Waterbury evening Democrat., 1905-01-19

tening my figure with straw to 1t them. That done. I quickly donned the coat. Each sleeve-end fell to my 6nger-tips, and it's girth would have rircled flour barrel and buttoned with room to spare But with my stuffing of straw it came around me as snug at the belt as the coat of bear. took alarm as closed the buttons. For half minute had heard drum-tap con- ing nearer. It was the measured tap! tap! tap-tap-tap! so familiar to me. Now could hear the tread of feet con- Ing with it back of the hill. How soon they would heave in sight was unable to reckon, but dared not run for cover. So thrust my scabbard deep in the soft earth. pulled down the big beaver hat over my face, muffled my neck with straw, stuck the stake in front of me to steady myself, and stood stiff as any scarecrow in Canada. Be- fore l was done column, scarlet coated. came out in the level beyond the hillside. Through hole in the, beaver l could see them clearly. They eame on, rank after rank. They de- Dloyed, forming an open square, scar Iet-sided, on the green turf. the gap to- ward me. Then came three, walking Stiffiy in black coats, squad leading hem. The thing had taken for white viso. was a blindfold Their heads were bare. I could see now. they were in shackles, their arms behind ihem. They were coming to their death some of my unlucky comrades. God pity them! A spy might as we'll make his peace with heaven, if he were taught those days, and be done with hope Suspicion was enough to convict pn either side of the water that year As my feet sank deeper in the soft aarth felt as if were going down to my grave. The soldiers led them into he gap, standing them close together backs to me. The squad drew off The prisoners stood erect, their faces turn Ing up little, as if they were looking Into the clear, blue sky. could see Lhem waver as they stood waiting. The sharp-shooters advanced, halting as ihey raised their rifles. To my horror, 1 saw the prisoners were directly be- .Ween me and them. Great God! was 1 also of that little company about to lie? But I dared not move a step. T. stood still, watching, trembling. AnI officer in shining helmet was speak Ing to the riiemen. His helmet seemed 10 jump and quiver as he moved away. Those doomed figures began to reel and sway as they waited. The shiny bar rels lifted a little, their muzzles point tng at them and at me The corn seemed to duck and tremble as it waited the volley. A great black ball shot across the sky in long curve, and began to fall. Then came the word, Hash of fire, cloud of smoke roar of rifles that made me jump in my
 racks. I heard bullets cuffing the corn, felt the dirt fly up and scatter over me. but was unhurt, rigid, motionless man of straw. I saw my countrymen reel, their legs go limp as rags, their bodies fall silently forward. The sol Hers stood a moment. then a squad went after the dead with filters. Form Ing in fours, they marched away as hey had come. their steps measured by that regular rap! rap! rap-rap-rap! lf: the drum. The last rank went. out of sight l moved little and pulled the stake, and quickly stuck it again. for there were voices near. I stood waiting as stiff as poker. Some men were running along the beach; two others were coming through the corn. They passed within few feet of me on each side heard them talking with much animation. They spoke of the wreck. When they were all by me faced about. watching them. They went away in the timber, down to a rocky point. where knew the wreck was visible.
 They were no sooner out of sight than l pulled the stake and saber, and showed the latter under my big coat Then I lifted the beaver and looked about me. There was not soul in sight. From that level plain the field ran far to thick wood mounting over he hill. l moved cautiously that way, for I was in the path of people who would be coming to see the wreck. I got near the edge of the distant wood. and hearing a noise. halted, and stuck my stake. and drew my hands back in the sleeves. and stood like a scarecrow. peering through my hat. Near me. in the woods. could hear the cracking of sticks and a low voice. Shortly two lrishmen stuck their heads out of a bush. My heart gave leap in me, for I saw they were members of my troop.
 Hello, there." I called in a loud voice.
 It startled them. They turned their heads to see where the voice came from. and stood motiOnless. pulled my stake and made for them on the
 run. l should have known better.
 for the sight of me would have tried
 the legs of the best trooper that ever
 sat in a saddle. As they told me after
 ward. it was enough to make a lion
 yelp.
 'Hoiy Mother" said one. as they hroke through the bush. running for their lives. knew not their names.
 but I called them as loudly as dared. They went on. never stacking pace It
 was a bad go. for I was burning for
 news of D'ri and the rest of them
 Now I could hear some heavy animal