Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1916-04-06
Read The Times

NO; do not think they even know
the river is fordable there: it is not
on the maps"
We rode forward slowly. my hand
on her bride rein, keeping III the
deeper shadows along the side of the
road. until we passed beyond the last
house of the village. If the camp
was not alarmed for another half hour
our pursuers would be given hard
task. Strange that the Federal
scouts had never located the Benton
ford. To be sure 1T was narrow, and
of no value in high water, yet an ideal
place for raiding parties to cross, and
all those hills beyond were full of
guerrilla bands eager to strike quick
and get safely away. That they dared
to attack small bodies OF troops, and
especially poorly guarded wagon
trains, had been demonstrated more
than once, and this secret ford gave
them easy opportunity. The Cowans
certainly knew of it's feasibility, and
the wonder was they had never ut-
liked it before.
The longer I thought the more
began to dread the unknown dangers
| ahead-the gauntlet we must run be
fore attaining the Confederate lines
We could battle pursuit, but if once We
came into contact with those irregu-
lars OF the mountains-merciless. ire
sponsible-no one could predict the
result. l could skulk along through
the night, discard my horse, travel
| afoot, and thus avoid encountering
any of those villains. | was myself d
mountaineer, and knew the secret
trails. But with her beside me. the
two of us mounted, such a feat was
almost impossible. must find her
food and shelter, and we could not
travel on horseback without leaving
a trail unconcealed. To be sure,
knew her of old; that she was strong.
resourceful, fearless-yet she was a
woman to be protected from insult to
be guarded against exposure, more,
! she was the woman loved.
But would she be in any less danger
! If ! compelled her to return to Lewis
burg? She would be exposed to in
dignities, to almost certain persecu-
ton from Raymond
"Noreen," | said, turning my face
toward her. do you really think it
best to try this ride with me?"
You do not wish me to go?' she
asked, as instantly refining up. You
want me to return?'
No, not that. I have no thought
but for your own good. Only do you
understand the perils through which
| we must pass in those mountains?
Yes, do understand" she an
swered soberly, land | comprehend as
you cannot, the danger of my return
ing to Lewisburg. | will never &C
back there; but, if you think it best
for us to part, | will endeavor to reach
Charleston alone
You would rather go on with me?"
II made that choice, but if you con
| slider me a burden"
No, it is not that, Noreen," | in
terrupted, touched by the regretiu)
tone Of her voice. 1T was of you
was thinking. not myself. Then we
go on together"
She was silent, her eyes on the
darkness ahead.
1T must be your decision" in
sisted.
II made my choice an hour ago. she
answered frankly
waited an instant, thinking she
might say more, but she sat motion.
less in the saddle. Just what her de-
cision signitied l could not Judge 1t
seemed to me that between two dan
gers she had simply chosen the ono
she deemed to be the lesser. 1t No.
not affection for me, but fear of 9th,
ers, which urged her forward Grasp
ing her bride rein, l rode on t;.reugh
the dark without another word. The
decision had been made; now we mast
both Of us abide the CONSEQUENCES