Wausau pilot. [volume] (Wausau, Wis.) 1896-1940, 1906-03-27
CHAPTER VII

CHAPTER XII.
The brigade had moved steadily for
ward. Henderson was still entranced
with the silvery tones of Kate Martin,
and Joe Sawyer looked at him with a
jealous eye
Where is Mr.. Forstall?" asked Gen.
Marion, addressing Capt. Logan.
He asked permission to call at Brit
tons Neck, and l couldn't very we'll re-
fuse his request, he's such gallant young
fellow" replied the captain.
Il am sorry, for l just learned from
lad that Col. Cunningham is in that
vicinity again with quite a body Of
Tories. Forstall will be likely to fall
in with him, l am afraid" said the gen.
eral.
Perhaps we had better send a few of
our men after him." suggested Logan.
will send Capt. Hawes and his tar
nal critters" said Marion, good-humor-
edly, and Immediately rode up to the per-
sonage referred to. He explained the case
to him in few words, and ordered him
to ride after Forstall as fast as possible
with his company.
Il expect the chap is galivantin' arter
some female specimint,' said Capt. Nick.
But l can't blame the youngster much.
for | kinder calkerlate l shall do some
thin in that perticerlar line as soon as
] can get time, after fnishin' the Rever-
luton"
Quite right, sir; the sex should be
attended to and are certainly worthy of
respect" replied Marion. Now, captain,
away with you and rejoin us soon as you
possibly can"
I'm off like streak of chalk, general"
With these words the captain fell back
to his place in front of his company.
"Attention, you 'tarnal critters Rare
up in your saddles-stick out your eyes
tc the right, and look unspeakable To
the right-about-face. march,"
And the "'tarnal critters retraced
their steps to the spot where the road di-
verged which Forstall had taken. They
galloped off in fine style, and the tall fig
ure of Capt. Nick lowered up like one
of the famed giants of the olden time.
There is a ripple upon the smoothest
sea, and some inharmony in all human
proceedings, as was illustrated by the
fate of the unhappy Jones; for his colt
became suddenly FESTIVE, was guilty of all
sorts of antics, threw the sections into
confusion, and it was by the most desper-
ate exertions that the rider maintained
his seat
What's your brute tryin' to dew
now? inquired Capt. Hawes
He kicks up for ard" replied Jones.
Lean to'ard his neck, then, and keep
him down" added the captain.
Tho aisouidod JOpaS loo nod .I,o
neck of the horse, according to orders,
when instantly the hinder portion of the
animal flew up and landed him on his
head and shoulders in the road
Il knew 'twould be so l'' he exclaimed,
rather lugubriously.
Natural philosophy would teach
Icrscl that if you hold down one end of
that cretur, the other'll fly up. If you
dew that agin, Jones, I'll put you under
arrest, I'll be hlowed if / won't'!" cried
Capt. Nick.
l d. Int do it." answered Jones.
Don't contradict your superior Off
GERS, Jones. You threw yourself over
his head because you's afeared he'd kick
Up. jones, you'll disappint the hopes of
yer country if you don't conduct better.
Don't be a settin' there ON the ground
studyin' geology, but up and at him
sgain.
I'm afeared, cap'n," demonstrated
Jones. 1.-THE creetur's never been broke"
Corporal Higgins, prick that tarnal
Jones with your toad stickerv contin-
ued the impacifed Halves.
JONES tried TO remount; but the coli
continued TO kick and rear most indus
triously. and the thing could not easily be
accomplished.
"A couple of the stoutest of Won hold
him down." said Capt Nick. what on
earth did you give the eritter for his
breakfast
"A lint of oats, and little new rum
and molasses," replied the eulprit.
well, tomorrow mornin' give him a
bundle of shavin's and two lengths of
stone WALL said the captain Now
hang to him, and no more pitchin' about
uuder foot, if you don't want to be made
an example Of Attention the whole CON-
pany! straighten up-put her through
80 ahead ~
Afte" this little episode. the Fire Eat
ers preceded at a very rapid pace until
they reached the main road where young
Ferstsf had concealed himself 10 evade
the Tories. Capt Halves was in ad-
vance of his company, adnsit SHRDL
vance of his company, and instantly or
dered 4 halt.
Il perceive" he said, that there's s.
great many horse tracks in the road here.
AS 'hough considerable body of mounted
men had just passed over it. Now this
looks rather suspicious, for if Cunning
ham has been really recruiting in these
pats, them tracks most probably was
made by his band. If / am right young
Farstail, | reckon is by this time a pris-
oner. and perhaps worse than that. Jones.
fry 10 hold that critter down. while
finish what I've got to say. The enemy
can't be far from here, judging by these
tracks. and perhaps we shall have an
aIl-suffieient tussle afore we git back to
the brigade; so follow me and obey or
deIs Lieut.. Anderson. gallup ahead and
reconnciter a little. If you see anything
suspicious, ride back without givin' any
alarm
The captain and his company moved
On at a slow pace, while the lieutenant
proceeded to do as had been ordered. He
bad gone but short distance in advance
when he was seen to stop suddenly, turn
about and retrace his steps with all speed.
''Somethin's in the wind" muttered
Iiawes to himself. And l hope there
IS, for want somethin' to do" he added,
Ia louder voice.