Sallie Russell 141 



length a scouting party of cavalry came riding down 

 the trail. They were apparently not looking for 

 anything, and rode carelessly by. Ashley began to 

 breathe freer, when suddenly the loud barking of a 

 dog was heard. One of the party had his dog with 

 him, and the animal had caught the scent of Sallie's 

 feet where they had turned from the path. Ashley 

 at once realized the situation and the danger. He 

 knew the animal would be upon them in a moment, 

 and their presence would probably be made known. 

 He felt the sinkings of despair. A quick and cruel 

 wish came to his mind. Oh, to choke, to kill that 

 dog! Then suddenly, like a flash, came the thought, 

 c Why not subdue him by kindness ? ' As the dog 

 came nearer, he stopped for a moment. He saw a 

 ragged and forlorn man. Should he seize him ? 

 Before he could decide, a soft, low, and musical voice 

 spoke kindly to him. This amazed him still more. 

 He had not heard a kind word since he was a puppy, 

 and it seemed like a voice from another world. He 

 listened ; but so much had he been imposed upon 

 that he was distrustful and eyed with suspicion the 



