The Oakley herald. [volume] (Oakley, Idaho) 1908-1961, 1924-09-19
CHAPTER xv-contInued.

Il got SICK one day an couldn't hide
cause i were maxim tracks In the
snow so l had to give In" said Solo
mon. Margaret has been here, but
they won't let 'er come no more count
o. the smallpox. Sends me suthin'
tasty ev'ry day err two. l toll 'er all
keep 'er way If she knowed you was
here But she won't be lowed to know
it. This ere Clarke boy has pisoned
the jail. Nobody'll come here 'cept
them that's dragged. He's got II all
Fixed fer We. / wouldn't wonder If
bed be glad to see ye rotted up with
smallpox"
Jack and Solomon lay for weeks in
this dirty, noisome jail, where their
treatment was well calculated to
change opinions not deeply rooted In
firm soil. They did not fear tie small
pox, as both were immune But their
confinement was, as doubtless II was
intended to be, memorably punitive.
They were "rebels'-lawbreak hui
man rubbish whose offenses bordered
upon treason. The smallpox patient
was soon taken away, but other con-
dltions were not improved. They slept
on straw infested with vermin. Their
cover and food were insufficient and
mot fit fer dog" in the words of
Solomon. Some of the boys gave In
and were set free on parole, and there
was one, ut least, who went to work
In the ranks of the British.
-
fall In the city. Suddenly the firing
ceased. At nine o'clock all prisoners |
In the Jail were sent for, to be ex-
changed. Preston came with the or
der from General Howe and news of
truce.
This means yer army Is lightin'
out" Solomon said to him.
"The city will be evacuated" was
Preston's answer.
"Could send a message to GIn'ral
Hare's house?"
1.-The general and his brigade and
family sailed for another port at eight.
If you wish, I'll take your message"
Solomon delivered to Preston a let
ter written by Jack to Margaret. 1t
L.. /
The third of March had come. The
sun was shining. The wind was in the
south. They were not strong enough
TO walk, so Preston had brought
horses for them to ride There were
long patches of snow on the Dorches-
ter Heights A little beyond they met
the brigade Of Putnam. 1t was NOV
Ing toward the city and had stopped
for irs noon mess. The odor of fresh
beef and onions was in the air.
"Car's blood an gunpowder !" said
Solomon. "Tie me TO a tree
what for?" Preston asked.
"I'll kill myself eatin'," the scout
declared. I'm so gol durn hungry l
KNIT be trusted"
II guess Wen have to put the brakes
IN each other" Jack remarked.
"An' it'll be steep goin'." said Solo
non.
Washington rode up to the camp
With squad of cavalry while they
we're eating. He had a kind word for
very liberated man. To Jack he said:
II am glad to address you as Colonel
iUbc. lOu nave culitiCb ihuNhs Dul
I will be comfort for you to know
hat the Information you brought en-
bled me TO hasten the departure of
he British"
Turning 10 Solomon, he added:
Colonel Binkus | am indebted to
on for faithful. effective and valiant
ervice. You shall have a MEDAL"
"Gin'ral Washington. we're a-goin'
0 lick EN-" said Solomon. "We're
-goin' to break their necks."
Colonel, you are very confident" u
he general answered with smile. Il
you'll See" Solomon continued. f
God Almighty is sick o. tyrants. Il
hey're doomed" d
Let us hope So" said the command W
r-in-chief But let us not forget the o.
-ords of Poor Richard: God helps c.
rose who help themselves b