The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1892-02-07
ON THE PLANTATION.
A Story Of a Georgia Boys Adj
ventures During the War.
ny joel Chandler Harris.
Copyright. 1884, BY Joel Chandler Harris.
CHAPTER X.

"Then there was another question II tho
gorge was to be followed. which way should
We gop Should we follow tho running water
or should we go tho other wayp Blandford
and Prultt had already made up their minds to
follow the running water and OF course was
going with them"
THAT'S because It was down hill.' re-
marked Mr.. Blandford laughing. "Deo al
ways said his legs were never made for going
up hill"
I'VE had great discussion. My dear boy.
II you want to see how peevish and il-natured
and idotic grown man can be. Just starve
him for matter OF eight or nino days. some
wanted to go ono way and some wanted to go
another. while others wanted to stay where
they we're. Actually. Blandford and I had to
cut hckories and pretend that we were going
to fail tho men who wanted to stay there and
die. and when We got them on their feet we
had to drive them along like drove Of sheep.
while Pruitt led the way.
"Pruitts idea was that the running watcr
led somewhere. This may seem to DO a very
simple matter now, but in our weak and con-
fused condition 1t was very fortunate thing
that he had the idea and stuck to it. We found
out afterward that If We had continued on the
course we had been going or II We had fol-
lowed the gorge IN the other direction. we
would have buried ourselves in q Wilderness
more than hundred miles In extent.
The next day n couple of hawks and two
Jay birds wore shot. and though they nade
small rations for seventeen men. yet they were
refreshing. and the very sight Of them made
us feel better. Tho walls Of the gorge grew
wider apart. and tho branch became longer as
we followed it. The third day after We had
changed our course Pruitt. who was ahead.
suddenly paused and lifted his hand. Some
OF the men were so weak that they swnyed
from side to side rs they halted. The sight OF
them was pitiful. We soon saw what had at
tracted Fruits attention. On the rocks above
a pool OF water. an otter lay summing himself.
He was as fat as butter. We stood speeches.
a moment and then sank to the ground. There
was no fear that the otter could hear our
voicos. for the branch. which had now grown
into n creek. fell noisily into the pool II he
had heard us-f he had slipped off the rocks
and Disappeared" Mr.. Deomcturi paused
and looked into his pipe.
Great heavens. Deo!" exclaimed Mr..
Brandford. jumping up from the bed. "lll
never forget that as long as live! never
had such feelings before. aud I've never had
such since"
Yes" continued Mr.. Deometari. at was IN
awful moment Each man knew that We must
have the otter. but how could we get him? IIo
would have nerve enough to put the ball in the
right spot? The man who held the gun would
know how much depended on him: he would
be too excited to shoot straight. looked Mt
the men. and most of them were trembling
Those who were not trembling were as white
rs n sheet with excitement Hooked at Pruitt.
and he was standing up watching the otter
and whistling little jig under his breath. So
l said to him. Us quietly as ! could:
Take your gun. man. aud give 1t to him.
You can't miss. He's as big as n barn door,
"Pruitt dropped on one knee. put fresh cal
on his gun. shook his hand loose from his
i. boysH' Then he fired. He was 50 weak that
the gun kicked him over. When l looked ut
the otter 1t seemed that the creature had never
and then we rushed forward as fast as We
tbs the Apnest lot Of men you eyer saw on
head. Tho men We're SO, ravenons they acted
like maniacs. 1t was all that Blandford and
the Wt to 10 ks them 9
:. But it saved u.s." Mr.. Dsometari went on.
day We met with farmer. hunting his stray
sheep. ana I'VE, we soon y, got back to the army
we parted. Blandtord. Pruitt. Tom Henderson,
and myself-thc men who had never lost hope
promised each other. and shook hands on it,
would hei him out without any questions.
Now. 1t isn't necessary to ask any questions
about l'ruitt He deserted because his family
were in q starving condition."
Yes said Mr.. B!andford. bringing, his
lieye in my soul that Johnson has kept food
and clothes away from Them
know no has," said Mr.. Deometnri,
calmly. Tom Henderson is one OF Johnson's
clerks. and he keeps the run of things. He is
to meet us tonight nnd then you see man
who has been blazing mad for three months
Now my boy, continued Mr. Deomctari. for
Troubled with such things. WS'ro Just watch h.
ing to see how Captain Johnson PROPOSES
You chance to see sseJe john e hm that the
Relief Committee has taken charge OF Hills
borough for few weeks, Another thing"
the boy shoulder. II you should DO sent for
some day or some night. Just drop everything
and come with the messenger. A bright chap
like you is never too small to do good"
The two men shook hands with Joe. and Mr.,
Blandfort! gruvely took of his hat whom he
bade the boy good-Dy.