The National tribune., 1898-02-24

r In the chapter Immediately preceding
this, the author tells how Mr. Josiah Klegg,
ST.. Sis father. determines to visit his boy i'll
camp He leaves his country home, and
after rather exciting railroad journey
reaches Nashville.
Mr.. KIegg Reaches the Camp OF the eOOth
"Things don't look so tumultuous-like on
this train" said Mr.. Klegg, with a sigh of
satisfaction, as he seated himself in the car
for MurireesborO and deposited his valuables
by his side Il know that boys will be
boys and | like to see them have fun just as
well rs any other man, but | must say that
they made things on that other train q little
too lively for middle-aged deacon of the
Baptist Church."
A broad-shouldered Provost Sergeant
walked through the car, with an air of
authority, and gave orders to several who
were seated in it.
''Must be the Constable, or Sheriff, or
Town Marshall" mused Mr. Klegg 81
hope he'll stay on the train till we reach
Murfreesboro. and keep order"
Mr.. Klegg was right. The irregularities
and disorders Of the rear - ended at Nash
Vile There the strict discipline of the
:" front" began under the iron sway of the
Provost Marshal, whose guards were every
where, particularly at the depots and on the
cars. The occupants of the car were as
orderly as the boys at a country school when
the master is on his throne, with his eyes
about him.
1t was bright day, and the country
roundabout of surprising interest to the
Indiana farmer. He saw the domed, stately
capitol of Tennessee crowning the highe- t
1nul .,lnr L., nTt l.
and valley through which the Cumberland
River flowed in majestic sweeps, like a broad
girdle of sparkling silver. Then came the
frowning forts, with beetling banks of blood
red clay, with terror-striking black guns,
with rugged palisades, and porcupine
br stle of obatis. Sentries with cleaning
muskets paced their high parapets. Every
mile, as far as he could see, was full of objects
OF engrossing interest.
He bee me so absorbed in the feast of his
eyes that he did not observe that middle
aged, eli -shayen man, III a suit of dusty
black had sat down beside him, and was
studying him with attention.
How do you do, my friend?" said he at
length putting out his hand
Mr.. klegg turned with start and in
stinctivey put out his hand.
Howdy," he said, with tone Of little
encouragement, for he would much rather have
continued watching the country than indulge
III purposeless conversation The stranger
grasped his hand warmly. and pressed his
thumb upon the first joint of Mr.. Kleggs,
and caught his little finger in peculiar way
Deacon klegg had been initiated into the
odd Fellows, and he dimly recognized this
as a grip but he could not associate it
for the moment with any of the degrees of
the brotherhood of the Three Links
. We're you ont late, hst migha" said the
stranger in a low, deeply-impressive tone.
. Not pertickerlerly," answered Deacon
Klegg, turning to catch a view of the stock
ade at La Vergne where the 1st Mich Eng
had made such a gallant defense. ''I'd had
mighty bothersome day, and was purity
we'll tuckered out. l found good place to
sleep and l turned in rather airly. Say"
continued he, pointing to the wreckage of
battle, the boys seem to have poked it to
'em purity lively out there"
9 1t was very sharp fight returned the
other, but for once our friend Wheeler made
q mistake, and lost heavily. Down the road
farther you'll see evidences of his more
successful work, in some miles of burnt
wagons"
bad man, that Gen. Wheeler" said the
bc<''oi' ioohihS otcsluitotiy ouI VI tuc
window
The stranger looked little disappointed,
but he rallied, and presently gave the second
grand hailing sign of the Knights of the
Golden Circle, in the same low, impressive
tone:
Did you see star last nigAt?"
Cant say that / did," responded Mr..
Klegg rather indif1erently. "There was lots
Of gas lamps burning, and was rather taken
with them, so that didn't notice the moon
or stars Besides, as / told you before, |
turned III purity airly, for was tired with my
ride from Looyville, and / wanted to git in
good shape for the trip to-day"
A cloud of annoyance came upon the
strangers face, and he did not speak again
for a minute or two. Then he said:
You are from Indiana, are you not?"
Yes, " said Mr.. Klegg.
From Posey County,"
Eyes"
81 knew So I've been looking for you for
several days"
Lookin' for me?" said Deacon Klegg
turning around in amazement. How come
you to be lookin' for me? What business
have you got with me? How'd you know /
was a-comin'? Nobody knowed it outside O.
Mariar, my wife, and my family"