Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1892-12-29
CHAPTER VII.

0OlnS DOWN TO the Terry boat tnel
found boat which had all it could d,
to carry the soldiers and citizens VIII,
We're crossing. Mark thought he would
try what assurance would do in getting
across without a pass. He found thu
guard more watchful than he expected
Cant y pass me n my leetle brother
lieutenant" he asked. I'VE BEN doer
some traden in Chattanooga and want
ter git home. We ben buyen some cal
iker for the women folks"
"Old Bragg himself couldn't go over
without pass" responded the officer
"Whar mought | git one?" asked
Mark.
AT headquarters, reckon"
Mark turned away. He considered
the expediency of going to headquarters
and asking for pass, but regarded this
course fraught with too much risk. He
determined to make an attempt to get
out of town and across the river by the
route over which he had entered. He
knew the ground by this route, and that
was great advantage. If he could
steal his way beyond the picket he could
doubtless find a method of crossing.
Perhaps he might make his way down
the river and across at Shell mound, or,
still lower, TO the mouth of Battle creek,
held by the Union forces.
Mark skirted the town on the west, and
then took course directly south till he
came to the railroad. This he followed
to a point near where he had bivouacked
the night before. Crawling to a rise in
the ground and motioning Jakey to
keep back, he laid down on his stomach
to make a survey.
1t was nearly dark. Silhouettes Of
figures were passing between him and
campfire beside the railroad track. Be
yond, the palisades of Lookout noun
tain stood out boldly against a streak Of
twilight in the west. Between the track
and the river was an open space, over
which he must pass to get by the picket.
The river bank would afford some pro
lection. Near where he was it was steep,
and the current set directly against it.
but lower down by the picket there APP
peared to be places where man could
walk under the low bluff.
The moon was about three-quarters
full, and the night was clear except for
clouds that would float lazily over
Lookout mountain and across the moons
face, so that at times her light was part
ly obscnred Mar, thought of waiting
till she had set, bli this would not be
till after daylight He made up his
mind to make the attempt nj once.
Calling Jakey he save him an account
of what he intended 20 try for, and told
him that If II should lie necessary to run
under fire the boy was 10 lie down, and
if necessary. give himself mp, but on no
account to risk being shot. Jakey only
half promised and Mark was obliged to
be satisfied with this Then. waiting
for little willie longer hlf the twilight
to entirely disappear and c. cloud to OBJ |
scure the moon. he lay On the ground
gathering his forces aad getting his |
mind into that cool state requisite for
one who is about to make very haz-
ardous attempt
Presently the conditions were favora-
BILE, and he got up ana led the way TO the
river bank. which he proposed to skirt.
he left his bundle, but took Jakey's gun.
loaded and capped, in his hand. They
soon gained the point where they had |
landed the night before-nearly opposite
where Mark had seen the silhouettes ON
the railroad, Treading as noiselessly as
possible, they passed along the river mar
GIN under the overhanging bank till
they came TO place where the bank
was low STOPPING, they proceeded for
short distance till they reached the
root OF a tree that had been felled long
before. Here they paused and listened.
Suddenly they heard what sounded
ike musket brought from shoulder
Town to the hollow OF hand. aud a
Ioice:
Who comes thar
Corporal Of the guard, with relief.
Advance. corporal. and give the coun-
ensign"
Then there was some muttering and
tramping away.
Mark peeped between the roots of the
lump toward the point from which the
ounds had come. He saw. not a hundred
ect away. man sitting on log with