Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1894-06-16

asked if he knew-the country to the
north OF tho Confederate outposts. He
was forced to reply that he was entirely
ignorant of it.
This is disadvantage, but one you
can overcome, said the general. 1--WE
are In need of few more brave men at
the front to act rs scouts. Would You
have any objection to serving in that
capacity?"
IL should not like to act the part
of spy" stammered Kenton in much
confusion.
Nor would ask you to. A SPY is
generally brave man and often moved
solely by patriotism, but few of them
are soldiers, and the profession is I'M
der stigma. As scout You 60 in
your uniform, secure such information
as you can in legitimate way, and if
captured You are treated rs prisoner
OF war. You can take comrade with
you or go alone, as you elect. Do not
be afraid to state your objections if you
have any,"
II will go and go Alone" replied
Aenton after moments thought.
Very well, l am glad to hear it.
You can now return to your compapy.
and during the day l will send the
proper order to your captain. Upon
your return report to me direct, and /
nave no doubt you will bring informa-
ton of value.''
That afternoon Captain Wyle return
ed TO his company. and when he re-
ceived the order detailing Private Ken
ton for temporary duty at headquarters
cd learned its object ne was almost
tempted to congratulate him. As be-
tween captain and private or between
man and man, he would have done SO
with great heartiness, but as a rival
lover he could not When Ike Baxter
had related the story of the attempted
removal, as he called it. he expected
words of praise, but they were not ut
tered. On the contrary, his action was
severely criticised, and he went away
to sulk and growl.
Understand me-" said the captain
as Ike betrayed his disappointment by
word and look, Il don't want murder
or assassination. / hate him because
he's Yankee and because he is an en-
envy among rs. want to drive him
out-force him to desert TO his own
hde. Iwant the news to 60 back home
that he has deserted and is a traitor to
Us. Bring that about, and I'll do any,
thing ] can to reward you, but don't
shoot him down in cold blood. Now
that General Jackson has taken him I'M
der his wing We must be more careful
than ever"
Armed with pass that would take
him through the Confederate lines and
pickets. Royal Kenton made his way to-
ward Washington. When he reached
the last outpost, the officer in command
gave him the lay of the country along
that front. the position of the Federal
videttes SO far as known, and named
many farmers who sympathized with
the Confederate cause and would give
him shelter. 1t was about 10 O'Clock
in the forenoon when Kenton left tie
last post behind him and disappeared in
the woods. He knew in a general way
what was required of him. 1t was. first,
to push as near the Federal lines as pos
sible, and then to estimate the strength
Of camps or marching columns, locate
forts and earthworks and seek to dis
cover the strength of positions. Spies
go in disguise and often remain in
camp for days. Scouts are saved from
the halter when caught only because
they are not IAN enemy in disguise. ~
The spy is detested simply because he is
generally moved by financial consid-
Grafton and is often person who will
work for the side paying him the best.
The neutral ground between the two
armies was a strip of territory from
three to six miles wide. Reconnois-
sances were almost of daily occurrence
from one side or the other, and cavalry
commands patrolled the highways at
frequent intervals.
The sentiment of the Virginia farm
srs was overwhelmingly Confederate,
and whenever Kenton identified himself
he was given all information at hand.
During the first two days he had several
narrow escapes from Federal cavalry
patrols, and on the third day he was
treated to double surprise. The farm
or with whom he had remained over
night had recommended him to one
much nearer the Federal outposts to Sc
cure additional information. He reach
ed this place about II O'Clock in the
forer DON, and the first face he saw was
that of Marian Percy, the next that of
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