Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1899-09-27
THROUGH THE LINES.

set about persuading him to give me
command of the expedition. l found
him more ready to do 30 than I had ex-
pected, for the reason that he could
not help himself. was in the secret of
Margaret's act to greater extent
than anyone else, and he did not wish
to contide an expedition guided by her
to any other officer. AS soon as he had
consented hastened away to inform
Margaret, and then returned for nv
instructions.
"Take with you," said the general,
Corporal PUNK and four privates, and
go through under cover of the night.
Keep sharp lookout ahead. Let the
men do any fighting that cannot be
avoided, while you stay with Miss
Beach. Here is map covering the
territory through which you will pass.
I have had Walter put it together from
rough pencil drawings furnished by
union citizens. Whatever happens, hold
onto it." He paused moment, and then
added: "You are very poorly equipped
by nature and experience for such
work. I have supplemented the quail
tiles you lack by giving you Corporal
PUNK, who possesses them ALL"
Corporal Punk! The blood rose to
my cheeks at this want of confidence in
me. The time came when I thought
differently.
when you return here-if you ever
do-you will find either me, some
one to represent me, or the enemy. If
the enemy is here, get your report at all
hazards directly to the commanding
general at Chattanooga" With that he
dismissed me.
AS soon as 1t was dark went out to
inspect the men was to take with me.
and found them waiting in the yard.
All were in uniform except Corporal
PUNK, who wore the clothes in which
he had last secuted. The privates were
armed with carbines, pistols and sa-
bers; one was a country boy with rosy
cheeks, another German, the third an
lrishman; the fourth had chalky face,
thin, red eyebrows, closely-cropped
hair of the same hue, eyes more green
than any other color, and his face wore
q perpetual grin.
What are you laughing at?" said,
In no mild tone. "Do you think we are
going on picnic?"
The fellows face gradually resumed
an ordinary expression, as the ripples
arising from disturbed water will slow.
ly subside.
"What's your name2"
"Enoch."
"Enoch what?"
"Enoch Mellodew."
"Give that man the mess-kit." said.
He will never do to fight; the rebs will
knock his teeth out while he is grin.
ming" And the pannier containing the
kit and provisions was slung over Pri-
vate Mellodew's horse.
1t was not night favorable for onr
journey, for the moon was more than
half full, and gave more light than we
desired. sent Corporal PUNK to scout
ahead and warn us of the proximity of
the enemy's cavalry. Margaret and I
rode together. Above US the constel-
lations were glittering, Orion rising in
the east; the Great Bear was swinging
around the pole; Mars, which, when the
war was opened, was at its brightest,
was now waning and easily recognized
from its red hue. Near by the noun
tains stood out black and bold against
the bright heavens. Something moved
me to cast my eyes to the zenith-a fit
ting thought Of the general, perhaps
and there blazed his favorite star Alpha
Lyra.
IF the general were here" 1 re-
marked to Margaret, "he would be
looking upward oil the while"
"Why 500"
"That star is sort of presiding deity
with him. When he is on one of his
night rides he seems to be invoking it |
made this reference to the general
expecting that it would lead
her to give expression to her feelings
induced by his tyranny. But she re-
NAMED silent, and in another moment |
Corporal PUNK. rode out from under
D tree in whose shade he had been so |
concealed that we had not seen him,
and with his finger on his lips called
on us to halt, then motioned US to ride
over the bars of snake fence he had |
let down. In few moments we were
in thick timber.
"What is it?"
"Listen."
could hear horses hoofs beating on
the road ahead. We remained motion
less. and when they came near discov-
cred dozen horsemen trotJlng Ieis-
lrely. The light of the moon fell upon
hem, and we could distinguish that
hey were in uniform.
"Guerrillas?" asked the corporal.
more like East Tennessee unionists
yoin' to take revenge on some rebel
but, not bein' sure, 1t would
lot do to make ourselves known"
We kept still till they were out of
hearing, then took to the road again.
As the pale face of Private Mello-
lew emerged from shadow to moon
light noticed that he was grinning.
whats the matter with your" I
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