Aberdeen herald. [volume] (Aberdeen, Chehalis County, W.T.) 1886-1917, 1903-11-26

000 HEN a request Is made In
WM the nature Of Il demand, one
must comply. How many,
slr?" said Matthew Dixon as he sur
veyed the group of mounted officers
on his lawn.
"Twelve in ALL sir" replied Captain
Brown.
The kitchen was soon scene of ac-
tivity, and from it's open windows
came the odor of frying bacon and
eggs Old Hannah, the cook, was
somewhat annoyed at the extra work,
still she would steal an occasional
glance at the officers, and when Scudd.
the stable boy, came into the kitchen
she would break out with
Git out oh my way, dar. you brat!
How 'spect Is gwine ter boder wild
you N cook grub fer dem Norfers?'
The food was soon prepared, and
the hungry men ate with relish.
Meantime Scudd had crossed the ada
cent creek in quest of a stray mule.
He returned much excited. Meeting
Mr.. Dixon near the stables the lad eX-
claimed:
Lord, Masr Dixon, dar's heap OBJ
dem sogers ober dar."
What? Where?'.
''De ridge beyon' de creek is black
wild dem,' answered Scudd.
The Union officers. having finished
their meal, were preparing to depart
as Mr.. Dixon returned to the house.
II understand" he said, that a
large force is camping on yonder
ridge"
Our men will camp there for a
WHILE" said one of the officers.
'"Then. sir. hope the rights Of an
unprotected citizen will be respected.
and that my stock and crops will not
be mOlested. l have suffered quite
enough from this unjust INVASION"
'Your property will be protected so
far as the fortunes of war will allow,
SIR" said the officer. Then he and his
comrades rode away
Matthew Dixon had indeed suffered
from foraging parties during the war.
No less than five pairs of his best
mules had been taken during the last
two years. He had also lost several
of his best field hands. One loss after
another he had borne with sullen in
difference until he had become callous
and morOse, yet he was always affec-
Tomato and tender to his wife and in
FAINT daughter. His sister Emily's
plantation in an adjoining county had
been ravaged, and she had since re-
sided with him. She had brought with
her twelve hundred and thirty-eigh
dollars in gold.
The Union officers had been gone
from Dixon's house about three hours
when the sound of musketry was
heard in the distance.
"Heavens Matthew. what Is that?"
exclaimed Mrs Dixon.
Our men are coming this way.
They have found these impudent fell
lows and will drive them back"
Nearer and nearer sounded the fir
ing. volley after volley in rapid sue
cessiOn. Soon the heavy guns on the
ridge began fierce cannonade, and
all the din and turmoil of great
battle reigned.
mercy, Matthew, it Is terrible
fght!' said Emily Dixon.
There came a shril, narrowing
shrek. followed by a terrific explosion
and the air about the house was filled
with dust, splnters Of wood and frag.
ments of stone.
hot to Ind
ed Mrs. Dixon.
A stray shell had demolished the
stable. Presently musket ball went
through window, other stray shots
followed.
I'VE must get away from here" said
Dixon. Emily, where Is youl
money!"
1T is in the iron chest in my room
My watch Is in the chest also"
Get your money and watch and
we will go at once. 1t is not safe tc
remain longer"
Another shell exploded in the field
beyond the house.
"Oh. Matthew, do not wait to gel
the money. 1t will be safe until we
return. Let us get away at once." ex
claimed Emily.
Matthew Dixon took the child from
his wife's arms, threw open the door
and shouted:
Run. run for your livesv'
Across the fields, through a narrow
piece Of woods and up the hill beyond
they sped A shell exploded In mit