Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1916-01-06
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CHAPTER xxtl-continued.

It was . single sheet. very formal In
expression. as though the writer mere
iy performed q duty which he consid.
cred unpleasant. but necessary. He
acknowledged receipt of q communica.
ton reaching him at Ramsay's head
quarters, apparently an application for
pardon, and pledge to unite with the
Federal forces. and stated that the
writer would be at the Minor house
near Hot Springs at certain date.
where he would be glad to confer fur.
ther regarding the matter. He agreed
10 come unattended. and suggested
that his visitor use the name OF Tay-
Tor so as to prevent any suspicion. The
closing paragraph referred to a for
iner misunderstanding between them.
and expressed kindly desire to blot
put all memory of what had occurred.
My hands trembled as I read the lines,
and the girl at my side cried softly.
her eyes SO filled with tears / doubt
II she could distinguish the words.
Scarcely aware Of the action, / held
her with my arm, the letter crumpled
between my fingers.
TITS all clear enough now, little
girl" ] whispered, my voice trembling
from sympathy. "Your father met his
death at the hands of a treacherous
peoundrel. 1t was plot carefully con-
ieived. and now Cowan has paid the
penalty. am glad we have learned
the truth; but Major Harwood would
never wish you to mourn here in the
midst Of all this danger--you are lis
tening"
Yes; I will do just as you say"
1T will be best to 60: safer. think,
also"
Her hands chung to me, but she was
40 longer crying, although unshed
tears dimmed her eyes.
IL thank God," she faltered, that
he sent you to me. l could not bear
all this alone"
Il am glad you care to have me
here" l answered eagerly. Il was half
afraid you did not"
"Oh, but do: l cannot tell you all
1t means. IL think have never felt
more helpless. or-or discouraged"
1T lie the strain of so much occur
ring at once, and you are worn out.
We will get away from here, some.
where back into the hills, where We
can feel safe from discovery. Then
We can rest all day, and you will be
all right again. We need sleep and
food"
released her hands gently, began
swift search, and found all we re-
CURED. left Cowan lying just as he
had fallen. Both of US were glad
enough when we closed the door oil
the shack and returned to our horses
We rode on steadily for an hour, only
occasionally exchanging word. The
road was rough and mountainous, sc
rocky underfoot our horses left nc
trail. At last we came to narrow
ravine down which a brook plunged
over stony bed. There was no trai
visible. but 1t was possible to advance
some distance by keeping close to the
bank. ! dismounted, and, holding t.
the rein. led my horse carefully for
ward.
Follow as closely as you can"
called back to her. land keep at thu
rock edge so as to leave no trail"
A safer place surely could not have
been found. We were in narrow de
file. scarcely fifty feet across. ant
guarded On either side by high rocl
walls, precipitous. and exhibiting M
sign of a trail. picketed the horses
close to the stream and spread blan
kets for the lady to lie on at the foo
Of the bluff, where she would be vel
screened by a thicket Of underbrush
Then ! came back to where she sa
silently against the bole Of q larg'
tree, watching my movements.
mo doubt we are safe enough here,
I said, opening the pack. But III no
risk a fire; you can eat, SUPPOSE"
Il hardly know" YEARLY. "Perhap
l can choke a little food down; bu
really am not hungry. How ia
have we conner"
AS a mere guess should say neal
ly ten miles since leaving the cabin
BY the sun 1t must be nine O'Clock
Ea. what you can. and then lie dow
on the blankets and rest We will no
leave here until just before dark"
And your"
"Oh, may doze later If there
40 alarm: / shall never be far away.
She ate of the coarse food daintil,
apparently without appetite, but ] di
full Justice to the meal, satisfied. TO
the time being at least. that we wer
securely hidden. There was . strang
constraint between US. and, hnail!
hoping to make her feel more at eas'
ventured to breach the subject wnic
knew must be also uppermost In ne
mind.
1T IL an odd situation In which "
nnd ourselves" ] began awkWaroi.
my eyes on the ground. "but 1 nop
you-you will not feel embarrassed
or-or fall to have complete COM
dence In me. IL have no WISH
take any advantage; or-or assum
any authority"
stopped, unable to express u
thing desired to say, and the silene
seemed long. I lifted my eyes, IN
~ 80