The daily Gate City. [volume] (Keokuk, Iowa) 1855-1916, 1867-05-15
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Some ten miles from the banks of the Hal>
(, stein river rode single horseman, cid In
the uniform OF the Union army He was
q ssti and finely Proporiioned, possessing de.
gree ofsmuscular power that was most sur
prising in one 80 young, for he could have
scarcely reached his nineteenth year.
The name of the youth was Frsek Becker
de had been on a foraging expedition, and
was now returning after having loaded bis
horse with q large quantity Of provisions
scnmped" from the stores Of the rebel cit>
izeus.
The keen grey eye of the young Federal
glanced rapidly along the thickets which
skirted the road on either side, affordine .
hne chance for concealment
Nothing like an enemy was to be seen,
and young Becker breathed more freely, and
soon becoming confident he commenced
singing.
Scarcely had the sound of his clear voice
hoated ont upon the morning air. when the
bushes on each side became agitated, and a.
Becker became aware OF it he suspected the
proximity OF foes. Clapping spurs to his
horse, he rode away like the wind, followed
in his rapid fight by the whiz of dozen
balls, one OF which struck his horse IN the
side causing the animal to stagger and pitch
forward to the ground in the agonies of
death.
Surrender, you dog Of Yankeel shout.
ed one OF dozen rebels who had sprung
from the thicket but moment after the
firing.
But Frank Becker, not desiring to comply
either with the rebel request or TO hold q
parley, Immediately sought safety in fight,
FIRST however, securing his revolver, which
he felt certain would be no hindrance to his
escape.
de took course leading toward the Hol-
stein, which was q long way off; but if he
could not reach the river be would surely fall
into the hands Of the enemy His fate, If
captured, he knew to be certain death.
and he determined to die rather than be cap
tured.
On over a rolling, uneven country be ran
at speed so rapid AS to soon leave his pur~
suers tar in the rear. Thinking that they
might perhaps give over the pursuit, the
young Federal retired to small clubhouse,
situated q short distance from a rebel plan,
tation. On entering the youth found il UNI
occupies, except by an old negro of uncer-
tain age, who was apparently engaged in re-
moving some smoked hams from the place,
On the appearance of Becker, the old fell
low dropped large ham, and looked in won>
der upon the intruder, rolling his eyes in
lsughsble manner.
We'll, Cuffee, can you hide me from the
rebs = cried the Federal, not expecting much
assistance, however, from the black.
Are ye a Yankee?'i cried the black. re-
covering somewhat on hearing the soldier
speak.
es, and | am chased by some Of the in
fernsl rebs. You must find place to secrete
me until darkness affords me secure chance
of escape"
Just get In dere. said the old man, point
ing to large iron>hooped cask standing ear
the entrance to the clubhouse, land II fix We
so Their won't be no SIGH thing as yer bein'
discovered
Notknowing the full meaning Of the neero's
plan, Becker at first hesitated to comply, for
he knew not but the fellow might betray him
into the hands Of the rebels But moments
reflection convinced him that his only chance
OF escape was IN trusting TO the friendly In,
tentions Of The African.
lie sprsng in and crouched low at the bot.
tom, while the black covered him completely
from sight with smoked ham, leaving plenty
OF air. lie had but just finished covering IN
the fugitive when the pursuing rebels came
up, and some OF them entered the house.
hi !! what you in here for ~ cried the
negro.
We are after blasted Yank. Hain't he
been seen here, nigY''
Dis mig spotted man runnin' like mad
little time since-don know wbar he am now
On h. Hope you catch de cussed Yam
90
few more questions were asked aad an.
svsred, and then the rebels left and continued
iheoursuit; but as may be expected they did
not catch their man.
That night Frank Becker made his way
safely into the Union lines, MINIS his horse
and forage, yet thankful for his life and free.
dom. He was saved by slave as were many
others of our escaped prisoners.
IT will never do to take it for granted that
wrong viii right itself Weeds in neglected
garden, instead OF dying out, will grow ram
pant and choke the COED. Evil needs only
suferance to accomplish all its fell designs.
To be free from desire Is money; to be free
from the rage of perpetually buying some.
thing new is certain revenue; to be con-
tent with what we possess constitutes the
greatest aud most certain Of riches Cicero.