Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1894-06-30
CHATTER Mi.


than Winchester. Prisoners captured
during the first year Of the war were
not held long. Within 30 days from
the battle of Kcrnstown those members
Of Captain Wylc's company who had
been taken prisoners were exchanged.
Ike Baxter was among them.
Two days after the battle Kenton had
reported to his company at Strashurg.
II was known that he WIS captured
with the others, and his truthful story
If his escape found no believers except
steve Erayton. While the others de-
clarrd that his escape was all arranged
for by his Yankee friends, Steve gave
him his hand and said:
Its scttin purity hot far yo' around
ycru, kenton, 'cordin 10 what see and
hear. IL yo' could surround and cap
tur' a hall Yankee army and turn it
over to us, the boys would think yo' un
had some game to play. Reckon yo'
know whar it all starts froia?"
81 think 1 do
Cant M two fcllers love the same
al without sunthin Dustin sooner or
later. | Kin jest shct my eyes and see
what the captain Is lawn fur. He un's
achin powerful bad to hcv yo' killed off
"r driv out or used mp in some way. He
wouldn't hev minded If half of us had
tin wiped out down thar if yo'd bin
Gao OF the dead"
Two or three days after Jackson
reached StrasburC Captain Wyle had an
interview with him. None of his own
company knew it, and what passed
could Only he inferred from circum-
stances which developed later on. 1t
was announced that 1t had been decided
% rcorgaaize the guards rs a cavalry
company, and in the course of weci:
this change was effected. much to the
satisfaction of the men. Just aus it was
finished Royal kentun was ordered to
report 10 Jackson again. He found tho
same stern, low spoken, PLAIN looking
man aud received the same quiet greet
ing. Tho general Gdverted 10 the brav-
cry of the guards at kCrnstOwn, and
thcn to- kenton's capture and escape
and asked for the details. The latter q.
once realized that some one who pro-
Tossed 90 know all about it and who was
N''hltiN Aiis itIpiltb
general. He, however. proceeded to
give the particulars not only of his cs-
cape and his Efforts to rejoin his COM
mand. hut of tho charges brought
a.nins him by Ikc Baxter ana tho in
turview with General Shields. This por-
tion ~ his adventure he had not spoken
Of 20 any ono ON r.loinin-, his company.
Jackson seemed to be thinking very Sc
riously rs Kcntou talked. The facts
Just related no doubt surprised him and
perhaps gave a different turn to affairs.
After awhile he said:
General Banks is pushing up the
valley with largc force. ! wish you
60 scout along his front and secure all
possible information Of value. Can you
set out at oRcef"
within half IN hour, sir" was
Konton's reply.
"And do yau wish companion?"
81 thirl; ] can do better alone, but
IL you think two might do better than
ono | shall'--
do as yau think best, but report 70
the captain Of your company that yen
have been detailed"
AS Kcntou left headquarters he fclt
that something WINS wrong. just what
il was he could not determine, hut il
seemed as IL there were miatrust and
suspicion. He had been thoroughly
loyal in making his previous obslrva-
tions and reports, hut an enemy was "
work Co discrcdit him. Ho was fully
satisfied Of this IA he left camp on his
scout. After Reporting; to Captain Wylc.
who treated him with strict military
etiquette. he wont 90 his tent to make
fow preparations. lie had left it and
was making his way out of camp when
h. was oyorhaulcd ly Steve Brayton,
who said:
Tho ciHcral is scndin go off on an
other scoatg Yo' think yu' ar goin
alone. hut yo' haint. I've fOlleTed
along TO tell yo' that the captain has
put Rcube Parker on yo'r track. Yo'
know Roubof He hahn { bin ahusin yo'
with his mouth rs much rs SOME others,
but he's down on yo' and playin into
tho hands Of tne captain. tell 20 to
look out fur him."
Kcntoa turned white with anger and
started to rctracc his steps.
M, yo' don't" said Steve as he
barred the way. ~ fust took To yo' or
account Of yo'r sense. and hope you
won't lose II now. Thar's game bein
played, and 20 wanter come out on
top
Is IL possible that after what has
passed they s;ill continue TO look upon
me as ttaitorp' demanded Kcnton in
voice broken with emotion.
They do, but it's fur an object, yo'
See" replied Steve. ITS all ON nc
cornt Of tho gal. If thar was no gal.
yo'd bo the first lieutenant or mcbbe
captain Of the company today. IT thar
was gal and no war, yo' and WYE
would hcv 1T duel over her befo' this.
Ono would hev challenged t'othor."
But. but stammercd kcnton.
boiling over to say something and yet
not Wishing TO drag Marian Percy's
name into the case.
ITS jest this way" interrupted
Steve: "fo' un's got the inside track,
and thnr's but one way to keep it-play
to win. Beat the captain mt his own