The National tribune., 1902-01-09

vent. Stop the yentw Jack sprung from
the ground; his rubber blanket was in q
roll over his shoulders, and he twisted a
fold Of it around his thumb and clapped
it upon the vent of the cannon. Go
ahead, I'll stop the ventr he cried. The
gun was 50 hot that the rubber blanket
smoked and the hot metal burned Jack S
thumb. but he held to it. The cannOneer
saw it and yelled: Stick to the vint, me
by; stick to the vintw and Jack an
swered: I'm staying with you" and
shut his teeth, for the gun grew hotter
every second.
The Lieutenant took primer from the
pouch of the dying Sergeant, and, fixing
the lanyard saying III the same sing-soug
voice, Number two, fire." pulled the
lanyard himself. Then he motioned to
Jack to take the primer pouch and thumb
stall glove, and gave ais commands never
varying in tone or showing any excite
ment.
Jack jumped into the work like a vet
eran and when bullet spattered on the
wheel OF the gun aud Il fra gment OF lead
sent little stream Of blood trickiing
down his cheek he never fiinched. The
veteran. pOwder-grimcd gunner saw it,
and yelled to him: Stay wild us, me by;
great compliment to Il ''doughbOy."
The Colonel of the 10th ordered his men
to rise up and deliver Il volley. The men
were excited, and their aim was high.
Take your yearlingS out of the way
and let the artillery work. yelled the
battery Captain, in disgust Nevertheless,
the harmless yolley of the 10Th had dis
couraging effect upon the enemy, and they
fell back. The firing ceased, and Jack
and his father returned to their places in
the ranks. AS they did so the artillery
Captain rode up to the Colonel and spoke
a few words in low tone and pointed to-
ward them; the Colonel called the Cap
tain of Co. Ii and said something to him
that the men could not hear.
The expedition returned to Newberne;
two evenings after when on dress parade,
the Adjutant of the 10Th commanded:
Attention to ordersr' and read:
Private james Wright, Co. II, 10Th
Mass. Vols, having distinguished himself
iii action near GOldsbOro, is hereby de-
rank of Duty Sergeant. He will be
obcyed and respected accordingly" And
then, to Jacks utter bcwildcrmcnt, the
AdJutant read:
Private John Wright, Co. II, 10Th
Mass. Vols, for good conduct in battle
near GoldsborO, is hereby promoted Cor
poral. He will be obcycd and respected
accordingly"
The men were allowed to clap their
hands, and they applaudcd heartily After
the parade Jacks company promptly
tossed him in blanket by way of initiaf-
ing him into his new Office
The promotion of Jim Wright brought
a lot of anxiety TO his son, for the duty
of WagOnmaster took him into the town.
where he had very much greater chances
to obtain whisky. Jack really wondered
that his father had kept sober so long.
Soon after the 18th were ordered TO
Bachellor's Greek, 10 miles from New
berne for picket duty. There was line
of light breastworks running along the
creek; huts had been built; no enemy was
III sight, and the detail was desirable |
one. 1t was the duty of the Brigade
Wagonmaster to bring out rations and all
supplies for the regiment. Jim's wagons |
were always promptly on time He had
fine horse to ride, and he was proud of
ms promotion; beside, he escaped the
tlresome drills
On one trip to the regiment Jim ones |
TONED negro who had lived in that vicin-
ity regarding the amount of corn and for |
age that might be found outside of the |
pIcket-iIne. The negro had described the |
roads and plantation about three miles |
away, where there was corn-crib and |
lots of corn fodder. He concluded his de-
scription by saying:
An kivered up in a corner oh do
smokc-house is bar'I oh de fines olt an
pie jack in all Ole Norf Car-Iecna; 'm'phi |
boss, dat ar applejack mos mex dead
man smack he lipsi"
Jack, who was standing near, heard
him, and Il glance nj his father filed him
with dismay. Jim had turned pale and
was swallowing as though something was
choking him. Jack knew that the ne
gro's story had aroused within his
father all the latent thirst for liquor. and
that he might risk life, capture. or any
punishment to obtain canteenful of that
applejack.
Dent do it, Dad; don't do IT," he said.
grasping his fathers hand.
DO whatE" asked Jim angrily.
Don't go to that plantation; don't do
it," said Jack.
Mind your own business, Jack, and IN
tend TO mine: you're getting mighty up-
starty for young feller; them two stripes
his horse and followed the wagons down
the Newberne road.
Jack in his trouble coEfded to Serg't
Parker Addison.