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Show She obeyed him, having the lerte in her hand. 1 CHAPTER XVIII. Continued. The woman in peril at the hands of these fiends, who respected no one was Mollie Granger, and she was his wife. Straight as the arrow from the bow he flew. In one hand he carried his revolver the other held his faithful sabre. When he burst upon rtiem in t'.is furious state they would be apt to believe a hurricane from the mountains had struck loose. Shanks was eager enough to be in any action, but he found himself unable to maintain the mad pace set by his commander. Hence he fell behind. r This irritated the intensely, as he urged his horse on, allowing the led animal to follow as it pleased, he was mingling oaths at the hard luck of owning an inferior mount and prayers that Colonel John might not finish all of the highway rogues before his animal brought his attendant on the scene of action. As the soldier bore down on the spot where the Granger carriage had been waylaid, he endeavored to grasp the full situation. There was no time to be wasted. He saw a woman's figure emerge from the vehicle it was the squire's daughter without a doubt, for he caught her brave voice as she demanded to know the meaning of this outrage, and then with the vengeance which her father's position might command. How the clear, resonant, fearless voice thrilled the advancing horseman. John gave no shout to introduce his advent on the scene of action. He rode straight into them. The first thing they knew concerning his presence was the sudden detonation of his heavy Colt. No man knew better how to conduct a little campaign like this than Ridgeway he had had long experience in a cavalry dash, and studied fire-eate- $ but the flesh was exceedingly "weak. One danced around on a single leg, another twiste himself up in a knot and emitted lugubrious howls, while a third tried to crawl into the bushes, rolling over with each yard taken. Not a particularly nice sight for any young girl's eyes, but Mollie had done more or less work in the hospitals, caring for the Confederate wounded, and in these stirring war times the sight of blood was no novel one. She stood there where her enemies had left her upon making their hasty flight, and turned her eyes upon the figure of the man who had so boldly come to her resale. By the aid of the firelight she saw his (jace. Her own flushed and turned white. "Again you, Colonel Ridgeway?" she exclaimed, in her surprise hardly knowing what she said. Her tone caused him some embarrassment. "It chances so, Miss Mollie, though for your sake I would it were some one else whom fortune had sent to your relief." There was a bitterness in his voice that told her even more than his words expressed. Mollie was generous by nature she entertained a peculiar relation to this man there were many reasons why she should hate him, and yet and yet, she found it harder to do so. he was so bravt, so noble. "Forgive me I should be ungracious to say that I did not mean it. Again I owe my life to you. for such villains as these would not hesitate at murder. Believe me, I am indeed thankful for your presence, Colonel John." "Well, it was only right after all that I should be able to do you a good turn, seeing that you are out this night in my interests." "Sir, what do you mean?" "That you came to Atlanta to be a witness of my meeting with that tell me quickly how ion that I was weak or foolish to take this risk because I had done you an injustice would not do to any man even my most hatvd enemy." "And ii ust you do not look at lie in that light. Miss Mollie." p "No. no, since this Is the second time you have been instrumental iu We may be saving n:y poor life friends I presume, but that's is all " am thankil "Friends it is ihen for that small favor." he replied. Then, while the negro was getlfn the horses in condition lor fart)-- ' progress he related how his aunt bad repented her share in the plot, and L informed him of its motivo, He did not exactly say that of heart had come about upoi. her learning that Mollie Granger was his wife, but she could infer as mu-'- t from the words he used. Mollie said no mor. but she been given good grounds for serfous reflection. She was a girl of more than ( m mon sense, and while her rabid heat with regard to sectional differences blinded her in some respects, the ViJ was slowly but surely being IIM$ from her eyes and things were appe4'" ing in their natural colors free outside Influences. dislik Only for this everything pertaining to the Fe Government she must have ere fiow have become sensibly aware of i the fact that her destiny was wrappefl ui with that of the man the fortune ot war had given her as a husbanu of convenience. Indeed, his manly bearing, his pintle consideration for her well bang, and