Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1891-07-16

CHAPTER XIv.-CoNTINURD.
The cloud of doubt cleared from the
Majors brow as he clasped Franks
hand, and said heartily: ''May be was
wrong in judging Fulton, and he will
perhaps be able to clear himself Of any
charge more serious than a breach of
discipline. Any how, Frank. you shall
fetch the lad back and give him chance
of explanation. Take as many men of
your own company as you ike-volun-
teers, mind-and manage the affair just
how you please. It could not be in bet
ter hands"
So, in accordance with this liberal
order, dozen men, heavily armed,
with Besant at their head, stole out of
camp that night under shadow of the
cedar-brakes that lined the river.
To return to the object of. all this so
icitude, Charlie Fulton's condition after
the battle of Murfreesboro was strong
contrast to the gentle treatment he had
received during his confinement at the
recruiting station, and he was now be-
ginning to learn that the lot of a pris-
oner of war was not very enviable
one. Torn from his associates, who, be-
ing gentlemen. had accorded him many
little kindnesses, he found himself in
the hands of rough soldiery. who
seemed to take delight in covering with
indignities their luckless prisoner. One
snatched the cap from his head with the
brutal declaration that it was too good
to cover Yank's brainless scalp; an
other requisitioned his boots and gave
him in return a pair of soleless shoes a
tramp would scorn to wear; third ap-
- <o1,.
fancy to a ring he wore. Thus de-
spoiled he was hustled into the loft Of
an unoccupied mill, where he was cheer
fully told to make himself at home till
morning, when he would be taken s'in
the ruck Of captured Yanks to the pen. I"
But sharp as the eyes of his captors
were they were not sufficiently on the
alert to prevent stolen interview with
the old colored man they had deputed
to carry him few moldy rolls and q
cup Of villainous coffee they called his
dinner.
How anxiously the slow hours rolled
along. Would midnight never come?
Perhaps the ancient darby had fooled
him, or failed in his attempt to reach
the Union lines; or, worst thought Of
all, was the probability that his folly
had been discovered and his comrades
might not think him worth the rescue.
Below the ~"n who had purlOined q
small keg OF Risky were getting quar-
relsome over their cups. Now was the
time to strike; if only Frank and his
gallant boys would come; but, though
he pressed his ear against crack in
the wooden wall and listened with
breathless anxiety, there was no sound
without save the moan Of the wind and
the fierce pattering of the sleety rain.
But what is that? The hoarse chal-
lenge of the sentry, followed by q
groa-i-and T. is still again. The rev.
elers below had never even heard the
sound, for their oaths and shouts were
louder than ever. Then the crash of
wood. and stamping and scufhing, and
again the painful silence. He rushed
to the door and beat upon it with his
naked hand, fearful that after all they
might not find him.
''Charlier'
Prank
The lock fell shattered by blow,
the door swung open, and with hysteric
Joy Fulton clasped the hand of his de-
liverer.
Quick, my boy" Besant cried. "One
fellow got away and will give the
= alarm. It will be all we can do to get
back to camp with whole skins to-
night"
They were not a bit too soon. for as
they reached the opposite bank Of the
river they heard the clatter of galloping
horses on the Murfreesboro road.
Are any Of our fellows injured?''
Charlie asked, anxiously
mot scratch. We just bowled them
over like nine-pins, was the gay reply.
1t was not till they had reached a
place Of safety and the sound of their
pursuers had died away In the distance