The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-06-25

ing the road was pretty risky. told her
that I would soon give the word TO take
TO the woods. Coming TO a point where
there was a turn, leaving straight piece
Of road back vi us. told the rest 10 go
on while I waited and watched stood
casting glances back till my army reached
another turn In advance, then. pressing
forward. caught up with them. In this
way I kept them In tho road sand main
tafned a rear watch at the same time for
nearly half an hour. Then the strength OF
the party, which had thus far been sup
piled by excitement. suddenly began TO
droop. and u feeling that had used all
the energy there was In them, led the
way of the road into the heart OF the
forest. We had scarcely got into the
woods when we heard Gathering OF
hoofs on the road. Whether they were
made by the guerrillas horses or not /
did not know. but felt sure they were.
We waited Till they were out Of hearing.
then every one sank down on the ground,
Now, Ginger" I said. 1T Is a good
time TO give thanks
Getting on his knees. Ginger poured out
the thanks OF the party in words that
came az smoothly and plentifully as the
waters OF a running stream. /, being Of
that persuasion which has for its motto.
Trust In God. but keep your powder
dry" and, seeing that Ginger was dis
posed to prolong his thanksgiving indefi-
nitely. got up and started 10 find con-
venient place TO hide. / soon struck q lit
tie pocket formed by the coming togeth-
err OF several deciivties and surrounded
by thickets. A little runnel passed
through II, and. stopping down. Quench-
ed q thirst that was burning me. Return
ing TO the party. led them TO the retreat
had found for them. then left them to
go In search OF provisions.
IT was now quite dark. walked half Q
mile. when I saw the lights or Tracy City.
Going to the town and selecting a house
standing apart from the rest, j marched
boldly up to II and knocked at the door.
II was opened by a girl, the only occu-
pant or the place. wild eyed creature In
dingy calico. unshod. her square cut locks
tucked behind her ears. She appeared TO
be In chronic state OF freight and evi-
IDENTIFY thought me one OF those men who
were going about taking advantage Of
the absence OF restraint induced by war
to help themselves to whatever they
wanted. I asked her for some food and
a few cooking utensils. and when 1 paid
her for them she was struck dumb with
amazement. / returned to camp with pro-
visions, matches, a skillet and q coffee
pot.
Ginger and Buck had gathered little
wood for the fire. At the inner extremity
OF the pocket we occupied was a low
ieuBe OF oVernanRlnG rock IL projected
but a few feet and was about the height
OF little Buck from the ground. hesita-
ted for some time whether II would not
be dangerous to light a fire and thus
guide our enemies TO where We were, but
at last concluded to place the wood under
the ledge and cover the front with
boughs. Driving three stakes into the
ground. loaded the wood under them
and lighted II. Then. filling my coffeepot
with water from the stream and putting
In my coffee. a very pleasant odor soon
greeted our nost'.s.
But all were too famished TO wait for
a cooked supper. Seizing upon some corn
pone had brought. the others devoursd
II eagerly, i restraining my appetite long
enough to put some bacon into the skill
let. One article OF food after another was
devoured as II was got ready, and our
coffee without milk came In at the end
like the last course at a dinner.
AS soon as we had finished our supper
we put out the fire. laid boughs where II
had been and covered them with dry
leaves, making a bed for the two girls
and Buck. Ginger was to bivouac wher-