The Meridian times. (Meridian, Idaho) 1909-1938, 1916-02-11
G1lep[D MIST
"a LALF OF CIVIL STRIFE I.
6oRANDALL PARRISH y
ILLUSTRATIONS 6~C.DpHoDES

I Il thought we might hang on until
midnight Wyatt, and then, II nothing
happened, take the back trail. don't
want to pass another day In this
cussed hole. What do you thinkf'
That the sooner we get away the
better" answered promptly. "Your
position here ia far more dangerous
than you appear to realize. Both those
parties travelling east we're 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 1t involves
your cousin as well as myself. They
rode straight on because they were
| convinced we we're still ahead OF them
/ lis likely they know better now, and
will search every ravine and covert on
their return. II the forage train is
moving this way those cayairymen are
with II In addition to the regular
guard. and you viii 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 biow--its
not the style of the Third Kentucky.
We could give good account OF our
selves against those Yankee troopers"
Possibly; but not against combi-
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 win comblne?"
IF they meet and there is an ex-
planation--yes. Cowan doesn't care
which side he fights on. so he gains
his end. and the cavalry commander
viii welcome any re-enforcements.
They might quarrel later over results,
but now they possess common OBJ
iect. and will be like two peas in a
pod. Do as you please Harwood. but
! am not under your command, and, II
you choose to remain here. we will
ride on alone. VIII you go with me,
Noreen?"
She had not spoken, and In the fast.
increasing gloom | could scarcely dis
tinguish her presence But at my di.
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. Il would like you to
come too"
He laughed, wheeling about in sud.
den decision.
Il reckon might as WE'LL" he ad.
mitted spontaneously Wharton,
have the pickets drawn in. and the
men mustered. We'll start--Great
God What is that7"
II 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 faint tinge Of light in
the west. and half moon in the
southern sky. we were enveloped in
darkness. but we all OF us heard the
sounds OF hoofs and the approaching
rumble OF wagon wheels. Harwood
turned and faced inward.
ITS the forage train. boys" he said
sharply, with bunch Of cavalry rid
ing ahead. Get to the windows, but
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.