Herald and news. [volume] (West Randolph, Vt.) 1878-1943, 1892-12-15
A coEYEpERATE HOUSEHOLD.


wood they saw light in the distance
to the right in the thickest part. They
halted for moment and then advanced
cautiously Coming 10 a place where
they could get a view of what the light
revealed. they saw several men in s'but-
ternut," whose horses were picketed
near by, lying around the enbers of fire
"Guerrillas, quoth Mark.
Not caring to disturb these villains,
who had no more respect for Confed-
crates than Unionists, they passed on
stealthily
About midnight they came to rivu-
let, and Mark concluded to bivouac
there. They turned in among the trees
beside the road
"Jakey. said Mark. "before we go a
step farther. or do anything in fact we
must fix this money"
He pulled his roll Of bills from his
pocket
Take off your boot, he said.
.Iakey pulled off his boot and handed 1t
70 his companion Mark took number
of bills, and ripping ont the lining of the
boot put it back in its place with the
bills under it. Smoothing it down, he
handed the boot back TO Jakey and told
MIN to put il on again.
They took bite of the snack Souri, had
prepared for them and drank from the
rivulet. Then they laid down, resting
their heads against The root of tree. 1t
was not long before Jakey was asleep,
and Mark drew bis head over toward
himself and laid il against his own
breast Tins the two rested. Mark
slept ut intervals. ,lakey with all the
soundness Of healthy, irresponsible boy.
hood
The moon was setting, and Mark
caught a glimpse Of it between the
lower branches of the trees and the hori-
zon When he cast his eyes upward he
saw the stars. He fell to musing upon
his singular position. He remembered
that far TO the north of him Confederate
cavalry were dashing hither and thither,
attacking bridges, capturing the guards
threatening Union pickets and in every
way harassing the Army of the Ohio.
Yet here he was beyond the Union
front, in region which belonged to no
one save the outlaw guerrillas-ruled
neither by the United States nor the
Confectionery with all silent and peace
full about him. An innocent face, care
less of danger. lay on his breast. The
leaves of the trees hung listlessly above
him.
Then that blue vault abovel Its seren-
ity seemed to mock the puny contests
upon a world which, with all its cam
paigns and battles. was but a grain of
sand among the heavenly hosts. Its
heaviest artillery could not be heard at
the nearest planet. Its marshaled armies
could not be seen. Save for the reflected
light of the sun it would revolve in
space, unknown by those on even the
nearest planets. And so musing he fell
asleep
At the first sign of dawn Mark walked
Jakey, and after they had both thrown
the refreshing water of the rivulet over
their heads they started in search of a
house, at which they designed to hap
pen in" at breakfast time. Fortunately
they soon found such place. Turning
into the gate at the first farmhouse, a
farmers wife received them kindly and
gave them what for that time and coun-
try was a palatable meal.
Refreshed by their breakfast, they
walked on. Various people-country-
men, negroes. Confederate soldiers and
occasionally squadron of cavalry
passed them on the road, but they We're
not questioned or interfered with by
any one. Occasionally they would ask
the road. but upon receiving the neces-
sary information. and after making a
few commonplace remarks, would go
on. At noon they turned aside from
the pike in among the trees and ate
what was left of their snack.
About sunset they reached a large
place set back off to the left of the road.
The premises were more imposing than
anyt they had vet passed, and they judged
by it that they were in the environs Of
Chattanooga The house was large,
square. old fashioned building, with a
very high basement. 1t had two stories,
with peak roof. in which were dormef
MluQOWc Va NAtNha-
ed across the front both above and be-
low. Some large trees were scattered
about the yard In the rear were the
negro quarters and the barn.
Mark determined to ask for food and
shelter for the night here. Turning into
the gate, he followed straight road
leading for perhaps hundred yards to
the house. A young girl ROBBED in a
white muslin dress of very simple
pattern. and pink sash, stood on the
veranda watching them as they came
on. When they reached the steps leading
up to where she stood, Mark saw pair
of black eyes looking at him, which,
8 conscious of the deception he was about
10 practice, seemed to read him through
and through Indeed he was sufficient
" confused to take of his hat to the
girl with all the grace and manner of a
polished gentleman.
IL.