The Rice belt journal. (Welsh, Calcasieu Parish, La.) 1900-19??, 1916-04-21
0[1epED MIST
"A LALt OF CIVIL STRIFE Y,
EoRANDALL PARRISH "
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Il thought we might hang on until
midnight, Wyatt, and then, if nothing
happened. take the back trail. don't
want to pass another 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 90 to any extreme to effect our
capture. | 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 we're
convinced we were still ahead of them.
/ lis likely they know better now, and
will search every ravine and covert on
their return. If the forage train is
moving this way those cavalrymen are
with 1t 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"
! suppose that's right" he admit.
ted reluctantly, But don't like to
turn tail without hitting a blow-it's
not the style of the Third Kentucky
We could give a good account of our.
selves against those Yankee troopers. "
Possibly; but not against a comb.
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?"
III they meet, and there is an ex-
pIanation-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 a common OBJ.
iect, and will be like two peas in a
pod. Do as you please. Harwood, but
| am not under your command, and, If
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
| ttnguish her presence. But at my dl.
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
glancing across her shoulder at the
perpleXed officer, 81 would like you to
come too"
He laughed, wheeling about in sud.
den decision.
81 reckon | might as we'll" he ad.
mitted goOd.humoredIy. Wharton
have the pickets drawn in. and the
men mustered. We'll start-Great
God! What is that?"
1t was the sound of scattered vol
ley, the pieces not all of the same
/ caliber, the reports ringing clear. In
the instant of silence which followed
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 a faint tinge of light 10
the west. and half moon In tn
southern sky. we we're enveloped In
darkness, but we all of US heard the
sounds of hoofs and the approaching
rumble of wagon wheels. Harwoot
! turned and faced inward.
Its the forage train, boys" he said
sharply, with a bunch of cavalry rid
ing ahead. Get to the windows, bu,
be quiet about it-you know the or,
ders. Wharton, have the men load
come with me. Wyatt. where we can
see out in front"
NOreen chung to me as ! CROPPED my
way through the narrow door into the
vestibule.