The Albany register. [volume] (Albany, Or.) 1868-18??, 1872-10-11
Albanr Rr9ister.
A Narros Escape.
~ CHARLES Z. WILKINS.

war, my office was Just opposite Cap
tain II---'s. and it WAS with great
pleasure that used To 20 over to the
captains. after business hours. and
listen 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 give
in his own wmdS.
During the war | aid considerable
duty as spy, and OIL one OCCASION |
came near loosing my life.
Just after one OF Otr fierre battles,
particular information was needed con-
cerning the contation Of the rebel
troops qaartered in our section. wits
fully aware Of the risk | incurred, nor
was ignorant oil the fate awaiting
me if was suspected and taken.
Ihadrpconnoitred pretty thoroughly.
gained about all the information leceS-
sary. and was beginning to think of
returning. When the following incl
dent decided me.
While walking along, musing upon
the exciting events which were then
transpfing, was met by a rebel pri.
yate.
"Helloo. old boy. you're going the
wreng way" cried the fellow in an
animated tone Of voice.
~ guess not, replied crelesSly.
"Wel', 'slose YOU know best but
you'd better 60 back with me to the
camp. I'm going to get description
Of the chap that's been playing the
spy,'' added the fellow, flmiliarly.
"What about him? It's all news
to me" | replied with as little out
ward appearance of concern as posi-
BILE. though my pulse beat little
quicker than usual at the mans words.
You must he deaf. then, for every
body il talking about him to-day"
he continued. i" His name is Tom
Jones and he's been skulking round
here, listening to what the officers say,
pumping the men and trying to find
out what the next move il to be. But
they're on his track. There's a bounty
on his head, and he's as good as Il dead
man."
GOOD enough for him, exclaim-
ed, maintaining the same Indifferent
,lemeanor. His life isn't worth
much, that's a fact. But | say, com
rade, '' | said, slapping him tamiliarlyi
on the shoulder. isn't hanging lit
tie too good for the rascal."
The man replied with a coarse laugh
and an oath, and then passed Oh his
way, leaving me in no enviable state
of mind. Had the fellow been az
quainted with me, detection would
have been certain. When | lett the
rebel barracks in the morning. no
ticed nothing ngunusrlal ; but my absence,
added to other circumstances, awaken
ed suspicion. Not u moment was to
be lost /; my life depended upon instant
concealment. as flight at that hour lit
being then four in the atteriloon) would
lie attended with extreme danger.
Without further delay, entered a
thick growth Of trees near by and
looked about for some place of con-
cealment. could discover nothing
but Il large brl>l' heap. but as no bet
ter could be found, | concealed myself
beneath it as well a. possible.
was none too soon. for In a short
time | heard the tramp of horses feet,
and the voices If incl. Without halt-
Ing they passed the spot where lay.
] breathed more frceley when their
shouts were lost in the distance. LII
my hiding-place time dragged slowly.
The ground vas cold and very damp
from the effects If a recent rain, which
did not add much to the pleasantiless
Of my situation. | dared not stir for
fear Of attracting the attention Of some
person who might be lurking in the
vicinity.
For several days | had not felt well.
owing TO the effects of the long march
had endured before undertaking this
business. and felt that was rapidly
becoming worse. Cold chills ran over
me, INV head was hot and aclHsl batlly.
and q general langllor pervadetl my
whole system.
1t was now evening the moon shone
brightly. What should do? fear
ed being seen if I attempted to leave
my covert. But if it was dangerous
to 90. it was equally 50 to remain. For
three hours had lain there, benumed
with cold and growing more feeble
every moment.
AT this juncture | remembered lAv-
ing seen small cabin at a short dis
tance. | determined to seek it, throw
myself upoH the merry Of the inmates,
and ask assistance and protection.
Pushing asitle the brush cautiously,
and glanciug from side to side, | crept
liurriedly aliEtle ways upon my hands
and knees:,and then gradually raised
myself to an upright position. This
was not accomplished without severe
effort; my1r1iinbs were weak and
eramped. and | could llrdly walk for
the pain 1t gave me. My head was
20 light and dizzy that it was some
inmates before | could recollect III
what direction the cabin was. But at