The Iowa plain dealer. [volume] (New Oregon, Howard County, Iowa) 1867-1895, 1891-06-18
around here generally dub me-parson

We'll, Mr.. Green, am right glad we
have met, not only that it has given me
pleasure to shake hands with North
crn man down here. bnt because ! see
q way to utilize our meeting"
'.Of course | understand what you
mcan," the minister asscntcd. readily.
.You would have me preach the Word
to your men mp in the woods thcre?'
II am afraid had no such good in
tentions.' The Major was positively
blushing. Il meant that you would I've
perhaps willing to give me some vaiu-
able information"
There was blank look Of disap-
pointmcnt in the minister's face, as ne
replaced the books he had already
drawn from his capacions pockets.
II am sure, il we had time, the men
would much profit by your ministra-
tions." Major Hopkins explained.
Ever the same cry-no time in this
short life to prepare for the eternity OF
the next. Well. sir, do not mean to
force my services upon you. Say briefly
what | can do for You. for the day
wanes and have far to ride"
.You can tell us, if you have seen
any thing of the Confederate forces in
these parts. or whether You have heard
any thing of their movements"
.'Surcly cam" was the suave reply.
"Braggs men passed southwards
through yonder village You can just
see its smoke in the far distance-tcn
days ago. There are many God-fcaring
Unionists living there-thcy call the
place Winstanlcy-and they feared
fire and pillagc. but the troops were
hurried and they passed them by un-
hurt"
THAT is good-wcll. sir, have you
any thing more to tell u.s.
why, yes. have. Some men who
had been out hunting in the woods told
me this morning that they had seen a
train of a do. IN supply-wagons which
they thought would reach Winstanley
by tomorrow at latest. Now. wouldn't
this be a chance for you? How many
men do you muster?'
'.Oh. mere handfnl--two companies
Of infantry-but, did they say how
strong the escort was?'
Just one troop of cavalry. nothing
more, and SO tuckered mp by a long
march that they could hardly crawl"
That's splendid news, indeed: bu,
are You sure Of the direction Bragg $
army was taking?'
positive. lie was going due south
with big force. in great haste. too. Oh
you may depend on it our friends barns
and houses would not have roofs over
| them"
"And you think that the villager,
would receive us hospitably?'
"As Saul did the warriors of INDIAN,
was the staunch reply; land now, as
can give You no more information. per
nit me to wend my way in peace"
"Adieu, sir. and God speed you or
your journey"
They watched him ascend the hillside
till he disappeared at turn in the road
and then started back to camp.
''He sat in his saddle like trooper,
the Major critically observed; ''and
what splendid physique the old fellow
has! Say, Frank, do honestly thinl
those itinerant preachers arc after al
the true soldiers of Christ. suffering a.
they do toll, privation and discomfort
in Ills name. They may he illiterate
but, hang me, If they're not in earnest.
But Franks thoughts were on another
subject.
''May l speak to Charlie about thi.
unpleasant matter we were talking of
sir? Perhaps word Of warning NIGH
bring him TO his senses"
Certainly not" was the stern re
ply. MY hands are so tied now b,
promises have given to you and others
that am not in n position to confron
him with proofs Of his folly. Remem
Der, | rely upon your silence ant
NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. must be no lack o
confidence between MS two now or eve
again. And your asking me this, re
minds me to inquire what sort of a fel
low is James Lawson. who claims to b
companion of your early days"
well" Frank hesitatcd, for he hate
to set the Major against his old pla,
mate by speaking the open truth, he
not an intensely moral young man,
believe-in fact"
"A bit of scamp. All, judged q
much, and Major Hopkins hurried ava
to his duties.
So, Frank thought, the mvster
) thickcns. and James Lawson is som,
how or other mixed up in it: yet, ho
,, the deuce could he know any thin
about it. Surely Charlie Fulton, wit
all his folly. could never have been I
rash as to use this worthless fellow