Year: 1870

face, hands and clothing were bloody,
and the latter also soaked with water,
and no doubt I presented frightful ap
pearance. was so exhausted as to be
almost speechless, but scceeded in
making my wants known.


My host called up his spouse, and as
quickly as possible my wound was
dressed, dry olothing furnished, and
some bread and venison, cup OF tea
and flask of whiskey were placed at
my disposal. I found the settler intelli
gent and whole-souled, and Union
man Although he lived in Rebel
country, and was surrounded almost
continually by Rebel influences, he was
true to the old flag.


My wound was so painful, however.
was compelled soon to lie down, and
blankets were spread for me near the
fire. l had feared that the barking of
the dogs would bring my enemies here
in search Of me, and was not mista-
ken. The dogs soon again commenced
furious barking, and in few minutes
the house was surrounded by Rebels


1t would be, knew useless to resist /;
there were too many, and l could not
get away in my condition. and so
must fall into their hands but l trust
ed that they would not carry me with
them, as I would only be burden to
them. My host went to the door and
asked what was wanted.


we are looking for e. Federal
spy-is he here? and voice that rec
ognized as the same I had heard few
hours before.


There is wounded man here eaid
my host.


He is wounded is he? That is some
satisfaction; but I'll settle his hash
He shot me through the hand And
with that the tall frame Of the Captain
appeared at the door with his hand in .
sling. had drawn myself partly up,
and was leaning against the wall.
80 we've caught you at last, you
Yankee thief? You can say your pray
ers now, as you must die right here,
and nowp said be drawing from his belt
large navy revolver, and cooking it,,
Revenge is sweet; beside, we always
shoot these Yankee providers whenever
we find them. Important news for Gen
Marmaduke,' eh? We will look after
| that important news after this other
| little business is disposed of. I suppose
you are ready to die, are you? and he
| raised his revolver


had not said word, but had quietly





my own revolver from its scabbard, and
cooked it, and as he raised his weapon
suddenly brought mine around and fired
| Both pistols cracked at the same time,
but neither took effsct. One of the reb
ell soldiers, who had come in and was
| standing near, saw the movement, aud
struck my pistol up with his saber, and
thus saved his cowardly Captains life.
AS he fired, his arm had been struck up
| by my host, who was standing near,
and his ball passed over my head.


captain, you would not shoot E,
wounded prisoner who can not defend
himself, would you ? said the bravt
settler, stepping between me and the en-
ragged Captain.


No; but I'll hang the scoundrel,
that's what I'll do " and this speciman
of Southern ohivalry strobe from the
room to give directions for the hanging
OF 'that--Federal spy as he expressed
it. III eanwhile my arms we're taken from
me, my clothes diligently searched for
dispatches, everything of Importance
taken from them. and finally the clothes
were appropriated, and my watch taken;
but the dispat hes I had taken the pre-
caution to hand over to my host, who
had cftectually concealed them. Their
disappointment was deep, and express>
ed itself in sundry oaths when they did
not find them.


1t was now daylight, aud suddenly
there was confusion, and the sharp
cracking of rifles, and hurrying to and
fro on the outside-those in the house.
grasping their arms and suddenly leav-
ing. 1t was evident that a party of ou.
foragers had suddenly came upon them.


The firing continued unabated and
grew hotter. and finally fierce BATH
ragged around the house. The rebels
fought bravely. Part of them were
driven in the house and part took shelf
er in the out-buildings. but they were
completely surrounded, overpowered
and compelled to surrender, with loss
of five men killed and twice as many
wounded. The cowardly Captain found.
himself, in turn, wounded and prison
er, while once more found myself free
and surrounded by friends. 1t proved
to be some Of my own regiment, who
were out foraging, and came suddenly,
upon this rebel squad


The rebel Captain was brought in the
house. special guard placed over him
and for satisfaction and amusement I
concluded to taunt him a little.


We'll, Captain, things have changed
slightly since you and met last


A grunt was all the response.
i suppose You are aware that revenge
is swees, and now / propose to settle
your hash in the same way you propos-
ed to settle mine awhile ago. 1 said,
putting on determined look, cooking
my revolver, which had been returned to,
me. The coward turned deathly pale and
attempted to appeal to the guards for
protection, but the words stuck in his
| throat


You may as we'll say your prayers,
for you must die right here, and now,'
and 1 raised my revolver and took aim
at his head.


He cast an imploring look at the
|