Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1912-01-05

ing powder scented the air, and l
could distinguish the black forms of
men lying prone on the grass in some
thing resembling a skirmish line.
Maxim fight o. II. amt they7"
asked OF our taciturn guide, as We
picked our way carefully among the
recumbent forms.
Damn 'em. res. hell o. fight"
he admitted bitterly.
Just beyond musket-shot from the
house, and nearly opposite the front
entrance, quite group of men we're
standing beneath the black shadows OF
grove of trees In spite of the CLEAN
from the fire | could make little Of
them, but as we approached from the
direction of the rear, one OF them ex-
claimed suddenly:
Who comes thar? What body o.
Eien Is thGt?f'
TITS mother party O. deserters. an
wants ter jine u.s." said the guide.
sourly. "They's Johnnies from Lees
army"
''Oh. they dew. dew they? Who's
Their boss O. this yere crowd?"
swung down from my seat on the
mules back. and stood facing him, as
he advanced.
I'VE uns hain't got no boss" an
swered, but they sorter fell In ahind
o. me cause | wus astraddie o. this
muel. Be you named Lowrie?"
II reckon: I'm Red Lowrie.'' proud
ly "'Spect. maybe. we've heerd tell
o. me, an II ye hev. We know ye've got
ter step damn lively whin howl
Whut wus ye In Their army"
Corporal
The flames Of the burning barn
ieaped suddenly upward. as II fed by
some fresh combustion. and flung q
brighter glare over the rough faces
clustered about US. | saw Red Low
RE plainly enough now, as he peered
eagerly forward to scan my face. q
heavy-set, coarse-featured man with
prominent nose. and thick, matted red
beard. He wore a wide-brimmed soft
army hat, under which his eyes shone
maliciously. and he grasped long
rife In one big, hairy hand. As l
xazed at him curiousiy, some ons
hastily pushed . way through the
group At his back. and the next in
slant tall figure stood ~ bis side.
recognized the newcomer II single
glance, and for the moment my heart
fairly cheixed me---it was Craig.
"Lowrie." he said, pointing straight
at me, "thar's sonsthin' wrorg yere.
That Teller tAar is Captain Wayne, o
M of regiment"
An that occurred next was but the
impulse of a second stood with
hana resting lightly upon the mules
peck, his long head dropping sieepily
beside my shoulder. saw Red Low
RE throw mp his gun. all his evil ma
tsrs written In his face, bis cruel eyes
apired by the desperation of our case.
| stopped suddenly. and blew with all
my force into that long, pendant ear.
BeslEebub gave vent TO one snort Of
mingled rage and terror, and then let
drive. backing into that cluster Of
choice rascals like a very thunderboit
of wrath, cleaying his way by every
lightning blow of those nimble legs.
and tumbling men to right and left.
There was a yell OF fright. q wild
scrambls for safety. perfect voIlsy
of cursing--I saw Red Lowrie go
tumbling backward. a heel planted
fairly In the pit of his stomach. and
the next instant Craig. swearing like
pirate. was jammed down on top Of
him. red gash across bis forehead.
1t was all accomplished SO speedily.
that It seemed but a medley OF heels.
Of wildly cavertsng mule. of scram-
bling, falling men.
FIRE." | cried excitediy. Sock n
into them. lads. and follow me"