Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1893-05-16

At last Mark heard the relief coming
The sentinel took his gun and began 4
pace his beat. The usual form was pro
ceeded with. and the relief marched te
the sentinel mp the river. Mark observed
the man that had been left on post.
"l hope this fellow will be moro In
clined to rest" he unused.
But no was disappointed to see the
man begin TO pace his beat energetical
ly. He seemed to fear that II he did moi
keep moving no would get drowsy. A
half hour passed with scarcely fest
then another half hour. II was tramp
tramp In one direction. turn and tramp
tramp back again.
The clouds which continued to pass
over the moon became heavier. II the
sentinel would only relax his vigilance
these periods Of comparative darkness
would be favorable to flight. But II the
soldier was to keep proper watch the
clouds might die away. Then there wa,
the morning to come. Mark began tC
lose that GOODNESS which thus far had
characterized him. II was the waiting
that was wearing him out.
In perhaps an hour after the sentinel
came ON picket he yawned. This was
the first sign Of hope for Mark. After
awhile he sat down on the log and
yawned several times at intervals. He
got up and paced for awhile. but at last
sat down again. This time he Sat longer
and his chin sank on his breast. He
reused himself and sank away again,
He would not 60 to sleep comfortably
In accordance with Marks muttered
prayer, but took short nars. Mark con.
sidered the feasibility Of an attempt to
escape between these maps. Without
Jakey he would do II; with Jaksy Il
was too hazardous.
At last the soldier slid down on to the
ground. stretched out his legs and rest.
ed his back against the log.
Marks heart went up into his throat
with q sudden Joy.
Az near a. he could guess there re-
mained q quarter Of an hour till the next
relief would come. He looked ut the
moon. which was now shining with pro-
voking brightness; he looked at the man
and tried to make sure that he was
asleep. II was impossible to tell with
any certainty.
"I'll risk It." he said.
He took Jakey mp In his arms very
carefully. hoping not to waken him, fiI.
ing the boys limp body In the hollow Of
his left arm. In the right hand he took
the squirrel gun. cooked and capped,
using the arm at the same time to hold
the child. When all was ready he rose
,lowly and fixed his eyes on the soldier.
The man did not stir.
Mark moved slowly forward. his eyes
riveted on the sentinel. A few steps
convinced him that the man really slept.
Mark turned his back on hin, and walked
Q dozen steps noiselessly, picking place
to plant his foot at each step.
Haiti
Was Il the soldiers voice, Should be
turn and shoot him?
No, only an explosion Of burning
brand In the campfire at the picket
guard on the railroad track.
His heart, which had stood still, began
humping like drumstick.
He turned to look at the sentinel. The
man sat there gazing straight at him; at
least 30 he appeared to Mark. The figure
was as plain as day In the moonlight,
lhough too far for Mark To see the syss
He cast quick glance down into Jakeys
face. He. too. was sleeping peacefully.
While these two were In sunderland
Mark felt himself suspended between
heaven and hell. And how still It was.
Even the hum OF insects would have
been = relief.
All this occupied but a moment. Mark
turned his back again and moved eau.
tiously forward.
His imagination had never served him
such tricks. Surely he heard the sol.
,lier move. Hs was getting mp on bis
feet. His musket was leveled ut an
aim A sharp sting under the shoul.
der blade, and q warm stream flowing
down his side. Certainly he had been
shot.
Nonsensei Away with such freaks OF
fancyi Suddenly he trod on rotten
branch. Il cracked with sound which
seemed to him like the report OF q pistol
Again he paused and turned. He saw
the sentinel motionless. He had slipped
farther down. and his hat had fallen
farther over his forehead.
Thank Godi
He moved backward, his eyes fixed on
his sleeping enemy. occasionally turning
to see where be stepped. He was get
ting near to cover. In this way he
passed to within u few steps Of conceal
ment. How he coveted the overhang'
ing bank i,ear to him, yet far enough to
be useless should the sentinel awake too
sooui
Cachewi
This sound was real, II was . sneess
from the picket.
Mark knew that Il was q signal OF
awakening. He darted behind the bank
and was out Of sight.
He heard the sentinel get mp. shake
himself. give . yawn. . grunt. ~ u
chilled, and begin to pace bis beat.
Mark moved away cautiously, . great
Hood Of 10Y and thankfulness welling
up through his whole nature. After
going q sufficient distance 70 b. out OF
hearing. hs awakened Jsksy.
"Jaksyi Wake upr
The boy opened bis eyes.
"ws'rs beyond the picket
"whar's my gunr
"Oh, blessed childhood" thought
Marx, "that In moments OF peril can bs
interested 10 such trifing thingsI'
al have your gun here In my hand.
It's safe. Stand on your legs. my boy.
We're going on"
Jaksy stood on tho ground and rub
bed his eyes with bis hsts. Once awake
b was awake al over.
They moved ON down the river toward
the bass Of Lookout mountain. soou
leaving the river margin and striking
inland behind SONS riaIng ground. Find.
ing . convenient nook 10 . clump Of
bushes wherein 10 leavs Jaksy. Marx
told him 10 lis down and stay thsrv
while 10 rsoounoitsrsd 70 dnd : way 70
sst dewa ths rivw md 70 sr01h