The National tribune., 1903-01-08
It, then. so that the rebels cannot use it"

It, then, so that the rebels cannot use it."
The Chief rode away.
Word came back that the rebels had
retreated from their second line OF works
upon the approach Of the troops farther to
the right in line Of battle. and had fallen
back to the third line. across q deep creek.
THAT ends the work for today said
81. and turned his attention curiously to
the way the Lieutenant would go about
destroying the captured gun. 1t was
something that he had never seen done.
Destroy itT' communed the Lieutenant
with himself. but speaking aloud. "How
the devil am I going to do it? I need
siedge. but don't suppose there's one this
side OF Fayetteville"
Cant you spike it?' inquired 81.
"Spike itT' returned the Lieutenant con-
tcmptuously. Listen to that fool infan-
tryman. Knows about rs much about a
cannon as a Hottentot does of the Fourth
of July. How long do you suppose it'd take
for the rebels to bore out the best spike you
could put in? About as long as it'd
take You to get away with a days rations
when you're hungry. No. spikings
somehow. I'd give a $40 greenback for
a sledge for 10 minutes. Here, boys. I'll
tell you what we'll do. Dismount that
niece and stand it up against the carriage.
There. that's right. Now ram down col-
nle of cartridges. Stand her up a little
straighter. Now. ram down sand and peb-
bies and anything you can find. until she's
| plum-fuil''
| When this was done. the Lieutenant
fixed up slowmatch to communicate with
! the touch-hoie. and warned everybody to
| seek shelter. 81 took his boys and horses
back behind the ridge. and the others hunt
ed the biggest trees they could find. at
safe distance.
The match was lighted. and they all
waited in breathless suspense for the re-
| suit.
1t seemed to take an hour for the slow
match to burn out its length, and there
was much cautious peeping around trees
and over the tops of the embankments to
see ii it had not gone out. Then there
came deafening report. which shook the
earth. and rained sand and pebbles over
the surrounding country.
They all rushed forward to find the gun
unlnjured. but driven down nearly half its
length in the mud and sand. The Lieu
tenant examined it carefully. inside and
outside. without finding anything that he
could conscientiously call break.
He swore volubly and profusely, and
his men joined with him.
There's heap of things about cannon
that even artllerymen don't seem to
know vindictiveIy remarked ST.
We'll, we can't stay here forever. fool
ing with the consumed thing" said the
III
up at the front"
My opinion is that there won't be any,
thing more done today. but to go into
camp while the Generals study the new
nosition of the rebels. They say that
it's likely OF be a tough job. one of Joe
Johnston's old Atlanty sums for US to d."
said 81.
well. we must be where we can be
found when needed" answered the Lieu
tenant. "Here, Jim, spike that gun the
best You know how. and then ram con-
nile OF percussion shells into her. That'll
keen them from mOnkeying around much
With her until we get out of the country,
which is about all we care for. The rest
Of you gather up all that harness and
other stuff and pile it on the carriage and
timber. Bring all the rails and wood you
can find and pile it on top OF that. and
set it afire. / guess it'll take them few
months to get that gun into shape for ac-
tion again. By that time the war will be
over"
roar of cheers alcng the plank road
] announced the approach Of Gen. Sherman,
!, who presently rode up on his way to the
front. and halted for a moment to look at
the fire.
''Great days work, boys Great DAYS
work" he said in his sharp, impetuous
way. You started Hardee ont Of his hole
in great shape. and wen keep him on the
run. Get through that Job as soon as you
can. and ioin your regiments. We want
to give Hartlee another Ifff SO that he'll
not stoD this side of Raleigh
He shattered off through the mud and
rain. his course being indicated by the
cheers which rose as he passed the regi-
ments.
(To be continued)