Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1872-03-23
NO. ~.

anu the Two wagons were lett alone on
the mountain. In one of them was Tobe,
with the Captains boots; over which he
kept constant watch. The men worked
busily at the wagon, and lobe sat watch
ing them. Suddenly a trampling of horses
feet was heard, and a party of cavalry
came around a turn in the road.
That's good,n said one of the men;
there's some of the boys. If they'll
wait few minutes, we can go along with
en-
"Tain't none of our boys" said the
other. after keen glance; "thems' Rebs"
At the word Tobe slid down to the bot
tom OF the wagon under some blankets,
and lay silent and molionless. with the
| boots clasped in his arms.
As the soldiers advanced. the officer
said, apparently in reply to question:
| mo, let the men go. We can't do any.
| thing with prisoners here; but wen look
| through the wagons, and if the Yanks
have anything we want, why, 'all's fair in
war. ~
They reined their horses by the wagons,
and after a few short, sharp questions
proceeded to break open trunks and bags,
and appropriate their contents The Cen
eral sat on his horse, a silent inspector,
TIL from one trunk was drawn perfectly
new, handsome overcoat. II believe I'll
try that on he said. '.It looks to be lust
about fit" Then, as he buttoned it up.
THAT couldn't fit better if it had been
made for me. Whose trunk is thisP All
here's the name. Major Barton,-the
Cavalry. See here,' to the teamsters
'.just give my compliments to Major Bar.
ton, and tell him I'm much obliged for the
coat; it's just what needed. When he
has another like it. l shall be happy to
meet him or his trunk.
The soldiers We're about finishing their
examination, when one of them said,
Whats that under the seat of that wag-
on?"
"Oh !! nothing but torn blanket" !" said
another. ''Taint worth taking We've
got all we want"
There may be something under it,
though" lie pushed aside the blanket
with his sabre, and there lay Tobe, en-
deavorlng, but unsuccessfully, to hide the
boots underhim.
"Ah" said the soldier; 'sthis is worth
while. Here's just what wanted. Come,
boy, hand over those boots, quick"
Deed, Massa,' said lobe, Il can't glib
EN- up to yer. Dey longs to Mass Cap'n;
an he done told me take keer OBJ 'em mos
partic'lar.
Cant help that. I've got to have EN-;
so pass 'om along"
PLEASE. Massa," began Tobe, but the
rebel cut him short.
"Wlll you give me those boots If YOU
don't do it, and in double quick time too,
Iii put a ball through your black skin. l
won't ask you again. Now, will you give
them up?" And he pulled out his pistol
Deed, Massa, l can't; case Massa
Cap'n--"
There was sharp click, a flash, a long.
sobbing moan; and Tobe Law motionless.
the boots still clasped in his arms, and
great drops of blood slowly gathering up
on them,
ENEMY in sight" shouted picket,
riding up.
The officer hastily gave an order, and .
the rebels dashed off at furious speed a
few moments before a party of Union
cavalry, with Captain Leigh at their head
appeared riding from the opposite direc-
ton.
a few words sufliced for explanation.
Captain Leigh laid his hand on Tobe's
shoulder, and spoke his name. At the
sound of the voice he loved so we'll his
eyes opened, and he said, family, "Mass
Capn done de bes' knowed. Ikep' de
boots"
80 lobe groaned the Captain, 81 wish
you had given them up. would have
lost anything rather than had this
Mass Cap'n-"
Yes, Tobe, what is it ?"
''De little chllens, Mass Cap'n.
meaned ter wait on 'em right smart. Tell
EN- his voice grew fainter and his eyes
closed.
Yes, my boy; what shall tell them p,
Tell 'em didn't lose de boots; l KEEP
'em-de bes'-I knowed."
There was faint sigh, a flutter of the
eyelde, and the little face that had been so
truly ''de bes' he knowedn (ah! if we
could all say that y was ended.
Very reverently Captain Leigh lifted the
boots, all wet and stained with blood. II
will never wear these again."he said;
but will never part with them. They
shall be Tobe's monument"
In the hall of Captain Leigh's house is
a deep niche; and in it, ON marble slab
covered with glass case, stands pair
of cavalry boots with dark stains upon
Them and on the edge of the slab, in
gold letters. is the inscription -
II memory of Tobe,
Faithful unto Death.
Elizabeth Kilham, in Our Young Folks.