Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1902-08-14

In three miles except That whlcn was
broken by the bridge. The temptation
to shoot became still stronger when we
saw the head of q deer on the other
side Of the stream. but Brainard re-
minded us that the deer would do us
no good unless we could cross the
stream TO get him.
So on we tramped. 1t was as good
as an excursion. We continued to be
reminded Of old times at home. In one
place were the remains OF toy boat
such as each of us had whitfield from
sticks in other days. Then we came
upon path which cattle and pigs had
made in tramping to the river to drink.
A little farther along was little dock,
such as northern farmers with water
fronts generally have. All OF these dis
coveries had no suggestion Of war
about them. and we all agreed with
Brainard when he said:
II feel as IL 1 weren't down south at
all"
Suddenly my heart bounded with Joy,
and | shouted "Hurrah!" for through a
screen Of bushes l saw the side Of a
about four boards, but hadn't Just such
a boat often been as good as l wanted
at home? We surrounded 1t in an in.
slant and murmured chorus of de-
light. The oars were In 1t instead Of
being hidden little way Off, as they
would have been had the owner been q
northerner, and 1t seemed In as good
order as If recently used.
1.-THE captain ought to make you a
sergeant for this. Frost" said one Of
the boys
Flat bottomed skiffs make up in
weight what they lack In grace, so we
laid our carbines in a heap and began
to lift and drag. The boat was fully
30 feet from the waters edge, so we
had n great lot Of Juggling and shout
Ing Of "Noww "All together" Again"
etc, before we reached the water. At
last, however, we got 1t where single
shove would place it ahoat; then we
Strengthened our backs and took anoth.
err admirng look, while one Of the boys
became ecstatic enough to spring in,
seat himself, snatch the oars and go
through the motions of rowing.
Don't fergit to take yer guns with
ye," said a voice which none Of US
recognized. We looked around quick
ly. and there, kneeling right by our
carbines, were three Johnnies, each
with his own gun at the position of
aim. And two Of those three awful
guns were double barreled!
This was something that none Of us
had looked forward to. With one ac-
cord, however, we began to look for.
ward to Libby prison.
Don't We know it's sin to steal
2" asked one of the Johnnies, still
keeping his piece at the aim. l never
saw so unpleasant looking weapon
In my life-two great yawning. dismal
holes that ended in utter darkness and
behind them two hammers within ar
inch or two Of which glittered bright
red percussion caps. never agaii
wanted TO contemplate any kind Of a
gun from that point of view. And how
everlastingly-it seemed at least thou
sand hours-that fellow held his gun II
that one position!
I'VE were not stealing the skiff," SAID
Brainard after the silence had become
almost maddcning; I'VE were merel!
approprIating 1t, according to the Gus
toms Of war as recognized in all coun
tries"
Properatin', eh?' replied the man
relaxing his aim, though his comrade
neglected TO follow his praiseworth.
example, well, 'cOrdin' to the Gus
toms Of nations We'll 'properate you
Come up herc-one at time"
Nobody moved.
"D'you hyah me?" shouted the John
ny.
Yes, SIR" said l politely as STEP
ped forward.
Gimme yer belt" said he. obeyed
and he bound my arms behind my bac