Democratic Northwest. [volume] (Napoleon, Ohio) 1869-1894, 1886-06-10
HOW THE PICKEr oUAILED.
An Amusing Adventure on the Advance
Line During the Late War.

=
Ono cold and cloudy night in the
early part OF the winter Of 1852 Bill
- was on picket at an outpost rear
the little Brick Church. known TO
comrades of the Army Of the Potomac rs
~Hartwoods." He had backed his marr
into the edge Of piece of woods, from
which he had view Of large open
field in his front; to his right at short
distance was road leading to .'Kelley's
Ford" and one to Warrenton. In the
vicinity OF these crossroads there had
been at divers times shots fired out ut
pickets in the night by unseen persons
(guerrillas), which caused the pickets to
be more vigilant than in the daylight.
Not more than half an hour had elaps-
ed since the comrade whom Bill had re
lieved had left and returned to the ire
serve" some half-mile distant, when
Bills ear caught the sound of stealthy
treading upon the dry twigs and dead
leaves directly in the rear Of where he
was posted.
1t was common thing in those days,
in that part of the country, for hogs to
be seen running at large in and around
the woods, consequently at the first
sound of this treading that reached his
ears Bill paid Ii lie heed, thinking it was
hog roofing tie leaves. Presently the
same noise was heard. At this second
interruption his mare pricked up her
ears and made an uneasy shake of her
head, as was her custom when on such
duty and any strange noise reached her
keen ear. At this uneasiness of his
dumb companion Bill stroked her silky
neck to assure her he was on the alert.
Again the noise had ceased, but Bill had
made knot in his bride rein and
placed it over the pommel Of his saddle,
examined his carbine near the hammer,
put his hand to his holster to make sure
the revolver was in a handy position,
and assuring himself that all was right
as regards firearms, cautiously peered
into the darkness on all sides in hopes
that he might discern the intruder of his
| quictness.
| Again was heard the mysterious tread
ing sound! Bill pressed the sides of his
mare with his legs, and she instantly
wheeled .'right about and faced the
woods.
"Halt! Who comes therep" Bill call
ed aloud. All was as quiet as the
tomb.
There sat Bill facing the woods, with
deadly aim of his carbine in the direc-
ton from which the sounds had come,
feeling as though he weighed 200 pounds
(actual weight 1867 and could blow any
three "guerrillas" out of existence.
Once more he heard those steps so
lightly crushing the twigs and leaves.
| Click went the hammer of the car
bine.
Whir-r-r! whir-r-r! sounded the rush
of the unseen bodies. The mare raised
herself and struck at vacant space with
her fore feet. Bill felt his hair standing
on end as he grasped the butt of his re-
volver, and waited the expected attack.
The discharge of the carbine had
aroused the reserve" and the sound of
galloping horses feet and,the changing
of sabres against the riders spurs Bill
distinctly heard as the ''reserve patrol
! drew nearer and nearer to his rescue.
He could hear the pickets on his left
challenging the horsemen as they ap-
! preached their posts.
Presently he heard his nearest COM
rade inform the sergeant that 'Bill had
been shot or had fred at some id
guerrilla. /" Il
| He had faced the mare once again to.
ward the open field, and was quietly
laughing to himself as he stroked the
neck Of his faithful companion.
HALT! Who comes there?" Bill was
heard TO again call forth.
! Sergeant with picket patrol!'" was
the reply.
''Dismount, sergeant! Advance and
| give the countersign!''
The order was obeyed and an explana
ton made. The patrol was notified tc
advance, and when Bills comrades
came to where the sergeant and Bill
We're they found them enjoying a hearty
laugh over the alarm caused by a flock
Of "quail p Grand Arn'y Reoieso.