The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1897-09-30
an evade they'uns," said Pollock. but

M eNaue tneN utS, Salu f0llOck, DuU
spose hit has 4 be until we'uns kin git some
thing like an even show with they 'uns"
They directed their course for Cumberland
Gap, where they would first reach Kentucky
sill, and be free from the rebel dominance
They Apr ached the Gap in the evening, and
were astonished to see the mountain-sides
shining with numerous lights
The Elder rode forward to ascertain the
cause. Presently he returned with the in
formation that Cen Zolicoffer had sent a
regiment to the Gap to intercept loya men
trying to escape into Kentucky, and that q
vigilant watch was maintained This proved
but little obstacle to the Elder, who had no
superior in mountain-craft He knew at
onre by-paths by which the guards could be
evaded, and gave directions to the men to
separate into small squads and take different
directions, meeting again at large frame
house in the valley of Yellow Creek, which
ran at the foot of the Gap on the Kentucky
side.
I'm not gwine t. leave Tennessee with
out hayin' at least one shot at them hell
scrapings," said Pollock The squad im-
medialely around him seemed decidedly OF
the same mind, and the look in the Elders
eyes was not at all hostile.
Come on. then, " said he. "We1l give
them little taste Of Gidcons dealings with
the Midianites. y
He led them back a little ways, and then
to the lett and up the mountain-side for an
hour. Then. enjoining the strictest silence,
he moved forward toward where the Pin
nacle " which forms the northern side of the
Gap loomed high and dark in the blackness
of the night They came to one of the emf
nences which form the southern side of the
Gap, and from it could look down on the
campfires of the guards
We are now nearly on the line, - said
the Elder Right by that large fire there
stands the stone which marks the corner OF
Virginia, Tennessee, and Kentucky. That
fire over there is probably the headquarters
of the regiment and the men you see stand
Ing aud sitting around are probably the Colo
mel and his officers. It's pretty long range
from here but Clay, at least. has a yawger -
Can't we git any cioster?" asked Pol
lock. I'd like powerful well t. walk right
up t that eer fire and tell that tall Kunnel
that my business wuz t. kill him"
"'Twould never do" said the Elder.
You dare not 90 Il step nearer. Look
around"
He made a motion with his hand, which
showed them that they were far inside the
line of fires on every side except that by
which they had come. Do what you are
a-going to do mighty quick, for we can t
stay here long"
''i'll take the Kufnel," Pollock whispered
to the man next to him. Cpl fire fust. 70,
Burt, take the man t his left. Web, take
the man T. his right. The rest o you each
pick out his man BE keerlul Don't two o.
you take the same man"
He rested his rifle against a sapling set the
hair triggers, took careful aim, and fired.
The " Kunnel )" threw his hand to his shoulder
and fell across the fire. The men TO his
right and lett also fell There was such Il
furry among the others that it was impos-
sible to, tell how many OF the other shots
took effect
Hooray for the Union To hell with
jeff. Dayis!" they shouted in daredevil
recklcssncss.
Pollock Instantly reloaded his rifle and
fred at another man he saw running mp.
Come, comet said The Elder. Run,
run Take that path there. All Of you get
over that hight there and down into the
valley beyond as best you can. Every man
for himselfl I'll Join you at the frame
house, if I'm alive"
ITO be continued