Twice-a-week plain dealer. (Cresco, Howard County, Iowa) 1895-1913, 1904-12-16

and the last time had fenced with
him, there at home, he said my arm
was stronger and quicker than his had
ever been. Indeed, was no sooner
tall enough to swing sword than he
began teaching me how to use 1t. In
the wood back of the barracks that
night, they learned l was not a man
to be fooled with. The tall sergeant
who stood before me saw his sword
go flying in the gloom the Sc .ond
thrust he made at me, and ran for ais
life, amid roars Of laughter. l had no
lack Of friends after that day.
1t was a year of surprises in the
northern army, and D'ri was the
greatest Of all. That long, wiry, sober
faced Yankee conquered the smartness
of the new camp in one decisive and
immortal victory. At first they were
disposed to poke fun at him.
Looks little tired" said the SER
geant of the guard.
"Needs rest-that's what q matter
o. him." said the captain.
"Orter be turned out t. grass leetle
WHILE" the adjutant suggested.
The compliments he failed to hear
soon came to him indirectly, and he
had much to put up with. He kept his
temper and smoked thoughtfully, and
took it all in good part. The night
after he came they put him on guard
duty-a greenhorn, with no knowledge
of any orders but gee and haw. They
told him he should allow nobody to
pass him while on duty, but omitted
to mention the countersign. They in
structed him in the serious nature OF
his task. adding that his failure tc
comply with orders would incur the
penalty of death. D'ri looked very
sober as he listened. No man ever fell
a keener sense of responsibility. They
intended, think. to cross the lines and
take his gun away and have fun with
him, but the countersign would have
interfered with their plans.
D'ri went to his post little after
shutdown. The guard was posted Ths
sergeant, with his party Of six, started
back to the guard-house, but they
never got there. They went as far a,
D'ri. He stood with his gun raised.
Come another STEP" said he, ian
I'll let the moonlight through ye."
They knew he meant 1t, and they
stood still.
Come for'ard-one ct time," sait
D'ri Drop yer guns m set down. Y,
look tired"
They did as he commanded, for the.
could see he meant business, and the,
knew he had the right to kill.
Another man came along shortly.
Halt! Who comes there?" D'ri de
manded.
Friend with the countersign," h
replied.
Cant fool me-" said D'ri. "Come u
here n set down n mex yerself ,
hum. Drop yer gun fust Drop it, e
IL drop you."
He dropped his gun promptly an
accepted the invitation to sit dowr
This last man had some arguments t
offer, but D'ri stood sternly and mad
no reply.
| At II o'clock Capt. Hawkins sent GU
inquiries for the sergeant of the guar
and his relief. He could find nobod
who had seen them since dark. A col
pcral was also missing. The capital
sent man to look for them. He &c
as FAR as D'ri and sat down. The
waited for him in vain. The capital
stood looking into the darkness an
wondering about his men. He col
| ferred with Adjutant Church. Then b
set out with two men TO 60 the round
They got as far as D'ri.
Halt! Who comes there?" he d,
manded.
Grand rounds" was the answer
the captain.
Lay down yer arms" said D'ri, 20
come up here m set down.
Have MT time," said the capital
failing at first to grasp the situatio
"You TEX time, er I II put q hole
yer Jacket" said D'ri.
One Of the privates turned quick
and ran. D'ri sent a shot after hill
that only grazsd leg, and he kept o
. TxsA Ut1 as1s III AG1Etsa - /