The National tribune., 1902-03-27

| Scruggs," remarked 81, looking the pris
OnerS over severely, as he lighted his pip
| at the end of the meal, what was tina
/ law You quoted to me a little while ag'
about rebels who entered our lines for t
| steal or rob? Have you anything with i
| in?'
Certainly, sir" Monty answered
promptly, producing a copy of "Th
American Speaker" which he always car
| ried around. Here it is, sir" And hi
] grayely read:
Article |, Section 2. Any rebel or othe
enemy of the Government who shall, dur
ing wartime, coYetly, secretly, wickedly
maliciously, and with intent to raise tn,
devil in any way, or take what don't be
long to him, enter any camp, fort or biv
ouac at night, shall be shot on sight, ant
buried crosswise of the road, between sun
down and sun-up. By order of Abraham
Lincoln, President of the United States
Attest: Edwin NJ. Stanton, Secretary Of
War;"
That settles it." remarked Shorty
scratching match on the sole of his shoe
to relight his pipe, which he had rever
emily taken out of his mouth when Monty
began to read. THAT leaves us no choice
in the matter, for which I'm glad, for
always hated to take the responsibility OF
executing a man, no matter how much ht
deserved it."
The Bible says that they who break
in at night to steal may be killed." added
Kramer. This is Il good opportunity tC
get rid of murrained beasts"
20, Mister, don't shoot we'uns-'spe
cially me-" walled FIyblow. Il hain'i
done nothin', only helped him, an he done
made me do that. | sw'ar to goodness he
done hit. I'll do anything in Goddel.
mighty's world for yo'uns if yo'uns'll only
spare my life. Think OF my wife an chill.
lem"
"Shet up, ye bellerin' calf" said Green
Wamus to his partner. Gents, he amt
no good, an can't do nothin'. If yo'uns'll
spare me, I'll make hit worth your while.
I'll tell yo'uns something that'll be worth
i dozen o me to yo'uns."
What may that be-" asked 81, with
languid interest.
IN pint out to yo'uns whar they're
settin tOrpedoeS to blow younS Sky-high
when yo'uns come on TO EN-
FlyblOw was not going TO be left out
on this deal, and broke in:
"Yes, they y'uns had me an him at work
settin' tOrpedOes, when we'uns seed our
chance an skeeted out. They said we
warn't no good fer nothin' else, an if we
got blowed up hit didn't matter l know
more bout em than he does, though, kaze
l didn't git away so soon. You'd better
spare me nor him.
This is somewhat interesting said 81
languidly. IN think about it. Mr.. At
torney- General Scruggs, is. there any au-
thOrity anywhere for postponing execu-
tions?'
Yes, SIR" promptly answered Monty,
referring to his American Speaker" "Ar-
ticle /, Sec. IA, says that commanding
officers may exercise their discretion as
to the time and place of carrying out SEN
tences, selecting such as may make them
most effective as warnings"
VERY good" said 81, after moments
reflection. I'VE don't have to bury you
until after sundown. Wen give you all
day to point out those torpedoes. If you
find 'em for us, we may let up on you.
Tomorrow morning viii find you try
ing to kick off a sod-blanket," interposed
Shorty.
Saddle up. boys" commanded 81. 1--WE
must start. The first thing to do is to
get this money back to Headquarters.
though | hate awfully to lose the time.
The army's moving, and we ought to be
pushing out for the front. The next point
is the Salkehatchie, and it's mighty i'm
portant we get across there first before
the rebels know what we're up to-"
I'VE couldn't get back to headquarters
in 'steen days." said Shorty, looking back
at the crowded bridge. Everything is
pushing this way The only way to get
back to headquarters would be to swim