Year: 1867

eQ ny Cne lnueSence CnaC the DrlClSn were nOI Ial
of, and intent upon attempting to rescue the Cap,
tain, not to mention the little business of his OWL
in the recovery Of the pack the peddler pushed on
He took care to avoid undue precipitancy, howev.
er, since this would be the surest means of bring
ing him into the power of the enemy. He knew
not but they might have stationed themselves in
ambush with the design of capturing him or some
other. He proceeded, therefore, with great caution
occasionally climbing tree whenever he found one
of any size end looking earnestly forward, not neg
lecting to look behind walls and fences


These precautions, which did credit to the ped.
dlers prudence, nevertheless served to retard his
progress considerably, so that although when he
started, the squad could not have been more than
couple of miles distant, it was sunset before he
came in sight of them


At this time, ascending little eminence, he
caught sight of them sitting round fire in an open
space just in the edge of small forest Ofcourse
it would be hazardous to approach much nearer.
Somewhat nearer, however, he desired to come, in
order to watch their operations The approach
must be made with great circumspection, since it
was quite possible that they would see him, in
which case his chances of escape, not to mention
the ultimate success at which he aimed, would run
a great risk Of being frustrated.


He threw himself down upon the ground and
commenced sinuous advance, wriggling along, in
the fashion he had learned from the Indians intent
upon seeing everything, without himself being seen.


When he had come as near as he dared, and
looked more closely at the group now not many
rods distant from him, he perceived that they were
making their evening repast. Among the rest, he
perceived that they were RECALLING themselves with
supply of doughnuts which he had carried in a
vacant compartment Of his pack.


'I wish the doughnuts would choke 'em, NUT
tered Jock. ''They would if they were as tough
as some I've eaten"


Meanwhile, the soldiers, stretched on the grass in
various attitudes, were evidently enjoying them
selves after the fatigue of their march. The Off
Ger in command, whom the peddler called the
'lootenant, really enjoyed that distinction.


BE was dapper young man, dressed with de-
gree of precision which indicated that he was by
no means regardless of his personal appearance -
His rank had not been purchased by his personal
services, but had been bestowed upon him through
family influence, he being the younger son of a
wealthy family, allied in some Of its branches to
the nobility. Lieutenant Eustace, for such was
his name was now taking from his pocket a small
glass and comb, and whiShe surveyed bis face in
the one, he adjusted his ambrosal locks with the
other


'"The puppy!' muttered the peddler, who was
near enough not only to see, but to hear what was
said. "I wonder whether he usually combs his
hair Just before going into battle. He don't look
as if he would relish powder and shot any too
much


At this time he perceived the party to be in some
confusion.


It appears that the soldier, who had in charge
the cider which had been levied from the widow
Higgins, had broken the vessel containing it, and
the consequence was that they were quite unpro-
vided with anything to drink. This, at the close
ofa hot summer day, when their thirst was natu-
rally increased by the fevor Of the heat, was a
matter Of some importance.


"What is the matter?' asked thelieutenant, who
had just completed his toilet and restored the
comb and glass to his pocket.


'The matter is this, sir, said one of the COM
pany, that there is not drop of drink, and am
as thirsty as a fish,.


ssWhat has become of the cider?'


"Al split through Aliens carelessness.


''Then it is only just that Allen should look out
for substitute Have you seen any houses in the
neighborhood p


"Not one, Lieutenant There isn't one within
two miles, so far as can judge"


Il Ill -
water. think I saw a spring about half mile
back"


Eyes sir, there was one.


every well, then, Allen, you may take vessel
and go back and bring us supply


Muttering something in dissatisfied tone, Allen
rose lazily from the green sward on which he had
been stretched, and taking the vessel, prepared,
reluctantly, to set out.


This movement the peddler beheld, and with
considerable justice with no small degree of alarm.
1t multiplied in an alarming ratio the chances OF
his discovery and capture. He lay beside the very
path which the soldier must take in order to go
back to the spring, which he too had noticed, and
from which he had taken draught as he came by,
so that he was not now troubled with thirst.


If he could only escape notice as Allen went a.
long, he would have plenty of time to conceal him
self before his return. He drew himself to one
side under the shelter of a bush, and hoped that
this would be sufficient to screen him. buthis hopes
proved fruitless. As the soldier sauntered along,
his attention was drawn to the bush which bore
thimble- cherries, and he stopped to pick few
Almost instantly he perceived our hero lying be-
hind it. The peddler observing that he was re-
cognized, stretched himself and yawned with an
appearance of great naturaness, as if he had just
awakened from sleep, and said, 'Hilloa who be
you2"


'Who am I? That question which it is a
little more necessary for you to answer"


'sWell, don't know as have any objections.
My name is Stebbins."


''How came you hereP''


20, I got tired, and thought I d lay down"


''Do you live round here?'


eyes, some of the time


1t was fortunate for the peddler that Allen had
never seen him. There were some among the
company who would have recognized him and at
once raised the alarm. But another thought had
risen in the mind of Allen. He had been as has
already been stated reluctant, to 60 back and get
the water, having been much fatgued by the day s
march, and being moreover of sluggish disposl'
ton which had procured him the name, in the por'
ton of the army to which he belonged, Of Lazy
Allen"


His idea will be developed in the conversation


II say, you Stebbins, or whatever your name Is