VOT R ' NOVELIST PUBLISHING CO., I -NTTTil-fr T7-/-w-r.T- 
 
 V V.^1^. O. , No. 30 Rose Street. \ JNll/ VV YORK, 
 
 NO. 138. 
 
 Ty[uiiioiefBof;«''"i*y!«'P5' 
 
 Tony Tibbets, the drummer boy, at the battle of Gettysburg. 
 
THE WAK, LIBRARY. 
 
 THE DRUMMER BOY; 
 
 Out wltli tn<- T>volltli <«.ri>s. 
 
 BY MAJOR WALTER WILMOT, 
 
 Author of ■' Mission RidRe." " Hariier's Ferry," etc. 
 
 CHAPTER I. 
 
 THE WAR CORBESPOXDENT AKD HIS 
 PRISONER. 
 
 It was the night after the first day's 
 fight at Gettysburg. 
 
 General Hancock had already joined 
 the troops on Cemetery Hill, having been 
 sent by General Meade, on learning the 
 death of Reynolds, to assume the com- 
 mand of the field till he himself could 
 reach the front. 
 
 In conjunction with General Howard, 
 General Hancock had immediately pro- 
 ceeded to post troops and repel an attack 
 on the right flank. 
 
 The attack, however, had been but 
 feebly made, and so was promptly re- 
 pulsed. 
 
 At nightfall the little army on the hill, 
 that had so gallantly sustained itself 
 through the toil and peril of the day, 
 was cheered by the arrival of General 
 Slocum, with the Twelfth Corps, and 
 General Sickles, with a part of the Third. 
 
 With Slocum there had come a young 
 man, of good build, a resolute look, and, 
 withal, a military air. He was mounted 
 upon a magnificent horse, wore heavy 
 riding boots, a military cloak and slouch 
 hat ; and yet this belligerant-looking 
 young man was not, in a strict military 
 sense, connected with the army. 
 
 Who and what he was we shall soon 
 discover. 
 
 In a uiarvelously short time he had 
 possessed himself of the situation— knew, 
 all that had transpired from early dawn 
 when Reynolds pushed forward to Get- 
 tysburg, and found Bufort with his cav- 
 alry engaging the enemy, till dewey eve, 
 when the attack on the right flank had 
 been repulsed. 
 
 It had been a day full of great possibil- 
 ities on the rebel side. 
 
 Lee, for once, seemed to have failed to 
 grasp the situation. 
 
 The battle was bound to come off at 
 Gettysburg, and even at this early hour 
 General Howard had foreseen the great 
 advantage that must come to the party 
 who could hold that commanding point, 
 Cemetery Hill. 
 
 He had left one division of the Eleventh 
 Corps to fortify and hold the eminence, 
 while with the other two divisions he 
 went forward to assist the First Corps. 
 
 When Reynolds was killed General 
 Howard came in command of the forces 
 then in the field. 
 
 The main portion of tho Union Army 
 was scattered along the various roads 
 leading to Gettysburg. 
 
 Lee had his whole army at hand. 
 
 A vigorous forward movement, such as 
 usually characterized the Confederate 
 general, would at almost any hour during 
 the day have carried Cemetery Hill. 
 
 Howard realized this, and as the day 
 wore on he slowly withdrew his whole 
 force to the hill, and got the two corps in 
 readiness to repel any assault. 
 
 That hill must be held, or the battle 
 was lost in its inception. 
 
 If it could be held, Lee must do the 
 aggressive work. 
 
 Then the boys-in-blue would have an 
 opportunity to pay back the debt that 
 had remained since Fredericksburg. 
 
 When Hancock arrived and took com- 
 mand he approved all that Howard had 
 done. 
 
 This, in brief, was the story of the first 
 day. 
 
 The man who had accompanied Gen- 
 eral Hancock was a prince of coi-respond- 
 ents. He had seen hard service, and 
 was always at the front in time of danger. 
 Through the battle-smoke he had been 
 known to dash, regardless of flying bul- 
 lets and bursting shells, doing the duty 
 of an aide and carrying important infor- 
 mation that might possibly decide the 
 fate of the day. 
 
 In those troublous times the duties of 
 war correspondents were fraught with 
 peril and privation. They were hated 
 by the Confederates, because %f the 
 stanch patriotism of the papers by which 
 they were employed. 
 
 More than one volume has been given 
 to the reading public in which the army 
 correspondent tells his story of capture 
 and life in a rebel prison-pen. 
 
 They had this possibility before their 
 eyes, as well as death on the battle-field, 
 yet, to their credit be it said, no man 
 was known to flinch from his duty. 
 
 The news which he had picked up was 
 condensed as much as possible. 
 
 All very good, but how was it to be 
 sent to his paper in New York, with the 
 wires down in all directions ? 
 
