The Bloomfield times. [volume] (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1867-187?, 1872-11-19
HOW l FOUND MY WIFE.

H-'s, and it was with great pleasure
that used to go over TO the captains, af-
ter business hours, and lis ten to his "war
yarns" as he called them. He seldom
spoke of himself, but the following he told
me of his own personal experience, which l
give in his own words:
During the war did considerable duty
as spy, and on one occasion ] came near
losing my life.
just after one of our fierce battles, par
ticular information was needed concerning
the condition of the rebel troops quartered
in our section. was fully aware of the
risk l incurred, nor was l ignorant of the
fate awaiting me if was suspected and
taken. / had reconnoitered pretty thor
oughly, gained about all the information
necessary, and was beginning to think of
returning, when the following incident de-
cided me.
While walking along, musing upon the
exciting events which were then transpir-
ing, was met by a rebel private.
''Helloo, old boy you're going the
wrong way" cried the fellow in an anima-
ted tone of voice.
"I guess not" replied carelessly.
"Well, l 'spose you know best, but you'd
better go back with me to the camp. I'm
going to get description of the chap that's
been playing the spy" added the fellow,
familiarly.
| "What about himP It's all news to
me-" replied with as little outward ap-
pearance of concern as possible though my
pulse beat little quicker than usual at
the mans words.
"You must be deaf, then, for everybody
is talking about.him to-day" he continued
His name is Tom Jones and he's been
skulking around here, listening to what the
officers say, pumping the men and trying
to find out what the next move is to be.
But they're on his track. There's bounty
on his head, and he's as good as dead
man."
"Good enough for him p exclaimed,
maintaining the same Indifferent demeanor.
His life isn't worth much, that's fact.
But say comrade," said slapping him
familiarly on the shoulder, 8" Isn't hanging
a little too good for the rascal?"
The man replied with coarse laugh and
an oath, and then passed his way, leaving
me in no enviable state of mind. Had the
fellow been acquainted with my description
detection would have been certain. When
left the rebel barracks in the morning,
noticed nothing unusual; but my absence,
added to other circumstances, awakened
suspicion. Not moment was TO be lost
my life depended upon instant concealment
as fight at that hour Gt being four in the
afternoon) would be attended by extreme
danger.
Without further delay entered sthick
growth of trees near by and looked about
for some place of concealment. could
discover nothing but a large brush heap, but
as no better place could be found, con
cealed myself beneath itas we'll as possible
was none too soon, for in short time
heard the tramp of horses feet and thu
voices of men. Without halting they pass
ed the spot where lay. breathed more
freely when their shouts were lost in the
distance. In my hiding-place time drag
ged slowly. The ground was very cold ant
damp from the effects Of a recent rain
which did not add much to the pleasantnes
of my situation. dared not stir for fea
, of attracting the attention of some persol
who might be lurking in the vicinity.
For several days had not felt we'll
! owing to the effects Of the long march
had endured before undertaking this busi
ness, and felt that was rapidly becom
ing worse. Cold chills ran over me, my
, head was hot and ached badly, and gen
eral languor pervaded my whole system.
L 1t was now evening, the moon shon
brightly What should do? feare
being seen if attempted to leave my COY
i ert. But if It was dangerous to go it wa
r equally so TO remain. For three hours ha
laid there benumbed with cold and grow
ing more feeble every moment.
4! At this juncture remembered havin
seen small cabin at a short distance.
determined to seek it, throw myself upoI
the mercy of the inmates and ask assistanc
] and protection.
+ Pushing aside the brush cautiously an
ia glancing from side to side, crept hurriet
Is ly little ways upon my hands and knee
and then gradually raised myself to an VI
right position. This was not accomplishe
without severe effort; my limbs werew
and cfamped, and could hardly walk f
the pain it gave me. Ny head was so ligl