The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-12-23

any man." said Shorty, as they lodged
around; but a fence rails got no business
saiiin round in the air like bird
An Aid rode up to the Colonel
The Generals compliments, Colonel.
He directs me to express to You his highest
compliments on the splendid manner IN
which you have defended your position. You
and your men have done nobly But we are
outfanked, and il will be necessary to retire
to a new position about n halfmile to the
rear. You will withdraw your regiment by
companies, so as to attract rs little attention
from the enemy as possible. As soon as they
are under cover OF the cedars you will move
rapidly to the new position
Very we'll, F" said the Colonel, saluting.
= You will be good enough to say to the Gen.
eral that my men and myself appreciate
highly his praise. We are proud 10 receive
it, and shall try to deserve it in the future.
His orders shall be Immediately obeyed.n
They call this civil war, " said Shorty,
as another volley of shells tore around.
Seems to me sometimes that it's too burned
civil. 1t were goin to git out of here, we
might save compliments for a quieter time"
One by one the companies flied back into
the eedars. Co. Q being the last Just AZ
they started the rebels on the opposite bill
discovered the movement raised a YELL and
started across the field.
Hait-Front " commanded the Captain
Those fellows are too tumultuOuS and pre-
mature. We must check them up little.
Wait till they come to that little branch, then
everybody pick his man and let him have
it. Aim below the belt"
The frenzy of the first struggle was now
gone from Sis mind; instead had come a
deadly determination to make every shot tell.
- IN gon' to fetch that mounted officer
al - l. -.
around him.
VERY weH,'' said Shorty "Tll take
that Captain near him who's wayin' his sword
and yellin' The rest o. you fellers pick out
different men,"
The rebel line was in the weeds which bor-
dered the branch when the Captain gave tho
order to fire.
When the smoke rose the mounted officer
and the yelling Captain were down.
If somebody else didn't get them, wa
did, - said Shorty, as they turned and rushed
back into the cedars-
The rebels were only checked momentarily.
They soon came swarming on. and "a Co. q
crashed through the cedars the rebels were
yelling close behind Fortunately, they
could not do any effective firing, on account
of the brush. But when they came to the
edge OF the thieket there was long sun across
furrowed muddy cottonfield, to reach the
knoll which the brigade was reforming.
The battery was already IN action there,
throwing shells over the heads of Co. Q at
the rebels swarming out of the cedars IN
I pursuit
81 and Shorty threw away oveTcoats, blank
cts, haverSacks and eanteens-everything
which would impede their running. except
| their guns and cartridge-boxes. Their caps
/ were gone and 81 had lost one shoe in the
mud. They all sat down on the ground for a
minute and painted to get their breath.
| The rebels were checked, but only tenn
| porarily The, were thronging out in count
less multitude, lining up into regiments and
brieades, preparatory to a rush across the
| field upon the brigade. Away to the right
of the brigade rebel batteries had been con-
centrated, which were Smelling it, and the
ground TO the rear, 10 prevent any assistance
being sent it.
Captain, said the Colonel, riding up to
Co. Q, 1.-THE General says that we have got to
stay here and hold those fellows back until
the new line can be formed along the pike.
We haven't ammunition enough for another
fight. You'll have to send Corporal and
squad back to the pike to bring up some
more. Pick out men that'll be sure to come
back, and in hurry"
"Corp'l Klegg," said the Captain without
an instant's hesitation, you hear what's
to be done. Take five men and go"
ST looked around to see if there was some
one he could borrow a shoe from. But that
was hardly time when men were likely to
lend shoes. He picked Shorty and four
others. They flung down their guns and
started on q run for the pike.
The batteries were sweeping the fields with
Shells but they were SO intent on their
GRAND that they paid no attention to the
demoniac shrieks of the hurting pieces Of
iron.
| They gained the other side of the field. but
| as they entered the welcome shelter of the
woods they encountered an officer with a
drawn sword, commanding line of men,
''StOp there, you internal cowardly ras-
cals,' he yelled. Pick up those guns
! there, and get into line, or III shoot you.
YOU Corporal, ought to be ashamed OF your
SELF
Were after ammunition for the 200th
Ind. )" gasped 81. 1--WE must have it right
away. Where's the division ammunitiOn-
train? 2"
''That ammunition story's played. Can't
work it on me. Where's your regiment?
Where's your caps? Where's your shoes ?
Where's your guns? You're ratified out of
your senses. Stop here and cool of. Pick
up guns there and fall into line"
Name o. God, Lieutenant" said Shorty
excitedly. "This's no time for any foolish
ness. Our regiments out there on the hill
without any ammunition. The rebels are
gittin' ready to jump it, four or five to one.
Don't fool for heavens sake. There's not
minute to waste. Come with US and help Us
oft the ammunition. That's blamed sight
more important than stoppin' these here
Y YW, y w
! ~AI/ T. H. Sh