Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1900-01-30
The BROKEN HAMMER.

IL II OIaC lAL1i IA IVA i'A A-Asi
In the library of one of the bravest cav
airy officers who fought in the Civil war
is 4 handsome leather case, lined with
red velvet and fitted with a pretty lock
and key.
This case does not contain money nor
Jewels. There is nothing in it but COM
mon cIaw-hammer, with half its handle
Sone.
Now for the history of that broken
hammer.
In 1864 the officer who now has it in
his possession commanded a regiment OF
cavalry in the Union army. One night
this regiment quietly broke camp ana
rode along the frequented road toward
the town of b, which was then occu-
pied by Il troop of Confederate dragons;
At daybreak the town was surprised
and captured by the Union soldiers, win
nearly all its garrison. The commander
of the attacking force, Col. B, made the
hotel Of the place his headquarters. anG
from there issued his orders and made
preparationS for further movements.
While he was standing in the parlor OF
the hotel, covered with dust, and sur
rounded by a few OF his officers, little
negro. about II years old, pushed MS
way into the midst of the group ana
stopped directly in front of the colonel
His face was the picture of astonishment
and his eyes seemed ready to roll out OF
his head.
The colonel looked at him greatly
amused Still the little fellow stood.
Finally he asked in an awe-struck voice:
Am you Massa Linkum?'
a long roar of laughter greeted him,
but instead of being abashed at the ridi-
Guile. the little fellow stoutly, resented It.
''Wot youse laffiin' att" he cried
Amt Massa Linkum as good as you
be?'
A fresh peal of merriment followed
this, and in spite of his courage the
young Questioner began to look confused
He was turning away when the colonel
after a moments thought, said:
DO you like Massa Linkum?
Guess | duz, massa. and Use bound
fer TO see him fore [ die"
Before you die? Why, do you think
you are going to die pretty soon:'
Dunno; | might get killed.
What's your name?''
''Poncha. sab.
well, Poncho, do you think you'd like
TO do something for Massa Linkum?'
do somethin' for Massa Linkum? |
guess so. sah," and Poncho rolled his
head and showed his white teeth.
Then come and see me in the room
''at o'clock tonight
Eight o'clock, sah'f responded Pom
chic. in a puzzled tone; dunno what dat
''Well, then, an hour after candle
light"
''All right sab, in dat yere room?'
Yes; in that ROOM" Here the officer
placed his hand on Ponchos shoulder.
saying, land, mind, you are doing this
for MasSa Linkum. Don't tell anyone
you are coming here. Remember"
''An right. sah.'
The next moment he was out Of the
hotel, into the streets staring at the
Yankee troops. The town seemed full of
them and everywhere was heard the
sound of trumpets and loud voices OF
men and the clatter of hoofs and the
rattle of arms.
The regiment remained in town all
day, though scouting parties rode out on
several country roads, coming in again
before nightfall.
At half-past Z long bugle call was
sounded, and all the soldiers mounted
their horses, as If to start on another
night march.
1t was near the hour of Poncho's ap-
polntment, and he was already waiting at
the door of the room in which he was
TO see the colonel
Presently the officer opened it and i'm
medlately led the boy into the room
''Poncho," said he gravely. You said
you would do something for Massa Link
UNI. Now, I'll tell you what you can
''All right, massa; I'll do it, sure
Il want you to go up in the belfry of
st. Marks church. 1t will be bright
moonlight, and if you see a company of
soldiers ride down the turnpike and come
into the town any time during the night,
want you to strike on the bell three
times with this hammer"
The colonel took a hammer from the
mantel and showed it to Poncho.
"All right, massa. Dis chile 10 any
thing fur Massa Linkum."
Strike slowly and strike as hard as
you can, and when you strike, open your
mouth in this way and your ears will
not be hurt"
The colonel opened his mouth very wide
and so. did PonchO.
After you strike the first time I think
you will hear bugle call If not. you
will hear it after you strike the second or
third time. When you hear the bugle
call you need not strike the bell again,
but you better stop in the belfry until
one of the soldiers calls you down. Now
remember, don't strike If you see a few
men, but strike if you see a great many.
Another thing. When you strike lie
down on your back, so as to hit the in
side Of the bell. Perhaps you will be
shot at, Poncho. for the soldiers, if they
come, will be secesh soldiers, but they
can't hit you II you are lying On your
back.
CAS- soon as we hear the bell we will
ride into town, and [ will send man to
bring you down.
An will be doin' sumthin for Massa
Lnkum?'
Yes L shall tell AIassa Linkum my
self
Den I'll do it, sure.'
Poncho took the hammer
I'm send someone to let you into the
church by the back door The man will
go with you into the belfry, ard after
you get there he will leave you, and take
away the ladder and lock the door, so
that nobody can reach you. Then you
will be alone. Keep your eyes open II
you are afraid, say so, and you need not
GO
Gimme the hammer. sah," replied
POncho. The colonel then made the boy
repeat his instructions. By this time il
was dark. Lights glimmered from the
houses along the streets. and the dim fig
ures of soldiers and their horses were
!. seen as they moved to and fro. i.
Five minutes later Poncho, hammer in
hand, accompanied by man. was on his
way to the church. At 500 o'clock the
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