 That was a problem. 
 
 Byington had solved many a more 
 knotty question in his time. Like Alex- 
 ander, he would cut the Gordian knot. 
 
 Having learned all it was possible to 
 find out, he once more mounted his horse 
 and galloped away in the darkness, mut- 
 KM-ing to himself as he sped over the 
 ground : 
 
 "Now, how to get the news to New 
 York before any of the other fellows, 
 that's the question." 
 
 "Wires cut for miles in every direction, 
 so they say, and of course it's true— leave 
 Stuart and his cavalry alone for that." 
 
 "All the instruments destroyed too. 
 Hum ! That's worse. Might manage 
 somehow about the wires ; but, deuce 
 take it! I can't make a new instrument, 
 nor procure one either, at a moment's 
 notice. " 
 
 "But pshaw ! some operator has had 
 sense and wit enough to conceal his in- 
 strument, and if there's one to be found 
 within a radius of twenty miles, I'll have 
 it. Halloo ! what's that place ahead ? 
 I'm sure 1 see a light." 
 
 "Yes, a farm* house. Hope the rebs 
 ain't in possession there ; but of course 
 they're not; this side at least is held by_ 
 the blue coats. I must stop and see 
 I what I can find out. I may have struck 
 the very spot I'm in search of." 
 
 As the gate had been torn from it's 
 hinges, without dismounting he rode 
 into the front yard, and having reached 
 the door gave a sounding knock with the 
 handle of his heavy riding-whip. 
 
 The alarm .seemed to cause a general 
 disturbance within, for he could hear the 
 sound of hurrying footsteps and excited 
 voices ; but, after another and more im- 
 patient knock, a white-robed form ap- 
 peared at the window just over his head. 
 
 It was a woman's form, and a woman's 
 voice that demanded, in a somewhat ex- 
 cited and querulous tone, what in the 
 world he wanted now f 
 
 " My dear madam," answered the horse- 
 man, in a polite and persuasive tone, 
 "pardon my unseasonable visit, I beg: 
 but the fact is, I am most anxious to 
 procure a guide to the nearest town or 
 railway station that the rebels have not 
 visited, and where there's likely to be a 
 telegraph ofllce." 
 
 "There ain't no sich town in these 
 parts, stranger — they've been every- 
 where." 
 
 "You're sure ?" 
 
 " Sartin sure." 
 
 "Well, then, I must have a guide to 
 put me in the way of finding a town or • 
 station not in these parts, if they've been , 
 everywhere about here." 
 
 " There ain't nobody in this 'ere house • I 
 to show you the way, mister." Then, I 
 looking back into the room : " What '? I 
 what d'ye say ?" I 
 
 A man's voice murmured a question. ' 
 which, once more looking out, she re- 
 peated : 
 
 " I say, mister, who be you, any way ?" 
 
 "I'm connected with the press, and 
 must get a dispatch through to New York 
 to-night— do you understand ? 
 
 "The press! What kind of a press is 
 it now ?" 
 
 "The newspaper press, madam; the 
 newspaper press." 
 
 "Oh!" And again she turned back, 
 and there was a scarcely audible murmur, 
 to which she answered, "Hey?" and 
 then, on it's being repeated, called out to 
 the stranger : 
 
 "I say, you ain't no rebel, be you ?" 
 
 "No— no, of course not ; I tell you I'm 
 a newspaper correspondent, and connect- 
 ed with the Army of the Potomac." 
 
 "Will you pay for a guide ?" 
 
 "Yes, yes ; let me in, and we can easily 
 settle that business." 
 
 "Better let him in, Nancy," now inter- 
 rupted the unseen man, in quite a dis- 
 tinct tone of voice ; "reckon he's all right I 
 any way." And so, a minute or two later, j 
 the door was opened, and the war cor- 
 respondent sprang from his horse and 
 hurried into the house. 
 
 Behind the woman who had opened 
 the door stood a great burly man, in his 
 shirt sleeves, who, without further ado, • 
 at once hinted to the correspondent that, 
 for good pay, he was ready to put him 
 
 fycu 
 
THT1 WAR LIBRARY. 
 
 the riglit road to any point he 
 anted to go to. 
 
 'And how far is it to the nearest 
 liere I am likely to find a telegraph 
 nice in running order?" asked the 
 irrespondeut. 
 ' Can't say for sartin, sir," rejoin- 
 the other; "hut the one at Ox- 
 il — and that's beyond Mount 
 easant — mought be all right." 
 'Confound it all, if I only had an in- 
 ument, and knew where the breaks 
 the wires were, I'd be all right 
 self." 
 
 Pile woman looked at the man, and 
 u looked at the woman, the 
 tier nodded, and the woman hast- 
 1 to say: 
 
 So if you had an instrument, 
 u'd be all right, eh ?" 
 
