The Holly chieftain., 1916-01-07

deepening shadow, until came to the
first struggling houses. These were
dark and silent. and not SO much as a
dog barked as walked my horse eau
tiously forward toward the main
street. saw but one dim light stream
ing through an uncurtained window OF
what looked like law Office, and
passed close enough to learn that a
group of men within were playing
cards. 1t was highly probable these
belonged to the majors escort l
passed the place unobserved and rode
on into the night. feeling had escaped
from immediate danger. At what l
took to be the tavern corner l discov-
cred the road leading to the left and
turned in that direction, assured that
1t would lead directly into the heart
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, a half dozen shadows
loomed up blocking the path. l bare
ly had time to rein in my horse before.
we we're intermingled, the surprise ev.
idently 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 gruff
voice.
"In Gods name! where did you come
from? Here, Snow, see what this fel-
low looks like"
The speaker had q wide-brimmed
hat, drawn low over his face, and
cape concealed his uniform. But
Snow wore the cap Of the Federal cav.
airy, ~and knew had fallen into
Yankee hands.
II 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 q grasp on my
bride.
$50 see," but with no cordiality 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 heref"
Perhaps l may be privileged to ask
first by what authority you halt and
question me?"
He laughed, and waved the weapon
he still held toward the others of his
party.
"Our force alone is sufficient author.
ity should suppose. However, l will
set your mind at rest-I 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?"
I'VE are Of his escort" both suspi-
cion and command lost before my cool
assurance. "You are in the service,
sirf"
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 whom?"
"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. ut doesn't
sound straight, for we left him safely
in Hot Springs an hour before sun.
down, and he had no purpose at that
time except to wait there for Taylor.
Do you carry any papers2"
drew the official envelope from my
pocket, and held 1t out to him calmly.
He opened the flap.
"A little light, snow-yes. match
will do."
The fame lit up their faces-the off,
Ger thin-faced man with mustache
and imperial, his teeth oddly promi.
nent; the trooper older in years, but
smooth-shaven, with deep-set eyes and
square chin. Their uniforms were
dusty and well worn. The others,
clustered behind. remained mere shad-
ows. The captain took in the nature