The Democrat. (Scotland Neck, Halifax Co., N.C.) 1884-1896, 1888-01-20

NO, where are your eyes, lake
good look, but don't move"
Thus appealed to, Dickson allowed
his eyes to run over the soldiers entire
figure. He gave start of surprise. The
Federal held in his right hand a revolver
aimed at the man on the ground
II have had you covered ever since
you came here, " said the man in the tree,
''And what do you think of doing2"
asked Dickson in tantaIizing wsay.
4 am going to shoot if you try to get
up, or if you cock your pistol" was the
response; ''but expect to persuade you
to drop your weapon and go off to the
top of that hill yonder."
You are a fooln shouted Dick son.
'Don't YOU know that somebody f:om
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, aud may be here any
moment?"
Dickson studied the face above him.
1t was a dark, clear-cut, handsome face,
very youthful and pleasant in its express
sion.
Why, you are boy, amt you" was
his neEC question, as he took in the
1.-the, willowy form.
'Never mind what I am; my captain
is satisfied with me, and that is
enough"
''You had better drop your pistol and
come down. Pll see that you are
treated we'll"
Thanks. Hadn't you better lay
down your weapon and march over that
hill, and go home to your wife and
children, If you have any2 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. AMI then the fellows
story might be true. If the Federals
were coming in that direction it was
time for good Confederatcs to HE out.
"What are you doing here, anyhowT'
he asked.
II slipped in Blue Rock last night"
! was the answer, ''and some of your peo
| pie chased me out MY horse was shot
and I had to take to the woods. l
climbed up here to be safe until our
cavalry came along"
'rll tell you what I'll do" broke in
Dickson, don't much want to take
you prisoner, and don't want to shoot
you. On the other hand, I'll admit that
have no fancy FOR being shot myself.
But Pm not going to throw down my
pistol. l will get up and 60 to town
and when your crowd comes, if it comes
at all, you may eXpecs Il hot reception if
you are not too many for as
There was pause for Il moment, and
then the soldier in the tree spoke.
"AIl right, I'll trust you," he said
''Go ahead and I'll take no advantage
of you. But you may expect to see me
in Blue Rock before night"
"We'I take care of Blue Rock, >" de-
family responded Dickson. "Woll I'm
off Good -byc!'
And he rose to his feet, and walked
off as briskIy as he could. He scorned
to look back. If the federal was mean
enough to break his word and fire, it was
all right But his heart bumped against
his ribs until he had placed 100 yards
between him and the tree.
When the blue jackets swarmed into
the village that afternoon the score or
two of male inhabitants saw that re-
sistance was useless against such a force.
The captain sent me to guard your
property" said a soldier, as he paused
in front of Dickson's door.
Il am obliged to him. replied Dick
son, ''but | don't see why"
The man went on duty, and the little
family passed the night undisturbed
and with the feeling that they were Sc
curely protected,
''The captain requests you to come tC
his headquarters !"
This message made Dickson Il little
nervous when it was delivered to hin
the next morning. His wife could not
conceal her alarm.
"There is nothing wrong, " the messen
ger assured her. The captain merely
desires to see your husband a moment.
There was nothing to do but to go
Dickson quieted his wife, and proceeded
to the dwelling indicated to him as tn
captains headquarters.
Glad to see you, Mr.. Dickson" tn
captain remarked with peculiar smile
MY wife wishes to thank you for you
courteous and sensible conduct ycster
day"
Your wife' exclaimed the farmer
And then he saw what had escaped hi
notice, that there was a lady in tn
f room. 4 very charming little lady
Dickson thought. She looked fresh anC
' bright in her simple travelling dress, ant
her curly hair, cut short like a boys