The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1906-01-12

never fired Il gun nor seen a drill, but
that you can swim all day and go a
hundred yards under water if neces
sary. Do you know any other man
who can do the same|
Pete Sweeney, who fishes with me,
can swim bout as well. He's across
the street in a market now, sellin' some
fish we brought up"
would he like TO enter the service
too?"
Il reckon he would. Pete's always
said he'd join if I did"
"And why haven't you Joined be-
forc?"
The young fisherman hesitated, then
looked squarely into the generals face.
"Cause haven't wanted to, sir" he
answered. Il didn't see the use, and l
Didn't have any idea of joining today
until wei got right in front of your
quarters"
You and Pete?"
"N-no, sir. Pete's sister. Pete don't
know of my being here yet. Sally
came up with Us when we brought the
fish"
HIN! We'll, you and Pete report to
me at dark, for instructions, and, oh,
yes, what is your name?"
"Lige Pommcry, sir"
On the corner stood a girl, apparently
engaged in diligently examining the
contents of window. Lige went
straight to her
"TeH, I've listed, Sally" he an
nounccd briefly, land listed Pete too.
1t want that l was afraid, as l told
you, but l didn't see the use"
The girl had flashed on him with q
startled look at the first words. Now
she made a visible effort ut self con-
troll, biting Ter lips, with the color
coming slowly to her face.
1T isn't much to enlist" she said
sharply. THE courage tells when 1t
comes to fighting. You'll back out yet,
Ligc pommcry. I've never forgot how
Zen Peprcll slapped your face and you
turned and hurried off into the woods"
Zen Peprell was smaller than me,
Sally, and he was an old man and
drunk lit want easy for me to go
into the woods that day. l had to do
it, or-or done something I'd been sor-
~ Tor aftcrward.'
You ran off, and there were a hun
dred people looking, and they hooted,"
the girl said mercilessly. Now you
say you've listed, but it's likely for a
month or two Of drilling round the
camp. When orders come for you to be
sent to the 'front.' therell be plenty Of
time to run of again"
The words were bitter, but there was
something behind them which caused
Lige to glance at her quickly, only,
however, to meet flashing eyes and
curling lips.
"From the way the general spoke /
think there'll be some front work to-
night" he answered slowly. "Only it
it isn't any use for you and me to
talk, Sally. We never seem to get any
where"
The general was writing when Lige
and Pete were ushered into his pres
ence by an orderly. Presently he turn
cd from his desk.
1T will be a terrible night" he said.
do you think you can reach Cane
I-oint through the storm and besieging
vesSclS!"
They started. Cane Point was over
q mile downstream and surrounded by
such Il network of snags and sunken
limbs that it was considered. perilous
even by daylight. The general watch
cd them kCcniy.
"In addition to natural dangers" he
observed significantly, there are doubt
less explosives placed in the river by
the enemy. Are you two ready to risk
all chanccs:'
IF you'll let Us" they answered.
VERY well. Here are two dispatches
exactly alike. If one of you fails, the
other nay succeed. You will go to the
little cabin under the three live oaks
and give the papers to a cripple you
will find there. If you succeed, show
a light from Live Oak hill \ lantern
swung in a half circle will answer"
lie paused a moment, then added in an
impressive voice: 1.-The papers must
not be seen by the enemy, and, if nee
essary, you must die yourselves to in
sure their destruction. Now co.
There was 4 little Of the excitement
of battle as they removed their cloth
ing on the wharf and fastened the Wa
terproof bags containing the dispatches
more securely about their necks, moth
ing but the solid wall of hlackness
around, which was now and then cut |
by Eghtning's flash, showing glimpses
of the black hulls of the silent watch
dogs which invested the city.
The current was in their favor, but
che wind blew against them. However,
it served to deaden the sound of the
waves against their faces. AS they
neared the line of gunboats they swan
rs lightly as possible, keeping all but
their faces under water. The darkness
was full of ears now. One by one they
felt rather than saw the dark hulls
glide by. Frequently they had to sink
under water as Il sudden flash showed
sentinel forms within Il few yards.
A dozen times they were ON the point
Of being discovered, but escaped by a
Eeeming miracle. Sometimes their
hands would encounter the side of a
vessel before they We're aware Of its
ClllCe my lue Wuuil IlCl-
Their had dared to speak. Once or twice
Lige fancied from his companions Ia
bored breathing that he was becoming
exhausted.
Suddenly, as they were moving along
side by side, a great light flashed upon
them from the deck of vessel close
by and dozen stern faces met their
gaze. They sank instantly, and a
shower of bullets rained upon the
water. Second after second passed,
and glimpse of white face was seen
several rods down the river and was
met by another patter Of bullets. ;
little to the right second white fac
showed for an instant and receives
similsS welcome. Some minutes
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