Springfield globe-republic. (Springfield, Ohio) 1884-1887, 1885-03-29

IN tnere ned be. There, We rascal; II
We funk French bullet, stand aisy, if We
don't want an English wan. I'm sorry
for ye; but if we're after irwin to be
troublesome, I'll have to be sorrier
still"
Stephen. all hatless, coatless, and up
to the eyes in mire. had emerged from
the copse, not only into the sunlight,
but also into party of four soldiers in
undress uniform. but fully armed, all
carrying their muskets save the man
who spoke, and who appeared in com
mand. His eyes We're half dazzled
from the twilight of the copse, and he
was certainly startled by such recep-
ton. But there was no doubt as to its
meaning-the deserter had been fol-
lowed, and had no more than three
minutes start of his pursuers, if so many.
Well-then the three must be made
thirty, or more.
"Why, who do you take me for?" he
asked. shading his eyes, and trying to
see whether Dick was still in sight or
safe beyond the nearest hedgerow on
the way to the Half Moon.
Take We for-and after the trouble
and all! Why, for Private BlackthOrn,
deserter from me own Fut; that's who
take We for. and that's who ye are.'
Worse and worse-so Dick had en-
;isted under his own name
FABLE THE sECOND.-CoNrrSuEp.
Stephen considered. Indeed. con-
sidering was his forte; and therefore. to
some extent, his foible. Clearly the
sergeant was not a 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 if
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
delav.
Il see there's no deceiving you, ser
geant." said he.
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 a 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 a 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 a
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
70 throw him nod of recognition. Just
to astonish him; but thought it on the
whole more suitable to his part Gin
which he was beginning to take some
pride) to refrain from such insult to
respectable tradesman.
Presently he was marched into a
stable at the back of small public
house, where he sat upon an empty
cosn-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.
81 say, my man." he called ont to
the sentry, show long am to be kept
here?"
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,
a certain amount of anxiety began to
mingle with mere impatience. How
long had Dick Blackthorn been at the
Half Moon? What mischief would he
be getting into. left to himself so long?
For there must needs be horses at an
inn; and women, too.
However, the door was opened at
last, and by the light of lantern, for
it was now past twilight, Stephen was
marched through the stable-yard in 81
lence, and into a room in the inn, from
its appearance used for club meetings
and such things. And, by the light of
q pair of candles, he saw himself in
presence of three gentlemen in scarlet,
with epaulettes, sashes, cooked hats and
swords. These were seated, with
papers and a bottle of wine before
them; while the Irish sergeant stood at
attention near the door.
The eldest and most imposing of the
officers glanced quickly at the prisoner.
your report, sergeant" said he
"And be sh-short. A very decided
hiccough marred the dignity of the last
word. Messes were messes in those
fighting times.
Richard Blackthorn. sorr; of Cap
Rayleigh's company; listed at Hills
borough last Friday, and deserted on
the march to-day. Found skulking in
ditch by me-.
Appearances are against me, sir,
must own" said Stephen. but neith-
er have ever enlisted, nor is my name
either Richard or Blackthorn. l am
Stephen Harlow, a land surveyor at
Millport-"
THE devil you arer' said the officer,
with stare.
Its a wise recruit, Major, shat
knows his own name," said one of the
others, with q smile.
"Well." said the Major, there's 10
time to lose; and no spare men to lose
either.-Mildmay- guilty or not guilty?
Smith? The prisoner is guilty of de-
sertion on the m-march. Fifty lashes
in presence of the regiment And, let
me warn you, what's your name-Pri-
vate Richards-it will be death when
we're across the sea-"
Stephen could only stare. but,