Year: 1873

thought of numbering the man in cold
blood. But three lives were more valuable
than one, and we picked up the captive and
carried him down the cellar, the woman
watching the road to warn us if any one
was likely to call.


The soldier must have realized our inten-
tions, but he never spoke word while we
were taking him down and stretching him
out on the ground. knew by this that he
would hunt us to the death if he should
once more regain his liberty.


" The axe-that is the best thing r' whis--
pered the farmer, his face as pale as a,
sheet. He went up stairs, procured it,
handed it to me, and then walked off to
the dark corner so that he might not see
the murder.


l was in tremble rs took the axe and
walked up to the man. His eyes looked to-
me in the semi-darkness like the eyes of
mad dog, and the blood trickling down his.
face gave him horrible aspect. He knew
that | was going to sink the axe in his
head, but he would not plead. He was one
of million. Calling all my nerve raised
the axe, drew long breath, and in an in
stant more would have struck him, had not
the farmer come running up and shouted
for me to hold on. He had an idea. had
told him that the Union forces would ad-
he called me to one side, and stated his be-
lief that he could keep the soldier prison
or that length of time, and then tu IN him.
over. The more we talked of it the moro
feasible the plan appeared, especially as we
desired to wash our hands of murder.


The woman was consulted, and as she,
agreed with us, we at once commenced
preparations for OBTAINING the captive
The farmer brought down more ropes and
several chains, and we worked for full
hour in tying and manacling the soldier SO
that he could not get away. He made no
resistance, refused to speak work, and
allowed us to handle him as we chose.
Finally our task was ended. We had
chained, lashed and strapped him until we
would have defied the Davenports to get
him loose without knives. We had emptied
his pockets, taken away his revolver, and
he was to be kept as he was until the Fed
erals came, the farmer proposing 70 feed
him regularly.


1t was past noon when we went up stairs,
and, after cold lunch, made prepara-
tions to leave. arranged with the farmer
that in case he had to leave, he should
make his way across the river at Stevens
burg, or below, and go to the house of
man whose name gave him. He believed
he would have to 60 sooner OF later, and
was careful to heed my directions.


With handshake we parted company,
and I went tramping up the road. 1t was
still! raining and 1 was glad of the fact, as
it offered me an excuse for mufiiing my
head and face with the cape. / presently
began to meet teams, troops and artillery,
and saw that orders had been given to mass
troops at Stevensburg, to be prepared for
the threatened crossing. No one gave me
particular attention, except to send me
friendly nod or salute now and then. /
passed several winter camps, and although
it was bad day, could not help seeing
such signs of activity at each place as con-
vinced me that the men were getting ready
for the coming campaign. BY counting ono
row of tents, l could set the whole number
quite correctly, and by my knowledge Of
how many soldiers generally occupied
tent, could give Yankee guess at the
total number in the camp. In this way
during my afternoon tramp, secured in
formation correct enough to answer every
purpose. The defences at the crossroads
and on commanding eminences were duly
noted, nd also looked particularly after
the artillery. Not thing had occurred to
alarm me during the afternoon, and when
it began to grow dark, l cast about for
quarters. did not believe that should
find another respectful and accommodating
corporal of the guard, or another loyal old
Joe, and SO made up my mind to secure
quarters in farmhouse. di


had some gold with me, and had no
doubt that my request for lodgings would
be readily granted when it was known that
desired to make recompense. 1t was not
likely that should meet with any officers
or soldiers, as the road was lined with
camps, and the weather was such as to
keep them in their quarters. had hardly
made up my mind to the arrangement, when
l turned aside to reach q farmhouse which
stood on the left hand side of the road and
back about twenty rods. When the door
was opened in answer TO my knock, I found