Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1862-05-09


The devil calculated the Quartermas-
ter.
Yes, continued Jack, and I seed him
kick that collar off Ever since that, he
kicks every barrel to slaves that be gets
bis eyes on.
But he has seemed quiet enough since l
have been leading him, interposed Blife.
Have you any liquor about you? asked
Jack.
Yes, little in my coat pocket; why do
you ask?
That's what he follows you for, and it's
wonder he hains eat you up body and
breeches afore this, to get the liquor. I
knoTed that mule TO kick the lock off of
old Bailey's cellar door, and go down thar
and get drunk as a beast Fact, sir
That mule can kick your hat off and you
on his back.
That can't be so, said the Qurtermaster,
incredulously,
Try him, said Jack. I've jist got cool
hundred dollars to give you if you'll ride
him a rod.
By this time the Quartermaster's atten-
dants had got out of sight. and his avari-
cious soul prompted him to make an effort
to get jacks gold, thinking he couldn't
be mere than thrown off, anyhow.
The night before this meeting, Jack had
quietly stolen into the mules stable, and
carefully placed leather dog collar, driv-
en- full of pointed sparrow-bills, under the
mules circingle, putting piece of light
leather between the points of the nails and
the mules back, so that moderate pres
sure would force them through into the an
imals hide. Ignorant of this, the greedy
Quartermaster moved the mule to the
bank, and sprang on him just where the
dog cellar was placed, Just as he lit on
the mule, boulder lit on his head, aud be
lit sprawling in the mud. The mule, fran
tie with the pain of the nails still stick
ing in his back, sprang off the road, knock
ed down a dozen panels of fence, and ran
furiously across the field, rearing, kicking
laying down and rolling over, jumping up,
and plunging about at terrible rate.
I told you 50, said Jack, coolly, as the
Quartermaster scrambled up, rubbing his
bruised head, and brushing at the mud On
his clothes.
He's worse than seven devils, aint he
said the discounted Quartermaster.
In course he is, replied Jack
What'll you give for the chance of him?
asked the Quartermaster as he saw anoth-
er string of fence go down before the mad
dened mule
Don't know, said Jack, the halter might
be worth dollar or SO, if l could get close
enough to shoot the mule before be entire
y spoils it.
But where's my horse? asked the @. NJ.
looking around in great astonishment.
Don't know, replied jack; the mule
gave him'a histe with his heels, just as be
started, and I haven't seed the boss since,
| wish the devil had cid -
Hello Quartermas:er shouted fell
low in secesh uniform, who was coming up
the road at the top of his speed; hello
Mr. Quartermaster the enemy is coming
right down on our camp and the General
wants you Immediately. Our army is run
ming like all possest, and the general wants
You to help save the plunder. Hurry
back as hard as you can run, or the enemy
will be betwixt you and our fellers.
Bife waited to hear no more, but broke
for his camp like a quarter-horse. When
he arrived, and found that the story was
all false, terrible was the vengence be
vowed, but before he had time to execute
his threats, Floyd's army was in a remote
part of the State.
1t is hardly necessary 70 add that the
messenger who sent the Quartermaster's
horse with his head up the road. and by
sharp cut with the whip sent him out Of
sight before B.ife recovered from his con-
fusion, was a confederate of Jacks.
Squire Bailey got his mule again, a lit,
tie worse fer Jacks tricks, and be is as
quiet and useful an animal as there is in
all the country. The double eagles Jack
returned with the mule, taking the Quar-
termaster's horse as compensation for bis
services.
Jack Philips says he would like to
have an opportunity of inquiring of the
self-sacrifcing patriot of the glorious Con-
federacy whether it hurt much when the
mule kicked his hat off.
The Songs of the Night.
LEGEND FROM THE TALMUD.