 Yes— that is, if I had some one 
 help me repair the wires." 
 
 ■ If me an' my ole man'U put you 
 the way of all that, what'U you 
 e us ?" 
 
 ■Fifty dollars." 
 
 ■ That's the cheese, by hokey,"ex- 
 'med the man, " and I — " 
 
 • Shut up you old fool;" snapped 
 wife, then turning to the impa- 
 ut correspondent, " Jist double it, 
 ster, and its a bargain." 
 ' All right, I'll double it," he said, 
 f you only do something, and do it 
 once." 
 
 But can ye pay the cash — can ye 
 ow up the greenbacks ?'' 
 Of course." 
 
 What mought your name be, 
 ung man, any how ?" asked the 
 sbaud. 
 
 Byington, and I represent the 
 w York Tribune." 
 Hum." 
 
 All' you'll surely pay us ?" asked 
 woman anxiously. 
 Yes, yes. How many times do you 
 ut me to tell you so ?" 
 Then, in the first place, go iuto 
 little room at the head of the 
 IS, and look under the bed and 
 wlui-t you can find there." 
 yington needed no second hint, 
 ill,-;- three steps at a time, he 
 uded up the stairs, and throwing 
 u the door of the little room, 
 )pped upon his knees and peer- 
 under tlie bed. 
 
 ^t first he could see nothing, as 
 only light came from a tallow 
 [(He, wliich stood on the upper 
 1 table; but presently he caught 
 lit of tlic dim outlines of what 
 meil to be a human form, and 
 :ckly seizing a leg, he exclaimed: 
 ' Come out of that, you miserable 
 gar ; come out I say !' ' 
 Olf, Lord ! let go will you?" 
 laned a muffled voice, " I ain't no 
 Her, never shot a rebel in all my 
 . Juf't let me alone will you ? I 
 er did you any harm." 
 That's all right; but come out 
 ra under the bed; I want to get a 
 )d look at such a born hero as I 
 you must be," and he gave the 
 Li a slight jerk. 
 ' Let me alone, I say, or— or I shall 
 
 be tempted to do something rash. I 
 tell you, mister, I'm a dangerous 
 man, if lonceget my courage up.''' 
 
 "I dare say ; but I fancy the trouble 
 will be, to get your courage up. So 
 come out o' that, I tell you," and 
 with a sudden jerk the war corre- 
 spondent landed his prisoner in the 
 middle of the Hoor. 
 
 He was a man of medium size, and 
 fairly well dressed. His face was 
 pale as ashes; his lips were bloodless 
 and trembled convulsively. One 
 hand clutched something, which, 
 without knowing it, he pressed tight- 
 ly to his breast. 
 
 Buyiugton's eyes caught that 
 something, and he at once gave a cry 
 of triumphant joy. 
 
 CHAPTER II. 
 
 TONY TIBBITS— BYTNGTON CREATES A 
 SENSATION IN THE WAR OFFICE. 
 
 "An instrument !" exclaimed By- 
 ington, "you are an operator then." 
 
 "Ye — ye— yes," faltered the poor 
 frightened fellow. 
 
 "All right ! Now then, just shake 
 yourself together a little, and be a 
 new man. Here, take a drop of this; 
 it will help you," and he handed him 
 a pocket flask. 
 
 The operator seized it eagerly, and 
 placed the nozzle to his trembling 
 lips. He nearly half emptied it, 
 and then returned it to the owner 
 with a sigh of regret. 
 
 "Now then," said Byington, "I'm 
 a newspaper man, and I propose to 
 engage your valuable services for 
 the next two days, at least. Do you 
 understand?" 
 
 "Yes; but what good can I do 
 you ? The lines are all down in every 
 direction." 
 
 "I know it, and I propose to put 
 them up again. At any rate, I 
 propose, within the next hour or so, 
 to open communication with Wash- 
 ington, and so reach New York." 
 
 "How the deuce can you doit? 
 For the life of me I don't see." 
 
 "The man down stairs will help 
 me. And then I have a construction 
 squad, they are now with Slocum's 
 corps. I shall send for them at 
 once." 
 
 "All right. My instrument wants 
 fixing up a little, and I'll be doing 
 that till you want me." 
 
 "I shall find you here then, eh?" 
 
 "Lord, yes. As long as I know 
 you are not one of those fire-eating, 
 throat-cutting Southerners, I'm with 
 you eyery time." 
 
 "You don't like the Southeners 
 then?" 
 
 "Like 'em ! not much, I guess, 
 they've frightened me almost to 
 death, more than once to-day, and I 
 thought sure, my time had come, 
 when you knocked on the door a little 
 while back." 
 
