The National tribune., 1900-01-04

and that you're first-class Squire cstbat
IS, he saved his conscience a reservation
under his breath, you're first class for a
country that thinks such as you first
class.D
That's equal to saying that he's re-
spectacle for hell" inwardIy commented
Shorty.
"And KNOWN you know the law" con-
tinued 81, Il wanted your honest opinion
Of such cold-blooded murder as that hack
there OF that boy who was trying to git his
stolen hat. Amt that something that
lnjuns Crter to be ashamed of? Is there
ANYTHING in military law, or any other
kind"--
The CAPTAINS red face grew purple as he
gathered Sis meaning, conveyed in words
that had sounded 50 fair at first. He eclutched
the hilt of his sword and stood up. and rasn-
ed for moment for words severe enough.
You onhung villain" he shouted: you
come down heah ter murder cur peoDIe.
and then abuse and slander 'em. You
hain't no right ter speak ter me that wav
or at all. Hits contempt o coaht an agin
military discipline. That e'er man wlIZ
rightlully shot He desarved hit Hit
wuZ q case o self-defense, as plain as |
ever seed. The Yankee wuz attackin'
the Hoy-hit wIiz criminal assault. am the
boy shot ter defend hisself. Td' a. cleared
him in minnit if hitd come afore mycoaht.
Set back thar in your place, an don't YOU
Val OtBSil ' our sassy Iltlt I'll sniff
hit with my sword "
"Another name for my scoundrel-book
muttered Shorty. THAT makes three red
rib3hGoners, first prizes-that I've got to
settle with"
ST having had his say leaned back
against the car, and remained silent.
The Captain sank back upon his box and
elared awhile at ST. Then his eyes trav-
eled down to Sis feet, and an idea struck
him. Put out your foot" he ordered.
81 had only drawn shoes the day before.
ST knew what was coming. but there was
no help for it. He extended his foot.
lhem's monty good shoes YOU wear
and they're just my size. You hain't
70 right to such good shoes. when better
men than You, who are foutin' for their
country. have ter go barefooted. Take
'em off an give 'em ter me-
ST hesitateti moment, but he saw the
folly of resistance. The guards handled
their guns as ii ready to use them at the
least sign of resistance. With wry face
he united his shoes and handed them
over.
"That gives me an idee." said the Cap-
tain. The train had stopped on a switch
II kin pervide my whole company with good
shoes. Lootenant Bets. Lootenant Bets.
he called.
"Tfere I am. What's wanted. Squire
] mean, Captain" answered the ex-Con-
stable, coming up.
Il command You IN the name o the
State o Jawgy." said the Captain, for
getting the officer in the Squire. TO take
Il sufficient posse o men. an go through
these kyars and seize, impress. ,Iistrain and
replevin all sich good and suitable shoes as
You may lind on the prisoners there con-
fined. for the use and benefit of the men o
this company, and fer so doin' this order
shall he your warrant. Fail not on Your
peril
"All right, SQUIRE: I'll make return o the
goods and chattels ter you. right of. ."an-
swered the Lieutenant
You remind me more o Judge Smcots
every mint" ST could not forhear saving.
He's the meaneSt. ornerieSt. rum-Suckin'
was Judge o any thing but whisky and
hoSS races"
The Captain looked as if he would murder
him. but Si felt that fate had done its worst
in taking away his shoes.
The train rolled on, and finally came 10 |
Atlanta, but the most the boys could see of
the great objective of Shcrman's army
was n wide snread of railroad switches. |
incumbered with freight trains carrying
supplies 10 Johnston'S army. other trains |
carrying men to the front. or bringing |
wounded back, and q row of diSmaptled |
locomotives, from which pieces were taken |
daily to supply those broken upon the |
engines still in active service The train |
stopped there awhile, and then rumbled |
on.
An hour or two south of Atlanta the train !
had TO stop at Il bridge which cur cavalry !