Daily press. [volume] (Newport News, Va.) 1896-current, 1898-05-16
THE DESERTERS.

1t was beautiful morning in June.
The sun shone brightly and the sky
was cloudless. The birds sang their
sweetest songs. and the fresh air was
laden with the perfumes of many flow
ers. Never had nature seemed fairer
or more peaceful, yet the dark clouds
OF war hung over the sunny South. All
hearts were sad and anxious as they
listened to the distant roar of the can
non and prayed for the soldiers who
might never see their loved homes
again
Situated on gently slipping hills sur
rounded by grand old oaks, was the
large. handsome house belonging to
DR.. Wilson. Three children were sit
ting on the shaded porch laughing and
chatting gayly, for childhood is ever
free from care
Say, Angie" cried jamie. the eldest
OF the trio. "huckleberries are ripe
Now, let's ask mother to let us go and
pick some"
Yes; l know whar mo NV EN- ar;
deys jes' es thick down yonder, tother
side de railroad. es hops
II am going. too," said curly -hca1ed
little Nan.
Their mothers permission was gain
ed, and Nan and jamie, with little black
Angie. set out merrily on their excur-
sion At the gate they met Jack and
Bob, big teasing boys, of fourteen and
sixteen.
why. where are you chaps going?"
| asked Bob.
After huckleberries, lispcd Nan
"Humph. you had better not go; the
deserters will get you"
"Whuts a zerters, Mars Bobo" ask
ed Angie.
Oh" laughed Bob, they are men
who ran away from the army; if they
catch you they will carry you way Off.
If they don't shoot you"
Il don't believe l will 60" said Nan.
That's right; you stay here, Nan
cy."
Use not 'fraid oh de se1ters," stout
ly declared Angie.
No; I'm not. either said jamie.
come on and running quickly down
the nil, they soon disappeared in the
woods beyond the railroad Meanwhile.
those wicked boys were forming a fine
plan.
Lets give those children regular
scare, SAID Jack, I'VE can paint our
faces, rig up, get some guns, steal up
behind them, and they will take us for
the deserters.'
All right" agreed Boo, Il just want
to see Angie run"
They were soon rugged up. and truly
they presented a formida Bile appear
ance. The children were busy gather
Ing the luscious berries that grew SO
plentiful on the low bushes.
My basket is nearly full, Angie.
How many have you?"
Angie raised her head, but She did
not reply. Instead she gave a wild
scream and dropped her pail of berries.
ON. Miss jamie, de serters is com
ing; dey get us sho," and with another
scream she started for home, running
much faster than she had ever run be-
fore. jamie was terribly frightened.
She tried to follow, but she could not
move. SO she stood in silence and trem-
blingly watched the approach Of the
fierce-looking "serters." who were
coming right to where she stood
Why. little sister, don't you know
us; we are no serters,'" said Jack
laughing heartily. mo. that we9 are
not. but we thought we would scare
you, but you looked so white we had
to tell you who we were Just look at
Angie ii you will; don't stop her. Mer
cy, how she does yell"
Come on. Jack. and let's follow
her."
Poor Angie, she looked back. saw
them coming, and with them her loved
MISS jamie. She redoubled her speed.
screaming at every step.
On, de serters has dun got Miss
JAMIE! DE serters is mos got mel"
Il wouldn't take IS for this" said
Bob.
Angie was soon out Of sight. She
ran straight on, through the blackberry
thickets and brambles. first m and
then down, crying, painting and cali
ing "Mistis." At last she reached the
house, and darling in she ran in terror
to Mrs. Wilson. Mistis," she sobbed
dey is dun got Miss JAMIE"
Who, child? What is the matter?"
cried the astonished lady.
oh, Lor, Mistis, dunno." and
then to her horror she saw them COM
Ing slowly UP the walk de serters. do
ole serters! Hide me, Mstis! Hide me!
en- take Miss away frum EN-, an give
EN- sister, but let EN- get met
Mistress saw who the deserters were
gave one laugh and pretended to be
very scared. Then, seeing how really
termed Angie was, she said: 1T is no.
body In the world but Jack and Bob.
Don't be SO silly"
1t was long ere Angie would be con-
vinced that this was true.
Well, Angie, thought you were the
brave girl VINO was not afraid" leased
the boys. who, it is needless to saw
enjoyed the joke hugely.
amt but you s'prised me. an Won
looked les awful Zartly lilo do .,r.a.