The National tribune., 1902-08-07

believe it is only decent we should ex-
press some thanksgiving. Kramer. you
are the only religious man among us, and
the only one whose hands are not stained
| with bloOdshed. or attempted bloodshed.
Can't you give thanks"
Most willingly" responded Kramer,
dropping his ladle back into the kettle,
taking his place before the fire, and rails
ing his hands in an attitude of prayerful
supplication.
Attention." commanded 81. dropping
his plate and cup, and standing erect.
They all sprang to their feet and the posi-
| tion of a soldier.
parade rest" Each clasped his hands
in front. brought the heel of his right foot
to the hollow of his left, and reverently
bowed his head, while Kramer poured
forth his gratitude to God for their pre-
servation through so many terrible dan
gers; for their present health. in spite of
all hardships: for the opportunity they had
to serve their country in n great work,
ard for the good things now before them.
all Of which, with their health, strength
! and courage for the right, were His grac-
ious gifts. When he concluded with a
fervent appeal for like continuance Of
the Divine favor and protection, that they
| might serve their country to the end, and
help win the victory which was to give
her lasting peace, and secure the blessings
Of liberty for all beneath her Flag, every
one responded with a heartfelt "Amen."
81 really feel more like white man
now," commented Shorty, after 81 had
commanded, Break ranks" and they re-
sumed their cups and plates.
That prayer really done me good"
remarked Wash Lambert. I'D give my
land warrant to be with the crowd that
came up with the fellows that killed those
bummers, and strings 'em up. l want to
learn these hounds lesson"
The coffee, the baked chicken and sweet
potatoes, the fragrant corn pOne, and the
broiled ham seemed all the very best that
Otterbein Kramer had ever cooked for
them and their enjoyment of the viands
was too absorbing to admit of conversa
ton. They just ate as only hungry boys
can eat, and relished everything as if it
was the first time they had ever tasted
such incompatible daintes.
Just before sitting down, Harry and
Monty had reported seeing a squad of men
ty taking eshort cut to the main road.
ut u distance, whom they took for bum
mers on their way back to camp, or a par
ty taking a short cut through the woods.
Harry and Monty looked up from time
to see that the men were coming nearer,
but apparently not to them. They seemed
to be aiming for the road little ways
beyond.
The strangers seemed absolutely un-
interested in them, and so intent upon
their own affairs that the boys, after
watching them, q little while, laid their
carbines down beside them and became en-
crossed in the supper.
Hello, boys; haven't you got enough
to divide with us?' came in n strange
harsh voice, to interrupt their feast when
about halfway through.
They all looked up and were startled to
see that some Is or 20 men in blue clothes
had quietly entered the inclosure, and were
standing around them. The newcomers
were attired in uniforms which had clear
ly seen hard service. They carried Spring
field muskets and the regular canteens
and haversacks. The man who had spok-
en- was a tall, strongly-built young man
cross-eyed. The others were Of various
sizes and ages, but all looked vigorous
and capable; but as ST glanced them over
he thought that he had never seen more |
unprepossessing lot of soldiers.
.They look like thoroughbred toughs, |
every one of them," internally comment |
ed Shorty, as he scrutinized them. Don't
before, even in a mule saddle. Where |
do you belong?" he asked aloud. The Que |
nearest him did not answer, but the lead |
er replied: I'VE belong to the Twentieth |
Corps, and got separated from our regi
ment in crossing the Saluda. We was
sent pue ~ h"uh IL party ol reDelS tnat
was holding crossing, and the regiment
went on, and we missed our way, and
have been hunting for it ever since"
This was a reasonable explanation, and
calculated to convince. The man spoke
like an Fastener, which supported his
claim to belong to the Twentieth Corps,
but he hardly had the precise soldierly
look that characterized that well-drilled
and disciplined organization, and his COM
paniOns had much less than he. They
slouched down most astonishingly for
Army Of the Potomac soldiers, and
Shorty did not fail to uotice this. J.