Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1866-02-16
A Faithful Sentinel.

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A party of officers having been off to
Mexican fandango, are thus received by
volunteer sentinel - /" On the picket
guard at the pass that night, was, among
others, one Of company G, whose name
was Belts. Now Belts was small man,
with an intelligent countenance, keen eye,
and pleasant appearance-fond Of joke,
and prided himself at all times, in perform
ing strictly the duties of soldier in every
particular He had heard the colonel's
commands to the guard mentioned before /;
and, as this party was approaching, he was
walking the narrow pass to and fro with
his loaded carbine at support. His COM
rades were at little distance, soundly asleep
around the guard fire, for the night was
cold. The officer Of the guard had, agains!
the line Of his duty. left the picket and
had gone into the tents Of the camp guard
about half a mile. The white rows Of
tents shone in the moonlight beyond bul
there were 10 lights there, for all wtre
asleep. Belts heard the sound Of the
horses boots Of the coming party before
he saw them. He stood erect. They
came nearer, two lieutenants in 'front.'
Who comes there? he challenged. in a
quick, loud and distinct voice, that brought
them to halt in an instant. Friends.
was the reply. Haiti advance, friends
and give the countersign J We have
not got il. You know US am Lieuten-
ant Smith, acting adjutant, and Halt,
and remain where you are quickly repli-
ed the sentinel, with very significant
mot ion toward the lock Of HE carbine.
The two were astonished while the
colonel behind, hearing this, was much
amused, and drew his horse up, to see it
out. The adjutant commenced to speak
again, but the sentinel would hear nothing
but the countersign and what that was
they knew not. Colonel Thomas knew
Belts by his voice, and besides, could, in
the moonlight, see him plainly, and was
really pleased to see his faithful perform
ance Of orders.
After pause Of some moments, in
whice he thought the lieutenants had been
sufficiently troubled for not having the
countersign, be advanced up to their side.
Mr.. Belts,' said he am pleased to see
you SO prompt and decided in your dis.
charge Of duty; and, trust the lesson
will not be lost on these officers for Off
GERS should set an example of military dis
ciplne to the soldiers. Let these gentle
men in; and depend upon it, we think
much more of you for your frmness.'
Have you the corntersien p said The
sentinel to him, in reply to this. The
countersign ?--no-it is not necessary for
me to have it. You know me; I'm your
colonel You can't go in said the sen,i-
mel, as he drew himself up erect before
them. Look at me, said the colonel, as
he advanced out of the shade of some
chapparal, on the side of the road, into the
bright moonlight that played and glistened
on his large epauleiies, his broad gold
lace, and the guilt head and scabbard of
his sword. Don't you know me now, Mr..
Belts? The sentinel coolly surveyed him
and his horse. might know you 10 the
daytime. but now / do not know you; you
cannot go in; remain where you are?
But we must go in said all, as they ad
vanced thtir horses" there will be no
harm! Quick the sentinel threw IN
his carbine, with his thumb upon the lock
and his finger on the trigger, and called
out Stop you are near enough and
stop they did; there was danger in pro-
ceeding.
Here is pretty end TO a frolic,' said
the adjutant, while the colonel locke
} stern with vexation. They turned their
horses heads together, and held consul
. tation. Where is the officer of the guard
e"sss s"S ~SiohCi W TUG etntlDcl. who n0V
had turned to walking back and fortl
across the path before them, and VIII,
showed no disposition for conversation
Gone into the camp was the reply
well, send after him, then 'Shoul,
like to accommodate you, gentlemen, bu
can't leave my post Here, then, was
predicament. They dismouuted, and sa
on the ground, holding their horses, wait
ing for the officer of the guard. Tn
night was cool; the wind was, and ha
been the whole day, from the north. The
tried to laugh, but they we're too cold
They pleaded earnestly with the sentinel
but it was of no avail-for he, pacing hi
interva. would talk no more. In abou
two hours (which seemed ten to them
the officer Of the guard, who had BEEF