his bravery in time of danger all these things combined to arouss the keenest interest in her hert, against which she struggled in vajj Yes, only for that single barrier sectional prejudice, Mollie must have long ere now yielded herself to the destiny that seemed bearing her on. She knew it could not last much longer. This man was apparently able to into a wield the basest of metals weapon for his defense when enemies laid a pitfall to insnare his feet he utilized it as a means for climbing higher in her estimation, her regard. And he was even now knocking at the door of her heart, though she still stubbornly refused to open it and let "Now, learned enough feared i which I 1 deep-roote- d Amine - mFizY$XZGMr4&. a- CHAPTER XVII Continued. "It would only be justice, and when the opportunity comes you will be able to depend on me. Even my son deceived me, for I suppose he knew of your marriage." John remembered the conversation he had had, near his old home, with Crockett. "Yes, he knew. But since I cannot be of service to you. Aunt Sarah since my being called here was all a mistake after all, I might as well return. There is one thing I would like to ask you." "I shall answer any question, neph ew you are kind indeed to make so light of my ingratitude." "Have you ever told my cousin how I was able to serve you in Louis ville?" "I have not, though I should have done so, and I will, now that this has happened." "Thank you, aunt. I believe when he knows that he will not feel so hitter toward me. We are kin, though we fight on different sides, and when the war is over 1 hope to live here again it would be much better if we were friends." "Spoken like a Ridgeway I fear the better elements in our family descended on your side and the baser on ours, John. It shall be as you say. I shall never be deceived like this again." "And my wife you said Mollie was here that she saw me enter this house, saw that desperate, vengeful woman lei me in." "Yes, It was true; but tell me, why does my son's wife hate you so?" "I would rather not say, aunt I as- sure you It is entirely to my credit, though." "I can guess It you could not the love she once cast at your feet." "No, no, not exactly that." "Still, she gave you to understand ihe had a passion for you, and you n him in. So Mollie's thoughts were a trlte confused as she rode homeward. More than once she took a sly look from the window of the carriage at the erect figure of the horseman galloping alongside on the right, and somehow his presence there did much to assure her of safety it had come to that she felt she could de pend upon the stout arms that, had snatched her from the greedy flmes ana just now put nei eutuoi e' flight. the effect of such a burst from all sides. Hence, he did not hesitate to pit his single arm against the half score of fierce guerrillas around the carriage, knowing what an advantage he had with his ready weapons and his unexpected advent on the scene. Besides, there was Shanks. He was coming, though, at a mad gallop, with the extra horse at his heels, and if the clatter of the animals' hoofs failed to reach the ears of the startled guerrillas. Shanks made up for this deficiency by giving full vent to his lungs. He shouted and roared and swore until one might easily have believed a whole troop was coming upon the scene. Meanwhile Colonel John was in it. He had with a word brought his horse to a halt when he reached the side of the carriage, and his first shot was followed by a second and a third in rapid succession. His other hand holding the sabre was not idle, and as the steel flashed in circles here, there and yonder, It soon lost its brightness. Men as desperate as these free lances are not apt to be alarmed at shadows, but it 'was very evident to them they had something tangible here. At any rate a spirit of demoralization seemed to have come upon them. Each man began to consider that his own life hung in the balance, and made up his mind it were a needless sacrifice to let it be wiped out under such distressing conditions. Strange and yet true that even such desperate men value their lives even more than many an honest, upright citizen, though quite reckless and prodigal with reference to the existence of others. Seeing nothing to their advantage in remaining on the ground, the guerrillas broke and ran. At least that portion of the ganc able to make use of the opportunity did so. There weTe some whom circumstances so controlled that they were unable to accomplish such a result, no matter how much they might have desired to effect It. Their spirits were willing enough. woman who claimed to be my wife," he said, steadily, resolved to pursue the subject to the bitter end now that the opportunity presented itself in spite of the apparently unpropitious surroundings. She seemed