The National tribune., 1891-07-09

quickly availod myself of il. Taking of my
saber aud fastening IL to the saddle, lest the
noise Of il might alarm the guard. with cat
like tread / started in the direction Of the
corner that led TO the house, being guided By
the picket fence which ] knew would lead me
10 the corner. All was rs still as death; not n
sound could hear, with the exception Of a
horse stamping the ground occasionally. Just
rs had reached the corner and was congratu-
lating myself how well i was getting along,
and what a pleasant time / would have, judge
of my surprise when n large mastif that had
been lying quietly inside Of the fence. with
frightfuI bark. bounded against the fence at
me. Then, and not until then, was i aware
that could Jump. and for an amateur, am
satisfied that / made the best jump on record.
1t would have been but the work Of mo-
meRt for me 10 have shot and killed that dog,
hut that would have alarmed the whole picket
line. and would probably have led 10 my arrest.
fastening on as fast as | could in the darkness
soon came in sight OF light in the house,
aud upon nearer approach could distinctly
hear the voices Of men, mingled with those OF
women talking aud laughing on the piazza.
/ halted, wondering what il could mean. Who
were those men? We're they Confederate SOL
diers or members Of my own regimcnt2
Hero was an unexpected dilemma. What
should / do; advance or TctTeat2 Then the
old adage came TO my relief, 4 faint heart
nc'cr won fair lady," and | crcpt up little
closer aud listened aticntively for some word
that would denote whether they were friends
or foes.
Ny suspense was OF short duration, for | was
OveriOyed TO hear them talk of home and
mother in New York, and expressing a desire
that they would soon return TO their camp at
Suffolk, where they expected many letters
awaiting them. Satisfied that they were
friends now advanced TO the house. In
stantly both men sprang 10 their feet and
shouted. Halt! who goes there2" "1st y. Y.
MID Rifles; don't be alarmed" | replied. My
coming so suddenly upon them quite unncrved
Mrs. Sugars and daughter but upon TecOgniz-
Ing who the intruder was all their fears at once
vanished, aud they gave me a very cordial re-
ception, 10 the great discomfort Of the other
two, who, although belonging TO my regiment,
were strangers 20 me.
In less than half an hour I had the great
pleasure Of bidding them goodnight and see
ing them depart for the regiment. rs l was
hungry, wet, and tired. we entered the house.
where / found there was good, comfortable
fire; and 20 make our meeting, II possible, more
enjoyable, they prepared me good supper OF
fried ham and eggs, hOccake and tea, which
ate and drank with 4 relish.
Feeling satisfied that our regiment would
remain on the main street where / had left
them until morning unless they were attacked
I e
remain in my comfortable quarters. aud asked
the privilege Of lying on the floor for the night
I This they would not hear to- but insisted upon
my occupying good bed in the next room.
/ thanked them, but said did not dare accept
/. their kind offer, rs there might be an attack
made az any moment, aud / would be Obliged
1 10 hurry back 10 my company, and by lying
( down on the floor would be better prepared
\ 10 DO so. They finally consented, aud bidding
me goodnight retired.
After examining the doors and windows and
seeing that they were securely fastened,
stretched myself on the floor in front OF the
/ fire with two trusty Tevolver5 by my side.
was soon enjoying that sweet sleep that tired
I soldier so much appreciates.
By the first dawn Of morning | was up, feel
7 ing much refreshed, aud with thanks for thei
/ hospitality babe them last farewell and hurrie'
/ back to my company, where found them jus
/ rs had left them.
II this should meet the eye Of any Of tn,
! parties mentioned. who remember the circum
stance, the writer would be pleased to hea
from thCm.-THuN HANSON, Orderly Sergeant
! Troop a, lst y. I. MID Rifles, Pluekemin, y. J