The National tribune., 1899-11-09

withsthese fellows, on account of our boys
persistence in shooting over that way, and
the trouble did not end iIntil it got so dark
that no one could see an object so far off,
and we then went into camp close by Tor the
night .,,o. ~n,,+oh
Bob" the bugler of Co. f, the one who crled
when some one OF the real mean fellows m
sisted that his mouth was left-handed, and
that he would have to either get it straight
ened or get the Quartermaster to furnish
him with another mouth-piece TO his bugie,
if ne ever hoped to become success in that
direction. We all thought Bob was
coward, and in fact he had shown pro-
pensity in that direction on numerous
occasions; but some time during that after
noon he got pretty ugly flesh wound in the
leg, and from that instant became as reck-
less as he had previously been timid. He
insisted on remaining on the line, notwith-
standing his wound, and he did remain
there until the firing had entirely ceased.
That evening it was my luck TO have
charge of the picket-guard (under Capt.
Eggleston, think. and in stationing the
several videts on their respective posts L
placed one of Co. BIS boys named King
down by the bend Of the river, not more than
so or 100 rods from our camp, at point
near where we had had quite sharp Skin
mish with the enemy just before dark, and
where it was more than probable that they
would try to effect crossing if they con-
cluded to get better acquainted with us
during the night. As posted King there,
/ gave special instructions TO him TO keep his
eyes wide open and watch the river for any
thing that looked like an attempt to cross
from the opposite side.
SHARPSHooTING IN EARNEST.
The night was one of those quiet, dark,
sultry July nights that one who has spent
any considerable time in that Southern
country would recognize when / say ''it was
SO dark that you could not hear welr'-one
of those nights when you have TO walk by
faith and not by sight"
After placing Fatty" King down by the
river and the other guards on their several
posts, | returned to guard headquarters,
made my report TO my superior officer, and
concluded TO lie down for little snooze.
| had Just diSmounted, and was about to
snuggle my head down on the soft side Of a
friendly rail that had been reserved by one
OF the boys for culinary purposes, when the
sharp report OF gun rang out like a knell.
The sound came from the direction of the
rlyer, where King was stationed. and think
ing that perhaps we were about to receive
callers, | at once changed my mind as to
taking nap at that particular minute,
mounted my horse, and started off on a
brisk gallop toward the disturbance.
had not gone very far before | became
aware lildl Was IlOI lUe Only nOTSeIlan on
that road who was trying TO get somewhere
in hurry. So drew rein on my horse
stopped her square across the travelled road
way, whipped out my Colts navy, and
waited for Developments. didn't have u
wait long. Coming up the road i could
hear the sound OF single horses fee
clattering TO beat the band" When the
horseman got close enough, SO that
thought could be heard, / called out the
usual military challenge, and received
in reply the answer:
Me-'Fatty' King"
well" said |, what in Jericho are yol
running your horse so for:"
Why" said he, 81 killed man"
/ asked where, and he replied, Down by
the river, where you left me-"
So, after insisting that if the man wa,
really dead there was no need of being il
such desperate hurry TO get away from
him, prevailed on King to return with M
and show me where the fellow was when h
shot him.
We rode down to the river, TO the pac
where | had placed King on duty, and
said to him:
Now, where was he when you fired?"
He pointed over my shoulder, as we sa
there close together, talking in an under
tone, and said: There, i'll that bunch Q
weeds"
I said to him: you hold my horse, and
will see if ] can find him"
FINDING THE VICTIM.
l dismounted, and with my weapon
where they would be handy if needed,
started in the direction he had indicated
felt my way carefully along through tn
weeds and brush, and presently, sur
enough, ! struck my toe against a bod
which lay as quiet as any one could wish
Preached down and placed my hand upo
1t and found that il was still warm, SO wa
sure that II was the one that King had shot
and | said TO him:
Il have found him, Fatty; you hav
done him up this time, sure; so, hold tn
horses still and j will drag him out to tn
road, where we can see better"
put up my revolver, and taking hol