overwhelmed with confusion. "You know she promised to tell no one well, since you have said it, I admit the fact. I did not want to be unjust to you I desired to make assurance doubly sure." "Which goes to prove, I take it, that though you called me a hypocrite, you still had doubts which troubled you. I am delighted to know John Ridgeway was at least an object of so much con-- j cern to you that you would undertake this dangerous mission in order to learn whether he was the guiltv wretch that siren pictured him, or innocent of the charge." "It was merely curiosity, sir nothing else I would have you know," but her blushing cheeks belied the words very plainly. "Just so, Miss Mollie. And you return under the conviction that my guilt is assured?" "I saw her admit you," scornfully. "Very true, but I had no idea she was in that house until had entered." "You expect me to helieve that, sir?" "I expect to bring you proof I am determined that this woman shall not ruin me In your eyes while I have tower to prevent it." "Indeed!" "Belle Stevens is the wife of my cousin Crockett Ridgeway. whom you know." This intelligence caused her to show signs of deep interest. "You say you can prove this?" "Ask him yourself the next time you meet. Besides, his mother, my aunt will tell you so. It was a letter from her, appealing for assistance that took me to that house see, here It Is read It when you reach home." "But how did you know about me?" "I will tell you. Pray, enter your carriage while Kzoklal gets ready to move on. Those rascals may take It Into their heads to return or send a shower of bullets in this direction." 1 That he wore the hated blue was his only fault, and this did not appear so henious as when she stood up beside him on the night they were made man and wife in order that he might save his life and she her estate. Did Colonel John appear before her in a suit of gray, with sentiments cor. responding to her own, she believed she could love him truly. The sold. or had replaced his left arm none the better for the use to which it had been put once more in its sling. He had entirely forgotten the fact of his being wounded in the excitement of battle, and used it quite freely, for which he might yet ray dearly but what matter, since it was in the service of love. Thus the balance of the journey was made. They reached the plantation of the Grangers, the only place near A'!an that had, by a peculiar coraldnati of circumstances, escaped rt le partial destruction. (To be continued.) I Bill Didn't Understand. He called his old time friend to side on Welton street yes.erday said "ZXWT 77&S 77ZP KS&f naturally scorned her as any true, I have sushonorable man would. pected as much, but it does not matter. She is his wife, and as Crockett has sown he must reap. You were about to ask me something else, nephew." "Where Is she now I mean Mollie?" "On the way home, I have reason to believe." This caused him to be anxious to follow, and yet remembering her fine scorn as she told him she hated hypocrites and detested him, John winced the thought of presenting himself mifore her after what had occurred. : "Bill, do you remember tne time y called me a fool when I told you was thinking of getting married ?" "Yes, Jack; but that's all forgotten now," said Bill. " "No, it isn't forgotten, Bill that brine tc use the "But what's old score up now? I told you I wa3 sorry I hurt your feelingr,." "But you called me a fool, Bill, for getting married, and I think an apol- Why had she braved this trip to the ty, unless she was learning to love im unless something within her eart refused to believe him the guilty retch Belle Stevens declared, until with her she had seen his duplicity awn eyes. This being the case, John was not half so indignant over the contemptible fraud that had been used to draw him to the place as he might have been could he discover no benefit to his own cause in the matter. Belle Stevens had planned well the gold of Major Worden had aroused " ogy her latent energies, if such a thing "Oh, well, I'll apo'ogize again, if were necessary, considering how she that Is what you wane You were not hated his successful rival. a fool : so there, now " She believed the game was In her "But you don't understand: I vant and that John could never exhands, to apologize to you'" the circumstances which away plain "To me?" his name in the estimclouded dot "Yes. I WAS a fool." ation of the woman he was fast learn disaparms and And they locked Ing to adore. peared around t!.e corner. Douver But Belle Stevens was yet to learn News. that sometimes engineers are destroyed by the very power they are The Man on the Steps. supposed to bring into existence In They were going to the matinee. other words, "hoist by their own pe She was up In her boudoir putting on Urd." finishing touches and