The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1889-07-24

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smile, said; 49,,
WCaptain, you have saved my lte."
They went below The gun-boats, open
ing on the enemy sent shells shrieldng and
exploding into the wood and cornheld. They
were well out In the stream and some dis
tance down, so they had to give but little
elevation TO their guns to clear the banks OF
the river. Their position nearly enfladed
the enemy marching through the cornfeld,
Luke Eegan To look about forthe members
Of his company. he found Arkansaw Tom,
Ned Cotton, Corporal Max and Bill Snow
near the stern, firing as rapidly as they
could at the heads Of the rebels who were
peeping over the river banks.
nDod rot i'm bet spilled that'ns pictur,"
said Tom, reloading his gun. ''Ef they'd
only o. let me abrung my rife I'd laid out
morc'n one on 'em." ~ - ~'SH
The boats soon carried them beyond gun
shot, and sped peacefully on their way
to Cairo, each now feeling that Belmont had
peen agreat victory, ana that he had contriD-
uted his share toward it. Captain Mason
had cause to beproud OF the work he had
done toward establishing the right OF that
grand old flag TO wave oil over the United
States OF America.
Every man in that conflict, small and in.
significant us 1t was compared to the strug.
giles which followed, gained confidence in
himself and that quiet, stern commander,
who was destined TO lead the armies Of the
Nation TO final victory.
The boats returned to Cairo, and long
period of inactivity followed. A few. days
after his return from the battlefield, Luke
received letter from Lille Neff. They had
returned shortly after the troops passed
by their house, and learned that he had by
his gallantry saved 1t, She stated that she
prayed daily that he and her brother might
be spared, and that this cruel war NIGH
come to an end. Herletter concluded with
"Blackhawk has disappeared, from the
neighborhood, and II Is supposed that be
has run away. do not understand thai
strange negro. He has been an enigma u
me ever since Twas child, When but Q
little girl always shuddered when his yel
lowish black eyes met,imine, andL then
thought him In leaguel with the Evil One,
and, OIL Luke, fear he hates yonj " you
should ever meet him, beware Of him.
Brother wrote me Of your saving his life
ohiI can not thank you too much. Should
youmeet him pgaln, dear Luke, be 1t on the
battlefield Or wherever 1t may, remember
that though he is your enemy, he Is my
brother, and, II possible, spare him"
"Yes, yes; have spared him, and ! will
spare him, "sghed the young soldier, bow
ing his head In his hand. "But is not this,
after ali, o battle between brothersi Oh,
cruel indeed Is war at best but this fratri-
cidal strife is swapping the heartstrings OF
the best IN the land" .fasatsil.
he promptly answered her letter in as
cheerful strain as he could, hoping that
their difficulties would soon be removed
and peace spread her white wings over the
land. From beginning TO end his letter was
replete with expressions Of tcnderest love.
The month Of December, 1861, was spent
in drilling and disciplining the troops for
the long, hard marches, sieges and heavy
battles that were before them. Occasion
ally small scouting parties were sent out
into the country for the purpose Of recon-
noitering. Camp life had grown irksome 10
Luke, and he gained permission 10 go with
o email body of cavalry on one Of their ex-
petitions into neighborhood in Kentucky
reported TO be filed with rebel guerrillas.
AS Luke was leaving he met the captain Of
the steamer on which he had gone TO Bel
mont, who informed him that shat nigger
fireman, Blackhawk, had deserted them"
"He is strange being" said Luke,
thoughtfully.
'T'll have him tied up and whipped II ]
can find him." the officer retorted.
Luke mounted his horse and rode away
TO the boat which conveyed him and his
party across the river. 1t had been raining
that morning, and the woods and earth
were still damp from the food. They did
not reach the Kentucky shore until late In
the afternoon, and the heavy mist which
enwrapt hill, valley, grove and town hid
them from any prying eyes which might
be on the watch for them. They Travelled
slowly along the wooded road long after
nightfall had set In. Their guide was a
trusty fellow who knew every foot Of
ground. They were liable TO be fred upon
by bushwhackers at any time, consequently
the officers carried pistols and the soldiers
carbines ready cooked in hand 70 defend
their lives against an attack
Luke and the Captain were riding side
by side Just behind their guide, when that
parsonage drew rein and said:
''There's sum wun ahead O. u.s."
The officers could make out q dark figure
approaching them, and instantly both lev
eled their pistols at 1t.
"Hole on dar, massal don't ye go ful
q shootin' dis ere niggahr said HUSKY
voice. "pse come heah ter show ye TO d.
house whar am some rebs N bush
whackers."
There was halt and few moments con
versation, and then they inquired abut tn,
numbers Of the enemy in the house, am
informed that there were but six.
LEAD the way" said the Captain Of tn
cavalry, and they rode slowly forward unit
their dusky guide halted upon q hill an,
pointed down into dark glade where Their
was a light cleaning. II came from tn
window OF one OF those log cabins occupies
by sauatters 80 common In certain parts o
| Kentucky at the time Of which we write.
"What Is going on down therep LUX
asked, as the sounds Of squeaky hddl
came to his ears.
''Dancin'," said the negro.
They crept little nearer, and discovere
O number Of horses hitched 10 the tree
about the house. 30 secure were the roy
elers that not even guard had been LEI
without to give note Of alarm In case q
enemy should approach.
Leaving the dragons but short distanc
away, Luke and the Captain crept down I
the log house and through the chinks got
glimpse within. Here ascene greeted thei