Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1896-05-30

the majors feet. They clamored in an in
sanity of fear, and rushed hither and thith-
er seeking way of escape. whereas in
reality all ways lay plainly open to them.
This tumult caused the major to arouse
with a sudden little jump of amazement
and apprehension. He rubbed his eyes and
gazed about him Meanwhile. some clever
chicken bad discovered a passage to safety
and led the flock into the garden, where
they squawked in sustained alarm.
Panting from his run and choked with
jor struggling with a tale that was ever
upon the tip of his tongue.
Major-now-major-
The old man, reused from delicious
boy Come. come! What's tn matter
With yeh?' he demanded Whats tn
matter? Don't stand there shaking. Speak
up"
Lots is tn natter the LITTLE bov
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 tho uoodso 70
ahead" Wv
'Now-th' rebel fsr'
"Wh&t%' roared the major
IN 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 a
great JERK. Where? Are yeh sure? Who
now? Did you see 'im%'
Inc little boy, frightened at the majors
lury' began TO sob. After a moment he
managed to stammer: "He-now-he's in
anvthin'" 9e II
The major released his hold upon the
boy' and, pausing for a time INDUCED in a
glorious dream. Then he said: BY thun-
ger. We II ketch TIL cuss. You wait here
ne told the boy, land don't saw a word :,
anybody. Do yeh hear?"
Inc boy, still weeping, nodded, and the
MAJOR hurriedIy entered the Inn. He took
GOWN from us pegs an awkward. smooth
pore rifle, and carefully examined tho
enormous percussion cap that was fitted
over the nipple. Mistrustfng the can he
removed 1t and replaced it with a new one,
He scrutinized the gun keenly as If he
could judge in this manner of the condi-
tlon OF the load All his movements were
deliberate and deadly
Mhen ne arrived upon the porch of the
Tavern ne beheld the yard filed with peo-
pie Peter Witheby. sooty-faced and grin
ming. was In the van. He looked at tb.
major ''WelI?" he said ZIG
wei. MeIF returned the major, bridling.
Wen, what's che got?" said old Peter
Got? Got a rebel over in tn woods I"
roared the major N''
AT this sentence the women and bows
VINO had gathered eagerly about him, gave
vent to startled cries. The women had
come from adjacent houses but the little
boys represented the entire village Thev
mad miraculously heard the first whisper
OF rumor, and they performed wonders in
getting to the spot. They clustered around
the important figure of the major and
gazed in silent awe. The women however
burst forth. At the word rebel" which
represented to them all terrible things.
they deluged the major with questions
which were obviously uranswerable
He shook them off with violent impa-
thence Meanwhile Peter Witheby was try
Ing to force exasperatirg INTERPRETATIONS
through the tumult to the majors ears
Nv nat? No! Yes! How d 1 know" the
maddened veteran srarled as ne struggled
with his friends. moi Yesl What? How
in thunder a 1 know" Upon the steps of
the tavern the landlady sat, weeping for
lornly.