CHAPTER V. - HUNTED DOWN.

The acute hearing of the Wizard Scout had warned him of what the others had failed to detect—the hoof strokes of a body of horsemen following rapidly after them.

As they listened a moment, however, the sounds grew plain until both Mara and Landaff felt confident, that their companion was right.

The Confederate's countenance brightened as he once more realized that succor for him was near at hand.
Mara turned pale and trembled like an aspen leaf.

"Oh, dear!" she exclaimed, " will this terrible journey never end?"

"Don't lose courage," admonished the scout.

Then turning to the rebel he continued: "Reckon I had better put the strings on your wrists again, mister. Don't you lift——"

But Landaff had resolved on a bold strike for freedom. The realization that he had friends near nerved him to action.

Before the scout could finish his speech he dealt his horse a smart blow and—a grip like iron fell upon his shoulder and the horse was hurled backward upon its haunches with a force that would have dismounted him had it not been for the hand laid so violently upon him.

" Ha! ha!" laughed the Wizard Scout, "so you thought you could get away. I'd let you go only I have an idea I shall need you by and by. I wouldn't try that maneuver again if I were you."

Landaff gave up without further resistance, and while he was speaking Old Fatality secured his hands behind him.

By this time the clatter of the oncoming horsemen was clearly heard.

"Come, Mollie," he cried to Mara, " we mustn't lose any more time. It's a ride for life now!"

He no longer attempted any caution in his movements.

Keeping Landaff beside him he dashed ahead at a wild pace his long gray locks streaming in the night air.

Mara, in a dazed, bewildered way, followed close behind him.

In mad pursuit came the Confederate cavalry.

Leaving the plain they entered a narrow valley where for miles the road was walled in by the craggy mountains.

Deep shadows fell across their path and owing to the darkness their flight was less rapid, though they still rushed on as swiftly as possible.

At last the frowning heights were passed and once more they came into open country, where the starlight was more brilliant and their progress surer and swifter.

Occasionally a farm-house was seen, though no signs of life were apparent.

The sounds of their pursuers were still growing plainer and it was evident that they must soon be overtaken.
The long-continued exertions on the part of their horses was telling with direful effect.

Still they could only press on and on in the vain hope that some avenue of escape would be opened to them.

All the time louder and louder grew the clatter of the enemies' approach, as nearer and nearer they rushed in pursuit.

Mara felt that they were lost, and even the usually indifferent look upon the bronzed countenance of the Wizard Scout deepened to one of anxiety.

Landaff grew hopeful, to glance ever and anon toward his friends so rapidly overtaking them.

Finally the horse ridden by the scout began to fail so that to continue the flight longer was useless.

"It's no use!" he declared, "we've got to stop sooner or later and the quicker the better I think. I know of a Union man who lives somewhere in this vicinity, and if we can find him we are sure of help. It can't be more than half a mile from here to his place. Ha! the rebs are gaining on us fast. Another half mile, old horse, and you shall have rest. Luckily for you no one will ask whether you are a gray or a blue."

Despite the. lagging strength of the horses the half mile was soon passed over when they came in sight of a farm-house standing a short distance from the road.

"It's the place!" cried the scout and at that moment their pursuers came into sight.

To their disappointment the house was deserted. Fearful of the dangers threatening them the occupants had hastily departed to some other place.

"We cannot go any further," declared the scout. " We must stop here."

"Dismount!" he ordered Landaff.

The enemy cries now rang on the air.

"Quick! we must find an entrance into the house!" exclaimed Old Fatality, "We can better defend ourselves within."

" Let me go!" implored the Confederate, " I will not lift a hand——"

" Not a word!" hissed the scout. " You escape or die with us! Come along."

To his satisfaction he had little difficulty in opening the door when they entered the lonely dwelling.

At that moment their pursuers dashed into the yard.

" None too soon!" declared the scout as he blockaded the door as best he could.

" Let me surrender and save you——" began Mara.

"Tut, tut!"answered her preserver, "I promised Cavalry Curt that no harm should befall you while I could lift an arm in your defense. I am not going to eat my words. Here, I know you are brave enough to handle a weapon. Take it and if Mister Gray offers a move shoot him as you would a snake. I'll look after the others."

By this time the soldiers had surrounded the house and the captain with four others started toward the door.

" Hold!" thundered the scout, covering the first with his firearm. "Advance another step at the peril of your life!"