CHAPTER IV. - THE FUGITIVES.

" Yes; it is a body of horsemen. I can see them plainly now."

"Do you think they are enemies?"

" More than likely; but keep up good courage for we will find some way to outwit them."

The scene was on one of the Georgia roads running toward Atlanta; and the speakers were two fugitives seeking a place of safety in a country overrun with the hosts of war.

In fact the second speaker was Mara Morland, the sister of Captain Morland, arid she had been driven from the home she had been placed in by Cavalry Curt, barely escaping with her life.

Her companion was to all appearances an old and defenseless man, but who was in reality a man a little past the prime of life and one of the boldest and most successful scouts of Sherman's army. He was sometimes called Old Fatality, but more often the Wizard Scout. Though his meeting with Mara had been quite accidental it had been very fortunate for her for she must have fallen a prey to the skirmishing parties infesting the country. If she could only reach a friend's home not far from Atlanta she hoped she might be safe.

The couple were mounted upon good horses which the scout had captured that day.

Along with the horses he had also captured one of a squad of cavalry, and this man was Landaff, the same one he had captured once before, and who had made his escape from the Federals by some means. He was securely bound and they were taking him along with them.

As may be imagined he watched the approach of the horsemen with joy.

Feeling sure the oncoming riders were foes the Wizard Scout decided upon a bold course of action.

"Look here, Johnny," he said to the prisoner, " I am going to free you and it must appear that you are escorting us by order out of this vicinity, Answer all questions to that effect. Remember my hand is on a cocked revolver if at the least show of treachery I'll put a bullet through your brain. We worked this racket on you once before and you proved very tractable. Do you accept the terms?"

" Yes," was the sullen reply.

" Good," said his captor as he prepared to carry his plan into effect. "See that you do as I tell you."

Then they awaited the Confederate cavalry. They numbered an even dozen.

At sight of our party they looked surprised, and as soon as they came within speaking distance they reined up.

" Ho! who are you—what, Landaff, as I live! Whew! how comes this?"

The cavalry chief's amazement was no greater than the others, though the latter under his circumstances dared not betray his real feelings.

He felt uncomfortable under the glittering gaze of the mysterious scout. How he longed to tell Captain Ashton the true condition of affairs! A single sidelong glance toward him who rode along side was warning enough for him to desist. The scout's right hand was under his coat. He knew well enough why!

" What, say, Land, have you lost your tongue? Whither are you going in company with that precious pair?"

" To Wytheton. Hanged queer I must be sent off on this blamed trip. As if their safety was of more account than others."

" So you don't like your job old boy?" cried the genial, unsuspecting officer. "Oh, well, you'll get there soon after sunrise. Anything new from Resaca?"

"No, s'pose you have heard how we licked Newton at Wing Ridge?"

"No. The truth is we have been off three days—just getting back. Tell us about it."

"Oh, we just gave toe Yanks fits. Lots of the boys went down though. We should have lost the day if it hadn't been for Captain Morland. They say he fought like a tiger. The boys were driven back twice and were fleeing in wild confusion when he picked up the colors and calling upon them to follow him rushed upon the breastworks. The sight of him fired the others and wheeling they followed him back, driving the Yanks from the works. Poor Harry! it cost him dear for he fell with more than a dozen bullets in his body."

The speaker evidently forgetting his situation spoke with great earnestness.

At the mention of her brother's name Mara could not suppress a low cry of anguish, for this was the first intelligence she had received of his fate.

" Don't mind 'em war-stories, darter," said the scout quickly.

" Well, I'm sorry for Harry," said Captain Ashton. " He was a capital fellow. Such is the fortune of war. But I suppose you are anxious to get on and I am cure we are, so a quick journey to you, Landaff, and may we meet again."

Not daring to do differently the Confederate started forward with his companions, the cavalrymen reining out one side of the road so they could pass.

The Wizard Scout felt confident that the horsemen were watching them after they had passed, though lie dared not release his watch over Landaff long enough to glance back. He was glad to escape so easily.

" You acted your part well," he said to his victim and nothing further was said until three or four miles had been passed over.

Mara, her mind convulsed with anguish, longed to inquire more definitely of Harry's fate, but could do no better than to wait.

Suddenly, as they were passing over a wide stretch of level country, the Wizard Scout motioned a halt.
Then as the others paused beside him he said calmly:

" We are pursued!"