Page:Randall Parrish - The Red Mist.djvu/353

 Rh saddles, permitting their horses to browse idly among the weeds, but the majority dismounted, and flung themselves wearily on the ground. A dozen strolled across to the well a few yards away, and we could hear them laugh and joke among themselves, as the windlass creaked. Raymond drew his horse back, away from close contact with the fellows, staring at their antics a moment, and then looking toward the black silence of the church. He said nothing, but finally touched spur to his horse's flanks, and went trotting back down the road, as though intending to intercept the advancing column, which was not yet visible. Cowan looked after him with a sneer.

"The damned dandy," he growled to a man just behind, gesturing with one hand. "We're not quite good enough fer him, but I'll show him afore this job's done who's the boss. By God! I don't take orders from nothin' like that. Would you, Jem? "

"I should say not," responded the other, spitting into the road. "Whatever got us tied up yere with these Yanks, Anse, enyhow? I done thought as how we wus a fightin' against the blue-bellies a bit ago; an' now we're as thick as two fleas. Did yer git yer price?"

Cowan laughed grimly.

"Thar ain't no occasion fer yer ter worry, Jem,"