 "There are no rebels in this direc- 
 tion just now, my good fellow, you're 
 safe enough on that head. So don't 
 fret yourself. And now, as I'm in 
 
 a desperate hurry, I'll leave you 
 for a while," and the energetic cor- 
 respondent hastened down stairs, 
 where the farmer and his wife were 
 waiting for him. 
 
 "You found what you wanted, I 
 reckon," said the woman, interrog- 
 atively. ! 
 
 "Yes," was the reply, "I'm all 
 right so far, and now tell me, one of 
 you, in which direction does the 
 telegraph wire run; and where can 
 I strike it at the nearest point ?" 
 
 "It runs toward Oxford, an' crosses 
 my private lane, just down below 
 here a piece," said the farmer. 
 
 "Good; now who can I send back 
 for a squad of men to help me ?" 
 
 "Back where ?" 
 
 "To the point where the Twelfth 
 cori)s of the Union army is lying. " 
 
 "Huro, who can he send, wife?" 
 
 "Uunno, 'less he sends Tony." 
 
 "Tony ! Who's Tony ?" asked By- 
 ington. 
 
 "He's our 'dopted boy," explained 
 the farmer, "we took liim from the 
 sylum to bring up and make a 
 farmer of." 
 
 "How old is he?" 
 
 "Dunno 'sactly, may be fourteen 
 or so." 
 
 "Is he bright? Does he under- 
 stand what you tell him ?" 
 
 "You bet. Mister. He's just the 
 cutest boy that ever hoed a hill o' 
 corn." 
 
 "Call him then." 
 
 "He sleeps out in that thar shed; 
 but I'll roust him out in a minute," 
 and the farmer hurried into an ad- 
 joining room, which looked more like 
 a idace for storing lumber, than a 
 sleei)ing apartment. 
 
 " Tony— Tony Tibbits!" he called 
 out, " wake up and dress yerself and 
 be mighty quick about it too; I don't 
 wanter be kept waitin', ye know." 
 
 " Wy, 'tain't mornin' yet, Mr. 
 Gripper," responded a drowsy voice. 
 " Surely it can't be." 
 
 " Who said it was mornin'?" 
 snai)ped the farmer. "You've just 
 got ter get up and do a chore for a 
 gentleman — carry a note for him, 
 that's all." 
 
 " Where to?" 
 
 "To the army, the Union army, 
 an' you jist want ter look out an' not 
 get killed; d'ye understand?" 
 
 " To the army!" and the boy sprang 
 out of his nest with alacrity. 
 
 He could be heard groping about 
 for a minute or so, and then came the 
 startled cry: 
 
 " My clothes — who's been carryin' 
 off my clothes? There's nothin' here 
 but just one stocking. " 
 
 "Lord defend nsl" exclaimed the 
 woman, with a groan, "has them 
 army thieves carried oft the nice jack- 
 et and pants I made you, Tonv Tib- 
 bets?" 
 
 "They're gone, anyway," moaned 
 the boy. 
 
 " The villains! the scoundrels! I 
 don't know what in the world you'll 
 do now, boy, unless you go naked, 
 
THE WAR LIBRARY. 
 
 for sartin sure we can't afford ter get 
 yer any more. Well, it's a good 
 thing it's summei-, anyhow." 
 
 " Great heavens!" exclaimed By- 
 ington, fuming with impatience, 
 " isn't there anything in the house 
 that the boy can wear? Surely there 
 •nustbe." 
 
 "I dunno; you see, sir, 'bout an 
 
 our ago a dozen or more men as 
 
 laimed to be Union soldiers came 
 
 ere and carried off almost every- 
 
 .iiiug they could lay hands on, ther 
 
 pesky thieves. We wouldn't hev 
 
 let 'em in, only we supposed they 
 
 were tlie same ones as brought a 
 
 wounded drummer boy here a little 
 
 while before." 
 
 "A drummer boy! How big is 
 he?" 
 
 " 'Bout ther size o' Tony, I reck- 
 on." 
 
 "Then that's just the ticket; give 
 Tony his clothes; he can return them 
 before the drummer will want them 
 again, I fancy." 
 
 " Reckon he can, sir, for if I'm not 
 greatly mistaken, the poor fellow '11 
 never want 'em again." 
 
 "That's bad; but hurry up, do." 
 
 The woman hastened from the 
 oom. 
 
 She soon returned with the poor 
 Jrummer's coat, pants and hat, and 
 also his stockings and shoes, all of 
 which she tossed through the door- 
 way to Tony, with the brief com- 
 mand: 
 
 "There, get into them." 
 
 While the boy was obeying this 
 order Byington was writing on a leaf 
 of his note book. 
 
 "There," he said, when he had 
 finished and Tony had presented him- 
 self, " take that to the nearest point 
 where you can find a Union picket, 
 and they'll see that it is forwarded 
 to its address. Now hurry ; but stay, 
 you may want the countersign. It is 
 
 " and he whispered a word in 
 
 the boy's ear. 
 
