Waterbury evening Democrat., 1889-04-16


 which good Captains are made John Karns, Si Smith, Phil Daniels and lots of others among you would make excellent officers" The result was the election of Luke Mason for Captain, Si Smith, First, and Phil Dan- iels, Second Lieutenant.
 "I told ye would fix ye all right" sad Captain Smart, after it was over.
 But have no commission yet"
 "Neither have l." answered Captain Smart. ''You are as much an officer as any of us."
 There was soon to be regimental organ ization, at which only the regimental off, cers were to vote, and Luke was made to understand that Captain Smart expected a favor in return, for the Captain was candi- date for the Colonelcy.
 The n ewly- elected Captain set about com pleting the organization of his company. He himself attended to drilling them, using all the military knowledge he poss essed, which was very little.
 In military knowledge the dull never suc- ceed. Some men served three years in the army who never learned to keep step, while the manual of arms was continual Chinese puzzle. At the end of the first hours drill, which was by moonlight, Luke's patience was almost worn threadbare. That night their bed was the earth, and their covering the trees, and beyond the confusion of changing guards the night passed quietly; :; but they were all recruits, and at each time the guard was relieved sufficient noise was made to rouse the entire camp.
 Next morning, by liberal foraging, they procured 8 sufficient supply of provisions. Lulkes company was sent in the advance when the march began, and he selected a sergeant with a dozen men to go ahead, giv- ing him particular instructions to recon hotter well and report the first slgn of an enemy that was seen. They had not gone mile before he heard shot, followed by two more in quick succession. He hurried forward with all possible speed, and when he had reached the top of the hill he came in full view of a | large, elegant farmhouse, in front of which waved Confederate flag.
 His advance guard stood huddled to- | gether about a hundred paces from the gate, at which was a beautiful young girl ot eighteen, clad in spotless white, waving a revolver in the air. "What's the matter?" Captain Mason asked.
 That ar secesh gals been shootin' at us, an we 'uns war a-talkin' O shootip' | hack" the sergeant answered.
 Have you seen any men around?"
 'sNo"
 ''Then don't fire. We are not making war on ladies'"
 ''No, but that secesh flags got ter come I down."
 "So it shall, I will ask the young lady to lower it."
 'She won't It. know that arr gal n she's meaner than pizen."
 ''That is the reason you failed to compro- i mise matters with her," said Luke, and | ordering his men to remain where they were, he went toward the house.
 "What do you want herep' the pretty girl demanded, her bright blue eyes flash Ing fire. There was something about her heroic and grand to Luke, even though she was an enemy to his country. He fel, strangely moved in her presence, and ha6 he not known that his heart was true te Lillie, he would have half believed that he had fallen in love with the pretty rebel al | drst sight.
 He answered: "Nothing.''
 'Then go on," she cried.
 "I have come to give you some advice."
 II don't want it," but the muzzle of hel pistol was lowered, and he came up quite close, and leaned on the gate post "Go on, go on, you thievin' vagabond"
 "Young lady, honor any person who de fends their principles. would not call Confederate thief unless knew he wa: one"
 "But you have plenty of theives in Lin coln's abolition army"
 "You speak too truly. There are thieve! and plunderers in our o own little band. wa forced to knock one down and bayonet an other only yesterday to save the house of Southern man from being burned. But am not thief" Her eyes dropped, while faint flush swept over her pretty face Taking this as favorable sign Luke con | tinued:
 'It is my determination to protect you home from destruction. Our men, half thousand strong, are coming; but an able to save your house from being burne and yourself from insults. Win you le mel"
 "Yes," she answered, faintly.
 "Then run down that flag, and carry it t the house."
 "Neveri Twill shoot the first man wh touches it."
 !, 'Nobody shall touch it if you will take lown. If you don't, they will not only talk