Askov American. [volume] (Askov, Pine County, Minn.) 1914-current, 1915-09-23
CHAPTER 1.
On Special Service.

On Speciai service.
1t was already growing dusk when
the Stauntes Battery of Horse artil-
sery returned YEARLY to camp after
hours OF hard field drill, the men ever
conscious that no evolution, however
trivial, was being overlooked by
Stonewalf' Jackson, sitting astride
his sorrel on little eminence to the
left. his stern face unrelieved by even
the semblance of smile. ,.
The winter quarters of the Staunton
artillery were slightly off the main
road and | remained for some time
overseeing the care OF the horses be-
fore approaching the hut where the
noncommissioned officers had mess
We were all of US stu at the table,
discus sing the incidents OF the driil,
~her. a lieutenant appeared suddenly
in the doorway
"Sergeant Wyatt?" he inquired
briefly.
arose TO my feet.
Here. SIR" | answered In some sur.
prise.
You are requested to report to
General Jackson ct once: his head
quarters for tonight are at Coulter's
farU. On the dirt pike. You will ride
your own horse"
Five minutes later | was guiding
my own horse down the dark road,
bending low In the saddle, obsessed
with feeling that this mission,
whatever II might turn out to be.
promised change in my fortunes.
1t was AN ugly path, rutted deep by
artillery wheels. and dangerous for
the horse was an hour reaching
the Coulter nouse, double log cabin,
some fifty feet or more back from the
road. 1t was with some difficulty that
| made my way through the obstruct
Ing guard to the steps. where an officer
took my name at the closed door, dis
appeared in a sudden blaze Of ligh,
and stood there silently in the
shadows waiting.
Ten minutes must have elapsed be
fore the door opened again and
heard my named called. 1t was q
rough appearing. commonplace In
terror A sturdy fire burned in the
fireplace. and three lamps illuminet
the scene. revealing the presence o.
five men. among whom | Instant,
recognized Ewell. Ashby. together
with Jackson, and his chief of stan
The fifth occupant of the room sa
alone in one c,rner, his face partially
concealed. revealing little other thar
a fringe OF gray whiskers Jackson
seated behind a table Uttered will
papers and maps, glanced up at thu
announcement OF the orderly, and
came instantly to attention, my han'
lifted in salute. The generals sterl
blue eyes surveyed me intently.
Sergeant Wyatt. Stanton art.l
lery?"
Yes, sir
How long, may ask, have yo1
been in the service?"
Since May, 81. sir"
All! indeed. And your age?"
'Twenty-four, sir"
He made some remark aside to tn
aide, who nodded back. and pointed t
a map before them.
"YCu are a younger man in appear
ante than | had expected to see. sci
geant," Jackson said slowly. yet
have learned within the last year t
have confidence in young men. Wa
is a swift developer of manhood You
colonel speaks of you In the highes
terms and informs me that you ar
a native of Green Briar county"
Our home was at Lewisburg, sir.
Then you are doubtless intimatel
acquainted with that section"
Very we'll, indeed, general"
jackson sat motioniess and In s
lence for what seemed long while
bis grave eyes on my face, but hi
mind evidently elsewhere, one han
unconsciously crumpling folded ps
per. Ashby moved his chair. causin
II to crunch noisily on the floor. an
the commander aroused at the III
usual sound.
by any pCsSiUihLs diV spa ASA1eV
to Judge joel Wyatt?" he questione
slowly.
"He was my father sir. He ha
been dead two years
II regret to hear it. Your mothe'
unless / am mistaken, was a FARO,
h.r, of North Cardinal"
Yes, sir-she has returned to he
old home"
The best of southern blood. gentle
men," be said smilingly. glancing Il
ward the others, but with watchf,
ewes instantly returning to scan M
Was she driven out OF Green Bria
By the state of unrest in that SCI
tions" s#-
IN measure-yes, / replie
promptly. 1t was hardly safe for be
10 remain there alone. The county
filled with Union sympathizers. an
rearned over by bands OF guerrilla
claiming allegiance with both side'
ba; sparing no one. At present,
understand. Federal troops have bee
sent there from Charleston and al
In control"
Your Information Is partially CO
rect; but in order to perfect plan
now contemplated ! require a sti
Eaore dnGrite knowledge OF existin