The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1902-11-20

horses. and by the time they had gotten
through, the black clump had disappeared
in the trees at the edge of the swamp.
No use Of going any farther" said 81.
hating. and leading his horse up onto a
sandy hillock. But we'd better stay here
awhile. 70 see that nobody else tries to
come over"
Pete. that looks like house over
there, said Sandy, as the rest settled
over and see if We can't find something
that that lady would like to eat"
All right; I'm with you," answered
Pete.
We'll go along with you. We want to
get her something. too" spoke up Harry
and, Monty. jealous of anybody else doing
anything for their guest.
And YOU must count us in. too. if any
body goes, interposed Gid and ALT. "You
know she was once in our town.
81 saw no objection. The house was not
very far. and he, Shorty and Abe could
do the watching.
|, The noise, and the sound of chopping
continued beyond the river. but ST and
Shorty concluded that it was intended
more as bluff to keep back any advance
from their side
after considering the situation. ordered
them to remain there till morning to make
sure against any flank movement from
that direction.
81 set his guards. taking the first turn
himself, and then lay down to sleep by
little fre kindled behind the cover of
thick growth of sumach.
He awoke in the gray of the morning,
and aroused the rest to mount and ride
back to the regiment, while he took cir
cult down to the edge of the water, AMI
reconnoitered the other side. Everything
was lniet over there-absOlutely silent
He cut through the woods, to come into
the road ahead of the boys. They were
Hing by as he came across the open fields,
and he surveyed them with surprise. Ev-
cry one had some contribution to Mrs.
Wimpie's happiness.
Pete had secured a candle, and at risk
of starting confiagration. had ransacked
the fodder pen and stable for hens nests.
he had his spOils in large hickory basket
on his left arm. while his right encircled
crock of butter, resting on the pommel
of his saddle.
Sandy had found a cow, and though she
had nearly kicked his head off in resent
ment at being MIXED at that time of night,
and by stranger, lie had a precious
quantity of milk for the children and Mrs
Wimple's coffee in cedar bucket in his
left hand, while he carried ham in his
right.
Harry, ALI and Monty had climbed the
cedar trees which served as hen roosts,
and secured goodly quantity Of chickens.
Gid had a jar of apple-butter under one
arm. and a jar of honey under the other,
While Alf. who thought that probably
much washing was going to be necessary,
had a washboard under one arm, and a
string of crescents of dried pumpkins on
the other.
With view of softening Mrs. Wimple's
couch, Abe Grimstead had a great feather
tick with the sheets rolled up on his POM
mel.
Shorty. who had groaned under having
Mrs. Wimpfe sit on nothing better than
a cracker-box, solemnly carried in front Of
him large split-bottom rocking chair,
with rag patchwork cushion on the seat.
The Adjutant came riding out, on his
way to recall them, and looked them over
with amazement. 80 - s.
Now, what the devil have You been up
to?' he inquired irritably. for lie had lost
much sleep. IF You fellows amt the
ii The rest of his remarks would not look
well ia print. =
..,If Go be continued.) - '-'.- :