The evening times. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1895-1902, 1897-04-24

handed and alone, and keep partisan bands
out OF the county
A broad smile oyerspread Grants face.
"You are good-sized man," he re-
marked, yet one could scarcely expect
you to go out and Gefeat the host of the
Phiiistines.''
''Then your demand was UNJUST" said
the judge.
YES" returned the officer, 81 could not
expect active service OF you; but you will
confer favor on me by reporting any
irregularity that comes to your notice"
81 shall gladly render you any assist
ance in my power" said the Judge.
At this juncture the town butcher,
man named Cross, thrust his head in at
the tent door and began talking in an
excited manner.
''Co. Grant, L am loyal citizen ard
I want you to put file of soldiers into
my charge he cried. II want to have
twenty rebels shot in this town" .
Grant looked at the butcher for mo
ment, and that dark, bitter scowl That
those who offended him knew too yell
stole over his face. Turning to his or
Derby, he said, Lead this man away.
Bind and gag him till further orders
When the Judge left the tent, an hour
later, he saw Cross seated on the ground
in the scorching July sun, his hands clasp
ing his knees, and a nusket thrust bet ween
his arms and legs, to hold him i Ii position
bayonet was placed in his mouth and
bound to the hack Of his head
When Cross was released from his
rather uncomfortable position he went
back to his home, content to use his tai
ents in the killing Of cattle and sheep.
While the Twenty-first Regiment WAS
keeping guard at the block house party
of bridge builders planned a midnight
marauding expedition into the country
nearby. Two Of the soldiers, who had
not yet felt the iron hand OF their COD
oneI, Joined the company, and in high
spirits they went from one farm house
to another demanding money aud arms
from the frightened women and chill
drcn.
Ben Jones, a notorious rebel, they found
at home, sick with a fever. The two sol
diers, hoping to appease the wrath of their
commander by bringing in prisoner. COM
PEELED the sick man to arise from his bed
and accompany them. At break of day
they presented themselves at camp and
delivered their prisoner.
by whose authority have you been alb
sent from camp, and under whose orders
have you arrested this man?' Grant de-
manded.
The men were speeches.
Turning to the prisoner, Grant said:
what we're you doing To merit aTrest?''
II was lying III bed" the man answered,
simply.
But they tell me you have taken Up
arms against the Union" Grant went n
Il never looked at it in that way" re-
turned Jones. II was fighting for Mis-
souri,
go back home, my good man, and when
you are well shoulder your rnusket in the
cause Of the Union. That / s the only way
you can do real service for Missouri Grant
said kindly.
Il don't know but you are right VIII you
let me fight under you, Col0nel?' the man
asked with feeling.
"A man who can fight like tiger on the
wrong side s the very man who can do
Valiant service on the right side when urce
you get him converted. I guess we can use
you" was Grants reply.
Mean while the two soldiers had been
taken out Of camp and each bound to the
trunk of an oak tree. where during the
Hext twelve hours they had ample time TO
reflect ON their nights escapade aud make
good resolutions for the future.