-
Their were they withdrawn. She drew
a long breath, and stepped bravely
forward. The way was clear, easily
followed even in the darkness, and
walked close beside her. Within a
few yards Of the fellow she gave vent
to little ripple of laughter. barely
enough to attract attention. and again
slipped her hand into the support Of
my arm. The soldier stood at atten-
ton, but made 10 effort whatever to
bar our progress.
We strclled on slowly, passing d.
rectly beneath the glare of the lamp.
We attempted to talk, but retain no
memory CT single word that was
uttered. My heart was beating like
an engine, and my throat was dry, the
fingers of one hand gripping the butt
of a revolver in my belt l was dimly
aware of the tremcr in her voice, the
pressing closer to me of her slender
figure. We passed cut beyond the
glow cf the revealing light. to where
cur eyes were able to sweep the dark
ened porch There were dozen chairs
standing back CT the rail, but mono
were occupied. She gave a little sob
of relief, both hands nervously grasp
ing my sleeve.
Thank God!" she said fervently,
now if we only have five minutes
more!"