Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1882-04-13

cover the numbers and condition of the
Union troops. He had dislike to the
name of a spy, so the foolhardy boz set
out without any disguise; crossed the
river; was arrested and tried at drum
head cOurt-martial and sentenced to be
shot the next morning.
Orders had been received the day be-
fore that no further mercy was TO be
shown to spies and deserters. Gen.
Wright was in Washington, but IL he
had been with his command, he proba-
bly, could have done nothing to save the
son of his old friend
Tom sat, miserable and limp in soul
enough, in little hut which had been
taken as his guardhouse. Itwas nearly
morning when the patrol at the door
was relieved. The new sentinel paced
gravely up and down n few times. then
glancing cautiously about him through
the silent camp, and at the dusky hills,
suddenly turned and pushed open the
door.
Mast Tomr'
'What! Dandy! Is this you?"
'Is this you?" severely. That's a
properer question, l think! Lud-a-
massyr' lapsing into his familiar speech.
Mast Tom, l allus knowed what'd
come OBJ yoh high-hying, an capahs,
and foolidgness! Hyah yoh are a-gwine
to be shotr'
"Shotr' Tom leaped to his feet.
This was horror he had not dreamed
of.
"Hush-h, foh heben's sake I've got
plan" He shut the door, and they
stood whispering together for a few
moments. Presently it opened and the
man with the gun came out.
You understand" said the prisoner,
in quick, sharp tones. SAT five the re-
lief comes. The password is Shenan-
doah, and the cut in the hills below will
lead you straight into the thicket'
"But, Dandy''-the sentinel passed
unwillingly. Are you sure no harm
will come to you?'
mo, no. I'll jes tell de General how
de land lies. He won't shoot nigger
foh wearin' his masts cloes. "Taint de
fus time, hey?" chuckling.
Tom took up the sentry's march.
Before dawn broke, the relief came, and
with quick glance in at the prisoner,
Tom was gone. He crossed the river
and reached his camp in safety. When
the door was opened by his comrades,
Dandy was surprised to find that he
was not recognized at once. He remem-
bered for the first time his singular like
ness to the prisoner.
"Good Lord! Dat look OBJ de Archers
I'll be de death OBJ me at lastr' he NUT
tered
The army was to march that morning,
and the execution was ordered for an
early hour,
"Dey're gettin' de breakfast and me
an such trifies out of the way" said
Dandy, with the inevitable giggle, as he
rose and followed the officer to the door.
Il must see Gen. Wright" he said.
1.-The General has not returned
T 1t was sunrise. Down in the gorges
the fog lay in deep gray waves. Dandy
glanced towards the cut through the
hills. Tom had not yet had time to
escape. If he told his secret, Tom
would be retaken, both would be shot,
and the stratagem would have been
useless. Outside, detachment of SOL
diers waited and drum kept muffied
time.
Dandy drew himself up. In his gray
uniform he was striking figure. s1'n
give him dat chance" he thought.
.'Dah's anoder lef' foh me-
He passed down the hill, marching
steadily in the midst of the file, tramp
ing down the wet grass, and glancing
about into the blackberry and sumach
bushes, white with gossamer webs-just
such a morning as he and Tom would
have chosen long ago for hunt.
There was heavy tug under Dandy's
breast. 'Tl glib him de chance" he
said again, for his knees and his courage
were both growing very shaky. 'An'
eff de wust comes to de wust foh Dandy
---why--de Archers are no cowards!'
tapping his breast with triumphant
significance.
They paused on a meadow near the
bank. The officer gave the word of
command and the men fell into 4 hol-
low square, when like bolt shot
through them. the prisoner dashed one
to the ground, another to his knees,
rushed to the riverbank and plunged in.
The men stood bewildered for amoment,
and then followed him shouting or
swearing, but most of them laughing.
The truth was they would not have been
sorry if he had escaped. They had not
relished their mornings work Shooting
at a body of men in battle was a very
different thing to these ex-lawyers,
clerks and laborers, to shooting at q
poor fellow standing unarmed and
alone.
However, they knew their duty, cock
ed and pointed their guns-down the
river. But one man had the instinct of
the chase in his blood. He pulled out q
pistol and watched his chance
Weighed down with TOMS heavy ac-
coutrements, Dandy swan but slowly
under water, and at last was forced to
raise for breath. The soldier took aim,
fired. The head which showed above
the surface sank, and the water below
ran with IL red stain in the morning
light.
They drew poor Dandy ashore before
he had ceased to breathe, and laid him
on the bank; two or three of them I'M
buttonng his coat and chatting his
breast.
"Fm sorry for you, old fellow" said
one.
Dandy opened his eyes. There was
triumphant gleam in them. 81 went
troo dat business fus' -rate" he whisper
ed feebly. '.De Archers was alus good
tighting-stock!'
Then the eyes grew fixed, staring up
into the blue sky, beyond which waits
infinite goodness and justice for all,
both white and black. Youths Com
pa1aion.