 Tony, who, now that he was dressed 
 in the neat uniform af the Union 
 army, looked like a brave and noble 
 little chap, nodded intelligently, and 
 after he had listened to a solemn 
 word of warning from the farmer's 
 wife, he started off. 
 ' Byington spent the next hour or 
 so in making up his dispatches. At 
 the end of that time a dozen men 
 presented themselves at the door. 
 
 They were the party he had sent 
 for. 
 
 "Where's the boy?" asked the 
 
 ar correspondent. 
 . " What boy?" said one of the par- 
 
 " Why, the one I sent with the 
 uote." 
 
 " Haven't seen any boy. The note 
 •was brought to our quarters by an 
 orderly. He said the general sent 
 him with it." 
 
 " I sincerely hope that no harm has 
 come to the li'tile fellow." said By- 
 ington, earnestly. 
 
 "No fear of tlnit," grunted the 
 
 farmer. " He can take care of him- 
 self easy enough, and we shall see 
 him, I reckon, long afore mornin'." 
 
 Byington now gave his instruc- 
 tions to the squad of repairers, and 
 with the farmer for guide, they 
 started out. 
 
 They were obliged to follow the 
 line for a distance of more than ten 
 miles; but in an hour or so from the 
 time they had started the wires were 
 all repaired, and connected with the 
 instrument under Byington's control, 
 when, click ! — it was in complete 
 working order. 
 
 The shrewd correspondent's first 
 move was to make an arrangement 
 for monopolizing the wire for the 
 next two days as the price of having 
 repaired it. Having done this to his 
 satisiaction, he sent his first dis- 
 patch. 
 
 It was the rule at that time that no 
 dispatch from the front, or a battle 
 field, could go to its destination ex- 
 cepting by way of the War Depart- 
 ment, so the indefatigable Byington's 
 dispatch to the New York ■ Tribune 
 was first read there, and it cresited a 
 profound sensation. 
 
 President Lincoln was called up, 
 and rushed to the war oflice little 
 more than half dressed. 
 
 "What about this battle ?" he de- 
 manded over the wire. 
 
 Byington promptly answered the 
 question, and added his signature. 
 
 "Who is Byington?" Mr. Lincoln 
 next inquired. 
 
 "Ask Secretary Welles, he's from 
 Connecticut and knows me," was the 
 reply. 
 
 "Send us more," was Lincoln's 
 next dispatch. 
 
 "On tlicse conditions," was the an- 
 swer, "that you send mj^ former dis- 
 patch immediately to the Trihmie ex- 
 clusively, and all others as soon as 
 read." 
 
 "Agreed." 
 
 And under this stipulation was 
 sent forwai-d an account of the battle 
 from beginning to end; while other 
 war correspondents were racing then- 
 jaded horses across Pennsylvania 
 with news a day old. 
 
 * Byington offered his telegraph to 
 General Meade; and the commander 
 of the Union forces gladly availed 
 himself of the opportunity to renew 
 communications with Washington. 
 
 CHAPTER 111. 
 
 TONY TIBBITS IN A PKCITLIAR 
 POSITION. 
 
 And now to follow the fortunes of 
 Tony Tibbitts, who, without any pre- 
 meditation on his part, suddenly 
 found himself in the uniform of one 
 of Uncle Sam's drummers. 
 
 After leaving the house of Farmer 
 
 * This incident was an actual fact. Mr. A. 
 H. Byington belonged to Norwalk, Conn., and 
 was the war correspondent of the New York 
 Tribune. He was the very first to send north 
 the report of the great victory at Gettysburg. 
 
 Gripper with Byington's note, he 
 took the shortest cut to Eock creekj 
 and then followed its bank until he 
 came opposite the hill occupied by 
 the Twelfth corps. 
 
 Here he turned, and was just mak- 
 ing his way through a clumj) of un- 
 derbrush on the hillside, when he 
 was brought to a stand by the per- 
 emptory challenge. 
 
 "Who goes there?" 
 
 Tony didn't understand the regu- 
 lar formula used on such occasions; 
 and so uttered in reply the words that 
 came most naturally to his lips. 
 
 "I'm a friend, Mr. Soldier — true 
 blue, you bet. Don't shoot." 
 
 "Advance friend, and give the 
 countersign," was the next peremp- 
 tory command. 
 
 "Oh!" exclaimed Tony, at once 
 remembering what Byington had told 
 him, and hastening forward, he gave 
 the countersign with all the assur- 
 ance of a veteran. 
 
 "Eight, pass on. But hold up, 
 what the deuce are you, only a drum- 
 mer — doing outside the lines at this 
 time of night ?" 
 
 " I've brought a note for the gen- 
 eral," said Tony. 
 
 "The deuce you have, where did 
 you get it?" 
 
