The Wellington enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 1867-188?, 1885-04-01
FABLE THE sECoND.-coSrISuED.

Stephen considered. Indeed, con-
sidering was his forte; and therefore, to
some extent, his foible. Clearly the
sergeant was not man to be easily
convinced Of being wrong, and the
force Of practical argument was alto
gether on his side. Everything depend
ed on the unlucky Dick Blackthorn get
ting clear-and he could not be any
thing like yet beyond catching. But II
Stephen allowed himself TO be caught,
Dick would be safe at the Half Moon
long before the error could be discover
ed, and he himself as soon as he was
discharged as the victim Of mistaken
identity, could follow him without much
DELAY.
II see there's no deceiving you, SER
geant," said he.
"None whatever. So-quick! Marchl
All, It's aisy to see you've never been
under my hands, my lad, or It's not the
goose-step y'ought to be learning, raw
recruit as y'are."
Innocent or not innocent, it is no
agreeable sensation to be led through
the streets of country town stripped
and bareheaded, and with scarlet uni
forms and fixed bayonets and loaded
muskets on each side. Fortunately for
his feelings on that score, Stephen Har-
low was not known TO soul in Hun
chester; so that the little boys and girls
who danced around the party In shy de-
rision, and with that Joy in Others
misery which is one of untamed child
hoods chiefest charms, could not make
much impression upon his philosophy.
He was no humorist; but there was q
queer flavor approaching to humor as
he passed, in this plight, where he had
bought the ring, now for safety on the
middle joint OF his own little finger.
For there stood the jeweler himself to
see the new fun. Stephen was tempted
TO throw him nod Of recognition, just
to astonish him; but thought 1t on the
whole more suitable 10 his part Gn
which he was beginning to take some
pride) TO refrain from such insult to a
respectable tradesman.
Presently he was marched into a
stable at the back Of small public
house, where he sat upon an empty
corn-chest, and listened to the tramp Of
the sentry posted over him. Well, the
adventure could not last much longer
now. But after he had heard the church
clock chime the quarters thrice, he
began TO think that the one was getting
decidedly long; and he struck with his
fist on the door.
II say, my man," he called ont 10
the sentry, show long am to be kept
hereP"
But there was no answer; perhaps a
sentry on duty was not allowed con.
versation with prisoner. But when
the hours passed without an event save
a change Of guard over the stable door,
certain amount Of anxiety began tc
mingle with mere impatience. How
long had Dick Blackthorn been at tn,
Half MoonP What mischief would hC
be getting into, left to himself so longl
For there must needs be horses at ar
inn; and women, too
AohCNOlg tuc uOOi was OptuCu a.
last, and by the light of lantern, fol
it was now past twilight, Stephen wa
marched through the stable-yard in 81
lence, and into room in the inn, from
its appearance used for club meeting
and such things. And, by the light o
pair Of candles, he saw himself II
presence Of three gentlemen in scarlet
with epaulettes, sashes, cooked hats an,
swords. These were seated, wit
papers and bottle of wine befor
them; while the Irish sergeant stood a
attention near the door.
The eldest and most imposing Of tn
officers glanced quickly at the prisoner
"Your report, sergeant" said he
"And be sh--short." A very decide
hiccough marrcd the dignity Of the la:
word. Messes were messes In thos
fighting times.
Richard Blackthorn, sor; Of Car
Rayleigh's company; listed at Hill
borough last Friday, and deserted o
the march to-day. Found skulking i
ditch by me.
appearances are against me, sir,
must own" said Stephen. "But neiti
er have / ever enlisted. nor is my nam
either Richard or Blackthorn. / al
Stephen Harlow, q land surveyor
Millport--
Tho devil you arel' said the Office
with stare.
"It's wise recruit. Major, thi