The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1896-05-25

feet. They clamored in an insanity OF
fear, and rushed hither and thither
seeking way of escape. whereas in re-
atty all ways lay plainly open to them.
This tumult caused the major to
arouse with sudden little jump of
amazement and apprehension. He
rubbed his eyes and gazed about him.
Meanwhile, some clever chicken had
discovered passage TO safety and led
the flock into the garden, where they
squawked in sustained alarm.
Painting from his run and choled
with terror, the little boy stood before
the major. struggling with tale that
was ever upon the tip of his tongue.
'Major-now-majr-"
The old man, reused from delicious
s!umber, glared ihpatientiy at the lit
tie boy. "Come, colne! What's tn
matter with yeh?" he demanded.
"What's tn matter? Don't stand there
shaking. Speak up"
Lots is tn matter" the little boy
shouted, valiantly, with a courage
born of the importance of his tale.
my mas chickens 'uz all stole an
now-he's over in tn woods"
"Who is? Who Is over in, the woods
Go ahead"
sNow---th' rebel isl"
"What?" roared the major.
9TH rebel" cried the little boy, with
the last of his breath.
The major pounced from his bench in
tempestuous excitement. He seized
the little boy by the collar and gave him
q great jerk. ''Where? Are yeh sure? ?
Who saw i'm? How long ago? Where
Is he now? Did you see imp"
The little boy, frightened at the ma
jor's fury, began to sob. After mo-
ment he managed to stammer: He
now--he's in the woods. / saw i'm. He
looks uglier'n anythin'."
The major released his hold upon the
boy, and, pausing for time, INDUCED
In a glorious dream. Then he said:
"By thunderl well ketch tn cuss.
You whit here" he told The boy, "an'
don't say word T. anybody. DO yeh
hear?"
The boy, still weeping. nodded, and
the major hurriedly entered the inn.
He took down from its pegs an awk-
ward, smooth-bore rifle and carefully
examined the enormous percussion cap
that was fitted over the nipple. Mis-
trusting the cap, he removed it and re-
placed 1t with a. new one. He scruti-
nized the gun keenly, as IL he could
Judge in this manner of the condition OF
the load. All his movements were de-
1ibcrate and deadly.
When he arrived upon the porch of
the tavern he beheld the yard filed with
people. Peter Witheby, sooty-faced
and grinning, was in the van. He looked
at the major. "wel?" he said.
''well?" returned the major, bridling
"Well, what's che got?" said old
Peter.
'"'Got2 Got a rebel over in tn
woods," roared the major.
At this sentence. the women and boys,
who had gathered eagerly about him,
gave vent 20 startled cries. The women
had come from adjacent houses, but the
little boys represented the entire viii
lage. They had miraculously heard
the first whisper OF rumor. and they
performed wonders in getting 20 the
spot. They clustered around the inn
portant figure Of the major and gazcd
in silent awe. The women. however,
burst forth. At the word rebel"
which represented TO them all terrible
things. they delayed The mayor with
questions which were obviously unan-
swcrablc.
lie shook them Of, with violent inn
patience. Meanwhile, Peter Witheby
MAS trying 10 force cxaspcrating inter
focatiops through the tuInult TO the