The National tribune., 1898-12-22

What do you want? inquired the Provost,
scanning him critically.
The Deacon's eyes met his boldly, and he
answered the questions categorically.
Well. Mr. Klegg, YOU shall have pass
at once, and / sincerely hope that you will
| find your son recovering. You probably do
not remember me, but 1 have seen you be-
! fore, when / was on the circuit in Indiana.
! My clerk there is writing out pass for you
| You will have to take the oath of allegiance
and sign the paper. which l suppose you have
no objection to doing.
None in the world" answered the Dea-
con, surprised at the unexpected turn of
events. ''I'll be only too glad. was get
tin very scared about my pass
so, | have hard work here" said the Pro-
vost smiling, . in separating the sheep from
the goats, but Pm now getting to know the
goats tolerably well. There's your pass.
Deacon. A pleasant journey, and a happy
termination to it."
The Deacon took ont his long calf-skin
wallet from his breast. put the precious pass
in it, carefully strapped it up again and re-
placed it, and walked out of the office toward
the depot.
He had gone but few steps from the
building when he saw the man who had been
ordered out of the city by the Provost, and
who seemed to be on the lookout for the
Deacon. He came up, greeted the Deacon
eifusively and shook hands.
You're from Posey County, Ind, / be-
lieve. 1 used to live there myself Know
Judge Drake?'
Every WE'LL" answered the Deacon a
little stiffiy, for he was on his guard against
cordial strangers.
SOW 81
"Splendid man. Great lawyer Fine Judge.
had great deal to do with him at one
time"
Probably he had great deal to do with
you," thought the Deacon. ''He was a
terror to evil-doers"
Say, my friend" said the stranger alb
ruptly. you got pass. / couldn't That
old rascal of Provost Marshal's down on
me because | wouldn't let him into a specu-
lation with me. He's on the make every
time, and wants to hog everything. Say,
you're sly one You worked him fine on
that wounded son racket. l think I'd like to
tie to you. I'll make it worth your while to
turn over that pass to me- It'll fit me Just
as we'll as it does you. I'll give you $50 to
let me use that pass Just two days, and then
Pll return it to you"
why, you're crazy" gasped the Deacon
so, come off, now," said the other i'm
patiently. Business is business. l hant
no time to waste. It's more'n it's worth to
me, but I'll make it 500, and agree to be
back on this spot tomorrow night with your
pass. You can't make 500 as easy any other
way"
Il tell you, you're crazy" said the
Deacon with rising indignation. 'You
can't have that pass for no amount o. money
Pm goin' to see my wounded son."
THAT'S a good enough gag for the Provost,
but understand you, in spite of your hay
seed airs. Say, I'll make it $3.50"
81 tell you. yoa old fool,' said the Deacon
angrily, u won't sell that pass for mint
o money. Even if wasn't goin' to see my
son / wouldn't let you have it under any |
circumstances, to use in your traitorous
business Let 90 o. my coat, if you know
what's good for you"
Now, look here" said the stranger;
I've made you mighty fair proposition
mOre'n the pass worth to yOu. If you
don't accept it you'll wish you had. I'm on
to you. II go right back to the Provost
and let out on you. / know enough to
settle your hash mighty sudden. Do you
hear me ?"
1t was very near train-time, and the
Deacon was desperately anxious to not miss
the train. lie had already wasted more
words on this man than he usually did on
those he didn't like, and he simply ended
the colloquy with shove that sent the i'm
pertinent stranger into the gutter as if a
mule had kicked him there. hurried on to
the depot, and managed to get on just as the
train was moving out.
1t was night, and he dozed in his seat |
until the train reached Bridgeport, Ala, |
when every body was turned out OF thu train, /
and general inspection of the passengers
made.
Very sorry for you, SIR" said the Lieu
tenant; but we can't let you 90 on. Your
pass is all right up to this point, but the /
COmmandant at Nashville has no authority I
here. Orders are very strict against any
more civilians coming to Chattanooga. under
any pretext. Rations are very short, and |.
there is danger of their being much shorter, I
with the rebel cavalry SlaSLIno around every