 "A man gave it to me atGripper's 
 farm-house, down yonder." 
 
 "Let me see it?" 
 
 Tony handed him the note. 
 
 The sentinel regarded it gravely 
 for a moment, then looked searching- 
 ly at the boy, and at last yelled for 
 the corporal of the guard, who in due 
 time presented himself. 
 
 "What is it, Pender ?" he asked. 
 
 The sentinel told his stoiy, and 
 turned over both the boy and letter 
 to the non-commissioned oflflcer, who, 
 in turn, presented them to the cap- 
 tain of his comininy. 
 
 The caj)tain after questioning the 
 young messenger, ordered him to roll ) 
 himself up in a blanket and go to 
 sleep, between two rough looking, 
 but good uatured soldiers, whom he 
 ordered to keep an eye on the boy 
 until he received some instruction 
 regarding him from headquarters, 
 whither he at once dispatched the \ 
 note by an orderly. And so Tony, 
 much to his astonishment, and not a 
 little to his alarm, suddenly found 
 himself a sort of prisoner of war, in 
 the hands of the blue-coated soldiers. 
 
 But after all Tony was aphilosO' 
 pher, and thought to himself— 
 
 " Well, I hain't done anything 
 wrong, no how, so they'll have to let 
 me go in the morning, and I'd just as 
 lieve sleep here as in old Gripper's 
 shed, that's more out doors than ii'. 
 the house any day," and thus think 
 iug he went to sleep. 
 
 He was roused in the morning bj 
 the hurried command. Fall in ! Fall 
 in ! and saw, as he started up, a col- 
 umn of troops rapidly changing theii 
 position. 
 
 As he stood there looking aUou 
 him with a bewildered stare, a gray 
 
THE WAR LIBRABY. 
 
 bearded old soldier suddenly thrust 
 drum into his hands, with the hur- 
 ied words: 
 
 " Here, bub, this is more in your 
 line than mine, just give it particular 
 fits, its bettr music to the boys' 
 (sars than dying greans ; and I say, 
 lon't stand there as if you were a- 
 going to take root, but just drive 
 on for the other side of the hill. By 
 Tove ! I'd take you for a raw re- 
 mit if your uniform didn't tell a 
 
 Tony, from very fear began beat- 
 g the drum with might and main, 
 and if he didn't succeed in get- 
 ting much music out of it, he made 
 noise enough, and that seemed to be 
 the most essential point just then. 
 At the same time he hurried for- 
 ward, as he had been ordered to do, 
 and for a while kept pretty well 
 up with the men with whom he had 
 passed a portion of the night, and 
 some of whose faces he recognized. 
 But soon he became confused by 
 all that was ])assing around him, 
 the heavy tramp of armed men, the 
 neigh of the war horse, the harsh 
 1-attle of the wheels of artillery hur- 
 rying to their stations, the voice of 
 the bugle, the roll of the drum, 
 and all the indescribable tumult of 
 preparaiioii. 
 
 From tiie point where he now 
 found himself, he saw the various 
 corps of the army as they arrived 
 and were moved to their positions 
 on Cemetery Hill and the ridge that 
 extended southeast and southwest; 
 and as if by magic, he saw batteries 
 planted and breastworks thrown up. 
 Faster and faster the troops assem- 
 bled, and by seven o'clock the second 
 and tifth corps with the rest of the 
 I third had reached the ground, and 
 now the skiimishing began, but as 
 yet no severe conflict took place. 
 
 Tony continued to gaze upon all 
 that was passing around him as if 
 fascinated, and presently forgot even 
 to beat his drum. 
 
 "Out o'ther way there, bub !" and 
 a span of spirited horses, attached 
 to a caisson swept madly by. 
 
 But when the team was gone, 
 Tony was no longer standing where 
 it had found him— a hand had reach- 
 ed down from the wagon, and the 
 next instant the boy, drum and all, 
 were jerked upward, and placed be- 
 side the driver. 
 
 Tony regarded the powerful man 
 with a look of astonishment. 
 
 " There's no use in gettin' killed 
 when you won't be even so much as 
 thanked for it," said the driver, 
 " time enough for that when you 
 can't help yourself." 
 
 " What, was I likely to get killed 
 where I was standing?" asked Tony. 
 " Well, I reckon," was the reply, 
 then regarding the boy curiously; 
 " What regiment and corps do you 
 belong to ?" 
 
 " What did you say, sir?" 
 " I asked what was your com- 
 mand ?" 
 
 «I_I don't know," stammered 
 poor Tony. 
 
 "Well, here's a pretty go," mut- 
 tered the driver, as he brought his 
 horses to a stand, " a bright look- 
 ing boy enough, and yet don't know 
 his own regiment. Jump down, bub." 
 Tony quickly descended to the 
 ground. 
 
