Waterbury evening Democrat., 1890-08-15

~ WAS PINNED TO THE EARTH
pinned to the earth, while the remnant
of my gallant boys dashed beyond tho
reach of the foe.
"By Heavens! that was fine, and I'm
almost sorry you didn't make it,"
With the feeling of u man rudcly
aroused from sleep looked up and saw
o long-haired. black-bCarded man bend
ing over me, while half dozen mon in
faded gray uniforms were rolling Off the
dead horse that held me to the earth.
The man who had spoken helped me
to my feet, and then, with u feeling of
awful humiliation. slipped the knot
from my wrist and let my sword fall to
the ground. and wondered why some
OF the men crowding about me did not
pick the blade up; but it remained un-
touched while was there.
"Wa'al, Cap'n Watts. you did yer level
| best, but yer played aloSing game, said
the long-hairCd man, as he led me to n
rock and forced me to sit down.
GLOW do you know my nance" l
asked.
"Wa'al, that's tcil;n'i bat we camc
over har to gobhle you; sorry the crowd
didn't stick by you, hut that's just like
sojers, said the long-hairod man, with
| low laugh.
"Who are yuu?" demanded.
"Only Jones; jist Cap'n Jones, of tho
Eighth Texas" said the Confederate.
And you will parole mo-"
The man shook his head till the long
black hair seemed to stand on end, then
he said, slowly and solemniy:
1--WE can't do it; thar amt any more
| ~
for us. You've got to go through and
board Mt our hotel bit"
Libby"
| Yes"
"Wcll," said, with an effort at laugh.
ter, "I'll find lots of good men there"
$50 you will, Cap'n; but would you
let me AK you a few questions?"
go on" replied.
"You wear new boots?"
"Yes."
What sizc?"
Flights, but a size too large" said.
That's most providential coinci-
denco." said Captain Jones, of the
Eighth Texas. u wear that size my
self"
"Indeed?"
Eyes, indeedy; and yc'd better git up
afore Wharton comes along, for he's
nigh barefoot. and that's his size,
too. Now, old Teller, I'm not gwin' to
rob you Of your boots, but I'm 'bliged to
have 'em, and Ill pay you thar full price.
Let me bootjack you"
Before could ask for an explanation
Captain Jones backed up, seized my feet
alternately between his thighs and
jerlSed off my boots, and with equal ra-
pidity he threw off his own worn foot
gear and assumed mine.
"You kinder think I'm goin' through
you bad" said Jones. looking down at
his feet with an expression of great sat
isfaction.
"You are playing the part of robber
without any risk" said.
"See har, Captain Watts, l amt no
damn thief. need these and other
things, so took 'em. II l didn't every
internal homo-guari from hcre to Rich
mond would go through you. Tell me
the price OF your boots, pants and over
coat. as well as any greenhaclls you've
got about you, and I'll make clean
swap for Confed. greenbacks."
subsequently learned that Jones was
the champion poler-playcr of Wheeler's
Cavalry Corps, and this accounted for
the large amount of money he had stuck
in his pockets, and even in the lining of
: his clothes.
He pulled out great wads of bills ana
said;
"Pay yourself, ole Teller, and don't be
too id bashful, but then you're a
Yank and thar amt no use giving you
any advice. It's too bad that mar go3
plunked; she waa a beauty" Ho coma
pressed his lips and nodded at my dead
thoroughbred
Without counting the money, took
bunch of the gray and blue backs
. Jones handed me, and said cOntemptp'
ously: