The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1903-01-15


self in that strong position. and check the
farther advance of the army7
81 suppose we might as well go into
camp with the rest" said ST. 'SThere's
no rebels left this side the crick, and we
can't get across the crick, nor see any
thing if we did"
there's some beeches over there that'll
shed the coarsest part of the rain. re-
marked Shorty. pointing to group. Il
always get under beeches when | can.
They seem so much more homelike than
these dreary old cedars-more like the
North. Let's put the horses under those
over there, and make camp under them
others. Then we'll be all ready for an
early start in the morning"
"There's a big boiler sycamore there.
in which we can build a good fire." sug-
gested Sandy Baker. "We can have some
of the comforts of home. in spite of the
rain"
The gigantic sycamore which Sandy
had luckily discovered had rotted away,
after the fashion of those trees, on the
southeastern side. until it had left a cav
ty about the size and appearance Of one
of the great, old-fa shioned fireplaces.
Gathering up pine-knots and other dead
stuff, they speedily had bright blaze
burning under this shelter, to take some
of the numbing chill from their hands and
feet.
"Well, this is comfort, indeed" muir
INJURED Shorty contentedly, looking out at
the solid down-pour, and backing up into
the fire, after the manner of those days,
until the smell of burning wool warned
him that the tail of his overcoat was
a6re. "How I pity the fellers that hain't
a boiler tree to get into on such night
as this, which don't believe no other
squad in the army has. The Lords
mighty good to us, and I don't see how
in the world we could ever get along with
out Sandy"
"Come on, boys" said 81. Lets get
out and make our horses as comfortable
as possible for the night. Poor things.
they have had a hard day, and probably'll
have a harder one tomorrow. Tom. you
stay back, and keep the fire burning, and
start some water to boiling for coffee.
Well take care of your horse"
They tied the horses close to the trunks
of the beeches. took off the saddles and
brides, and carried them up to the syc-
amore, broke off some cedars and laid
beeches. to form a rude shelter, rubbed
their horses down, carefully wiped the
mud from their hoofs, and gave each a
ration of corn In nose-bag.
''There. I.guess that's all we can do.
and they're better stabbed for the night
than any other horses in the army are
this evening"" said 81, contentedly, as he
led the boys back to the sycamore.
They were just squatting down around
the welcome FIRE to begin the preparation
of their supper, when there was an ear
splitting scream. and great wildcat.
with blazing. green eyes, dropped down
from inside the tree, striking the tins
boiling about the fire, knocking them over.
scalding herself with the hot water. and
bowling over Alf and Monty, with several
deep scratches, as she fed out through the
woods. yelling with fright and pain.
''Great Jehosephat," exclaimed Shorty,
rum, 81 thought for a minute the whole
of Hardee's army was on top of us. That
was the rebel yell in its qnintessence.
Sandy, when you invite gentlemen to your
house you should notify other guests, Who
may not feel comfortable, to leave"
They gathered up their cups and refilled
them, and ranged themselves around in
semi-circle before the fire. The line was
too long, however, for the capacity of the
fireplace, and it was the old camp story
while their faces were burning, their backs
we're out in the chill storm. Only Tom
Brninerd was fully sheltered, by being
given q seat under the hanch of the
opening.
They were toasting their water-soaked
crackers before the fire, to get them back
to the crispness of bread. when they were
startled by hearing the agonized cry of
baby. 1t came from up in the tree, and
was so realistic that they all sprang up, |
ran back, and looked up in the branches |
for the child.
what in the world?" gasped 81, but
the next minute the mystery was explain |
ed by an animal with long tail marked
with rings, leaping down, into the edge
Of the fire, scattering the tins again, and |
with scent Of singed hair
rs a trail.
"Helo, there was coon up there too, |
and the fire. running up inside reached