The Pioche weekly record. [volume] (Pioche, Nev.) 1877-1900, 1893-06-01
THE SCOUTS RIDE.

that elasticity of spirit so characteristic
Of the veteran soldier, the Union troops
had already recovered from the effects
Of that terrible battle at Fredericksburg,
when the several corps were buffeted by
Lees guns on st. Mary's Heights. Many
q familiar face was missing from the
ranks, but convalescents were rapidly
arriving from the hospital, and the army
was preparing for its approaching spring
and summer campaign, which ended at
Gettysburg
While his staff was exchanging
Christmas greetings soon after reveille
General Hooker summoned to his pres
ence Jim White, one of the headquarters
scouts.
"White," said the general, II learn
from Washington that it is believed
that the rebs contemplate q movement
through the Loudon valley. You must
20 and ascertain if this is true"
"All right, general, replied the scout,
with brief salute as he turned to leave
the tent
"What route will you take" asked
the general.
II shall go by the Warrenton road
and leave our lines from the pickets of
General Sykes regulars. From Warren
ton to Aldie gap is days ride, and then
will be in the valley"
81 hope to see you then in five days"
eff get back at all, sir, you will see
me on New Years eve. 1t can't be done
any quicker"
"Very we'll. Go and get your pass"
It was great disappointment for Jim
White, this being summoned for danger
GUS duty ON Christmas day, for he had
intended being one of the guests of a
comrade who had received q fat turkey
from home. But, putting aside all
thought of the proposed festivity, Jim
got his pass for the picket line, and sad
ding his horse rode away from head
quarters.
Reaching the little village of Aldie on
the afternoon Of the second day, Jim
rode through the gap as the setting sun
began to gid the mountain tops. Dressed
in faded butternut, the usual costume Of
Virginia farmer, the scout had met
with no adventure, and he was looking
forward to speedy termination to his
errand.
The horse Jim rode was remarkable
animal. Possessing good blood and &C.
ton, 1t nevertheless was rather uncouth
In appearance. It's coat was very rough,
and US the scout seldom used the curry
comb, the brute did not look like a fast
one. Jim, however, knew the good quail
tiles of his beast, for they had often been
proved in critical moments. Always
adopting the character Of Virginia
farmer, Jim's shaggy horse aided in the
deception, and only those who knew his
real character would recognize famous
scout in the queer picture he made in the
saddle.
Seems to me-" said the scout, solilo-
Quizing, "those people in Washington
are always finding mares nests. Here
am In the Loudon and not reb in
sight"
As he uttered the words, Jim came tt
another road which crossed the one h,
had been following. In an instant HI
discovered the approach of Confederate
cavalry patrol. Accustomed to sucl
perils, Jim very coolly checked his steet
and waited for the little party,
"Whar yeou cum FRONT" demanded tn
cavalry leader as he and his men rode up
'Bin down in Aldie," drawled Jim
"Went to see how things looked dow
thar"
"B'long to the army?'
"Well, not exactly, though I've don
my share toward thinning out tn
Yanks."
"Oh, then you are one of Mosby
men?''
"Yaas,"
"And whar are yeou going%
'sUp by the way of Ashby gap. Prom
ised to be in Martinsburg tomorrer."
sis that the road to Alder"
'Yaas. It's the way I've come"
"Well, good day; we must get throug
the gap tonight"
"Yeou can do it easy. There's 1
Yanks this side Of Warrenton."
"Thanks"
And then the patrol proceeded. Ji
having mentioned Ashby gap was COZ
PEELED to take the road just left by Il
Confederates, for unless he did SO
knew their suspicious might be arouse
Thanking his lucky stars for getting
them 30 easily, Jim supposed he had {
capped. He had not yet got out of sigi
however, when he heard one Of the M
"'Pears to me, sargint, that fellows
Yank. Mebbe he's scout"
Jim White dug his spurs into
horses TANKS. The animal started I
ON Q gallop. Having got SO good sta
the scout decided to risk everything
instant fight. The rapid reverberatio
Of his horses boots on the frozen ear
betrayed his purpose, and the patrol W
soon laundering in pursuit after him.
Jim knew that he was in danger
being shot, but as he WIS also aware th'
the aim of galloping horsemen is alwa'
very uncertain he entertained very lit
fear on that score. To him capture nc
meant certain death at the end OF ro
swung over the convenient trunk OF
tree. Unless he could outstrip his pu
suers his career as Union scout was
an end.
On and ON rode the fugitive scout al
his pursuers, the latter occasionally 81
ing voice to the yell SO often heard fro
Confederate throats. Gradually the al
lance between Jim and the patrol "
dened, and it seemed tolerably clear TN