The Sunday tatler and Jersey City express. (Jersey City, N.J.) 1883-1886, 1886-02-07
THE SCOUTS ESCAPE.

A certain night in the Spring OF 1858
found me mounted on horseback riding
along a lonely country road in Virginia.
/ was Union soldier; had been out
on scouting expedition, and had gained
considerable information concerning the
enemy.
Travel, however, was exceedingly un-
pleasant, by reason Of the heavy and con-
tinuous rains which had prevailed for the
past three days. Puddles of water lay in
the road at short intervals. and at places
where the stream crossed The highway the
water was two feet or more in depth.
had journeyed far that day. and was
hungry and tired. My horse, too. was
wel-nigh tagged out. SO l concluded to
put up at the first house came to.
After journeying mile or two farther
caught the glimmer of light ahead,
and when | came up TO the place l found
it shone from the window of large old
fashioned farmhouse
drew rein at the gate, and dismount-
ing, was about to tie my horse, when a
large bloodhound came rushing up,
barking, fiercely- He soon attracted the
attention of those within, and moment
later man came out and asked what was
wanted.
s.Can get lodgings here for the night ?"
asked. I'm pay you well for them. =
Il reckon you can,'' was the answer.
Then he called Jake" 10 a loud voice,
and few minutes later colored boy
came out
Take this mans horse to the stable,
rub him down well, then feed and water
him" said the man.
Eyes, sab. replied the colored youth,
and going into the house, he came out
again with lantern.
He led my horse away toward the barn
aud as saw the animal disappear an
uncomfortable feeling came over me.
Perhaps was trusting this man too far.
NOW, stranger" he said, your horse
is all right, and IL you'll come into the
house we'll give you a warm supper and
comfortable bed.
] shook off the uncomfortable feeling
and followed the man into the house. The
only occupant of the kitchen was woman
somewhat past middle age, to whom the
man introduced me as his wife.
They had evidently just dined, for the
table was still standing, and the sight of
| it made me hungrier than ever.
"Sit right up and help yourself" said
my host, and was not slow to obey.
ate heartily. and during the meal the
man conversed in friendly way, SO that
when / finished / began to think my first
mistrust was uncalled for.
| We talked and smoked till about 10
o'clock; then, as began to get sleepy,
asked to be shown to my room. My host
procured candle and led the way to the
upper floor, where he showed me TO a
small but pleasant bedroom He set the
| candle on table, and. bidding me good.
| night, went down stairs.
| / at once prepared to retire. locked
the door, and drawing revolver. made
sure all the chambers we're loaded, Their
placed it under my pillow, after which
threw off my coat and boots, aud laid
down upon the bed.
In short time / was asleep. How 1ong
/ slept, however, am unable to say; bul
suddenly found myself wide awake, ant
exactly at the same moment distinctly
heard the sound of footsteps cautiously
ascending the stairs
i The candle had long since burned out
and the room was lighted up by the ray
of the moon that came through the singh
window with which the apartment wa
provided / knew by this that it must b
after midnight.
| The footsteps paused in front Of m,
room, and moment later loud raj
sounded ON the door. ] made no reply
but springing out OF bed. drew on M
boots AID coat, and grasped my revolve
just as another and louder rap was given
Deeming it best to reply this time,
said:
who's there 7"
me; open the door" said the voice o
my host. 1--we sc me business to transac
with you.
isn't it rather late for busisess transat
tons n asked.
NO matter--it's important; SO ope
the door.
II am in bed, and can't do it" I an
swered; .you must wait till morning.
"We'll not wait. Open al once, or WEI
break in the door"
Seeing resistance was useless, ! an
. swered
q, sAll right; wait till dress
But had no intention Of opening th
door. ! knew now that my host was
rebel, and that he had procured assistanc
to capture me, and blamed myself f0
J, my folly in trusting the man.
[ began to look around for some mean
q Of escape from the room. The windo'
81 was the only avenue could see.
noiselessly raised Il therefore, an
began climbing out On lhe slaall plazz
which II QYerl9 &. N