The Buchanan County guardian. (Independence, Buchanan County, Iowa) 1858-1864, 1863-06-16
For the Guardian
ON PICKET.
CONCLUDED. |


lengthen out into new horrors, the wind
rustled among the slunted pines with :
plaintive moan, while low, learfully and
distinct could be heard the aominous
tramp of feet approaching his station
To say that the Doubter was alarmed iol
his personal safety, would be unnecessa
ry his hair fairly stood on end, and he
was mentally deliberating on the expe.
dlency Of deserving his post and running
to camp, when 10 there is a tremendu.
Gus cracsling Of dried twigs. dozen
dark forms fit rapidly through the moon
light, and the next moment the Doubter
finds himself surrounded by trio ol
desperate docking wretches, who appro.
pirate lis gun and other collaterals. and
pinion his arms, scarcely before the brave
soldier has time 10 speak.
" Gentlemen" at last gasps the vic
tim. i am peaceabe fellow, and new.
er meant you any harm. Take every
Thing | have, only spare my life."
Life" says the leaderof the band
scornfully =" hear this miserable Yam.
kee, praying for his life. But tell you
not TO look for much mercy in us. We
belpng TO Blye's guerrillas, and always
string such chaps as you up TO the first
rec. il you have anything to say. be
quick about it, for we have got 10 gel
away from here by daylight. Jim, look
and see il you cant throw the rope over
that tree yonder."
Gentlemen" exclaimed the Doubter
frantically. Il tell you that I am. and
always have been. an unconditional
Southern man. / was forced to stand
guard here against my will, and il you
hang me. you will be numbering one oi
your bes, friends
We hear ducks. Here. Jack. tie
this handkerchief over his eyes. while
fix good running moose. We can,
stand parleying here NIL night"
Boys. if you will let me 60 l viii
take the oath Of allegiance to the South.
ern Confederacy."
"A great soldier you would make
Why. We stole right up on you"
well. | mislrusted that you were O
the right stripe. and I did not wish I,
FIRE on my friends. Besides. l can b.
OF service to you in many respects"
"What will you do il we consent tt
spare your worthless life 90
Anything that you ask"
"Well. we are liile hungry. tn
country is pretty we'll drained Of forage
and now i you can lead us to any plsc,
that will afford US something to eat, an,
carry away. we will spare you for tn,
present. But in the first place. jim. yo,
must administer the oath. Get dow,
on your knees" addressing The Doub,er
Now. hold up both hands. and solemn
ly promise that you will divulge all Sc
crets and bear true allegiance TO JET
Davis"
The Doubter done as desired, the oall
was duly administered, and fees for tn
same pocketed. which consisted OF m
converts watch. plug Of tobacco, an,
twenty cents worth Of postage stamps.
"Recollect that you are one OF our ban,
now. but il you try TO play us false yo
will get ball from out your own gun
II you know-where We can cabbage an
yams. honey. milk, DC, lead on. we wi
follow"
The reader has probably anticipate
the character of the capturing party
and. 10 make long story short, / wi
merely add that the Doubter led th
boys to his hidden stores, nor was tn
fellow undeceived till the next day. whe
TO his astonishmen. he found that th
rebels were no other than the Assyris