The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1891-01-14

the works, and he was too good dis
ciplinarian not to obey.
well, we're here at last, said Zeke
Gross, as they entered forti6cation, but,
he added, dismally, they'll hsv the yoke
on our necks yet.
why, halo" cried the Yankee, stop
ping and gazing at the farmer from head
to foot. You're the faillow that give US
suthin' to eat when the Britishers come
an made US git eout. Still afraid o that
yoke, are YEP" :.
"Yes," sighed zeke. they'll hev it
round our necks, too."
They'll find me worse than kickin'
keow to yoke" said Simon.
The Americans were almost exhausted
with their long rapid march in the heat
and dust. and many threw themselves on
the ground and remained motlonless for
hours.
The work of fortifying went on all day,
and the earthworks were almost COM
pleted when night came. Simon, who
had served few months in the artillery,
was enabled to direct the mounting of
the guns.
The long twenty-four, which was really
formidable gun, was mounted and
ranged so as to sweep the ocean. Two OF
the smaller pieces we're on the seaboard
side, while the others we're to protect
them from land attack. The Americans
were without any practical artillerist,
but Simon, who had q little knowledge
of the cannon, began drilling some OF
them
IT vss the middle of the afternoon and
Griffith was busy experimenting the
works, when boy came to him with the
information that one of the sailors who
had been captured the night before wish.
ed to see him.
Il wonder what he wants." said the
young commander, impatiently. At first
he thought 10 would pay no attention to
the request, but somehow it strangely
impressed him, and he decided to call on
him.
We'll, NJ. Burnett, what do you want2'
Captain Alton asked. There was some.
thing in the lofty mein Of that grand
looking sailor which commanded the re-
spect of everyone.
Il wish to talk to you few moments
on our Defense" said Burnett, who was
pacing the floor of his prison restlessly.
and occasionally gazing out Of the win.
dow on the works. Il see your men lack
skill in planting the cannon"
Griffith was forced to admit that they
did.
7 suppose they also lack skill in using
artillery"
They do, but they hope to acquire it.
The sailor shook his head, and after
moments silence continued:
@The man-o'-war is prepared with good
gunners and heavy guns, and In the end
will pound you to pieces. Captain Alton.
I think, however, if your heavy twenty
four was r.operly managed it could drive
the Xenophon away, or sink her, but 1t
will require an experienced gunner to
do j."
aWhat do yon propose?" asked Griffith.
i was the best gunner aboard the
Xenophon. Captain Monteith admitted
that; now I volunteer to man the heavy
twenty-four.
I thank you" said Griffith, "bat con-
slider our position-consider the imputa.
tion against you Of being spy, and think
If I, as reasonable officer could consent
under oil those circumstances to give
you such an important position. You
may be all right, sailor, and do not say
you are playing false, but your presence
here, outside Of the testimony of your.
self and companion, has not been &C.
counted for.
An expression of painful disappo;nt.
ment passed over the face of the prisoner,
and after few moments he said:
You talk very sensibly; but will you
permit me to accompany you, and make
some valuable suggestions as to the
planting of the cannon?"
There seemed to be no possible harm
in this, and Griffith assented. Both OF
tie prisoners were given the privilege Of
the camp, but persons were appointed to
keep a strict watch over them, and shoot
them on their making the slightest at.
tempt to escape.
They accompanied the young com.
mander, and Burnett made some very
valuable suggestions as to the improve
ments in the works and mounting the
cannon. His plans were SO reasonable
that the artillery was mounted and ar
ranged under his directions. He even
gave instructions 10 two or three gum
squads that were drilling.
Simon, what do you think OF him?'
asked Griffith Of the Yankee.
The Yankee shook his head in puzzled
manner, and answered.:
Il doant eggsactly know, Cap'n, but
wouldn't trust i'm too far till ye find i'm
eout."
y do not intend to, Simon. We will
give them the privilege of the camp dur
ing the day, with half dozen men to
watch them, but at night they mnst 60 to
prison"
They may be spies, an then agin' they
maynt."
II will intrust watching them to you,
Simon, for I know you to be careful and
prudent. Do not be harsh with them,
and yet be very careful about giving
them too many privileges.
During the remainder of the day Crit
fifth kept Oh eye on Burnett, the deserter
of the Xenophon. There was something
about the sailor which seemed grand and
noble, and yet he could not rid himself
of suspicion:
1T may all be for effect" be reasoned
with himself. he may be cunning
spy who has been sent among us to spike
the guns, or in some way deliver US over
TO the enemy. 1t will not do to trust
him too far until he is better known"
The young commander of Manoa had
the works completed by nightfall. and the
most experienced engineer would have
pronounced the town of Manoa in an e1-
cellent state of defense.
Griffith. now that tie work which duty
demanded was completed, hastened to the
house in which his betrothed lived.
AS usual, che was on the porch wait
ing for him, and, with Captain Gatrell,
had impatiently watched his approach.
Il was so afraid you had been hurt in
that terrible battle on the hill," she said,
as he ascended the steps.
why, Ola, that was no battle, said
the young officer, with laugh; 1T was
on1v skirmish md q yerv SLIGHT skir-