 The driver's attention was now 
 directed another way— an officer was 
 ordeiing him to move the caisson 
 further to the right, thus the boy 
 was left once more to himself— alone 
 in a great crowd, bent on death and 
 destruction. 
 
 Strange to say, not a thought of 
 getting away from that pandemo- 
 nium of a place, even entered his 
 head. In a passive sort of sense he 
 began to consider himself as belong- 
 ing there— as a part of the tremen- 
 dous panorama that was continually 
 unfolding itself before the eye. 
 
 The great body of the rebels were 
 posted on the opposite ridge, north 
 of the town, distant from a mile to a 
 mile and a half, and overlopping the 
 Federal army on each wing. 
 
 The roads on which the enemy 
 would desire to march across the 
 valley were commanded by Meade's 
 guns; and hence General Lee must 
 fight with the hills against him. 
 There was no conceivable approacli 
 that could not be raked and crossed 
 by the fire of the Federal cannon. 
 
 The reserve, artillery, and all the 
 essentials to insure victory were in 
 position, and at the right time. 
 
 The immense cavalry force, too, for 
 once, at least, was present, covering 
 both flanks of the army, and ready 
 for constantly harassing the enemy. 
 The latter, we may here say, was 
 a new and encouraging circumstance 
 which gave confidence to the men, 
 while it aflbrded security to the 
 teams. 
 
 The southern ends of the two di- 
 verging ridges or lines of hills on 
 which the Federal army was drawn 
 up terminated, each, in a steep, 
 sugar-loaf peak, which thoroughly 
 protected the flanks. To attempt to 
 march along the sides of these ridges 
 and around these terminal peaks, 
 would have exposed the rebels to 
 the danger of weakening their front 
 so greatly, as to make it easy for 
 General Meade to cut oif the flanking 
 force. Hence, a battle being de- 
 termined on, there was no alternative 
 but to attack the Federal position 
 directly in front. 
 
 For once, then, in the history of 
 the Army of the Potomac, the enemy 
 in accepting the guage of combat was 
 compelled to fight at a disadvantage. 
 Tony could neither see nor under- 
 stand all this, but he did see, and he 
 could interpret the exultant looks 
 which animated the countenances of 
 all about him. And a thrill of ex- 
 citement agitated his own breast, 
 and he longed to take some other 
 part in the great drama about to 
 open, than that of a mere spectator. 
 
 CHAPTER IV. 
 
 TONY BECOMES A SOLDIER ON THE 
 FIELD OF BATTLE. 
 
 Skirmishing continued, and now 
 and then the roar of a great gun 
 broke on the air; but the real con- 
 flict seemed as far off as ever. 
 
 Eegiment after regiment was still 
 pressing foward around the hill, in a 
 ceaseless stream, and all at once 
 Tony was caught up by the hurrying 
 mass and carried onward with it 
 toward a park of artillery, which 
 crowned a neighboring eminence. 
 
 Suddenly, he heard a hail, thenex 
 instant he was jerked to one sid( 
 and on turning round, saw the gray 
 bearded, kindly face of the old sol. 
 dier who had given him the drum a 
 little while before, looking down up- 
 on him. 
 
 "So, my lad, here you are, eh? 
 Didn't know what had become of 
 yon. Lost your command in the ex- 
 citement this morning, I fancy.". 
 
 "Hain't got any command to lose," 
 said Tony desperately, "and that's 
 just what I wish I had." 
 
 "What's that he says?" asked a 
 good natured, pleasant looking Irish- 
 man, coming toward them, "hain't 
 got any command ? Shure, thin, has 
 your wliole regiment been wiped out 
 entirely?" 
 
 "I never had any regiment," said! 
 Tony. 
 
 "Never had a regiment ! Phat did 
 ye have thin ?— a battalion, a com- 
 pany, or phat?" 
 
 "I didn't have any thing at all." 
 "The deuce yc didn't ! then what 
 are ye doin' in'thim regimentals?" 
 "Them what?" 
 
 "Kegimentals— uniform— clothes." 
 "Oh, the man who sent me here 
 had me put them on. Some fellows 
 who called themselves soldiers forced 
 tlieir way into our house Jast nigh 
 after I had gone to bed, and alonj 
 with a great many other things, car 
 ried oti' all my clothing, so, wher 
 this man wanted to send me with z 
 letter to the general, he told me to 
 put on these." 
 
 "And to whom did these belong to, 
 my boy?" asked the old soldier 
 thoughtfully. This may prove to be 
 a serious matter for you, or for some- 
 body." 
 
 "Oh, divil a serious matter at all 
 will it be for ye, me boy," exclaimed 
 Tim, quickly; "we'll see to all that; 
 but who did they belong to, jist ther 
 same?" 
 
 " A wounded drummer boy who 
 was brought to our house early in 
 the evening." 
 
