The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1902-11-27


to camp. "Od JEFF. &. has been kicking
lively about the Army of the Tennessee
gaining all the honors, and so the -Four
teenth Corps is to lead the way into
Fayetteville. And the 2O0th Ind. is tC
have the place of honor on the left, which
will swing around into the city. Get
through your breakfasts as quick as you
can. boys, and move down that road. The
regiment will follow. and as soon as we
strike anything solid, We'll go into line
and connect with the Oshkosh fellows on
our right. The rest of the brigade will
follow up as a reserve"
DO You understand that old Beaure.
gard, or Thingumbob, or Hardee, or Soft
ID, or whatever the rebel gents name is
is going to wait for us, out there behind
Beaver River, Adjutant?' asked Shorty
draining his coffee cup, and slowing il
away in his haversack, which he threw
across his shoulder.
That's according to the latest returns,
but you never can TELL" answered the AID
Jutant. IF the rebels ever intend to fight
for anything though, this is about their
last chance. If they keep on retreating
they will soon have to crawl under Jeff.
Davis's bed"
Saddle up and lead out, boys" COM
manded 81, after rapid inspection of the
cartridge boxes. Each of you had bet.
ter put at least 90 rounds in your pockets.
We may need 'em all before night
: Mrs. Wimple, thrOned in the rocking
chair which Shorty had brought in and
eEgag ed in admiring eXpOstulation with OF
terbein Kramer in regard to the good
things he was pressing upon her, had
caught enough of the pOrtentOusness of the
Adjutants visit to sober and alarm her.
She stopped eating, pushed the dishes to
one side, and rising, watched intently for
minute, and listened.
Well SO long, boys" said the Adju-
tant, turning to go back to the regiment
Jump quick and hard on anything you
strike, and run them back as far as you
can. The regiment will be at your heels.
We must push things, and be in Fayette-
vile before night. Let's show the Army
OF the Tennessee how the Fourteenth Corps
does things. Take care of yourselves"
THANK you. We will, and you'll hear
from ron us before you're an hour older"
blithely answered 81. II
CONSERVATION showed in Mrs. Wimple's
face.
WHATS this? What's this?" she ex-
claimed, taking, a few nervous steps to-
ward them. HDo l understand that YOU
are going into hattle?"
-. "Never can tell, ma'am," responded
Shorty lightlys7 'Things are very uncertain
at this season Of the year.
Don't be a. Inite worried, ma'am," said
81, soothingly, as he filled up his pockets
with the copper; cartridges, and handed
some to Abe.t .sYou'll be perfectly safe.
NO harm shall come to you or your chill
dren. Otterbein Kramer will look after
you. You'll be far in the rear, and away
from even the sound of fighting"
Il wasn't thinking About myself, or even
my children, but iyou gentlemen" she an
swered, with her face growing paIer ey-
cry instant. ''Isf it possible that you are
going where you may be all killed or
Nov. please don't be worried. ma am"
Wen look out for ourselves"
ITS our little biz" added Shorty 'It's
nothing to be disturbed about"
but you are going into battle-to blood
she'd" she repeated in agonized tones
THAT depends wholly on Mr.. Beaure-
gard, or Thingumbob." Shorty endeavored
% console her. This mayn't be his day
'or bloodshed. He may have other knit
ing to attend to-"
How can you speak so lightly at such
IN awf1! timeT she exclaimed. '.Yon may
De standing on the brink of eternity"
Rather think it's the other fellers' time
% look out" drily remarked Shorty. '"The
outtenuts We got to turn an eye on eter-
lity when we start after 'em. Specially
since we've got these breech-loaders."
20, my! o, my" she walled. 1--WE had
o stand by so many open graves in these
Tears. / had hoped that the long night
# sorrow was at last ended, and the day
vas dawning. And was only beginning
o know you, and was so drawn toward
hnn Of,
ast. Now you're going into one of those |
lreadful battles, where thousands will be |
lain. may never see one of you again" !
My dear madam, don't take on So" en-
reated 81. There's absolutely no occa-
ion for it. We're only going to do our
'lain duty as soldiers, and none of us is |
'oing to get killed, or even hurt if it can
,e helped"
We've had mighty good luck so far in
,ntting the drop on the other fellers,"
added Shorty, "and we're going to try
20, goodness, how men, in the proud
ecklessness of youth, will wantonly trife
With things Of deepest fatefulness," Mrs.
Vimple exclaimed with intense feeling.
Say, Sergeant, can't me and Sandy
ave 10 cartridges apiece more?" inter
upted Pete, coming up and breaking in.
You know we done more shooting the last
line than anybody else.
Eyes; take EN-" answered 81, rather
you'll need 'em. Nothing
an keep you cubs from banging away at
just to hear the noise"
Il think that's plaguey mean in you,
ergeant, to call Us cubs" pouted Sandy,
making a grab for the coveted cartridges, +;
l think we've got to be just as good sol
iers as anybody"
$50 you have. boys; so you have" said
i earnestly. Il was thoughtless l don't (
ee how we could get along without you,
hOugh you're a little scattery at times
let on your horses, now. We must move {
ut" I
Heavens, you are not going to take
hose dear little boys into battle?' ex- /
laimed Mrs. Wimple, new and more
oignant alarm thrilling her. "Why, they L
re mere children, who ought to be at home
18th their mothers, and in school," 8
Pete's and Sandy's faces expressed deep S
prov that theft divinity should so de- |
reciate their manhood. /
"Why, l doht know as they need go d
long," answered 81, wishing to do some +
ling to crafty her, and diminish her agi- {
ltion. Pete and Sandy. you might stay
18th the wagons today, and guard them" i
A cannon shot era shed in sharp anger, r
lr off to the liglit. and Mrs. Wimple, ut b
ring an exclamation of terror, shuddered u
nd shrank visibly. v
eve don't WANT stay back. We want Il
go along" protested both the boys, max d
g for their horses. y
20. you poot little boys" pleaded Mrs.
'imple. with fears running from her t
res. Don't go into that horrid battle. p
ONE. stay with me-" Il
The boys were touched by her evident
STRESS and her eagerneSs to have themI "