Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1916-01-27

whar' the water runs out is al the
soath side, right down gainst the bot.
tom; Their cover ter the opening IL
screwed tight by wheel. Oh Ned
Cowan made ther contra ption. an yer
kin stand on Their upper step an open
an shut the thing. an never SIT yer
feet wet"
And how big is the openingf'
wal. don't jist know. but I've
crawled through thar fixing leak, an
II did II onct. | reckon / kin again.
faint morn bout six feet beyond Their
wall till 1t hits the edge o. Their ravine,
Thets why the Yaaks didn't make no
attack on tibet side o. ther church
thar amt no room"
The whole situation lay clear before
me. had no thought of utilizing this
unexpected opportunity myself. for
meant to stay with the others. and
perform my part OF the fighting to the
end. But here was protection. and
possible escape. for Noreen. Yet could
the preacher be trusted? Would he
play fair II l released him, and left
them alone together? Did not his In.
terests also lie In getting away safe
iy? What act of treachery could he
commit, and. besides the giri was
armed.
How do you light this church,"
Candles mostly" surprised at the
question, yer amt goin' fer ter light
up. are your"
mot here--no: but below: where is
there one"
II reckon on tibet thar shelf in the
pulpit yer'll find dozen er So"
Bring couple here. Noreen."
She slipped across silently. and
came back with two in her hand.
You are going to try to get away! p
she whispered cautiously.
mo. not now. An opportunity may
come later. II 1t was possible to slip
all these men out would gladly do SO
but 1t Ia already too late for any
such attempt. But there is chance
for you, and it is even barely possible
that. when all hope of defense Is over
] may find some way of joining YOU"
"You--you promise that?" she asked
IF ] consent to go, you--you will come
| later If you CAM"
Yes; will pledge myself to accep,
every chance. when ! can do no more
fighting. I'll come to you. II | live
| Now, Nichols, listen-l am going II
set you free, and permit you to sill
down through that trap door with this
lady. She is armed. and she know,
how to shoot. Attempt one treacher
Gus trick and you pay the penalty"
! Il airt thet kind" he whined.
'Uh. yes you are; but 1t will neve1
pay this time. Don't take your eye,
off him, Noreen: the moment that tral
door closes light the candle. and keel
the revolver ready. Make him unscrey
the cap, and leave 1t off out of tn,
/ way. Set the candle down In one col
ner as far back as possible. You bel
ter 60 out first"
II am not to wait for your" be
wildered.
Not in there--no; outside. for the
might fire the building. Nichols
where Is the best place for the two 0
you to hide SO could find your"
"In the woods to the west; these 1
trail half way down the ravine
climbin' up--an OIL hog trail"
My fingers touched his throat, an
bent lower staring straight into hi
eyes.
Now. mark we'll what say
Nichols. am going to release yos
and give you chance to get ava,
But you stay with the woman---do yo
hear! Stay with her until you bot
reach the Confederate lines at GOWNS
ton. II ever get out Of here aliv,
and learn you have attempted an
trick, IN run you down, Nichols. II
takes ten years. Now I'll cut the rop.
and you creep over to where that rim
is in the fioor and wait my order"
Evidently his limbs were numb fror
the tight cord, for he crept the fe'
feet painfully, and then sat up rubin
the afflicted parts with both hands.
swept one glance out through the vii
dow, and then about the dim interio
endeavoring to locate the men neares
us. Only one stood close enough
observe our movements. and ser
him with a message to the sergeant
Now. Noreen," whispered swift,
this is the best time Take these p;
pers; they are for Jackson: give thei
to the first Confederate officer yo
meet, and have them forwarded {
once. Don't trust Nichols for a singI
moment out of range of your revolver
J You will not Gomez"
Mot now; you would not wish m
to desert my comrades-would you
"Oh, l do not know! l do not know
1t is SO hard to decide. You reall
wish me to 60? II will please your
Yes"
And you will come tiff You car
/ am to wait. and-and hope for you
Il pledge you my word. dear girl.
She chung to my hands. her face u
lifted in the moonlight
Il am your wife," she said softi
and IL want you to" ..
Three shots rang out clear and di
" tinct without. and a voice shoute
: hoarsely.
"Gtand tn II la6sf" cried Harune