The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1894-04-14
CHAPTER XIII.

Jackson Tetreated no farther than
btrasburg. Shields advanced no farther
than Winchester. Prisoners captured
during the first year Of the war were
not held long. Withir.90 days from
the battle of Kernstown those members
Of Captain Wyle'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 Strasburg.
1t was known that he was captured
with the others, and his truthful story
of his escape found no believers except
Steve Brayton. While the Others de-
clared that his escape was all arranged
for by his Yankee friends, Steve gave
him his hand and said;
us gettin purity hot fur yo' around
we're, Kenton, 'cordin to what | see and
hear. II yo' could surround and cap
tur' a hull 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 fromt'
II think l do"
Cant no two fellers love the same
gal without sunthn Dustin sooner or
later. / kin Jest shet my eyes and see
what the captain is layin fur. He un's
achin powerful bad to her yo' killed off
or driv out or used up in some way. He
wouldn't hev minded ii half Of US had
bin wiped ont down thar if yo'd bin
one Of the dead"
Two or three days after Jackson
reached 5trasjGrg Captain Wyle had an
interview with him. None of his own
company knew it, and what passed
could only be inferred from circum-
stances which developed later on. It
was announced that it had been decided
to r~eorganize the guards as a cavalry
company, and i'll the curse Of a week
this change was effected, much to the
satisfaction Of the men. Just as it was
finished Royal kenton was ordered TO
report to jackson again. He found the
same stern, low spoken, plain looking
man and received the same quiet greet
ing. The general adverted TO the BRAY
cry Of the guards at Kernstown, and
then to keuton's capture and escape
and asked for the details. The latter at
once realized that some II who pro-
fessed to know all about it and who was
seeking his injury had reported to the
general. He, however, proceeded 70
give the particulars not only of his es-
cape and his efforts to reioin his COM
mand, but Of the charges brought
against him by Ike Baxter and the in
teryiew with General Shields. This por-
ton Of his adventure he had not spoken
of to any one on rsioining his company.
Jackson seemed to be thinking very Sc
riously as Kenton 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 a large force. l wish you
to scout along his front and secure all
possible information Of value. Can you
set out at once?'
Within half an hour, sir" was
Kenton's reply.
And do you wish a compartment"
II think / can do better alone, but
il You think two might 10 better than
one l shall"-
do as you think best, but report to
the captain Of your company that you
have been detailed"
As Kenton left headquarters he felt
that something wa wrong. just what
it was he could not determine, but it
seemed as il there were mistrust and
suspicion. He had been thoroughly
loyal in making his previous obserya-
tions and reports, but an enemy was at
work 10 di,credit him. He was fully
satisfied Of this az he left camp on his
scout. After reporting to Captain Wyle,
who treated him with strict military
etiquette, he went to his tent to make
a few preparations. He had left il and
was making his way out of camp when
he was o%verhauled by Steve Brayton,
who said:
THE gineral is sendin yo' off on an
other scout? Yo' think yo' ar goin
alone, but yo' hain't. I've follered
along to tell yo' that the captain has
put Reube Parker on yo'r track. Yo'
know Reube? He hahn BIZ abusin yo'
with his mouth as much as some others,
but he's down on yo' and playin into
the hands Of the captain. tell yo' TO
look out fur him!"
Kenton turned white with anger and
started to retrace his steps.
mo, yo' don't" said Steve as he
barred the way. II fust took to yo' on
account of yo'r sense, and 1 hope you
won't lose it now. Thar's a game bein
played, and 20 wanter come out on
top!"
is It possible that after what has
passed they still continue to look upon
me as a traitorf" demanded Kenton in
Il voice broken with emotion.
They do, but it's fur an object, yo'
see" replied Steve. ITS all on nc
count Of the gal. If thar was no gal,
yo'd be the first lieutenant or mebbe
raptain of the company today. II thar
was a gal and no war, yo' and Wyle
would hey fit duel wei her befo' this.
One would hev challenged t'other."
"But, but stammered Kenton.
boiling over to say something and yet
not wishing to drag Marian Percy's
name into the case.
ITS jest this way" interrupted
Steve: "Yo' un's got the inside track,
md thar's bet n way to keep it-play
10 win. Beat the captain at his own
game. Go right along about yo'r biz
'ess, but keep an eye out fur Reube.
Hes h1t on yo'r track to sell yo' ont.
md he'll 40 his purtiest to please the
aptain."
1t was true that Banks was moving
Ip the valley. He had all army Ave
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