Greene County herald. (Leakesville, Miss.) 1898-current, 1916-02-18
Cllep[D MIST
a TAI[ OF CIVIL STRIFE 7.
6cRANDALL PARRISH 'r
ILLUSTRATIONS 9i~c.DPHoDES

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 we're in search
after us; they we're led by men who
would go 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 we're
convinced we were still ahead of them.
| 'Tis likely they know better now. and
will search every ravine and covert on
their return. If the forage train is
moving this way those cavairymen are
with 1t in addition to the regular
guard. and lou 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"
Il suppose that's right" he admit
ted reluctantly. But | don't like to
turn tail without hitting blow-it's
not the style of the Third Kentucky.
We could give good account of our
selves against those Yankee troopers"
Possibly; but not against comb.
bination of troopers. wagon guard. and
! Cowan's gang of guerrillas. They
would outnumber you four to one; and
they are lighting men,
you. think they will combine?"
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
will welcome any re-enforcements
They might quarrel later over results,
but now they possess a common OBJ
ject, and will be like two peas In
pod. Do as you please, Harwood, but
| am not under your command, and, II
you choose to remain here, we win
ride on alone. Will you go with me,
Noreen"
She had not spoken, and in the fast
increasing gloom | could scarcely dis
tinguish her presence. But at my d.
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.
Il reckon | might as WE'LL" he ad-
mitted good-humoredly. Wharton.
have the pickets drawn in, and the
men mustered. We'll start-Great
God! What is that?"
1t was the sound of a 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: $50
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 In
the west, and a 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
tits the forage train, boys" he said
sharply, with a 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.