The National tribune., 1901-05-09

might be done to the boys. A Southern
preacher and Southern woman would
cook up another Andersonville right here
in no time. But our folks must be near
here by this time. That smoke rising
over the hills yonder looks as IL it came
from camp-fires. Monty, you and Harry
ride over there, and see if you can't strike
camp. and Surgeon who'll come over
here and take charge"
What did you do with Zeke Back
house and his gang2n eagerly inquired
Miss Sophronia, as Si rode up to the
porch and dismounted.
Turned him over to your brother Al
bert and his gang" 81 answered curtly,
as he began to unsaddle.
"What?' she exclaimed in startled
amazement. She was silent for a min
ute, and then curiosity triumphed, and
she asked:
You're telling me the truth?"
Don't tell anything else. Amt that
kind of a man." answered ST, throwing his
saddle on the porch.
You fatter yourself, thinking we'd lie
to you,", said Shorty, taking another view.
why should we?"
Her stony face flashed with anger at
the tone of contemptuous disparagement
and she was silent for another minute.
Then curiosity again dominated, and she
inquired:
Are you sure the Confederates got
themi How did you know it was Broth
er Albert"
We're as sure that the Johnnies got
them as we are that cattlell run into
a clover field if you let down the bars,
and you know as well as we do, who's
in command of the rebels out there" an
swered 81, as he threw his bride on the
porch beside his saddle.
Then" she exclaimed, exultantly,
you've done the best days work Yankees
ever did. If we've got rid Of Zeke Back
house and his crew the Yankees may
come. They won't stay long, while Zeke
and his following was with US always.
Come in, and I'll have the best supper
cooked for you you ever ate."
Don't want your supper" 81 replied
ungraciously. ''We'll cook our own sup
per. If you've anything good give it to
those poor boys, whom your people have
been starving to death"
AS 81 now felt secure he set no guard,
and let everybody busy themselves with
getting supper, caring for the horses, and
for the rescued comrades. Uncle Ephraim
cooked supper for him and Shorty, while
they were moving around, overseeing and
helping, and keeping an eye out on the
country, that they might not be surprised.
1t came on very dark while this was go
ing on, and still Harry and Monty had not
returned
Foster Walsh, who had conducted
brief evening prayer-meeting, after sup
per, around the big fire in the wash-shed
where most OF the boys had gathered,
cam to the front porch, where 81 and
Shorty were seated, pipe in mouth, await
ing the return of the messengers, and
holding their usual evening council of
war. He came to urge, as the moon
would rise brightly after awhile, that, II
the expected relief came up, to push for
ward toward Millen that night. But 81
and Shorty decided that as they had had
an exciting night before, and a very lively
day, that it would be better for all to take
good nights rest and started early in
the morning.
AS the discussion was terminating Pete
came slipping up, and whispered TO them:
Say, Miss Sophrony slipped out Of the
house awhile ago, and Is now down there
behind the spring-house talking to a
man."
LET her," said 81, indifferently. Don't
spoil any chance for her to get a hus-
band. She's cantankerous enough as it
is. 1t might sweeten her up little to get
a husband"
II wonder which of the boys she's |
lily. "'Taint either Grimshaw or Rad |
bone, or one of the prisoners, is itP'
'No; 1t amt any of our crowd, I'm sure. |
though he wears Yankee overcoat and |
cap. When 1 first noticed him he was |
hanging around in the dark with one of |
to be keeping out of the light. Presently |
the darky went into the house, and the
man walked off. He seemed to know
just where he was going. In little while
Miss Sophronia same out and walked
right out to the spring-house and up to
him."
What sort of looking man was he?
Could you tsli?'
"As near as could make out he was
a well-put-up sort Of feller, about the
size of you or Corp1 Elliott"
We've run up against a romance"
said Shorty, knocking the ashes out of