Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1867-07-05

The Ride of the Union Spy.

= LAO ANAllS "a tliC ~ AlOA k1RJ.
In Edmund Kirke's new book, g On the
Border" published by Lee & Shepard
we find a chapter descriptive of a mid
night ride of Jordon, the spy, who is the
h-ro of the volume. 1t is chiefly interest
ing as ar illustration of ,he intelligence Of
the horse.
The night was dismally dark, and the
rain was falling in torrents. when, in the
guise Of an old negro, Jordan emerged
from the cabin and with rapid steps, made
bis way 10 the rude log-barn, which stood
surrounded by high worn fence, in the
center of little Clearing. As he softly
lifted the heavy wooden latch, low whin-
ny followed by the quick paving Of steel
clad hoofs, sounded from the INSIDE ef the
barn, as il to welcome bis coming 1t may
be that With the acute ear Of her species,
the mare recognized the tread of her mas
ter and gave vent TO these expressions, in
token Of satisfaction at the prospect Of be-
ing relieved of the ompanionship of the
ancient mule that was snoring soundly in
the adjoining stall. Horses, doubtless, re-
gard mules very much as the negro regards
that other hybrid, the molatio.
BE quiet, Beauty.-be quiet Not
wordl' said Jordan in a hoarse whisper,
as he entered the barn and softly closed
the door btnind him.
While he was doing this the animal
backed out OF the stall, and Stepping as if
she were treading on eggs. came toward
her master.
We've a long read bt fore US, Beauty /;
have you had enough TO stand it till morn
ing r" whispered the man, putting his
mouth close to the ear of the mare.
She raised her head, and placing it gent
ly over the mans shoulder embraced him,
but gave no sound, brute or human.
"The night is dreadful dark, my life
may hang on your eyesight. VIII you be
careful
Another and warmer embrace was the
answer.
Well, then, let's be going; but step
softly, till we're out of hearing
The man undid the door, and with the
horse went out into the darkness. Closing
The door he turned 10 the animal again,
and said in Whisper:
Now Beauty, keep your eyes open !;
you shall have bushel of oats in the
morning.
Again the mare answered this time hy
rubbing her nose againstthe mans features.
Don't do that, you fool, exclaimed the
man; you'll rub off the charcoal"
The mare hung down her head, and
patting her on tile neck, and speaking
quickly, as if fearful of having wounded
her feelings Jordan said
"Never mind, Beauty it don't matter
but it shows your eyes are only half open
open them wide if you want TO help me
save Kentucky"
Again she puther head over his shoulder
and, then, as he bounded into the saddle
she walked slowly and softly away from
the clearing.
When they had gone about a quarter O
a mile, the man resumed the conversation
Bending Gown over the saddle-bow, ht
said in his usual tones
Now Beauty, eyes and ears both open
but give them your heels-show them yot
had a great grandfather
The mare gave low whinny, and ihel
few forward ike the wind-or like tn
lightning, which every now and then light
cd up the desolate highway.
To account for the readiness with wliicl
the mare understood her master, it is nc
necessary to suppose that she was not nc