The Holly chieftain., 1916-04-07

very lives at stake. Twice we nedIo
guns, but the reports were but distant
echoes. sounding afar of to the west
ward. Yet these made me nervous to
get away, and when q number sounded
| together-aimost q volley. distinctly
audible. ] hastened to pack what little
remained Of food on our horses, and
led the way. fOrding the shallow
stream. and guiding my horse up the
opposite bank into the deep shadow OF
the woods beyond. The summit OF
the hill was open, except for q con-
siderable grove to the rear OF the
church. That edifice appeared. as
remembered it. unchanged in any re-
spect-a fairly large building. con-
structed solidly Of logs. with square.
clapboarded tower In front. four win
dows on each side, containing small
panes of glass. q number of them
broken. We were at the rear which
showed q larger window. and a mar
row door at one corner. protected BY
porch. It appeared desolate and
deserted. the loneliness accentuated
by the empty hitching racks ON either
side.
We advanced side by side along
what was once well-trodden path.
making NO attempt at concealment
Indeed. any such effort would have
been useless. as the crest Of the ridge
lay open. and bare of vegetation. but
was 30 fully convinced we we're unob-
served that l took no precautionary
entire thought, indeed, centered upon
the girl at my side.
The heavy latch of the front door
lifted easily to the pressure of my
hand, and we stepped into narrow
vestibule, Noreen grasping my arm
nervously. as she faced the shadowed
interior Of the deserted building. Some
instinct of caution caused me to close
the door behind US. and then l drew
her forward, laughing at her fears.
until we obtained glimpse of the larger
room. already becoming obscured by
the approaching night. 1t was rather
shabby-looking place. not overly clean,
even In that merciful dimness. Rude
benches. without backs, stretched al.
AAoot tAOu wan W WALL q ud1IOW dibl0
leading to the pulpit, set within an al.
cove. and scarcely discernible except
In barest outlines. recognized big
Bible. lying open on the gaunt pulpit
stand. A book of some kind. dogs
cared and coverless. lay on the floor
at my feet, and bent to pick 1t up.
As came upright again, a man
stepped from the shadow of corner.
and the steel barrel of a revolver
flashed before my eyes. felt Noreep
cringe against me. uttering . mufled
cry.
Stand as you are. Yank." said q
rather pleasant voice. Pardon me.
lady"
He was young fellow, with bold.
black eyes, a little. jaunty mustache,
and mouth inclined to laugh. but
what stared at in open-eyed aston.
ishment, was his broad-brimmed hat
and natty gray cavalry jacket.
Some surprise party, reckon" he
chuckled grimly. Here, Wharton,
kindly relieve the gentleman of his
arsenal; take the lady's gun. also. It's
all right. boys"
To my unbounded amazement, up
from the floor where they had been
lying concealed beneath the benches,
Q number Of men came scrambling to
their feet. Those nearest me were
gray clad troopers, with carbines in
their hands.
who. in heavens name, are you?"
l asked, at last finding my voice. Con.
federates here?"
"Your first guess is an excellent
one," he answered lightly. evidently
enjoying the scene you have the
honor of being prisoner to the Third
Kentucky cavalry. Wharton"
Yes. sir" The sergeant advanced.
conduct the lady and gentleman to
the sanctity of the pulpit. sergeant.
where they may commune with the
presiding genius of this house OF wor.
ship erected in the wilderness"
"You mean you hold prisoner Par.
son NichoIs?" asked.
mo doubt 'tis he. We discovered
the party alone here, and held him
for the pleasure Of his company"
Just moment, lieutenant" and l
faced him squarely. ignoring the grip
Of Wharton's hand on my arm.
There is no reason to hold US prison
ers; all there is Yankee about me 10
this uniform. have just escaped
from the Federal guard at Lewisburg"
His eyes, laughing. yet suspicious.
swept our faces.