The Opelousas courier., 1888-01-07

"You are a foolr' shouted Dickson.
"Don't you know that somebody from
town will come along soon and help me
capture you2'
"And don't you know" replied the
other, "that some of our cavalry are
coming this way, and may be here any
momentg"
Dickson studied the face above him.
1t was a dark, clear-cut, handsome face,
very youthful and pleasant in it's express
sion.
why, you are a boy, amt you2" was
his next question, as he took in the
1.-THE, weTowy form.
"Never mind what I am; my captain
is satisfied with me, and that is
enoughs:"
"You had better dropyour pistol and
come down. I'll see that yda are
treated WE'LL
"Thanks. Hadn't you better Jay
down your weapon and march over that
hill, and go home to your wife and
children, if you have any? I am not
particularly anxious to have our boys
come along and capture you"
The frank and fearless eyes looking
into Dickson's had a kind look, and the
angry farmer found that his wrath was
gradually melting. After all, he thought,
there would be little glory in capturing
this boy soldier. And then the fellows
story might be true. If the Federals
were coming in that direction it was
time for good Confederates to HE out.
"What are you doing here, anyhow?'
he asked.
81 slipped in Blue Rock last night"
was the answer, ''and some cf your peo-
pie chased me out. 'My horse was shot
and l had to take to the woods. /
climbed up here to be safe until our
cavalry came along
"Ill tell you what I'll do" broke in
Dickson, I don't much want to take
you prisoner, and I don't want to shoot
you. On the other hand, I'll admit that
I have no fancy for being shot myself.
But Pm not going to throw down my
pistol. / viii get up and go to town
and when your crowd comes, if it comes
! at all, you may expect a hot reception if
you are not too many for u.s."
There was a:pause for moment, and
then the soldierin the tree spoke.
GAN right, Til trust you," he said.
$50 ahead and Til take nc advantage
of you. But you may expect to see me
in Blue Rock before night"
"We'll take care of Blue Rock" de-
family responded Dickson. "Well, I'm
off. Good-bye!'
And he rose to his feet, and walked
off as briskly as he could. He scorned
to look back. If ting federal was mean
enough to break his vsprd and fire, it was
all right. But his ha 1T bumped against
his ribs until he hal placed 100 yards
between him AMI the Gee.
When the blue jackets swarmed into
the village that %afternl on the score OF
two of male inhabit,its saw that re-
s~istance was useless against suchA force.
"The captain, sent me to guard your
property" said a soldier, as he paused
in frops of Dickson's door.
81 I'm obliged to him." replied Dick
SON. but / don't see why"
sThe man went on duty, and the little
family passed the night undistufped,
and with the feeling that they were Sc
curely protected.
"The captain requests You to come to
his headquarters !"
This message made Dickson q little
nervous when it was delivered to him
The next morning. His wife could not
conceal her alarm. G
sThere is nothing wrong" the messen-
Z ger assured her. 1.-THE captain merely
desires to see your husband a moment"
There was nothing to do but to go.
Dickson quoted his wife. and proceeded
! to the dwelling indicated to him as the
captains headquarters.
"Glad to see you, Mr.. Dickson" the
captain remarked with a peculiar smile.
my wife wishes to thank you for your
courteous and sensible conduct yester-
day."
a'Your wife, exclaimed the farmer.
And then he saw what had escaped his
notice, that there was a lady in the
room. A very charming little lady,
Dickson thought. She looked fresh and
bright in her simple travelling dress, and
her curly hair, cut short like a boys,
gave her a roguish look. The lady's
face was strangely familiar, and when
the astonished Confederate gazed into
her eyes he recognized her.
.You were the soldier in the treel'
he cried.
"The same" admitted the captains
wife with a laugh.
aYou see" exclaimed the captain,
.smy wife would come down to see me
in camp, and she would wear a soldiers
uniform. She is a hcadstrong Grie
thing, and | had to yield, but after her
adventure Of Yesterday I have uersuaded