The National tribune., 1900-07-26

Che fixed his eyes meaningly on ths
Colonel lis Tom Radbone."
Poor Tom" murmured the Colonel. as
he Sprang from his horse, to put his arm
around Sis neck, and take him by the
hand, Poor Tom, one OF the best SOL
diers IN the company,-killed the first
vol
NO. Colonel, not killed." said 81, IN a
low. significant tone, keeping his eyes
fixed on the Colonel. Captured with the
rest and taken to Andersonville, and now
come back with u.s."
The Colonel gave a quick, searching
look deep into Sis eyes, and understood.
Boys" he said, going from one to an
other. calling them by name, and shaking
hands with each. words cannot express
how glad | am to see You back. Rddbone,
HcUer erpected To sec you dliUe again.
81 and Shorty exchanged glances of ex-
ultation.
'Colosel.' said the Union Captain,
I'm very glad you have come. We are
having n dispute over that man. Our
Confederate friends here claim that he is
their engineer
The blink-eyed goober-grabbers," said
Shorty, scorRfully. "'ve got him mixed
jumped the train back there in the woods
cium on the engine and run her
through
Don't pay no 'tention ter that whap-
per-jawed roustabout,' shouted Lieut.
Turley. HE can't tell the truth when he
tries. That's my injineer."
What, Thomas Radbone," said the
Colonel, after momentary balancing as
to how far he could strain the word of
ian officer and a gentleman" How alb
surd. Thomas Radbone was one of the
best soldiers of my company. / recruited
him myself, and know all about him.
Splendid fellow. Always ready for duty"
Colonel, do you say you positively rec
ognIze that man there as Thomas Rad
bone, of your regimentr inquired the
rebel Captain.
Il shall have to say" said the Colonel,
hotly, that l can't distinctly recognize
any of these men, though | knew them all
well, after the fiendish treatment to
which they've been subjected. Their own
mothers wouldn't know them now. | only
know any of them by their recognizing
me, and by memory of their voices. But
| know that they are all truth-telling
boys, and I'd believe anything they'd say
against the whole Southern Confederacy.
These are all my men; I've come down
for them, and I'm going to take them back
with me-
Il protest that this is a violation of the
cartel" said the rebel Captain. THAT
mans ours. and we've got a right to him.
demand him. I'll stop the exchange"
We'll, you can just demand and be
ing to the explosive point. I've got the
right and the authority to take my own
Inen wherever L find them. You're nice
fellows to talk about honorable dealing
and rights, after the way you've treated
these men. You don't dare stop the ex-
change You're making too much by it.
You're getting well-fed, vigorous men,
that you're putting right into the ranks
against US, and you're turning US back
skeletons that may never be fit for service
again. But I'll not discuss this thing an
other minute. I'll lose my temper if
do and say something that you won't
want to hear. Attention, there, 200th In
diana! Right face! Forward, file left,
marchi'
81 and Shorty, at the Colonel's direc-
ton. lifted Gid Mackall into the ColonePs
saddle. and the Colonel, walking along,
leading his horse, questioned 81 and
Shorty as to their experiences in the
prison.
You boys got me into a pretty tight
corner" said the Colonel, laughing, "but
| managed to get out of it without telling
a direct lie. Who is this man you're pass
ing off for poor Tom Radbone"
Cro be continued.)