Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1893-01-05
A DESPERATE SITUATION.


Never was there a more surprised
look on any mans face than on Marks
st the moment he discovered the men
into whose midst he had fallen. He
knew the range Of the Confederate
picket line, and was unable to under
stand how this party could be part of
it. The men looked equally surprised
at his appearance. Indeed they seemed
more Disconnected at his sudden coming
than he was at their being there. When
he made his leap among them they
were about to get into the boat, and one
of them held the painter in his hand
Mark in twinkling made up his mind
that they were not pleased at his APP
pearance. He determined to play bold
game. He had no defined plan when
he began to speak to them--it @ame to
him as he proceeded
What are you men doing here?" he
asked in tone that none but soldier
knows how to assume.
No one answered.
"What regiment do you belong to-"
No answer
SIS there -czcom1i.s:axed officer
among your
There was so much Of authority in
Marks tone that it compelled an answer
and respectful one.
mo, sir"
you men are away from your com
nands without permission. | can see
hat plainly"
The men looked guilty, but said moth
ng.
You evidently don't know me. l am
an officer of General Bragg's staff on an
important mission of secret service"
He waited a moment to discover the
effect Of his words and then proceeded:
at is matter of the greatest moment
that | get across the river at once.
want you men to pull me over and then
report Immediately to your colonel.
Give me your names"
Without appearing to doubt for a mo.
ment that he would ne obeyed, he called
on the men successfully, and each man
responded with his name. There were
five men, and as each answered he
saluted respectfully.
Now what regiment do you belong
TOP
The til Tennessee"
"The old story" said Mark severely
You men are doubtless from east Ten
nessee, You are doserters, trying to get
back to whore you came FROM"
alark had hit the nail on the head
TIE men looked terror stricken. He
knew, when he ordered them to pull
across the river, that they would obey
him gladly. And if he should leave
them to report to their colonel, they
would attempt to make their way north
instead.
Get into the boat, every one of you"
Every man got into the boat, and one
of them took the oars.
Now If you will get me over quickly
III see what can do for you with your
commanding officer when | return"
Jakey was standing on the bank with
his eyes wide opsn at this scene. Marx
had been hero with him. now he was
little less than god.
DO you want to get across tho river,
my little mani" asked Mark, as If he
had never seen the boy before.
Does want ter? Course | does"
Jump in then, quick. I've no time
" lose"
Jakey came down and got in with the
rest
Give way" cried Mark, and the boat
shot out from the shore.
Not dozen strokes had been taken
before Mark, who was delighted at the
success Of his assurance. saw a sight
that made his heart sink within him. A
boat shot around Moccasin point from
the eastward
God in heaven! 1t was full of armed
llen.
AS soon as they saw the skiff with
Mark and tho desertors in it-for such
they were-they pulled straight for