The Vermont transcript. [volume] (St. Albans, Vt.) 1864-1870, 1865-06-09

with long grass and flowers, placed
his kettle on the ground, and threw
himself down near the vessel.
"a regular wild goose chasel' he
muttered, impatiently, as soon as his
gasping breath permitted him to
speak. Il knew that l could't find
the way"
He ruised himself upon his elbow
and took lazy survey Of his position
as he spoke; but he was unable to de-
eide whether or not he had ever been
in his present locality before The
field, as we have previously stated was
a small one, and we will add that it
was enclosed by rail fence and par
TALLY surrounded with pine trees.
Through openings in a line Of trees
on one side Of him Beet could catch
glimpses Of the country beyond, and
it now struck him that 1t would be
good plan TO climb one Of the pines
and from an elevated position to get
a glimpse Of the picket
Accordingly rising to his fec. and
carefully adjusting his rifle across his
back, he walked to the foot OF one Of
the trees and commenced to ascend
it, His motions were not worry rapid.
but in the course Of quarter Of on
hour he had gained one Of the top
most branches and was about to com
mence ms observations, when a loud
voice apparently proceeding from the
opposite side Of the field saiuted his
ears.
II say, little Yank, look here, viii
ye?'
Tom started with surprise and turn
od his eyes in the direction of the
voice, but was unable to see any hui
man being. There was q round fat
bird with red wings and a long beak,
seated upon rail but the young man
was not superstitious enough TO be-
heye that it was this creature that had
spoken.
Il say where are your eyes? Don't
you see me, up here in the pine right
opposite to you?g
Yes, there he was, sure enough.
Tom could see him now a tail rebel,
wearing a short grey coat, and butter
nut pants, and cap lie was seated
on ono Of the upper branches Of the
tree he had indicated with his rifle
resting upon his knees aud a short
black pipe in his mouth
How dye, Yauk 4 warm day
isn't it?~
Very, answered Tom, who had By
this time recovered his self-possession
"You seem to be enjoying yourself up
there
"Wcl, reckon SOL" answered The
rebel "Whats in that kettle Of
yourn p ho added pointing to the
, vessel, which still remained in the
middle Of the field.
5 Coffee !" shouted Tom in reply
4 thought so by the SMELL" rc-
! turned the rebel, ''its very fragrant.
, I've had my eyes on yoa and that ket-
Tie for tho last half hour Coffee is
| awful scarce" he continued, taking
: his pipe from his mouth and placing
: it in his pocket, "and 1 think shall
take possession Of your kettle in the
name of the confederacy !"
NO you won't!' roared Beet, in a
. determined voice, seeing that his enc
| my was preparing to descend the tree.
! 'No, you won't.
And he unslung his rifle from his
back as he spoke and pointed it at the
Southerner.
: Hold !" cried the latter, resuming
his position, "let us compromise. You
4 see, Yank, he added, Il could have
a shot you and had that coffee long be-
Q fore this, as l saw you when you first
e came into the field; but dindt want
/ to take any unfair advantage Of You.
Now, then, thar's that kettle in the
middle Of the field whar you left it,
and here arc you and l. each of us OPP
posite to the other in tree Isn't
b that so ?"
J Eyes"
Z "Well, then, you say that shall not
have the coffee, don't you"
Yes, and I'll stick to it. y
"Youll not even give me a eanteen
full? We are awful hard up for the
f article, Yank."
i 81 can't give you DROP" shouted
Z" Beet, 'it belongs to our picket.
n "Well, then, what | propose is this,
that we fight duel for that coffee
e you in your tree and l in mine--and
r | reckon ono of us will fall before long,
for Tn capital shot, Yank =