The National tribune., 1899-06-08
"WAs THAT GEN. TECUMsEH SHERMAN?

, "WAS THAT GEN. IECUMSEH SHERMAN??'
know you. You'd drink that hull canteenful
at one gulp, if you had TO. You'll let me put
my thumb on your throat2"
Eyes, and III give you the canteen now, and
the money after we find the boys
"All right Go ahead. Drink quick, for
You must go on the Jump, or you'll lose your
boys"
Shorty lifted the canteen to his lips, and
Grounding clasped his throat. with his thumb
on Adams apple. When Shorty got his
breath he sputtered:
Great Jehosephat, you didn't let me git
more'n spoonful. But where are the boys?'
"0ld JEFF Billings's got 'em down at Zeke
Wiggins's hash-foundry, feedin 'em, SOS he
kin toll 'em off into another riimint"
"0ld Billings agin," shouted Shorty in a
rage. Where's the place? Show it 20 me.
But wait minute till run back and git my
pardner.'
"Gi' me that likker fust," shouted Ground
hog, but Shorty was already running back for
81. When he returned with him, he threw the
canteen TO Grounding, with the order, Go
ahead and show us the place"
By the time they came in sight of the suit
ler's shanty the boys had finished their break
fast, and were moving off after Billings
There's your man, and there's your boys,
said Grounding, pointing to Them @Now gi'
me that ere sawbuck. You'll have to excuse
me iavin' anything to do with old Billings.
He's licked me twice already"
Shorty showed the bill into his hand, and
rushed down in front OF Billings.
Here, you black -whiskered old roustabout,
where're you talin' them boys?' he demanded
Cit out o my way, you redheaded sni pc,
answered Billings, making a motion as if to
brush him away.
IF you don't go off and leave them boys
alone I'll belt you over the head with my gun,
said ST, raising his musket.
You drunken maverick" answered Bill
ings, trying TO brave it out @Pll have you
shot for ins,Iltin' and threatenin' your 500
perior officer. Skip out O here before the
Provo comes up and ketches you. Let me 90
on about my business. Forward, boys"
"Officer nothin' You can't play that on
us" said 81. Halt there, boys, and stand
fast"
A crowd OF teamsters, suffers men and
other camp followers gathered around A
tall, andy-bearded man, with keen gray
eyes, and a rugged, stony face rode up. He
wore shabby slouch hat his coat was old and
weather-stained, but he rode spirited horse
Here, what's all this row about?" he asked
in quick, sharp tones.
keep out o this mix" said Shorty, without
looking around "'Taint none O your bust
ness This is our party" With that he made
a snatch at Billings's collar to jerk him out Of
the way.
What you rascal, would you assault an
officer?' said the newcomer, spurring his
horse through the crowd to get at Shorty.
ale aint no officer, General" said ST, catch
ing sight Of two dim stars on the mans shoul-
derS. Hes tryin' to steal our recruits from
u.s."
"Yes, am an officer" said Billings, avoid
ing Shorty's clutch. These men are assault
in me, while I'm on duty. want them
arrested and punished"
Fall back there, both of you," said the
General severely, as ST and Shorty came to
present arms. Sergeant, who are you, and
where do you belong?"
I'm Sergt Klegg, sir, of Co. @, 20Oth Inji-
amy Volunteer Infantry
who are you, Corporal2"
"Pm Corp'l Elliott sir. Co. Q, 2OOth InI-
amy Volunteer Infantry"
Now. officer, who are you2"
"rm Lieut.. Col Billings, sir"
where's your shoulder straps?"
Il had EN- taken off this coat to git fixed.
They were torn.'
where's your Sword?"
Il left it in my quarters"
Fine officer, to go on duty that way. Where
do you belong?'
Billings hesitated an instant but he felt
sure that the General did not belong to the
| Army OF the Cumberland, and he answered:
Il belong to the 2OOth Ind"
That aint true, General" ST protested.
"He was fired out Of the regiment year ago.
He's citizen
Silence Sergeant Billings? Billings2
The name of the Lieutenant Colonel Of tho
20Oih Ind. happens ito be McBiddle-one-
armed man, good soldier. Billings2 Bill
inss2 T. J..Billings2 Is that your name7"
4Yes, sir" answered Billings, beginning to
look very uncomfortable.
Didn't you have some trouble about a
bunch Of cattle you sold to the Quartermaster-
Generals"
We'll, there was little difference of opinion,
but"-
~Thsfll do. sir. Thatll do for the present
I barin to get VOL Dlaced / thought knew