The National tribune., 1897-10-14
He turned and walked off to his Head

another for q minute in silence.
"Of course, we'ups III go with him, said
Pollock, breaking the silence. That's what
we'uns aire here fer. We kin take up the
| other business agin after this jobs over"
and he relaxed his tfenched fist
81 admire the grityef man that'll 60 out
alone with a crowd that's ready to break his
dod- rotted neck, !" said Web Brainard
When the Tennesseeans had reached Bar
louisville more Than 100 miles from Camp
Dick Robinson. the Hnion men advised them
to leave their cherished rifles there, where
they should be cared for and taken back home
the easier. They would be fitted cut with
military weapons at Camp Dick Robinson,
which would be more effective for field
service. Therefore, they had entered the
camp unarmed.
Presently an officer came up and took
them over TO tent, where each one was
handed Harper's Ferry musket, altered
from flint-lock, a cartridge-box, belt, bayo-
net, and a quantity of cartridges. They
looked little puzzled at first at the strange
panoply, but the mountaineers had quick
intelligence about anything relating to
gun, and they mastered the details with
little trouble. Pollock broke open cart
ridge and studied the heavy ball and three
large buckshot which it con tanned.
reckon hit'll suit us jest ez well ez fine
shootn at long range"
They had scarcely gotten their accouter-
mems in order when the General rode up,
cahed out, Come on. you men," and started
off followed in long, swinging stride by
| the mOuHtaincers.
There was something in the assured, mas
terful way in which he led out straight to-
ward whatever trouble might be i'll store
that impressed them immensely. Here, ut
last there were no doubts or hesitations,
questions of policy, or keeping within Ger
tain limits The General had heard of the
presence of force of rebels within striking
distance and he straightway moved out
to attack them, leading the way himself.
Their hearts rose at the prospect, and with
it an admiration for the General that OBJ
liberated their hot anger of the afternoon.
This feeling continued to grow as he
pressed on into the gathering darkness, the
very embodiment of determined, relentless
purpose. At first he turned occasionally in
his saddle, and looked back TO see how the
meu were following, but any misgivings that
he might have had gave way to satisfaction,
for they were all pressing close to his fast
walking horses heels. When the road was
wide enough Pollock w0uId usually be
striding along by his flank.
Web Brainard said to Pollock as they
happened to he together
Dog my eats, if | haint almost beginning
t. love that old blOwhard. He seems to
know jet what he onghter do, an be dead
set on dom hit II he only knocks seven
kinds OF cussidness outen them rebels to-
night he kin sass me jest Ell much Ell he
| pleases."
- ] feel hit in my bones that we'uns air
owine t'do something worth while Tonight"
replied Pollock.
After they had marched for hours, the
General spoke for the frat time:
You - mountaineers have deer-legs.
If you only fight as well as you march I'll
be proud OF yoa."
Don't worry bout we'urs foutin', Jineral,"
said Pollock "Weuns'll go jest Ell fur ez
you will, an stay jest ez long We'uns want
t. see how you'll fout"
The General chuckled to himself
amusedly.
By midnight they reached the top Of a
hill at the foot Of which lay the houses and
outbuIldngs in which Bill Sanwood and
his men quartered. The houses, cribs and
sheds were not sufficient, and many were
sleeping under inlprosIsea shelters of vari-
Gus kinds, with fires burning in front.
Tie General disnoanted from his horse
and stepped up to Pollock.
There they are" he said. with a chuckle
of satisfaction. Right ready for u.s. Let
the men lie down and rest awhile. We'd
better not jump them until about day
break"
I" Let's 60 ahead now. Weuns don't want
t. rest" said several of them, impatient to
get at their foes.
"Well, all right" acceeded the General
But we'd catch more of them if we struck
just before day, and would have the light to
finish up with. Wait little, till / 20 for
ward foot and examine things. Keep
very quiet"
There was no need of this admonition to
set of hunters as they were.
Lee me go forward, too, Jineral, I" asked
Pollock.
well, go forward by that path there, as
far as that fence. Don't stay long, but come
right back here. I'll walk down the road :"
In few minutes they were back together.
Pm sure" SAID the General, "that Bill
Stanw0od is IN the house. want him worse
than all the others put together. Properly,
/ ought to send you to get him, but / want
him SO bad that Pm going for him myself.
Pm going into the house there and take him
with my own hands. You take about half
Of the men and circle around there TO the
ielJ, ana come In on those fellows s!eepl: 9
under the sheds. I'll take part of the IN. Ii
aud 90 straight FOR the house. The rest
want to go down there to the right, and cut
off the retreat. Slip up quietly, ald keep
under cover till fire my revolver, and then
make rush. Keep your eye peeled, and
don't let yonr men fire into u.s."
Jineral," begged Pollock, "le'me go in
an git Stanwood. / promise yo' I'll fetch
, him dead alive. Let Web Brainard go
down thar 10 the left. and Amos Beckwith
90 the right. They'uns are both good men
, that yo' kin bet ON. But le'me 60 fur Stan
wood"
, The General thought minute. 81
believe I'll trust you. Give those other men
their directions. ri stay back little to
see you started, but I'll be close to you
when you get there. If you let Stanwood
get away from you III hang you"
Pollock led his squad straight down the
> road, keeping as we'll possible under the
:, cover OF the heavy hedge OF sumach bushes.
The deep dust prevented any sound from
their footsteps. AT the foot of the hill they
: came upon man stationed to watch He
had thought this a}rather unnecessary pre-
canton, for he was seated doing by a little
s fire. He raised his head as they rushed at
4 him, but a blow from Pollock s gun-b barrel
t sent him to the ground before he was able