The National tribune., 1898-09-08

That's So" assented ST. sThe order:
are to observe this crlck, and we can't do il
we can't see the other bank We ought to
git over TO that island"
They went back and reported to Capt. Nc
GilIicuddy, and told him what they thought.
He at once agreed with them. and sanctioned
their proposal to 90 o er to the island, if they
could find means of crossing
After diligent search they came across an
old canoe, followed out of tuIip-tree log.
1t was a cranky affair, and likely to turn
over if their hair was not parted exactly in
the middle but both of the boys were used
TO canoe management, and they decided tc
risk the thing
1t was tlckllsh business crossing the cur
rent, but they succeeded in reaching the is
land, which extended foot or more above
the level OF the food, and was covered with a
thicket of willows and cottonwoOds about
| the size of hoe-handles. They pushed their
way through these and came in sight of the
opposite banks. There was apparently some
thing important going on over there. Quite
a number Of rebels could he seen moving
about through the rain and mud there was
great deal OF chopping going on, several
6atboats, canoes and RATS were lying at the
bank, wagons were passing, and the boys
thought they could make out cannon or
two.
can't make out what in the world
they're up to- said ST But Pm certain
the Colonel ought to know it. Suppose you
take the canoe, Shorty, and paddle over and
report, and I'll stay here and watch"
All right" answered Shorty, starting
back for the canoe
He reported to Capt McGillicuddy, who
took him up to the Colonel
=" 1t don't seem possible that they can be
doing anything to threaten us,' said the
Colonel; Though they may know of some
practicable crossing higher up the stream,
which will let them in on our flank Still,
they ought to be watched. III inform the
General at once You had better station a
picket on the island, Captain, if you can
do so safely'
1" Me and my pardner III look out for them,
Colonel, If you think necessary" said Shorty,
proud to be of service under the ColoneI's
direction
Every good" said the Colonel briefly
"I'l entrust the lookout to you boys.
Let me know at once if anything important
develops"
The young Aid had been standing nigh
during this conversation.
''Your men, Colonel" he said patroniz-
ingly, are excellent soldiers, in their way,
but they lack the intelligence necessary to
comprehend the movements of the enemy on
the opposite bank. l think | shall 90 over
there myself take personal observation,
and determine precisely what the meaning of
the movements may be. y
q As you like" said the Colonel stiffly.
" AS for myself don't think it is necessary
for 10 hnxrl ayrGaa a-
quick as | would my own They are as
good soldiers as ever breathed; they are as
keen IA a brier with not a particle of nom
sense about them. They, are as truthful as
the day. When they tell me anything that
they have seen with their own ewes | can
trust it Us absolutely as if | had seen it my
self, and their judgment cannot he beat. :"
. No enlisted man can possibly see any
thing so well as an officer who has been
educated ;" said the Aid.
90 That is a matter of opinion" said the
Colonel driy.
Anyway, I'm going over to see for my
self" said the Aid. And he called after
Shorty.
Here, my man, I'm going along with
You"
Shorty muttered some very warm words
under his breath, but discipline asserted it
self, and he answered respectfully,
VERY good, sir. "
He halted until the Aid came alongside
and then started to walk beside him rs he
would have done with one of his own officers
when oIt alone with him.
Fall two PAGES behind commanded the
Aid stegnly.
Shorty said to himself some very holly
disparasing things about pretentiou3 young
ships OF Regular officers they reached the
canoe, aud the Lieutenant calmly seated HIM
self III The stern. This was another aggrava-
ton. ii Shorty had gone out with one of
his own officers, even the Colonel he would
have shown deep interest in everything and
wanted 10 do his share toward getting the
canoe safely over. This youug fellow calmly
seated himself, and threw all the response
bility and work on Shorty.
Now you set right in the center, there. "
SAID Shorty, as ne p.cced up the paddle and
Ioosened the rope, and keep mighty still" J
My man. said the Lieutenant, trOwn I
ing when want your advice III ask 1t. !
1t is for me to give you directions, not YOU
me Sou ttaddie out now and head straight !