The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1903-08-13

to do what we can. We've had some ex-
pcricnce with swamps, as | told you be-
fore. and can find him if any men can.
Never do in the world" answered the
Captain. THE Surgeons would never al
low you to go into these swamps in your
present condition Bad enough for 4 well
man. 1t would be certain death for you.
We'll chance it all the same" said 81.
We don't feel at all like being idle here
when everybody else is so busy"
Il have a sneaking notion that we could
go right over there and find that fellow
and put the darllies on him" said Shorty.
Give us show, Captain
You'll not so step, either OF you,
Maria put in her veto. in way which
even n two-thirds vote could not override.
She had been suspecting something, and
had come where she could hear. You're
not going a step either of you. After all
the trouble we have had in bringing you
back to life from the swamp fever, you're
not going where you can catch it again.
You'll both stay right here
Yes. indeed you WILL echoed Anna
bel, plucking up courage, and catching
hold of 81.
What was the terms of that last en-
listment we entered into, Si?" asked
Shorty with a comical look at his wife and
his partner Did we swear to obey all
orders given us by our wives as superior
officers, as well as support the Constitu-
ton Of the United States:"
Seems that we just changed BOSSES"
answered 81, with a pretended look of de-
spair. Instead of having Col. McGilli
cuddy for three years. We have others
for life"
There are more than plenty around here
to do all that can be done, and all the
best kind of men," dissuaded Capt. Luns-
ford. Everybody is crazy to help, but
am expecting every hour some of the Sth
Ill. Cav. to bring Booth i'll. 1t will be
more than likely his body will be full of
bullet holes, for those Sth Ill. fellows are
/! all good shots, and they are mighty quick
on the trigger. Booth will not have any
time for a long stage speech after they
get sight of him. In addition to the men
who are anxious to help there are Il whole
lot of another kind been brought in by
this offer of a big reward, and | expect
some trouble from them"
That evening DIR. BrOokes came over to
see how they were getting along, and he
had, apparently, much on his mind in ad-
dition to his professional interest in their
condition.
Il have some good news to tell yOu," he
said, after he had gone through his medi-
cal routine with them. You know that
they are very anxious to reduce the ex-
penses of the Government, and an order
has been issued to stop recruiting and dis
charge all recruits now in camp, all pa
rolled soldiers, and all sick in the hospital
who are able to go home"
"A good idea," said 81, without any
comprehension that he was included in
either of these classes. mo use Of keep
ing a lot Of men around camp without
much chance of their doing anything"
But it means you too. Don't you I'M
derstand?" said the Doctor. You are
among the sick In hospital, and your dis
charge has been ordered and your descrip-
tive rolls have been sent for to your regi-
ment. You will be discharged as soon as
they arrive" and the Doctor looked for q
burst of glad welcome to his news.
THE boys are to be discharged quick
ly inquired Maria, grasping the import of
the news at once. ITO be discharged
right away, and be allowed to go home
with us?'
''As soon as their descriptive lists can
be got from the regiment" said the Doc
,, tor grayely. '"They have been written for
to-day, and will be here in two or three
days. They certainly should be here by
the end of the week. AS soon as we get
them the discharges will be made out"
In her excess Of joy Maria ran over to
Shorty and astonshed him with a sound
ing kiss, and then catching Annabel about
the waist, began dancing with her up and
down the room, while they both dubbed
over with EXPLANATIONS of happiness.
''ro be discharged at once?" inquired
81, rather amazed by the news. Before
the regiment? Are we to be discharged
before the regiment is mustered out?"
He was tuctuating between the ecstacy
of going home with his young wife. and be
done forever with war and wars alarms,
and the disturbed thought of abandoning
his comrades before the great work was
over.
Discharged at once?' echoed Shorty. |
with the same turmoil in his mind. rs
it going to be square to leave before the
rest of the boys do?'
Annabel caught Sis words, and paused
in amazement before her husband. why !