The bee., 1902-06-12

were broken up early, and the party
were on the road, all anxious to
make a good days drive toward
home. Paul seemed anxious, aud
watched the roads closely. He knew
squads of soldiers were often sent
out several miles from camps, and
he did not want to be overtaken by
anyone who knew him.
They had only driven a few miles
when some enc in the party called
out, "YOunder comes u company of
cavalry" Not knowing what they
might do, for wagons were often
stopped and searched by passing
soldiers. The drivers halted their
teams on one side OF the road in
order to give them plenty of room
| to pass.
Paul was out Of his hiding place
in a moment, running around on the
side farthest from the soldiers, he
busted himself with the harness on
one of the horses; STOPPING and
reaching around so as to keep him
self out of sight.
Luckily the soldiers passed on
with out molesting anything, and
not noticing Paul at all, or if they
did, thinking he was one of the driv-
ers. All breathed freely again and
expressed their thanks that they
got off so easily. Paul climbed into
his place again and kept Ii all day.
Even uncle Caleb began to get sus-
piclous. The boy usually so full of
fun and frOlic was too quiet, and
watchful. He evidently was not
enjoying his freedom. AS they got
nearer home he began to be very
cheerful. He talked, whistled, sung
and when within three or four miles
of home he felt safe to tell to all
what was really no news at all;
that he had stolen away without
permit ty come through the lines.
He knew he was running the risk of
getting his friends into great trouble,
but he felt that he just could not let
them leave him there. They all
must forgive him this time, and he
would never do so ogain. He would
take Isis Kate's" advice next time
and not be caught by "blue coats"
Whites and blacks rejoiced when
1t was learned that Paul was at
home again, for his courteous, and
respectful demeanor, had won him
many friends.
He had many interesting and am
using things to tell of his camp life
with the Union Soldiers, He sung
Union songs, snd told of the funny
sayings Of the Dutch soldiers, whom
he was thrown In company with
during his absence.
He never had hard word for any
soldier, with whom he had been for
the past few months. All had been
kind to him, and to some he was
very much attached, especially the
Colonel, who had treated him as q
young brother, and whose love for
him was plainly shown q few months
afterward. .t
1t was a lovely moonlight night
In February. Paul had been home
about nine months. His desire TO
be q soldier had left him entirely,
and he was satisfied to engage in
business less dangerous and excit-
ing.
He made his home with his friend
Mr.. Adkins, but was often away
with his bachelor friend for weeks
at time on business for the Con-
federate army.
They were both at home on this
particular night. Mr.. A at his
bachelor quarters about a quarter of
a mile down the country road. Sis
Kate's family, after standing in the
front yard short while after their
evening meal, to admire the beauty
of the night, had entered the living
room and seated themselves around
the fire, with Paul in their midst.
Two of Mrs. Adkins sisters were
visiting her, Ida, e young girl of
sixteen, and married sister whom
we shall call Fanny.
They were all engaged in lively
and the little ones
were begging for a promised story
from Aunt Fanny, before their bed
time, when they were startled by
the sound of horses feet coming rap
idly up the road, and before they
had time to speak of it, they heard
the voice of Cousin Will in loud
tones calling out:
"Hello, hello, Hello! What is the
matter with you folks in there? Are
you all asleep? Every one rushed
to the door with trembling limbs
and blanched faces. They knew
exciting and dreadful
was the matter for "Cousin viii"
did not raise an alarm for nothing.