The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1892-06-02

0N~
KILLED IN THE SERGEANT'S ARMS.
But there WAS an Ruxious look on Serg't
Kay's face that could not be accounted for
He was staring in the direction Of the ravine
which was now rs
NEAR TIE MAIN UNION LINE
ss was the squad. He saw solitary horseman
moving suspic.ously in the timber of the "a.
vine There WAS an air OF secrecy about the
rider. He was visible for but one brief instant.
and then disappeared. This was strange. The
lone horseEan wore the uniform Of o rebel
officer. A hcrseman in that place was no
picket-Cuard on duty, and. whoever lt was,
his presence so close 10 the Union lines meant
something. No horseman would be there re-
connoitering. since they knew the position and
strength Of the Federal forces but too well; nor
wUlld he be fcraging, since everything between
the a~mies hal long ago been coBfscated and
apn;,1riated for The old flag. That lone horse
man meant great deal to kay's mind. 1t
argued TO hal tie approach OF an army in a
general fcrva movement. Though the rider
had disappeared. aud no troops were to be seen,
still this very fact of secrecy aud the threaten
ing stiffness only convinced Kay the more that
his conjecturcs about the matter were correct.
What was that single horseman doing there in
that timbeiel ravine, between tine two con-
tending armies. If something was not in the
wind? 10 Fliyate soldier was allowed to ride
away from TIC main line Of troops in that
style therefore lie must either be an officer
leading his troops out secretly, or q ccwarCly
deserter. j could scarcely be a deserter, for
he would dash away across the sandy field
toward the Union line with flag Of truce on
the END OF Il3s sword. In that rayine he was
far enough Away from the Confederate lines to
claim protection boldly from the boys in blue.
1t must therefore be the evidence Of secret
movement o: Il he rebel forces preceding charge
and Gghi, such rs frequently occurred around
Atlanta.
Kay halted his men on the first impulse
following h.s glimpse Of the solitary horseman.
These conclusions succeeded in the next few
minutes Iaey trooped through his mind like
battalions "a 6auble-quiek in action. The
squad Of remained in line.
If the .To,,nHies were going 10 attack the
Union foroes. this little squad Of men were in
most periluus position. They would be placed
between the jwc conten6iDg forces of men.
Therefore Las;y and
DECISIVE ACTION WAS NECESSARY.
But Kay o.lefs were to replace particular
portion @ the picket-line. Evidently the
Union army knew nothing OF the impending
crisis, or he would not hsye been sent forward
Just then. lie could not disobey his orders.
To 90 on was either to go 10 death to a pris-
oners Iar and revolving fate he as yet
should be IA..:kken lie would be subjected TO
the charge q roHkrdice and to a court-martial
trial for Gi7''.asing orders.
His meu. H faded and worn uniforms. and
with glit,cggG - arms at right-shoulder shift,
were nom - ssel at the halt They saw no
reason for 81. For a moment they half sus-
peeted Tbs. kay had been struck with sud
den feeling oLcewardice. But they knew him
10 be brave a"d daring man, one who never
shrsnk frosa daty because it was periloUs
one; IDa:l always ready for any emergency,
and the fVregsos. in every fight.
did yog sce that man on the horse?" he
asked, pointing in the direction of the rayine,
and answer = their expectancy.
No. SGD one. The whole squad looked
spziously a..d earnestly in the direction indi-
Gated.
"No; there is nothing there" said another
donbtingir.
"Tberc e was" said Kay, Indicating the
place by ua.i.sed arm. He seemed not TO
notice tue answers he received.
No; J sae 20 one" said the FIRST speaker of
tm squad.
. believe the rebel army is there" observed
Kay, giving expression TO his conjeetures and
surprise alike.
80. 10" said the second man obviously.
Yes sir" repeated Kay confidently. His
keen eye and sturdy sense and long experience
with danger aad not played wantonly with his
and blundcf.ag Aid, who had greater desire
10 display hi authority than his good sense or
his care lor men and life, came dashiag I'D on
horse Ec Bad observed the hesitancy Of the
squad, and good opportunity TO exercise
his authority : a superior officer. Refining in
his painting lcrse, he thundered out with an
1mpericas ai::
WHAT ARE yoU DOING HERE?"
1--WE have seen some suspicious movements
<sr rf.x1c 81
quietly.
The Aid glanced toward the rayine for a
second and then in coarse but brutal way de-
manded:
$50 on. ! cay, and station your men as
ordered"
"Bui tink the rebel army Is now moving
up that THyne, concealed by the timber. TO
surprise ald charge our troops" explained
Kay.
So - you, / command you 10 place
your men instantly" said the unreasoning and
naughty Aid, proud TO display his official
superiority from horseback.
Kay hesitaied. He could not answer a man
30 light in his understanding of warfare He
did not order his men forward. Conscious that
they would move forward for no one but him
SELF be not going 10 be hasty and rush
them into tic aYms Of death. A few moments
would tell lam whether he was right or wrong
in his eurmi5es, and then there would be ample
tlme 70 relieve tiie plckets On Guty- Seeing his
lesitancy tie Aid said:
Are you . coWard?"
"6et down from that horse and make your
self my equal ia rank for moment aud Will
demonstrate That question TO you, said Kay
fauntingly and with as much asceTbity as he
dared to his superior officer.
The foOli.,i lid had no inclination 10 test his
raloT or willingness 10 defend his honor In
this lie exhibited more sense than he had
hitherto shown. As a final command he said:
. order you 10 lead on your men"
y VIII az my own pleasure" said Kay,
glancing at the squad that stood ready. As the
AID well knew. 20 defend their Sergeant.
do you refuse TO obey?" Inquired the Aid,
who kneT ihat hay would not disobey unless
there were extraordinary reasons for his con-
duct.
never did disobey my superiors but ]
snswer son decidedly that do now.'
the squad looked approyingiy upon their
plncky and sensible Sergeant.
Children Cgv for