Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1867-02-22
l;Nissellamn.
"The Federal Chameleon
SKETCH OF SCOUTING STRATEGY.

sun had gone down, couple OF stout men
dressed in soiled rebel uniforms, each
holding in his hand a good Austrian rife,
tapped a, the door of small frame build
ing near the c. road in Virginia.
The knock was answered by an old wo-
man whose face was almost concealed by
the tangled masses of her grey, uncombed
and dishevelled hair.
Sand what do you want heah 2" she
exclaimed, as her deep-set eyes flashed on
the two men. 81 haven't the smallest bit
of johnny-cake in the house to offer ye, for
it was all"
"No, no" interrupted one of the sol
diers, "we don't want anything to eat but
We want you 10 tell Us, and that in quick
time, too, whether or not you've seen q
slight but strong looking slip of man go
by here of late 2"
Dressed in blue, and carrying double
barreled rifle" added the other.
Hey, hey ?" cried the hsg, lifting her
hands, and speaking in sharp angry voice,
"if ye ladn't interrupted me, l reckon
you would have heard me speak of him
just now, as he was the very man who
came here and bought all my cakes. 1t
was about two hours ago, and -
(which way did he go after he left
you ," inquired both men eagerly.
Before answer that question you
must tell me who he is" said the old wo-
man, with curiosity natural TO her sex.
g He's celebrated Union scout, whom
we call the Federal Chameleon because
he changes his uniform so often. Some
times it is blue, other times grey, and he
has even been seen wearing the disguise Of
an old farmer. He has shot more of our
men than is pleasant, and we have a row.
ing commission from our colonel to 20 and
hunt after him, and capture him if we can,
either dead or alive. And now we have
replied TO you," continued the speaker a lit
tie impatiently, we demand that you an
swer our question, and -"
Demand! 1" interrupted the hag, in
shrill, piercing tones. rs that the proper
way to speak to an an old woman like me p
Come, come aaswer US if you please,
cried the soldiers in mlder tone. 81
mean no harm-it is my way of speak
ing?"
- Well, perhaps | may forgive and per-
haps not said the old woman shaking her
head. How far is it to your camp from
here?
What is that to you? What has that
TO do
There yon are again with your cussed
incivility!" shrieked the hag, fiercely
$ but you shall answer my question before
you git another single word out of me-
Now, then, how far is your camp from
here, and how many men have you in and
around it Intend to carry your fellows
some corn cakes, dye see and l want tc
know the ffumber of mouths have to cook
| for"
"Oh, in that case" said the rebel, I"
do not see any reason why ! should no,
satisfy you. Our camps, then, are five
miles from here, near the cross roads, and
our number may be about five thousand
That will do" cried the old woman
with grin of satisfaction" yes, tina! will
do. And now you are sure that the mar
who came here to buy his supper is the
one you are after? ?"
"We are sure of it, for although we
ha' never seen the mans face, we'd know
him by the double barreled rifle, as no
body else in the Yankee army carries 6
weapon of that kind"
SAY, ay; its the right one, then" sale
the hag. After he had finished and paiC
me for his meal, he says to me Friend
| should like TO put up here for the nigh
if you have no objections But as / di,
not like the idea of accommodating a Yam
kee any more than l can help, said ther,
was no room for him, as l expected visitor
before many hours. well, then, says he
can't you tell me of place where cal
spend the night little comfortably? Y,
see, he added looking towards his doubl,
barreled rifle, don't like to camp out al
it looks likes rain, and this piece might gel
hurt by it, l know of no place, / an
swered, short of four miles from here, il
an old barn, which is tight enough, think
to keep off the rain. Four miles is 8
pretty long distance said he, 'and as
have been tramping about considerable to
day, don't feel much Ike carrying thi:
heavy load so far pointing to his knap
sack as he spoke, you will be kind enough
to let it remain till morning?" Well, yes
said l, hesitaiing a little, and throwing {
significant glance at the well-flled poke
book in his hand. He understood the lool
and gave me greenback dollar. Al
right, said /, and he then departed, sayin,
he would call for his luggage in the morn
ing, after he should wake from his sleeI