The Worthington advance. [volume] (Worthington, Minn.) 1874-1908, 1890-05-22

he went on giving the boy his instruc-
tons.
''You are so young that 1 think the
pickets will let you 60 where you
please"
'I'm twelve" interrupted Tom.
''Are you? Well, you must keep up
q stout heart, and not look frightened"
II reckon l won't be scared consid'-
able"
''Take this" The General put his
finger into the pocket of the boys jacket
to see if it was whole; then rolling the
pellet in piece of newspaper he
slipped it into the pocket If you must
lose it, swallow it."
The boy looked surprised, but said:
II will" resolutely.
The General took the little fellow by
the hand. 1t was curious contrast,
the grizzly-bearded, rough commander
looking down from his six feet two into
the boys little round face, and holding
the chubby fist in his knotty hand. He
was loath to relinquish it; loath to let
the boy 60. He was loath to send
child on q perilous errsnd. He could
have sent man without conjunction.
even if he knew the chances were nine
in ten that he would be shot; but this
boy
'Go" he said, suddenly, and motioned
the aide to take him away. Another
moment and he could not have done it.
Tom Lane, Junior, now advanced to
the dignity of Confederate courier, was
placed on a good-natured horse which
was to carry him on his journey. The
aide took him to the Confed crate picket
line, and started him off up the road.
He stood looking at the f1axen-haired
urchin, whose little legs stuck out on
either side over the round tanks of the
horse at an obtuse angle, wishing that
he might call him back. He watched
the boy till he rounded a curve in the
road. The young courier turned and
smiled; a smile OF innocence, of cour-
age, of conscious pride in the work to
be done. In another moment he was
lost TO the orncers view:
That day passed and the next. The
commander, who was awaiting the out
come of his plan of communication, did
little but pace anxiously back and forth
before his tent Though abrupt in man
ner, he was usually singularly kind to
those under his orders. Now he seemed
the very incarnation of military sever
ity. When twe1nty-four hours had
passed and his courier did not return, he
became so crusty that no member of his
staff cared to approach him.
On the second evening at dusk the
pickets heard the Gathering OF horses
hoofs on the pike. A horse came in
sight, and on lis back vas the little
courier, hatless. swaying in the saddle,
but riding at a gallop. The soldiers
grasped the bride and stopped him.
take me to the General, quick!'
He was deathly pale, and blood
trickled down his side. They led the
horse toward headquarters; a man
walked on either side to sustain the
boy in the saddle. As they proceeded
the courier told his story in detached
sentences.
He found no difficulty in getting with
in the Union lines, but had been obliged
to try several times before he could sue
coed in leaving them. He reached the
Confederate army late at night, deliv-
OASSA LAO AAA0SS@SSs 0AN was "O1A CdE0U
for by order of the General command
ing.
The next morning reply to the mes
sage he had brought was given him and
he started back. Again he passed free
into the Union lines, and again he found
difficulty in lie aving the lines on tho op-
posite side. At last, getting some dis
lance beyond a picket who was watch
ing him, he resolved to make dash for
it. Il thought he wouldn't shoot me, "
said Tom, '' case I war so little. I
reckon he couldn't see who war fur the
trees m things"
where are you hit?" asked one of
the men.
Here" He put his hand to his left
side below the heart ''Go on, quick!
I'm weakenin'."
When the party arrived in front of the
tent they found the General still walk
ing back and forth in deep anxiety.
When he saw his little messenger sitting
on the horse, pale and bleeding, he
strobe up to him and brushing away the
men, without word took him in his
arms, carried him into his tent and laid
L
over him and groaned.
The boy took from his mouth a pellet
similar to the one he had carried on his
journey outward and held it to the Cen
eral. The soldier took it, but for few
moments was too much moved to open
it. Then suddenly remembering its i'm
portance, he unrolled it and read its
contents.
"Good!" he said, his face momentarily
frightening. Calling for his chief OF
staff, he ordered that the men be put in
readiness to march At moments notice.
This done he seemed to forget every
thing again but the wounded boy.
my brave boy" he said, kneeling by
him and putting his arms about him.
1--WE owe you every thing. You can't
be much hurt. You matst not be much
hurt. You must get we'll and will put
you on my staff. You shall be q little
Captain. You have accomplished more
for the cause than ever have"
IA Cap'n?" exclaimed the boy.
"Yes, Captain. Any thing. You
shall always be with me-"
A transient look of pleasure passed
over the boys pale face. Then he
seemed to remember something. '.You
better send me hoam. My pop won't
| know whar ben"
"1'll take you home myself. Orderly,
got On ambulance. Bring bandages.
Be quick! Why doesn't the surgeon
come?'' ss 81
The ambulance came, and tho surgeoa