The National tribune., 1899-03-09


the Provost Marsial's and see about him. 1t
NAV be that know him."
| The sharp call of the Sergeant on duty
outside to ''Turn out the Guard for the
| General" the clatter of muskets, as be
vas obeyed, the sudden stiffenng up of the
| 1en lounging about the entrance into the
| position Of the soldier, and their respectful
salut4s rs the General hmped in, conveyed to
| Lieut.-Col. Billings intelligence as to his
visitor, and his whole demeanor changed to
one of obseqnious welcome.
Very unexpected General but very kind
in you to visit Ine' he said, bowling, and
washing his hands with invisible soap.
40 kindness at all, Colonel" said the
! General with official curtness Merely my
duty, to personally acquaint myself with all
portions Of my command. | should have
visited you before. By the way, understand
you have picked up here man belonging to my
brigade-to the 200th Ind. Where is he?"
Rliings's face clouded.
. Yes, we have a man who claimed to be-
long to that regiment-a straggler, who
hadn't any papers to show. | had no idea
whether he was telling the truth He was
outrageously sassy, and | had to give him
lesson to keep a civil tongue in his head.
Take a seat. I'll send for him.. -
No; III 90 and see him." said the Cen
eral. ''Where is he 2"
With a foreboding that the scene was going
to be made unpleasant for him, Billings led
the General into the gaard-room.
why, it's Shorty, said the General, reeeg
nizing him at once, ''who ran back at Stone
River, in heavy fire, and helped me from
under my horse -
Shorty winISed and nodded affirmative!y.
What was tie matter, CoIoneI?n inquired
the General
We'll" said Billings, defensively, the
feller is a stragsler, without papers to show
where he belonged, and he was vcry sassy to
me-ealled me lar, aad said other mean
things. right befare my men, and had to
order him bucked-and gagged to shut him
up"
q Strange" said the General; II always
found him very respectful and ohedient.
thought | hadn't better soldier in my bri-
gade'
Shorty winked appreciatively at Serg't
Eil1ins
''Take ont the gag, let him mp, and let me
hear what he has to say" said the General.
Shorty was undone and helped to his feet
when he respectfully saluted His weakness
was so apparent that the General ordered him
to sit down, and then asked him questions
which brought out his story You were
promoted Corporal. il l reeoliect," said he.
''for gallantry in capturing one of the rebel
flags taken by my brigade"
Yes. SIR answered Shorty.
Billings was feeling very uncomfortable.
q He called me a liar, and q stay-at-home
sneak, and other insultin' things" protested
he
"General, he slandered the 2o0th Ind,
Ill i
what he has on his shoulders | told him
that he'd bin fired ont o. the regiment, and
WAS a-bummn' in the rear, and hadn't no
business abusn' men who was dom the light
in"
Hum-very insubordinate, very unsol-
derly." said the General livery unlike
you Corporal Pm surprised at you. You
We're always very obedient and respectful"
always to real officers said Shorty;
"but -
Silence" said the General, sternly.
Don't a.gravate the offense. You were
properly punished
81 ant kickin' about it," said Shorty
stubbornly ''I've got the worth of it''
II think" continued the General, after
having properly vindicated discipline, that
that blow you received on your head may
affect your brain at times and make you un-
duly irritable. | think I'll have the Sur
geon examine you. Put him i'll an amba-
lance, Wilson, and take him over to the Sur
geon. Then bring him to Headquarters
with the report. !"
Turning to the Lieutenant Colonel the
General said
q | had another object in visiting you this
morning, Colonel I've got some good news
for you. Pve found your officers and men
very weary of their long tour of provost duty
here, and anxious to 90 to the front. OIL
course | know that you feel the same way"
Billings tried to look rs if he did, bat the
attempt was not a success
"I have represented to Headquarters, |
therefore," continued the General, . that it
would be to the advantage of the service to
have this fine full regiment sent to the front, |
and its place taken by one that has been run
down by hard service, and so get chance for
it to rest and recruit. The General has ac-
cepted my views, aud orders me to have you
get ready TO move at once" +"
'' have tried to dc my dooty here, and / !
thought" murmured Billings, :" that it was
TO the advantage OF the Government to have
as Provost Marshal a man who knowed all
these felers and their tricks. lt'll take a
new man long time to learn 'em."
Il appreciate that" said the General.
but it's not just to you Or your men to