Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-01-13
CHAPTER V.

CHAf Ell V. i followed the camp and took my place in the ranks at Ogdensburg. We went immediately to the barracks-a structure long and low and weather stained, overlooking the St. Lawrence. There was fine level field in front of it, and flag waving at the top of a high staff. The men cheered Justify that afternoon as they passed it. where stood Gen. Jacob Brown. his cooked hat in his hand-a splendid figure of a man. My delight in the life of a sol- dier began that hour. and has never left me.
 There was lot of horse-play that night in which some of the green boys were roughly handled. They told me, remember, that all new recruits had to fight duel; but when they gave me the choice of weapons I was we'll con- tent. had the sure eye of my father, Ind the last time I had fenced with him, there at home, he said my arm was stronger and quicker than his had ever been. Indeed. I was no sooner tall enough to swing a sword than he began teaching me how to use it. In the wood back of the barracks that night, they learned I was not a man to be fooled with The tall sergeant who stood before me saw his sword go flying in the gloom the second thrust he made at me, and ran for his life, amid roars of laughter. had no lack of friends after that day.
 It was 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 s 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 to comply with orders would incur the penalty of death. D'ri looked very sober as he listened. No man ever felt 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.
 Dri went to his post a little after sundown. The guard was posted. The sergeant. with his party of six, started back to the guard-house. but they never got there. They went as far as D'ri. He stood with his gun raised.
 Come another step" said he. am I'll let the moonlight through ye'
 They knew he meant il. and they stood still
 Come for r'ard-one ct a time" said D'ri Drop yer guns m set down. Ye look tired
 They did as he commanded. for they could see he meant business. and they knew he had the right to kill.
 Another man came along shortly.
 Halt! Who comes there?" D'ri de- manded.
 Friend with the countersign.".' he replied.
 Cant fool me" said Dri. Come LID here m set down m mek yerself t hum. Drop yer gun fust. Drop it. CT I Il drop you
 lie dropped his gun promptly and accepted the invitation to sit down. This last man had some arguments to offer. but D'ri stood sternly and made no reply.
 At II o'clock Capt. Hawkins sent out inquiries for the sergeant of the guard and his relief. He could find nobody who had seen them since dark. A cor. poral was also missing. The captain sent man to look for them. He got as far as D'ri and sat down. The; waited for him iI vain The captain stood looking into the darkness and wondering about his men He con- ferred with Adjutant Church. Then he set out with two men to go the rounds. They got as far as D'ri-
 Halt, Who comes there?- he de 
 Grand rounds was the answer of l the captain
 Lay down yer arms said D-ri. -aa' cewe up here m set down
 Have n't time" said the capt,in. falling at first to grasp the situation.
 fou tek time. CT II put hole =n I Fer jacket" said Drri.