he was sitting Colonel John had made up his mind Impatiently on the front steps. that since he could learn nothing "George," she called down sweetly, more to his advantage under this roof, "just one minute more until I find ray he had better be moving. gloves." His main thought was to overtake Fifteen minutes passed. Mo!lle on the road if possible, and her in safety to Lyndhurst. "Oeorge," came from above, "wait another second. I've lost my pin." Perhaps she might be too indignant o speak to him never mind, he could Twenty minutes slipped by. "George," she continued, "don't go. arry out his plan, protect her on the A button Just Jumped One moment. vay. and leave explanations to a more off my shoe." lonvenlcnt season. Then George calls Tt alng to his aunt he bade her Long silence. 'arewoll. wearily: "I win see you again If you remain "Hurry a Jlttle, Ethel. If you get down In another five minutes we can In the city, Aunt Sarnh. and anything make the evening performance. Mat may be able to do for you do not .tate to speak of It " inee's over long ago!" es-:o- "j?rc "John, you humiliate me more and more. Then you forgive my share in this vile plot ?" she asked, with tears in her eyes. "Freely and fully," he replied. As he started for the door he encountered the vindictive woman who 'ad plotted so desperately for his overthrow. One glance into his face revealed to her the fact that he knew ali. . , i .1 l. . one aftc. Kiwimii ri MCUI IU i .aA "You have escaped me again, John Ridgeway, but don't flatter yourself this is the end. I shall live to see you suffer worse than I have endured," she said, bitterly. "You are a foolish woman. Belle. Why not forget the past and live only in the present. There is enough work for patriotic daughters of the South to do without brooding over their own private imaginary injuries. I wish you no 111. but remember, the next time you endeavor to come between .Mollie Granger and myself may not be so forgiving." She was not at all cowed. "I will never cease to be a thorn In your side," she hissed, venomously. "1 hope we will never meet again, Belle," he said, as he passed from the house. Nor did they. This desperate woman, who did not hesitate to risk her life for the lost cause, was given a dangerous mission a few days later. She was never heard of again. No one knew what became of her, but the last seen of her was near a great dismal swamp which in avoiding the camp of the enemy, she attempted to pass through, only to get lost and miserably perish. With all her faults, and they were many, she at least loved her country more than her own life, which she freely gave as a sacrifice in the endeavor to assist tin' rapidly waning star of the sinking Confederacy. Knowing her vindictive nature from V. 1 j tive, and his description of the outfit, given in a few sentences, tallied exactly with the squire's rig. Satisfied that the one in whom he had so gn at an interest must be just a short distance ahead. Colonel John spurred on. There was a long stretch of road between this last picket post and Lyndhurst, that was practically unguarded. This was the region Colonel John bad his fears about, concerning "re safety of his wife. Roving bands of guerrillas could easily pierce the outer line of 'he Federals, and doubtless came within reach of the buildings his men were engaged to protect, many times. As yet they had heard no signs of the vehicle ahead, but the picket had assured them it was not far away. After all. this might be something of a quixotic errand on his part, but he saw his duty plainly before him and would not shrink no matter if his presence was not needed. As he galloped on he endeavored to map out in his mind some course which be had better pursue on the morrow, when he found himself in the presence of Mollie. All he desired was to set himself straight in her eyes. From these reflections Colonel John was suddenly aroused he surely beard a cry in the darkness beyond, a cry that sounded very like a shout for help in a female voice. His blood seemed on fire at the thought of his worst fears being confirmed, and Mollie, his wife, being at the mercy of the rascals who, serving under neither flag, pillaged the distracted country. "They have been attacked!" were the words he uttered, as he spurred his horse forward. CHAPTER XVIII. Just in Time. Sergeant Shanks dashed after his superior officer, almost as eager for the fray as was Colonel John himself, for Shanks had long ago gained the name of a Are eater, and hence had a reputation to sustain. It was no false alarm. The road at this point was sandy, so that even with such a rapid advance, there was no sound marking the onward progress, no pounding of hoofs such as would have been the result in another quarter where the thoroughfare had a hard surface. This proved doubly