Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1872-04-25
Gbe aag spp: aamsstr, Gbursoap aurmgI pnI 95 1872

come right soon, Mass Cap'u." And as the
his banjo, and cried as if his heart would
break.
Captain Leigh found brother officer who was
| expecting TO 90 home on a furlough, and who
readily agreed 10 take charge of the boy in
whom his friend was so deeply interested.
But that night came news that made every
body give up the idea of "iurlough" OF
going home" The Richmond government, de-
termined TO ''make the north feel the war as she
had not felt it" had organized the grand
raid"
An order Ecame for Capt Leigh's regiment
to march at daylight.
Globe" said the captain, ''you can 90 in one
of the baggage wagons. Strap up my blanket
and poncho, and take them along; and these
boots, take particular care of them for its not
often can get 4 pair of cavalry boots 70 iii rs
they do"
oyer needn't be feared, Mass Cap'n; Use take
care of 'em de hes | knows"
The main body of the raiders were reported
on the line of the South Mountains, making for
Gettysburg. Scouting expeditions were sent
ont from the northern army in all directions;
and body of troops, including Capt. Leigh'S
regiment, were ordered TO proceed by the short
est route 10 Gettysburg, and head the rebels oil.
One of the baggage wagons broke down. The
driver of another wagon stopped TO help his
eomrade. The troops passed on, ami the two
wagons were left alone on the mountain. In one
OF them was lobe, with the captains boots, over
which lac kept constant watch. The men worked
busily n the wagon, and lobe sat watching them.
Suddenly a tramplng of horses feet was heard
and party OF cavalry came round a turn in the
road.
That's good" said one OF the men; "there'S
some of the boys. If they'll wait few minutes.
we can 60 along with EN-"
"'Tain't none of our boys" said the other,
after keen glance; "them'S rebS."
49, a. III -. =
the wagon under some blankets, and lay silent
and motionleSS with the boots claSped in his
arms.
As the soldiers advanced, the officer said, APP
parently in REPLY to a queStion-"No, let the
men go. We can't do anything with prisoners
here; but We'll look through the wagons, and
il the YankS have anything we want, 'al's fair
in war
They refined their horses by the wagons. and,
after few short, sharp questions, proceeded TO
break open trunks and bags, and appropriate
their contents.
The soldiers were about finishing their exam
ination, when one of them said, "What's that
under the seat of that wagon?"
"O nothing but a torn blanket, said an
ether. Faint worth taking. We've got all
we want"
"There may be something under it, though"
He pushed aside the blanket with his sabre,
and there lay ToOe, endeavoring, but unSuccess-
fully, to hide the boots under him.
"Ah," said the soldier, this is worth while.
Here's just what i wanted. Come, boy, hand
over these boots, quick
"'Deed, MasSa,' said lobe 81 can't glib em
ter yer. Dey longs ter Mass Cap'n, an he tole
me take keer OBJ em mos partic' lar"
Cant help that. I've got to have them; so
pass them along"
"Please, Massa," began lobe, but the rebel
cut him short.
"Wil YOU give me those boots? If you don't
10 and in inly
ball through your black skin. won't ask you
again. Now, will YOU give them up?" and he
pulled out his pistol.
"Oeed, Massa, can't, case Massa Cap'n"-
There was a sharp click, flash, a long SOB
bling moan; and lobe lay motionless, the boots
still clasped in his arms, and great drops of
blood slowly gathering upon them.
ENEMY in sight" shouted picket, riding
up.
The officer hastily gave an order, and the
rebels dashed off at a furious speed few mo-
ments before a party of Union cavalry, with
Capt Leigh at their head, appeared riding from
the opposite direction.
A few more words sutficed for explanation.
Capt Leigh laid his hand on Tobe's shoulder,
and spoke his name. At the sound of the voice
he loved so well his eyes opened and he said,
family, ''AlaSs Cap'n, done de bes' l knowed;
| KEEP de boots.',
90, Tobep groaned the captain, 81 wish you
had given them up. would have lost every
thing rather than had this"
"Mass Cap'n."
eyes, lobe. what is it?"
"De little chlens, Mass Cap'n | meaued ter
wait on EN- right smart. Tell 'em"-his voice
grew fainter and his eyes closed.
Eyes, my boy, what shall | tell them?'
"Tell 'em didn't lose de boots; KEEP EN-
de bes'-I knowed"
There was faint sigh, futter of the eyeids,
and the little life that had been so truly ode bes'
he knowed" (ah if we could all say thatD was
ended.
Very reverently Capt. Leigh lifted the boots,
all wet and stained with blood 81 will never
wear those boots aga III" he said; "but | will
never part with them. They shall be Tobe's
monu ment "
In the hail of Capt. Leigh's house is a deep
niche and in it on marble slab covered with a
glass case, stands pair of cavalry boots with
dark stains upon them, and the edge of the
slab in golden letters, is the inscription
"In memory of lobe
Faithful unto death"
Elizabeth Kahan9, in Our Young Folks.