Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1889-05-30

to this nelghbOrhOod, especially from free
soil State like OhioF He was at loss what
to do, as he was wholly unarmed and in.
capable of making any defense. There came
rapid steps along the hall. the door was
pulled open, and a voice whispered:
"Massa, Massa Luke"
Blackhawk, is 1t you9'' he asked.
"Yes, massa; de berry debil am to pay,
Secesh come to hang yer. Come wild me-
an, by golly, I'll show ye how to git away
from 'em.n
There was no time for hesitation, even for
thought. He followed the negro out into
the hall, where Blacllhawk thrust horse
pistol in his hand.
"Blow um ter de debl eff um come" said
the negro in a whisper.
"Where did you get thiss'
"Nebber mind, massa-can't tell yer now
come on. Eff yer gwine ter help free my
wife an little baby I'll help yer"
He led him down the stairs and they were
fastening out the rear way when white.
robed figure suddenly ran down the hall
and, throwing her arms about him, said:
"Oh! Luke, Luke; go fly for your life"
One kiss on her beautiful forehead, one
whispered goodbye" and he was out fol
lowing Blackhawk, who was urging him on
as rapidly as he could. Across the garden,
the house lot, and to the rear of the stable
where two horses, already saddled and bri-
died, held by Tom. waited.
81 got 'em ready fur ye, massa," said
Blackhawk. Il tole Tom ter do it,
Where shall go to escape the mob"
"Wall, yes Union, amt ye, nassau
eyes"
"I know whar dar's camp o. Unioners,
an, golly, ril jest take ye thar in no time
fo' mawnin'r'
There was no time to parley, for the mob
of Southerners were determined to make
an example of a Yankee who dared to
come to their neighborhood. Their spies
had evidently noted his arrival, and were
quick TO discern his sentiment.
1t was long, dark ride. Part Of the
time they had a road and part OF the time
none, plunging through thickets, and cross
ing creeks and ravines, all the time sur
rounded by dense forest. Day had begun
to dawn when they came in sight OF camp
on 4 hillside, in woods pasture. The stars
and stripes were floating from pole stuck
up near wagon.
Blackhawk refused to go any further. and
Luke, dismountlng, walked into camp. A
guard halted him and demanded to know
what he wanted. Luke informed him that
he wanted TO see the Captain. and was con-
Quoted to q wagon, which was the chief OFF,
GERS headquarters. There were almost a
hundred men in the camp, and very little
discipline was shown. The arms were
chiefly the ordinary fre-locks, shot-guns
and rifles, and they were wholly without
uniforms.
When Luke had told his story to Captain
Smart the latter said:
"If it's yer intention to fight fur the
Union, We needn't go any further, fur
want three more men here now, and I'll en-.
roll he and sw'ar We right IN
1t was a sudden change. but sudden
changes were common, and In few min
utes Luke Mason was enlis ted as recruit
An old white haired man. dressed half IN
buckskin and half jeans, came to him and
invited him to his mess, as they just lacked
one more The old fellow was known as
Arkansaw Tom, was brave as Lion, with a
heart tender as woman's.
Luke found this beginning OF soldier life
ar from agreeable. The coffee was black,
tie meat burnt and the bread hard and dry.
The newly-made soldiers were lying about
upon the grass. some already complaining
Of the hardships and others narratang re-
markable adventures, of which the narrator
was always the hero
Captain Smart was q man Of pluck and
common sense, which in measure made
amends Tor his lack of military skill He
had UnlJcd States drill book and Hardee's
tactics, over which he had been pouring
every idle moment for three days. Immedi-
etely after breakfast he brought his com
pany upon a green spot, devoid OF trees,
to instruct them In the manual OF arms
After an hour spent in these exercises
thsy gathered up al camp equipaRe and