The National tribune., 1902-05-15

be such, from that direction. For an hour
they watched every bare knoll over which
"A road crossed. They saw an occasional
bent old man or negro, also several girls,
all going westward toward Lightwood
| Creek, and usually followed by negroes
carrying baskets, bags and jugs on horse
| back.
Evidently they're going to have quite a
frolic over there this evening"" said 81.
You stay and watch, Shorty. 1 see the
| boys coming back; I'll go down and meet
| them"
We found a Niger chopping wood on
the edge of a field who said he belonged
to Squire Mower" Sandy reported,
! whom we told we belonged to Lieut.. Var
nell's company and had a letter for Miss
| Sary Jane, and he was very glad to take it
to the house, as we ordered him. He said
she was looking for it."
''Al right; go up on the hill there and
| find Kramer" said 81. He's got dinner
| ready by this time. I'll go down and relieve
Tom and Abe, SOS they can get their din
ners. Make yourselves comfortable up
there. and keep out of sight"
81 had been in his place but little
while, when there went racking by on a
young mare a buXOm, well-fayored maiden
of perhaps % full-fowered Summers. Her
1Orid face expressed lively interest and an
ticipation, outrunning her mares speed, for
she neryously tapped her tanks with a
light switch At some distance behind
her came a negro, keeping up with his
mistress with difficulty, for his horse was
loaded with baskets balanced across his
TANKS.
Shes as prompt rs l thought she'd be-"
thought 81 with satisfaction. Shes going
to take no chances on getting married.
and's only waited to gather up all the
available grub in the house. and have it
slowed on that horse. 1 like girl that
knows her own mind"
He reported this to Shorty, who came
down to relieve him, that he might get
his dinner.
"Of course. you understand" said 81,
after they had discussed the situation,
that we're likely to buck square against
Capt HickOX's whole company, probably
from 80 to 80 men. He's probably got
there both the squads which were fighting
the 1st Oshkosh yesterday, and the one
which we run up against"
VERY likely" answered Shorty. 'The
more the merrier. That's what we've got
seven shooters for. I'm rather anxious to
see just how far Spencer counts over
Springfield. Let her CO."
IF they're there" responded 81, "at
least they're not after our fOragers. Well
catch 'cm mapping this evening""
He went up to get his dinner, arrange
matters for the evening, and take another
look from the top of the tall tree.
Shorty had been on the watch for prob
ably ali hour, when there came up from
the direction of Steedman's Postoffce a
wel-dressed young man, mounted on a
good horse. He carried a revolver in a
holster from a belt and wore gantlets on
his hands. His face was clean-Shaved ex-
cept for a light mustache, trained to curl
upward, and his whole get-up showed I'M
usual attention to his personal appearance.
Certainly not soldier" Shorty sized
him up. Got his reins in his right hand
and a switch in his left. Halt there"
That's all right, my man." answered
Thomas Buzzell, Of the Commissary De
partment. Here's my pass through all
lines and pickets. Can you read?'
We'll, he is a fresh one" thought
Shorty. Don't even know Yank from
a reb when he sees him. No, l can't read
he continued aloud. I'm have TO take you
up to see the Sergeant. Come in here"
But, my man, you mustn't stop me. I'm
in a great hurry. You mustn't stop men
in my branch of the service. Did you see
a young lady pass here some time ago?"
Yes: one went by with niger foller
ing But you can't Overtake 'em. Too fur
ahead Beside, the commissary carried
wasn't enough for moren two or three
men. 'Twasn't worth while Captains
running after"
The man gave deep sigh. "My horses
a much better traveller than her mare" he
said to himself. Let me go on"
Cant do it. You must go to the Ser
geant."
Il tell you, young man, you've no bust
ness to stop me. You're making yourself
trouble stopping me-"
I'm in trouble most of the time in the
army anyhow. n little more won't hurt.
Come in here
Il tell you" the prisoner began fuming,
but at that moment 81 appeared. Shorty |
explained the situation to him. and the |
Captain produced his papers In obedience |
to II wink from Shorty 81 appeared as ig- |
norant of reading and writing US his part |
ner. He turned the papers upside down !
in pretending to read them, and finally |
said: