The Fremont weekly journal. [volume] (Fremont, Sandusky County, Ohio) 1867-1877, 1873-02-28
SeI&Gteo Storp.
A NARROW ESCAPE.

A NARROW ESCAPE.
For a while after the close of tht
war, my Office was just opposite Capt
H-'s and it was with great pleas
ure that 1 used to go over to the cap
tain's after business hours and lister
to his "war yarns" as he called them
He seldom spoke of himself, but the
following he told me of his own per
sonal experience, which I give in hi:
own words:
During the war 1 had considerable
duty as a spy, and on one occasion
came near losing my life.
Just after one of our fierce battles,
particular information was needed
concerning the condition of the reb-
ell troops quartered in our section.
has fully aware of the risk 1 incur
red, nor was 1 ignorant of the fate
awaiting me if was suspected and
taken. l had reconoitered pretty
thoroughly, gained about all the in
formation necessary and was begin
ming to think of returning, when the
following incident decided me.
While walking along, musing up
on the exciting events which were
then transpiring, was met by a reb-
el private.
"Hello, old boy, you're going the
xvrooor NOV - oriod tho follow i, -,
animated tone Of voice.
81 guess not" I replied careless
Ily.
SWELL" I Is'pose you know best,
but you'd better go back with me to
the camp. I'm going to get de-
scription of that chap that's been
playing spy" added the fellow IA
miliarly.
"What about himP' It's all news
to me-" replied with as little out
ward appearance of concern as pos,
sible, though my pulse beat little
quicker than usual at the mans
words.
You must be deaf, then, for ev-
erybody is talking about him to-
day." he continued.
"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 is to be. But they're on
his track. There's a bounty on his
head, and he's as good as a dead
man."
"Good enough for him!" 1 ex-
claimed, maintaining the same indif-
ferent demeanor. "His life isn't
worth much that's fact. But say,
comrade," I said, slapping him IA
Imillarly On the shoulder, "isn't hang
ing little too good for the raseal?'
The man replied with a coarse
laugh and an oath, and then passed
his way. Had the fellow been ac-
quainted with my description, detec-
ton would have been certain.
When left the rebel barracks in the
morning, 1 noticed nothing unusual
but my absence, added to other cir
'cumstances, awakened suspicion.
Not a moment was to be lost; my
life depended upon instant conceal
ment as flight at that hour (it being
four in the afternoon) would be at
tended by extreme danger.
Without further delay entered a
thick growth of trees near by and
looked about for some place of con-
cealment. I could discover nothing
but a large brush heap, but as no
better could be found I concealed
myself beneath it as well as pos
sible.
I was not too soon, for in short
time 1 heard the tramp of horses
feet and the voice ofmen. Without
halting they passed the spot where I |
lay. l brcathed more freely when
their shouts were lost in the dis
tance. In my hiding place time
dragged slowly. The ground was
very cold and damp from the effects
of a recent rain, which did not add
much to the pleasantness of my sit
uation. I dared not stir for fear of
attracting the attention of some per-
sons who might be lurking in the vi
cinity.
For several days l had not felt
we'll owing to the effects of a long
march l had endured before under
taking this business, and felt 1 was
rapidly becoming worse. Cold
chills ran over me, my head was hot
and ached badly, and general Ian
guor pervaded my whole system.
It was now evening; the moon
shone brightly. What shall do?
I feared being seen if 1 attempted
to leave my covert. But if it was
dangerous to go it was equally so to
remain. For three hours had l lain
there, benumbed with cold and grow
ing more feeble every moment.
At this juncture 1 remembered
having seen small cabin at short
distance. l determed to seek it, and
throwing myself upon the mercy Of
the inmates to ask their assistance
and protection.
Pushing aside the brush cautious
Iy, and glancing from side to side, I
I crept hurriedly little ways upon
my hands and knees, end then grad
ually raised myself to an upright
position. This was not accomplish
ed without severe effort; my limbs
were weak and cramped, and could
hardly walk for the pain it gave me.
My head was so light and dizzy that
it was some minutes before could
Irecollect in what direction the cabin
was. But at length my senses re-
turned and 1 moved slowly forward;
1 discovered the light which shone
from the window; approached the
cabin but paused at hearing the
sound ofvoices. Taking few more
'noiseless steps l was enabled to