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SWORDS AND HEARTS
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When Hugh rode away, with Jennie's flowers fastened to his saddle, the thick woods which fringed the tobacco fields of the plantation were clothed in the softest, daintiest tints of green and pink and gray, spring's own colors. Now every tree was brave with the gorgeous hues of autumn. Crimson and yellow, red and brown, they flaunted themselves in the crisp October breeze and sent radiant showers whirling about Jennie Baker's head. She was walking slowly along a path, weaving rose-colored dreams about her hero, Master Hugh, picturing him winning renown and fame, returning home triumphant. There was no thought of herself in these sweet fancies, only the pure, unselfish thoughts of youth worshiping its ideal.
The leaves rustled sharply and a rabbit darted across the path directly before her. Roused from her reverie, she became conscious of the approaching thud of horses' hoofs coming along the road which she was nearing. She had scarcely time to shrink back into the bushes before the horsemen were almost upon her, a dozen of them reining their steeds close together, their blue uniforms shining thru the trees.
"Frazier's down the road somewhere," she heard one say; "we've got orders to get him. He's slipped back here to see his sweetheart. We 're to find a big red house, where she lives, and search it. It cant be far off."
As they rode away Jennie sprang from the bushes and was off like a flash down the wooded trail. It was two miles by the road to the Lambert home. The soldiers would ride up the lane to the front door. It was less than a quarter of that distance by the path she was taking, which led across the tobacco fields to the rear of the house. She must reach the house in time to warn Hugh if he were there.
It seemed to the girl that she had been running for hours when she staggered up the path to the kitchen door. As she paused, breathless and spent from her run, something stirred by
the grape arbor, and there she found Hugh's horse tied, with his master's long gray coat thrown over the saddle, his cap lying upon the ground. It was certain, then, that Hugh was inside, and she started for the door. Suddenly she stopped. Could he escape? He must ride down the lane, and his enemies must be very near. They would fire at him !
She looked at the house where Hugh sat with his sweetheart, and a voice floated softly out to her thru a shaded, open window. It was his voice, and it strengthened her desperate desire to save him. A bold plan flashed into her mind.
Whispering to the horse and petting him, she led him softly past the
JENNIE
LEADS HUGH 7S PURSUERS ASTRAY
house and down the lane, where the slender, silvery poplars whispered encouragement. At the end of the lane she listened. There was the sound of hoofs, coming very near. In a moment she slipped into the long gray coat, drew the cap down upon her head, mounted, and just as the pursuers turned the bend where the lane was plainly visible, dashed down the road ahead of tfyem.
There was a series of yells, and the party were after her. She leaned low over the horse's neck, urging him desperately.
"Go on, Don," she coaxed; "go on. It's your master we're saving; dont fail."