The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1901-12-26
9 9 Q
Copyright, 1900, by
Joseph A. Altsheler.


valley and approached the hostile hill
from the rear. Then they lay close to
the earth and listened for sounds OF
their enemies, but they heard none-only
the distant hum OF their own camp and
the notes Of n Christmas hymn rising IN
the cold night.
WED better separate here and sur
round thcm," said the commander Of the
little troop. And the men spread out
like fan, Mason taking his way up
little gully. He was creeping on hands
and knees like an Indian. All the In
stincts Of the Kentuckiun Of the noun
tnins were aroused In him. The fame
was in his blood, and he was now the
hunter after prey.
Forward he went, searching the inter
lacing bushes with his keen eyes, his
rifle ut fhe cock and every muscle tense
and ready for action. His stained and
dark uniform would have made blot on
the SNOW, but he kept to the cover of
the bushes. and no one looking there
would have known that man was
passing.
lie could hear the notes OF the Christ
mas hymn swelling in q chorus Of many
voices, but it was UNDECIDED. Mason now
had work to do, and he meant to do it,
He crcpt on up the ravlne and near the
hill stopped and listened intcntly. He
thought that he heard soft crunch on
the snow, as Of some one moving behind
Il thick clump OF bushes that grew near,
but he was not sure whether 1t was
friend or an enemy. He approached
little, lying down on the SHOW. and drew
himself forward with body outstretchcd
like snake. He heard the sound again,
very faint now--S0 faint that 1t would
have passed unnoticed by any ear less
keen than his own.
Mason felt that it was an enemy be-
hind the bushcs-an enemy who knew
that danger wa, approaching and would
be cautious. His blood Swcllcd With
the pride OF conflict and the emulation
OF skill. He would watch this wary foe,
and his muscles became tcnscr than ever
as he prepared for the test. He glanced
only once at his rifle to see that the
weapon was ready and then resumed
his sliding and slow advance. lie reach
eh the clump Of bushes and laying his
ear to the SNOW, could hear nothing.
But he was confident that his foe was
still on the other side. He could not
have escaped unseen, and, sure alike
in his courage and his Judgment, he
began to creep around the bushes. his
finger on the trigger, ready to fire at the
side, but nothing was thcir~--cn Il trail
In the snow to show how lis enemy, too.
had made the circuit--anl the bushes
still stood between.
But Mason was not discouraged. lie
did not expect to catch the man wi,h"nt
trouble. The unknown would have been
"hYoMHee3 imsSs iHmiissSst3"!HS" t3 SS "T"rjahrn st"
easily, and Mason felt pleased because
the enemy matched against his skill an
courage seemed altogether worthy OF
him.
He began the second circuit OF the
bushes, more careful now than ever, not
making tho slightest noise. lest his enemy
should hear and take warming. When
he was half way nruu,d, the sound of
shots to both left and right rose. and he
knew TINT his comrades were in battle
with the other SharpShootrrs. But they
were too far away to be seen, and he ,lia
not take his mind from his own particu.
lar pal OF the work. 1t WAS one OF the
merits of Ma8"n that hr ..ncw how to
attend to his, u,,n business,
lie Wa. as patient now rs the Indians
whom he initiated, creeping forward AMI
then turning back. seeking to cntrap his
way Foe But the man seemed TO re-
turn with him every time and still re-
m"!nrd hi,k.rn. Mason could not tel
whether his enemy WAS cndcAvoring to
escape or pursue. Ike laughed moi So
lrS!;ly at the thought that he himself
might be pursued while he WAS pursuing.
Wen. il did not matte" 1t merely made
the test OF skill all the more Interesting.
''rhe shepherds went their hasty way
He heard the notes OF the music again,
louder and clearer than ever. and then
more rifle shots. Tine skirmish was llHr-
ing into Increased activity. He listened
to it moment. although he never doubt
ed that his comrades would win. But
he trusted that they would not win too
soon, as he wished to finish his own
affair without help.
Then he turned suddenly and went
swiftly back on his own track. catching
a glimpse Of n dark figure around the
curve OF the bushes. He raised his rifle
and fired. but not quicker than the other
man. The reports were simultaneous,
and bullet clipped the clothing on
Mason's shoulder. Whether his enemy
was struck or not he lid not know. and
there was no sound.
Mason was annoyed. He must devise
sone method or finishing it quickly. Ho
lay quito still and pondcrcd deeply for
Il minute or two. Then an idea came to
him. He took off his cap, placed 1t on
tho end Of his gun barrel and, lying fiat,
thrust 1t out In front Of him, raising 1t
slightly in tho mir. He mndo no mistake.
There was a flash. report, and bullet
whistled through tho cap. Springing to his
feet. loaded rifle in hand, he ran forward.
His enemy, trapped so neatly, lcaped
up. his empty rifle still smoking at tho
muzzlc, and ran through tho thickets.
Mason followed fast. The passion Of
tho chase was upon him, and no resolved
that tho man should not escape. lie
raised his rifle onco and marked spot
on the fugitives back whcro no could
plant bullet. But he did not like to do
1t. He would rather shoot him In fight
face TO face.
The man as he ran made desperate ef-
forts to feload his rifle. but failed. Pres
''~ oithrew 1t away, as If no feared