fortunate. Not only did it prevent their arrival on the scene from being telegraphed ahead to those who were engaged, but warriors a it gave the advancing chance to hear what was going on. The shouts increased. It was a darky who gave vent to them, and his manner indicated tremendous excitement. Faithful old E.ekial, unable to assist his beloved young mistress in any other way, was making all the noise he could, hoping to attract some one to the rescue. Certain it was he gave the most unearthly yells that ever agonized mortal tympanum, and the guerrillas might be excused if they either turned and ran or set about ending his fearful chorus with a bullet. Colonel John, bending forward in the saddle, sought to discern the situW ation ahead as his horse carried him on with great bounds. He could see lights, as though the assurance to past experience, Colonel John would rascals bad even had the from time to time feel considerable un- - start a fire at the side of the road and easiness whenever his mind reverted play picket. A dark object that was the carto the female spy. When he stepped out of the house riage, and around it the moving forms he found the faithful sergeant by the of the guerrillas. Though his steed fairly flew, such door. was the impatience of the colonel "To the horses, sergeant," was the that he kept using the spurs no pace order. could keep up with his desire. These had been left not far away. Thus he bore down upon the scene Mollie and her attendant dusky a besom of destruction, ready to like had have ten would guard possibly sweep anything and everything out of minutes' start. Still, they could probably overtake his path. He was inspired by a double motive the Granger vehicle before It had and love. chivalry traversed more than half of the road (To be continued.) leading to Lyndhurst. The squire had once been proud of Who Were the Transgressors? horses. his There was a ripple of laughter This was early In the war. The needs of the Confederate cav-- j around the Capitol when the annual of Major Richard Sylvester, airy service had caused many a levy report to be made indeed, a dragnet had Washington's chief of police, was been used to scrape In every decent read. Major Sylvester Is required by law to report to Congress annually animal in the South. showing how efficient his force Is. So the squtre's fine carriage-horse- s had long since been offered on the Among other things he has to make altar of patriotism and for the last up a set of statistics giving the numyear or so he had been content to plod ber of arrests, with the race, complexalong behind a couple of antiquated ion, occupation and offense of each animals that filled his breast with individual arrested. In the report tire many columns descorn. voted to tabulated petty crimes. InColonel John knew all his. He was not apprehensive, therefore, volving Ihe arreBt of gamblers, touts, with regard to the vehicle reaching tramps, burglars, pickpockets, saloon Lyndhurst before them, with only ten keepers, fakirs, bunko men, and all that sort cf shady humanity. minutes' start. Two lines in the list, however, atOnce mounted, they galloped along These Peach Tree avenue heading for the tracted the most attention. stated there had been an arrest "of outskirts. The border of the city was reached. one Senator" and "two Representatives In Congress." Beyond lay the road leading to Lynd' hurst. Everybody In the Senate and the wants to know who the Sena-to- r House and All was peaceful around them, and Representatives are. yet a mighty army lay sleeping in and about Atlanta the army destined to Moon Cure for Bald Heads. carry terror and dismay while marchThe superstition in agricultural Georgia. through ing that the phases of the communities could hills on distant the Far away the germination and moon affect of an be seen twinkling camp-firegrowth of seed has a parallel In a other host. ueer belief that the moon also InJohnston and his heroes in gray, watching and widting for a chance to fluences the growth of hair on the The pounce upon the Federals at sonic nead. Here Is an old recipe time when they could be caught nap baldheaded should take "two ounces of boar's grease, one dram of the ping. Several times the colonpl turned In ashes of burnt bees, one dram of the his saddle and swept his eyes over the ashes of southern wood, one dram of the juice of a white Illy root, one spectacle. Once, when they were halted by nn dram of oil of sweet almonds and six outlying picket the colonel drew In drams of pure musk; make an ointment of these, and the day before Ills horse, and after giving the countersign, leaned over to ask if a vehicle the full moon shave -- Ihe place and anoint It every day." New Yo k had gone on before them. The soldier replied In the affirma may-hav- Jjv V j.'Vf high-steppin- s |