Adventure Magazine Cover — page 84: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

74 “Good ——! Elsie Macson!” I hoarsely cried. ‘““You’ve killed me, for I’ll kill myself be- fore they shall catch me,” she panted. ““You’ve spoiled it forme. Spoiled my life! I'd gladly give it for the States. You make me throw it away.” “Some one is after you?” She laughed hysterically and glanced back toward the creek. Now I could hear the commotion of horses coming at full gallop. “They’re Tories, not Regulators,” she muttered. ‘“There’s more of them along the creek than there is of Marion’s men; only they’re stupid.”’ I sent both horses forward at a gallop, my mind still bewildered at the discovery that my fair cousin and the half-witted Runty were one and the same. I stared incredu- lously at her, marveling how such sweet fea- tures could be masked by an expression of stupidity. Accompanying this wonderment was the realization that I had treated her harshly. I found myself mumbling— “T didn’t guess—when I shook you sé “You shook me as the foolish boy,” she broke in. ‘“That doesn’t matter. But if they catch me now ? “Do they know you?” I cried. “No. They’re fresh from North Carolina. I was scouting them when they saw me and gave chase. That’s why I left the island and left some one else to guide you. One of Marion’s men reported them—my horse is about played out, poor beast!” “You can have mine if it comes to a race,” I encouraged. ‘But there’s another way. It will work. Fix your hair. You're a young man, but no simpleton. Tl get you clear.”’ As I talked I fumbled inside my coat. “Saving me twice is asking too much,” she said, yet tucking her superfluous hair be- neath her hat and rearranging her leather coat until, with her homespun breeches, she looked to be a prepossessing youth. It was fascinating to behold the change in her mo- bile face. I had seen it vacant and purpose- less, that of the scatterbrain, and I had felt irresistibly attracted by its sweetness as a maid’s. Now the softness faded out and lines of reckless daring were stamping it with masculinity. 3 ‘“Rub some dirt on your face,” I directed. “Even when you scowl! you make too sweet a boy.” Adventure The glance she flashed me was thoroughly feminine, and with lithe ease she swung low from the saddle and scooped up a handful of dirt from the road and smeared some on her cheeks and fair forehead. I prayed this move would effectually disguise her, but my eyes could see nothing but prettiness. “Your plan?” she demanded with a back- ward glance that assured her the enemy was not yet in sight on the curving road. 3 ] I PULLED out my two passes and gave her the one signed by Lord = Cornwallis. It read ‘‘to pass the bearer.” I said: ‘“‘That should get you clear of them. Only promise me you’ll destroy it when it’s served your purpose.” “T’ll destroy it, Cousin James,” she said. “But leave me now, lad; they’ll be in sight in another minute.”’ “T shall be near at hand,’ I told her. ‘“‘And remember to talk like a man.” “Have no fear as to that part of it,’”’ she replied in a gruff, masculine voice. Then I turned my horse into the woods and made my way parallel to the road while the girl pulled her horse down to an easier gait. I could tell when the band burst int6 view by the outburst of exultant howling. By the clatter of their horses’ hoofs I knew their animals were much superior to the poor nag ridden by the girl. Dismounting and tying my horse to a tree, I stole forward to witness the climax of the chase. Elsie had reined in and was calmly awaiting her pursuers. From my position in the bushes I could see the band was led by a man as huge in build as Big Simon and his coat and trappings were gorgeous in the extreme. With a rush and a roar they came up and surrounded her. As their clamor died down and before their leader could address her she asked ina voice much deepened in tone— ‘“Who commands here?” : ! I do?” bellowed the big man. “And, ! You’ll dance on air for the rig you’ve run us!” “Not so fast, whoever vou are,” the girl calmly replied. “If you are rebels I'll ap- peal to General Marion, who is against hangings, I’m told. If you're for the king I have that with me which talks with au- thority.” c¢ all lousy rebels!” bawled the leader. “Up north it would be worth a COmiclbook ©