Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1911-08-31
CHAPTER VI.
A DEsrERATE SITUATION.

hoH lulS party cOulU De part OF IL.
The men looked equally surprised at
his appearance. Indeed they seemed
more Disconnected at his sudden COM
ing than be was at their being there.
When he made his leap among them
they were about to get into the boat,
and one of them held the painter in
his hand. Mark in twinkling made
up his mind that they were not pleased
at his appearance. He determined to
play bold game He had no defined
plan when be began to speak to them
it came to him as he proceeded.
What are you men doing here?" he
asked in a tone that none but sol
dier knows how to assume.
No one answered.
What regiment do you belong to-"
No answer.
rs there a noncommissioned officer
among you?"
There was so much of authority in
Marks tone that it compelled an an
swer. and a respectful one.
mo, sir"
You men are away from your COM
mands without permission. / can see
that plainly
The men looked guilty, but said moth
ing
you evidently don't know me. am
an officer of General Bragg's staff on
an important mission Of secret serv-
ice"
He waited a moment to discover the
effect of his words and then proceed
ed:
sit is matter of the greatest mo-
ment that ! get across the river at
once. want you men to pull me
over and then report Immediately to
your colonel Give me your names.
What regiment do you belong to-"
"The til Tennessee"
1.-THE old story" said Mark severely.
"YOu men are doubtless from east
Tennessee. You are deserters, trying
to get back to where you came from"
Mark had hit the nail on the head.
knew, when he ordered them to pull
across the river. that they would obey
him gladly.
Get into the boat, every one of you"
Every man got into the boat, and one
of them took the oars
''Now if you will get me over quick
~ I'll see what l can do for you with
your commanding officer when / re-
turn"
Jakey was standing on the bank with
his eyes wide open at this scene. Mark
had been a hero with him; now he was
little less than god.
''Do you want to get across the river,
my little man." asked Mark, as if he
had never seen the boy before.
"Does | want ter? Course l does"
Jump in then. quick I've no time
to lose"
Jakey came down and got in with
the rest
Give way" cried Mark, and the
boat shot out from the shore.
Not a dozen strokes had been taken
before Mark, who was delighted at the
success of his assurance, saw sight
that made his heart sink within him
A boat shot around Moccasin point
from the eastward. 1t was full of
armed men.
AS soon as they saw the skiff with
Mark and the deserters in it-for such
they were-they pulled straight fol
them. In five minutes they were along
side
II reckon you're the men we're look
stern.
"Who are you looking for?" asked
Mark. with as much GOODNESS as he
could assume.
"Deserters from the til Tennes-
see"
Mark knew it was all up with him.
His assumption Of being on General
Bragg's staff, which had been so sue
cessful a ruse. suddenly appeared to
him halter about his neck.
Hand over your guns" said the of
icer.
The guns were handed into the boat.
all except Jakey's shotgun.
THAT other one too"
That's only shotgun. captain" said
Mark.
We'll, never mind the popgun."
Every moment the deserters looked
for Mark to declare his exalted posi-
ton on General Bragg's staff. but no
such declaration came. 1t seemed pos
sible to them that perhaps he would
not wish to disclose his identity to so
many. At any rate they said nothing
Had it not been for his assumption
Mark would have applied to the cap
tain to let a poor countryman and his
little brother pass. Had he done so
it is quite possible that the men he
had deceived. surmising that he was
a refugee like themselves, would not
have betrayed him: but Mark knew
that besides this danger the officers.
having found him in such company.
would not let him go.
Marks heart was heavy as the boat
in which be sat was pulled slowly
against the current to Chattanooga. He
realized that there was now no oppor-
tunity for his wits, on which be usual
lv relied RI yvOrk He was in the