Page:Randall Parrish--My Lady of the South.djvu/258

MY LADY OF THE SOUTH " Maybe if you got me as far as the head of that path I might make the rest all right," I suggested doubtfully. It was plain enough he would prefer remaining where he was, but anxiety to have these welcome reinforcements hurried forward caused him grudgingly to consent.

"How large a force have you?"

"A few over a hundred, I reckon."

"Well, come on; I'll show you to the path. You could follow that with your eyes blindfolded."

I had forgotten the way myself, or rather the night confused me as to the points of compass, yet as he started off to the right I followed, perfectly satisfied so long as every step took us farther away from the immediate vicinity of the house. We were not challenged, evidence enough that no guards had been stationed to prevent possible approach from this direction, and my guide pushed ahead rapidly, familiar with every inch of the route. We had traversed the orchard, and were upon the edge of the weed patch, when he came to a sharp halt.

"Here's where the path begins leading down to the creek. It's not very straight, but you can't lose it, for the growth is solid on both sides."

"It all looks the same to me," staring beyond him. "Where did you say the entrance was?"

"Right here in front," half angrily. "What is the matter with your eyes? I'll lead you into it, and then, perhaps, you can follow your nose."

He gripped my sleeve, forcing me forward. The next instant I had my leg twined about his, my hand on his throat, and he went to the ground as though felled by a [ 244 ]