Omaha daily bee., 1901-02-17

line and overlooking the valley and the
union camps. What happened there could
not be known to Sherdan's division at the
time, but can readily be told here. The
picket lines OF the opposing forces in
front of Chattanooga were but few
yards apart, and stretched from the Ten
nessee at the mouth Of Chitico creek a
mile cast OF the town, down through the
open country midway between the union
intrenchments and heavily wooded mound
called Orchard Knob, until they faced each
other along the banks of the Chattanooga
creek at the south. and so on to the point
where at the northern base Of Lookout
mountain the creek empties into the Ten
nessee. Now, 1t was no easy matter for
any man to slip out across the line except
on a dark night, but, once across, IL was a
very easy thing to attract the attention of
the enemys sentries and be taken pris-
oner." This it eventually turned cut was
Malloy's method of procedure. Just where
he managed TO cross the union line, and
how. whether by bribery or adroitness,
could not be ascertained. But the Georgia
pickets claimed the credit OF gobbing a
Yankee major who, when brought TO
Braggs headquarters in broad daylight. de
clared he had wandered between the lines
while making the rounds. had lost his way
and found himself right under the muzzles
of the southern Enfields. The sharp, stern
order Come in here, Yank!" brought him
10 bis senses all 600 late. He obeyed be-
cause there was nothing else to do. The
story sounded plausible for the time being.
Major Malloy gave his name. rank and
regiment without hesitation, begged that
his comrades might be informed by flag of
truce that he was safe, uninjured and that
he urged them to exert every influence TO
effect his exchange at once. He courte-
ously asked TO be excused from giving any
information. Indeed, he really had none,
especially about Sherman's movements or
the coming Of reinforcements. In point OF
fact, Major Malloy made very pleasant
impression until, as luck would have II,
cynic appeared in the person Of Major
Henry Holt of the commanding general s
staff. Up to the moment of that officer 3
entry the prisoners manner had been calm
and self-possessed then 1t became in
stantly nervous and embarrassed. Up to
that moment, too, the manner OF the con-
federate officers had been courteous, though
somewhat cold and formal. but the express
sion in Holt's face as he stood sternly ga1-
ing at the new conner was too significant,
You gentlemen seem to havo met be-
fore said the general looking quickly
from one to the other.
Yes" was Hollis instant answer. "and
there's only one way, general In which
desire to meet that-gentleman again"
Explanations, of course, followed, and
that evening Malloy was on his way 10
prison, minus boots and reputation. Henry
Holt, in few words. had punctured the
latter, to the end that no officer was at
hand to save when a rude trooper relieved
his prisoner OF the former, Such transac-
tions, under the cloak of fair exchange,
were already military necessity in an
army where sole leather was at a premium.
One caution went with the guards OF
way. II was considered wise to keep him
for the present aloof from certain other
prisoners from Ohio and Kentucky-Con-
molly having by this time spread abroad
the story Of the majors crime II was
well. too, that there was little likelihood
OF his coming in contact with DR.. Holt
or Norman. 1t was odd that, though Nor
man declined to accept parole, and was
now quite strong again, he had not been
sent to Join the luckless array of union
oficers captured at Chickamauga or pre-
vious engagements and now numerous In
the several soldier prisons in Dixie, The
fractured bone had knit, the wound was
healing, and, enjoying the best OF care ard
attention, he was restricted to the limits
of the hospital square in Rome With his
oSn father ever at hand to counsel aud