The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1898-05-26

ter. " Did you ever read the story O.
the contest of politeness between the
French and English Royal Guards il
one of their battles?"
"No."
"Well, history says that when the
lines were formed, the two regiments Of
guards were put opposite each other, ai
the best troops in their armies. When
the signal for battle was given the COM
mander of the French Guards stepped
to the front, and, pulling off his plumed
hat. said with bow:
"'Gentlemen of the English Guards,
fire frst!'
"The commandment of the English I'M
covered and bowed just as courteously,
and said:
"No; Gentlemen of the French
Guards, fire first
"The French commander responded /:
'Merci Messieurs, but the French Guards
never fire frst!'
go, if it is your pleasure, we must
comply!" said the Englishman, and
gave the order to his men to fire. Now
what do you think of that?"
60, dat might do NIT dose olt-fash-
iont guns dat couldn't hit the side of a
hill, anyway; but you bet nopody who
hasn't his life insured will try any such
foolishness nowadays"
One evening as the four were saunter-
ing around the camp, Walter and Bron-
son were struck by something familiar
in the form and attitude of man stand
ing at a little distance, and scanning
every detail of the camp with the
greatest interest. The recognition of the
stranger first dawned upon Walter, and
he said:
81 do believe that is Dick Morgan"
"That's who it is, for all the world"
said Bronson.
"And he's here for no good" con-
tinued Walter. "You know, he said
he was going to join the Secession
army?"
"That's SO; he's here as spy" said
Bronson.
"a spy! the divil, himself Let's
arrest him." said O'Neil excitedly.
The last words fell on the ear of the
object of these remarks. He turned
quickly, and drew revolver as he did
SO.
"Now, if you fellows don't want
hole through you, you'll keep your dis
tance," said he fercely. "Pm not in the
humor to be arrested by anybody, and
I'll kill the man Who tries it."
The four instinctively checked them
selves before the leveled weapon. The
next instant Morgan turned and ran.
But in his line of flight stood, open
mouthed and sachnt-eyed as usual. the
stolid Stock. sIIe comprehended neither
the occasion Of the disturbance nor the
danger from the brandished pistol. But
a feeble geafn of intelligence shot into
his mind like ia fitful ray of sunshine
through the clouds Of Winter day.
One of those mighty plantigrade feet,
that would never move in obedience to
Neil's command, thrust itself across the
path just in time to catch the fastening
feet of Morgan and throw him headlong
to the ground, bruising every inch of his
frame aud filling his mouth with blood
and dust.
Bronson and O'Neil picked Morgan
up, and took him and his revolver to
Headquarters He was searched, but
nothing suspicious was found upon him,
except tolerably accurate schedule of
the number of men in camp and their
officers. This was not considered
sufficient evidence to warrant his pun
isLment as spy, and the next morning
council of officers decided that he
should be drummed out of camp, with
| the solemn warning that if he was found
again inside Union lines he would be
shot.
The sentence was carried into effect
that evening. All in camp were parad-
ed in two long lines, facing inwardly, to
witness the ceremony. At one end of the
lines stood Morgan in front of squad
Of guards with fixed bayonets. Behind
the guards were the fifers and drummers
of the camp. Morgan's hands were tied
behind him. His coat and vest had
been removed, and on the bosom of his
white shirt, covering his whole breast,
was fastened large black heart, with
the word "SPY" painted upon it in
great, white letters. His face bore
an expression of fierce defiance.
At the signal from the Officer of the
Day the band struck up the insulting
"Rogue's March,"
''Po + old soldier!
Poor old soldier!
Tarred and feathered and sent to -
Because he wouldn't soldier"
The guards dropped the muzzles of