Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1892-01-07
"DRrNK EVERY DROP OF IT."

greatest trouble was the constant de-
mand they made on him for castor-oil,
which they used TO such an extent that
he began TO think II was their National
beverage. The truth leaked out at
last: the fellows creased their shoes
with II. Many man would have got
in passion on making such discov-
cry, but not so Billy. lie just bided his
time; and when one day, a big, hullsing
fellow brought four-ounce phial TO be
filed, Billy was as mild as mothers
milk with him. You say you have
pains in the back, my man, which few
doses of this oil relicvesT he asked the
interesting patient. 'Iiowly Mother!'
was the reply; but it's Blended double
am wild EN- Bill poured the rich,
creamy, golden fluid into the mans bot
tie, and he was Just making off with
his prize, when up flew the Doctors
hand clutching the butt of revolver as
big as a small cannon, its glittering
barrel pointed straight at the victims
head: Not another step the doctor
ronred. Drink every drop Of II on the
spot, or I'll blow the roof Of your head
orr So Billy had no more calls for
castor-oil."
A roar of laughter rewarded the mar
rator, which was checked by the hasty
advent OF an orderly, who said;
as Lieutenant Desant here, gentle
men?"
Here am" cried Frank, stepping
forward. What is it?"
"Major Hopkins says, will you take a
file OF men and cot TO the picket by
the creek bridge to fetch in wounded
offlcer2 Quick as you can, sir, II you
please"
81 told you 30, boys" muttered the
man who had called attention 10 the
doctor, while Frank hurriedly got ready
for the sad duty.
On nearing the little bridge, which
spanned the muddy creek, he found DE-.
Saunders kneeling over PROSTATE dg-
ure, while soldier held a lantern for
him, and the sentry stood resting on his
muslxet and gazing at the painful scene.
Beside them was horse, whose hang
ing head and heaving TANKS told of hard
usage.
"Who Is It, doctor?" Frank asked,
anxiously.
"a cavalry mana mere lad-cut all
TO pieces-but we must get him into
field hospital as quickly as possible.
See, here's dispatch took from him.
I'd hard work TO get II, poor boy, he
clutched It so tightly. l guess you'd
better hurry off with II TO the Colonel
and leave your men 10 help me in with
him." n piece Of advice which Frank
promptly acted on.
As Colonel Fulton tore open the blood
stained missive his eyes flashed and the
color mounted TO his check. by heav-
en-" he said, this Is glorious news.
We are ordered TO reinforce Grant at
Fort Donelson. Order taps TO be beaten
and all lights out In the camp; for the
boys must have some sleep before they
take the road again"
On the evening of the 18th Of Febru'
airy the Fighting Fourth, wearied with
n long days march over swamps and
brushwood, joined the Union forces,
now increased to thirty thousand men,
The fort itself, occupying about one
hundred acres, stood on bluff a hun.
dred feet high, with sixty-five guns
threatening approach by the river, but
almost unprotected from the land side
save for the inaccessible ruggedness OF
the ground and the heavy trees which
had been felled, and which proved to be
formidable abatis. Already Grant had
made an unsuccessful attack upon q
battery commanding road upon which
he was trying 10 move.
But who among the thousands who
lay down 10 rest that night before the
doomed fort will ever forget its misery
AS the men lay on the bare ground
without tents, without fires, many
without even blankets, u cruel storm OF
sleet and snow swept over them sn6
tho thermometer fell 20 10 degrees
above zero, while some Of tho POOR
wounded heroes literally froze to death
on their Icy resting-places.
Next day the battle was resumed with
alternate success aud failure.
In the afternoon the deafcnlng can'
nonade Of the fort guns told them that
Foote's gun-boats were already In adj
vance.
! AZ tnu GGluckRssak ntsnd alims4.