Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1900-05-31

| vance, determined to capture, il pos
sible, the confederates, an easy matter
| seemingly, since his men outnumber.
ed them two to one; but with the ad
| vantage Of fresh horses, the southern
ers gained ground and unwillingly
| their pursuers were about to give III
| the chase, when horseman in the
| rear, whose uniform and mount pro-
| claimed him an officer, threw himself
about in his saddle, without in the
least slaekening his speed, and appar-
emily without taking aim, fired one
shot from his revolver, possibly as a
warning, possibly as an act OF
bravado.
The distance from his pursuers and
the haste of his shot clearly showed
ne had no thought of doing any cam
age. At that moment, George, who
was then a little in advance of his
brother, gave a low gasp, sat his horse
for an instant, then tumbled to the
ground from his saddle, his steed
continuing its way.
At the sight, Henry, with a spas
modic motion, drove his spurs into his
horses tanks; the poor beast, too
utterly used up to respond, stumbled
rider partly under him.
Henry with great difficulty, dis
engaged himself and arose, bruised,
bleeding and covered with dust, cry
ing, Stop! stop! you have shot my
brother but there only came back
from the disappearing horsemen the
hooking clatter of retreating hoof
beats and Henry sank half fainting
upon the ground.
Sergeant Jennings, who with his
men had drawn up at sight of Georges
fall, now took command of the party.
Brother soldiers assisted Henry's re-
turn to the PROSTATE body of poor
George, while Jennings, who. was
somewhat of surgeon, examined the
wound.
Had the distance been less, and the
weapon aimed with greater precision,
the shot could not have sped truer to
its mark. The heavy cavalry re-
volver had proved equal to the dis
lance. There the lad lay, his chest
covered with his life blood, slowly
ebbing away.
Henry, with the self-control in
herited from his father, knelt beside
his brother to catch his last words
and glance. Already the film of death
hic 1orna h1nn 10
found it difficult to frame his mes
sage to his father: Tell our father,
Ibid not fear to die-God bless you,
Henry-go home and comfort the
dear old man. he has only you now
II shall soon see our brother Lester,
please God-dear comrades, good
Here hemorrhage interrupted him
and Henry no longer calm, clasped
the lad vehemently to his breast, as If
to ward off the Teaper's sickle, but in
vain; his brothers soul had departed.
Part Ill
The stubborn resistance Of the Con-
federates had obliged General Sher-
man to halt in his forward march and
enter into series of battles more or
less import Mt Overcome by the
shock of his brothers tragic death,
Henry had scarcely quilted his tent
since the funeral.
Late in the afternoon a few days
afterwards, the sergeant hurriedIy en-
tered his tent, and in an excited man
ner, began: Excuse my being SO
bold, my captain, but I want to tell
you what l just saw
Speak, my good fellow" answered
Henry, with but little animation in
his tone
We'll, it is just this" said Jen-
nings, Strengthening himself up with
an air of Importance, 81 was sent over
to the farm yonder to get some milk
for the mess. and on my way back,
took cross cut, and came down by
the lane that branches off the road
and passes near near a kind Of old
mansion to the right; between it and
the path is a sort of hut. looked that
way and saw-don't start, sir-I saw
black horse tied beside it."
Il see nothing startling in that,
jennings" said Henry. II suppose
you have seen a good many black
horses I'm sure I have
eff you had let me finish, sir. -
broke in Jennings. This horse was
not an ordinary black one, but oddly
marked-three white feet and a star
on its forehead
Il fear you found something strong
er than milk, my man." remarked
! Captain Henry. con your honor
didn't your"
Don't laugh at me, my captain
This is no idle tale I bring you. and
time is precious" cried Jennings
''The man who fired that shot, you
| know what shot, in short, captain, the
| man who killed your brother rode
such a horse, rode that horse, ]
swear"
Henry sprang to his feet, alert
trembling with excitement you are
right, I remember the horse" he
cried, "but show me the man and
| George shall be avenged. Show me
the man, don't stand staring at me-"
Sergeant Jennings laid his hand
| calmly upon the excited mans arm