The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1900-04-04
THE MOSS TROOPERS.
How q Body OF Canadian.
Troops Unintentionally
Invaded tho United States
By PERCIE w. HART.

L
e Copyright, 1900. by Errtn Yardman. 8
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Not fur from Il certain point on the
long boundary line which divides the
territories Of American Jonathan from
those Of British John is a fair Cana
ron OF cavalry to that small but re-
markably efficient little protective
army known as the active militia. The
major commanding this squadron is
a fine fellow. take him by and large,
but he has one small fault. He is a
little set In his ways" and little"
used in this connection is merely n
qualification suggested by courtesy,
for when he makes up his mind you
could not convince him that he is not
right with anything less than q Maxim
at close range.
A few months ago the major COM
manding completed the cavalry school
course necessary for the confirmation
of his provisional commission and re-
turned home with brain pan brimming
with military enthusiasm. OF course
the squadron enjoyed the benefit OF his
new ideas.
After various minor innovations
came deluge. Nothing would satisfy
him but that the light dragons must
take a practice raid instead Of camp
ing at the town race course and enjoy
ing dress parades, sham fights and
firtations with the young women vis-
1tors like any volunteer corps. In spite
Of semimutiny, which was not entire
fxyn 81
ried his point and proudly read of the
department Of s,!!.t.a's permission"
to his assembled troopers.
The whole town turned out to wit
ness the start and cheered them nohly.
Even CID John Cribs, who can show
service medals for half dozen regular
army campaigns In foreign lands, de-
clared that 1t looked like the real
thing this time. sure enough" Every
scarlet coated trooper, in addition to
usual equipment, had n bag Of oats,
three days food rations for himself,
blankets and extra kit strapped to his
saddle. There were camp kettles, cof-
feepots. frying pans and what not. The
small boys ran alongside Of the de-
parting cavalcade and screamed with
glee. The general crowd voiced noisy
wishes for the success OF the outing.
The troopers felt the martial blood
stirring. All was Joy and happiness,
excepting perhaps among the well
laden horses. But that is q detail.
Amid noisy Jingle of accouterments,
applause from the onlookers and much
raising OF dust from the clnmnins
huuiS away went the Light dragons.
IN oe thoxr 90 t,tr
all WAS convenuonalIy well, but of
coarse the major commanding did not
feel satisfied with this. He was out
for the most realistic imitation ,possi-
BILE Of a wartime cavalry raid. And
SO on the morning OF the second day,
while the men were sleepily and re-
luctnntly making ready to abandon
their bivouac, he called his officers
around him and !a.d down the law,
Let us suppose that we are ordered
to cut the enemy's line OF compunica-
ton at Blankville," explained ethe ma
jor commanding, at. the same time
pointing to the typographical map
spread out at his feet.
Bang up. ideal Splendid! 'Fon hon
orl" chirped g junior lieutenant who
wXs known to receive square envelopes
bearing the postmark OF the place.
"An the main roads are strongly pa
tr0lled, " went on the major command
ing impressively. '.and 1t will be nee
essary to make q cross country trip.
Here's where we are now." !" pointing to
the map, stand here is Blanlkville. It's
a fine chance for .us to get in cur rough
riding.
ST should imagine so.'' remarked the
veterinary lieutenant grimly. "All vir-
gin country apparently. NO settlers,
but plenty OF stir hills, thick woods
and broad swamps. If the horses can
stand II, I'm sure i don't care. 81
"But how In the mischief will we
IND our way r. asked the senior cap
tain, who was OF a practical turn of
mind. Don't believe any sc -; SO - :.s,0w ~
much about that section. u 81 gs,:S s :S
Here's tne nap, and I,ll plot our
route by compass. !" declnrad the major
commanding sternly prod ducine the int.
ter article from his dispatch box. Ss'rt's
one pt the last things we took up at !
the cavalry achool. 1he topographicals
instructor conplimentesi ME ON the
rapid progress Il made In thfs branch
Of the voluntary studies. =
g,he senior captain continued TO look
dubious, hut it Is hard to raason with
even q fanltless cininnndins oficer.
And the maj
So the light dragoons deserted the
broad though winding road leading to-
known Places and sNindly sfoIlowed
Their commnndant 81 his beo line cross
eotintry tran -
was pEosaic Held and pasture Etds
los for the iarst fey msIaa Then caSne9
\ ststees - cl,se xoest tllHe ;tIiist ii svaa s7lfss