The National tribune., 1902-09-11

THEY MANAGED TO GATHER UP ENOUGH
GIVE THE BRIGADE
in issue. and Sherman is conducting an
animated discussion with Wade Hampton,
| with Sherman, as usual, holding the long
suit. The man who enters into an argu-
ment with the old man is sure to be
beaten. as Wade Hampton has found out.
But all this is somewhat superfuous. The
gist of the whole matter is that Beaure-
gard, Hampton and Wheeler seem to be
raising the black flag on us, because we
are doing something which we have full
right to do according to the laws Of war.
You should know this, and govern your
selves accordingly. Don't take any
chances of being captured. We can bet.
ter go hungry for day or two than run
the risk Of losing you"
Don't worry about us, Colonel" said
Shorty jauntly. I'VE amt the kind of
stock you can lose handily. Wen be sure
to turn up about milking time"
Il certainly hope you WILL" said the
Colonel. returning their parting salute. Il
shall look rather anxiously for you"
AS soon as they got a few miles away
from camp. 81 and Shorty began looking
for by-rOads on which there were no
tracks. They found one that looked ia
vOrable, and determined to go along it un-
til toward noon, which would give them
time to get back TO camp by night, if
they should find anything.
An hour or two later they were re-
warded by coming into little valley. ap-
parently untouched by fOrasers. which
contained several tolerably fair little
farms.
81 and the others rode forward to the
crossroads on the opposite side of the val
ley, and went on guard, while the wagons
went from one of the farms to the other,
and loaded up with corn, sweet potatoes.
stock peas, and bundles of tops and blades.
Four or five cattle were gathered up, af-
ter leaving one cow for each house. Only
women and old men appeared at the
houses. and they did not know or would
not tell of any soldiers being in the vicini-
ty.
The boys cooked a little dinner while
the wagons we're being loaded, and after
they had seen them and the cattle fairly
started back to camp 81 decided to ride
forward to the top of the next hill, and
see how the country looked beyond. AS
usual, he led his squad cautiously up the
HILL keeping as much out of sight us pos
sible. AS they reached the crest, they
heard firing at some distance off to the
left, and riding off through the woods to
an opening they saw in the plain below
squad Of Kilpatrick's cavalry engaged
with a party of rebels. The fight was not
particularly spirited, for the Union SOL
diers seemed only interested in impressing
upon their enemies that they must not be
too brash, but let them go back at their
own gait, while the rebels did not show
any strong disposition to push the attack.
"Say, Sergeant, there's flanking party
coming up that road" called Pete, who
had wandered off to the right a little.
They're right behind those trees. There's
eight Of them"
"Tie your horses. boys, and go forward
to that thicket," commanded 81, taking in
the situation at a glance. Lay low"
The rebels came on Mt a sharp trot,
with their carbines advanced" ready for
instant use the moment they should gain
the crest, and come around in the rear Of
the cayalrymen.
"Close up, men," commanded the young
Lieutenant in command Of the rebels, as
they reached the top Of the hill, imme-
diately in front of Sis ambush. "Wait n
minute, to let the horses blow, and then
we'll raise the yell, and cut down through
that opening to the road. Every fellow
make sure Of getting at least one Yank.
| want two"
Don't be so greedy, young man." said
Shorty, stepping out from his conceal.
ment, with his carbine leveled. IF you'd
said only one Yank might let you go. but
We can't affo-d to have our army reduced
that rapidly. Drop that gun, if you know
what's good for you"
81 and the rest had stepped out coolly
and quietly, and each of the rebels found
himself covered by one or more Spencer
carbines, held with firm hand and sure
aim.
The young Lieutenant showed himself
a thorough soldier by taking all this in at
a glance.
raising M k1i; his hands. 1--WE hsin't Soldin' dim, no
arguments with Spencer carbines q rod
off, reckon you've got us"
asked 81, as hs reached for the odlcer's
carbine.