Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1914-02-14
FOR THE CHILDREN
To His Country's Call - By
VeOnne Williams
(PART II)

None of that" said the orderly
sharply, "sit down there and eat this"
and glass of water and crust of
bread were handed Dick and his
mates.
This spoke up one of the guards,
is what you'll get at Libby, but you
cant have water" Dick felt as though
his heart had stopped beating, but it
was only horror.
You'd better give me death than
do without water" he thought angrily
and tossed the bread from him.
! "Ho! Ho! my fine lad" sang his
tormentor, you'll be glad to eat that.
let me tell you. Ha! Ha! Dignified
yankee aristocrat! has servants -
He stopped suddenly, for Dick had be-
,, come so angry that he could not con-
| troll himself, and forgetful where he
was, leaped to his feet. and with one
blow dealt on the others jaw sent
him sprawling on the ground Shouts
of Bravo! Bravo!" rose from the
northerners, and some of the south
erners. The bully scrambled to his
feet crying, "Tll whip you," but it was
Dick who did the whipping.
"a few days later they reached
Libby prison. The prisoners were
placed four in cell. Dick had re-
fused food ever since the march be-
gan. but now he accepted the crust
with eager gratefulness. Two years
passed, and in that time he saw
tragedy after tragedy. >Parched with
thirst the prisoners cried for water,
but to no avail. In the long room
where about fifty were imprisoned
Oick with them) little springs Of
water burst through the floor of stone
Eager and thirsty they scooped up
handfuls of water and drank from
their hands. 1t was two days before
the guards discovered the springs.
The sergeant reported at once to the
commanding officer, who immediately
placed soldiers there. A line was
drawn across the floor and the officer
said "The first one of you who dares
to cross that line will be droppe
dead in your tracks. Now mind!''
Thirst again became unbearable and
tall, dark colored Indianain crossed
the line. AS he did so shot rang out
He fell dead. One after another fol-
lowed, only to die.
IS Cdi llldL i'll LnelT IOO1
was used to haul out the dead bodies.
Dick watched all, Mortified. He was
alone-alone! The commander came
Hello, Dick he said +, y eendly
fashion, How are YOU nick raised
him eyes. ablaze win .llgnot,on.
Dare you call me that. you COW. ~?
Torture me if YOU life, You have L.
feeling what over Suppose YOU, were
~, q f, .
given Tny old scrap of food and at
list C'ces 2 deadline, just for water;
-" y" .'Ned. Would you like to
" '..'@e.i in such a way?"
-" officer stared at Dick. He adj
he boys cool courage and his
: talking so frankly.
On, you needn't fly at me that
way, my boy" he said easily, Il have
come to offer you a way of escape. in
which, If you do as ask you, you are
free to 60 where you choose; if not,
you will stay here. I want you to go
to Island No. 10, and get map of the
fort, position of the union forces. ana
when and where they will strike US.
For doing this I will give you your
liberty with enough money to take
you to Europe and keep you for the
rest of your days.
Traitor! Villain!" screamed Dick
Think I will accept your scandalous
offer? Never! I would die first! You
want me to show my loyalty to my
country by betraying her into your
hands? No, you scoundrel, I think
more of my country than betray her
to you for my freedom"