The state herald., 1916-05-26


of Green Briar. The road ran through
thick woods, the darkness intense. and
as the way was silent and seemed de-
serted gave the animal the spur
must have loped along thus for ten
minutes, all thought Of pursuit already
dismissed, and my mind occupied with
plans for the future, when the woods
suddenly ended In a bare ridge, the
ribbon of road revealing Itself under
the soft glow of the stars. know not
why heard no sound of warning, but
at the instant. half dozen shadows
loomed up blocking the path. bare
ly had time to rein in my horse before
we were intermingled, the surprise ev.
identity mutual. although one of the
newcomers was swift enough to seize
my animals bit, and hold him plung-
ing in fright. clung to the stirrups.
aware OF the flash OF weapon in my
face. and an oath uttered in a gruff
voice.
"In Gods namel where did you come
from? Here, Snow. see what this fel-
low looks like"
The speaker had wide.brimmed
hat. drawn low over his face, and a
cape concealed his uniform But
Snow wore the cap OF the Federal cav
airy, and | knew l had fallen into
Yankee hands.
Il have no objection to telling you
my name and rank" l said coldly,
but lower that gun first: am in uni.
form"
The rather contemptuous tone Of
voice employed had greater effect on
the fellow than the evidence Of his
eyes. His arm fell to his side, al
though he still retained a grasp on my
bride.
so see." but with no cordially in
the words But that is hardly con-
vincing. Federal officers are rare birds
who ride these roads alone. Who are
you. sir, and why are you here,"
Perhaps may be privileged to ask
first by what authority you halt and
question me?"
He laughed. and waved the weapon
he still held toward ihe others of,his
party.
"Our force alone is sufficient author.
ity | should suppose. However, ! will
set your mind at rest-l am Captain
Fox. in command OF detachment OF
the Twelfth Pennsylvania cavalry"
"Oh. yes" | responded more pleas.
antly. "of General Ramsay's command.
You know Major Harwood. no doubt?"
we are OF his escort" both susPl.
cion and command lost before my cool
assurance. you are In the service,
sir?"
Third United States cavalry: on re-
cruiting detail. was TO meet Har.
wood at Hot Springs, but was told
he had gone to Green Briar."
by whom7"
"A scout met by chance: he gave
the name Taylor"
The captain swore grimly. glancing
across my horse into the face OF the
trooper opposite.
We'll. this stumps mel" his voice
grown suddenly harder 1T doesn't
sound straight. for we left him safely
in Hot Springs an hour before sun.
down, ead he had no purpose at that
time except to wait there for Taylor
Do you carry any papersi"
drew the official envelope from my
pocket and held It out to him calmly
He opened the nap.
"A little light. Snow-yes. a match
will do"
The fame III up their faces--the ON.
Ger a thinfaced man with musta che
and imperial. his teeth oddly promi.
nent: the trooper older In years but
smooth'shayen. with dcop.set eyes aud
square chin Their uniforms were
, dusty and well worn The others.
clustered behind. remained mere shad
ows The captain took In the nature
OF the document nj glance. and
marked a change In his expression be
fore the match went out
"oh, ! sco-you are Lieutenant Ray.
mond. Got TO us earlier than you ea.
pected. Find mnny recruits north 2"
No" | answered. taken completely
py surprise, but managing TO control
my voice, That was why | thought /
might accomplish more In this section.
Those counties have been combed
over" hcsitatcd an instant and ye,
II was best for me TO learn what I
could u was not aware. captain. ,aat
my projected visit had been an.
nounccd
Ho lhushod. and The second match
went out, leaving IN again in dark
! ness
Nor was II. officially: merely a
friendly letter from an oricer on
Hoiizclman'H stan TO our major asking
for you a friendly reception Camp
goanlp brought the news TO me You
/ knew ilafwood7"
mo; only General Ramsay advised
me 10 confer with him. because OF his
intimate knowledge of this section, uo
belonged, ! believe, In Green Brlarf'
Yes, we were al his place ycn,or,
day. south of Lewisburs wha, aor,
OF looking man WAS this fellow Tay.
.