Montpelier examiner. [volume] (Montpelier, Idaho) 1895-1937, 1916-03-10

guns. but the reports we're but distant
echoes sounding afar OF 20 the west
ward. Yet these made me nervous to
get away, and when a number sounded
osether-almost q volley, distinctly
audible. FASTENED to pack what little
remained Of food on our horses. and
led the way. fordinE the shallow
stream. aud guiding my horse up the
opposite bank into the deep shadow Of
the woods beyond The summit OF
the hill was open. except for con.
siderable grove 10 the rear Of the
church. That edifce appeared, as |
remembered t. unchanged In any re
speCt--R 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. number OF them
broken. We were at the rear, which
showed u larger window. and mar
row door at one corner. protected by
porch. II appeared desolate and
deserted, the loneliness accumulated
by the empty hitching racks on either
side.
We advanced side by side along
what was once weli.trodden path,
making no attempt at eoncealment.
/ Indeed. any such effort would have
been useless. as the crest OF the ridge
lay open. and bare of vegetation. but
was so fully convinced we were unob.
served that took no precaution
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 a narrow
vestibuIe. NoFeen grasping my arm
neryously. as she faced the Swallowed
interior OF the deserted building. Some
instinct OF caution caused me TO close
the door behind uA. and then ! drew
her forward. laughing at her fears.
until we obtained glimpse Of the larger
room. already becoming ohscured by
the approaching night. 1t was rather
shabby.looking place, not overly clean
even in that merciful dimnesS Rude
benches. without backs. stretched al
most from wall to wall. a narrow aisle
leading to the pulpit, set within an al
cove. and scarcely dlscernible except
In barest outlines recognized big
Bible. lying open on the gauht pulpit
stand. A book OF some kind. dogs
cared and coverleas, lay on the floor
at my feet. and bent to pick II up.
As | came upright again, man
stepped from the shadow OF corner.
and the steel barrel OF revolver
flashed before my eyes. felt NoreeD
cringe against me, uttering q muf.ied
cry.
stand as you are. Yank." said o
rather pleasant voice. Pardon me
lady"
He was q young fellow. with bold
black eyes. little. jaunty mustache
and a mouth inclined TO laugh. bur
what ! stared az In open-eyed aston
ishment, was his broadbrimmed hal
and natty gray cavalry jacket.
Some surprise party. / reckon" he
chuckled grlmly Here. Wharton
kindly relieve the gentleman OF his
arsenal: take the lady's gun, also. IT.
all right, boys
To my unbounded amazement. NJ
from the floor. where they had beer
lying concealed beneath tho benches
q number of men came serambllng Il
their feet Those nearest me wers
gray clad troopers, with earbines IL
their hands.
who. In heavens name. are your
asked. al last finding my voice, Con
federates here?"
your first guess is an excellen
one." he answered lightly. evidently
enjoying the scene. 'Yau have thu
honor OF being prisoner to the Thlri
Kentucky cavalry Wharton"
Yes. STR The sergeant advanced.
Conduct the lady and gentleman u
the sanctity of the pulpit. sergeant
where they may commune with th'
. presiding genius Of this house OF wor
ship erected In the wilderness.
You mean you hold prisoner Par
!. son Nlchols?" asked.
!. mo doubt It's he. We discoyere'
! the party alone here. and held hin
for the pleasure OF his company
Just a moment. lieutenant" and
e faced him squarely. ignoring the grii
= Of Wharton,s hand On my arm
0 There IL no reason 70 hold as prison
e ers; all there is Yankee about me ]
r this uniform. have just escapes
from the Federal guard at Lewisbufg
n His eyes. laughing. yet suspicious
= swept our faces.
! I'm not easily fooled ne said. 'sbu
n ready enough TO learn. Who are your
g Thomas Wyatt sergeant. stauntoI
o horse artillery"
e 'By ell the gods, II soundeti
strange. How came you hereT"
ION Jackson's orders ! was Dor
= In this county. and because Of that b
y chose me to ind out the numbers an
:. disposition Of the Federal troops i
2 thia neighborhood. together with som
!; other facts he wished 20 know. ! va
captured In Federal uniform. and he'll
G under death sentence aa q spy.
: escaped last night"
y And the woman?"
d She threw back the cape which ha
partially concealed her face, revealin
8 her bright eyes and flushed cheeks.
D. ITO BE CONTINUED
A preceding the 18th gradually nIled ID
gorge Of the small stream With y mas
. of water. mud and rocks. Between ~
a. -