 "This case ought to be reported to 
 the officers at once," said the old 
 soldier. 
 
 " To the deuce wid the officers ! 
 Corporal Snowden, shure, 'tis yerself 
 that knows they've got something of 
 more importance than this b'y to 
 think av jist now." 
 
 "You're right there, Tim, so they 
 
THE WAR LIBRARY. 
 
 have. Still, we ought not to lose 
 sight of the lad." 
 
 "Av course not. We'll keep him 
 wid our company. Shuie, 'tis an il- 
 igant soldier I'll makeav him, ifhes 
 only put in me charge." 
 
 "Yes," said the corporal, "we'll 
 keep him with us; come on, boy," 
 and as they hurried liim along: "By- 
 the-wav, what's your name?" 
 
 "Tony." 
 
 "Tonv what?" 
 
 " Tibbits, sir, Tony Tibbits."' 
 
 "Tony Tibbits!" exclaimed the 
 Irishman; "shure, thin, it's an ili- 
 gaut name, almost as foine as me own, 
 and that's Tim Cooney, all the 
 worriild over. " 
 
 " And if the world don't know it, 
 it won't be your fault, Tim," laughed 
 the corporal. 
 
 "Yer niver said a thruer word in 
 your loife, corporal." 
 
 By this time the trio had reached 
 a somewhat secluded nook on the 
 hillside, where a portion of a regi- 
 ment had installed itself, and seemed, 
 in a desultory sort of way, to be pre- 
 paring breakfast. 
 
 "How are you, corporal — halloo, 
 Tim, me boy !" called out at least a 
 dozen voices, and then some one 
 asked: 
 
 "Where did you pick up the kid?" 
 
 "Is that yerself, Billy Dufiy?" 
 said Tim; "thin jist luk at him an' 
 tell me is he an old soldier or not ?" 
 
 "He's aijlaguey young soldier, I 
 should say," laughed Sergeant 
 Small, who just then was preparing 
 to swallow a cup of hot cottee. 
 
 "Av course he's young," assented 
 Tim, but that ain't phat 1 mean at all, 
 for, d'ye see, Peter Small, he may be 
 a voung b'y antl yet an old soldier. 
 Phat de ye say, Billy Duffy?" 
 
 "He looks as though he'd seen 
 service," said Billy, with a wise nod 
 of the head. 
 
 "An' you, Stephen Huohes ?" 
 
 "He's got the right color on him," 
 answered Stephen, critically. 
 
 "I'd like to see how he handles the 
 drumsticks before I give an opinion," 
 said Phil McGiveney, " I've a boy of 
 me own about his age, and if he can't 
 knock Hail Columbia and Yankee 
 Doodle out of a drum in less time and 
 in better style than any other drum- 
 mer in the army, why, I wouldn't say 
 so, that's all." 
 
 " Yes, yes," cried Tommy Glynn, 
 and at least half a dozen otliers,"let's 
 see how he can handle the sticks. 
 Come, bub, just hammer away for us 
 a little." 
 
 "Give the sheepskin fits, me boy," 
 said Jimmy Keenan, with an encour- 
 aging nod and a wink. 
 
 "1 can pound hard enough, if that's 
 all you want," said Tony, grasping 
 the two sticks; "but as for making 
 a7iy music, 1 can't do it. 1 never had 
 a (irmii nr :i ]iair of ilruinsticlis in my 
 hands l.cl'inv In-, lay in all ni\ life." 
 
 "What's tliaf hf says •^" di'iiianded 
 Joe O'Brien; "never had hold of a 
 drum before":' Then what in the 
 
 world is he doing round here in that 
 uniform, I'd like to know." 
 
 "Yes," said Sergeant Small, turn- 
 ing to Snowden, "where did youpick 
 up the lad, corporal ? Let's know all 
 about it. " 
 
 "Listen to me, sergeant, darlint," 
 exclaimed Tim Cooney, as he eagerlj- 
 pressed his way forward ; "it's well 
 acquainted I am wid the lad, and 1 
 can tell ye his story as aisy as ther 
 praste can say mass. Hear me now." 
 
 "Hold up a moment,will you, Tim? 
 The only trouble with .you is that 
 yon ain't a priest yourself; you were 
 suicly cut out for one." 
 
 "It's li.^iitye are, sergeant. Shure 
 I have an iliyant gift av the gab, an' 
 would have made a foine praste in- 
 tircly; but, murtlier, phat would Mrs. 
 Cooney and tlie gorsoous have done 
 
 "Tliat's more than I can tell you. 
 But come, lets hear what the cor- 
 poral has to say." 
 
 In a few words Corporal Snowden 
 told all he knew about Tony and sat- 
 isfactorily accounted for the manner 
 in which he had come into possess- 
 ion of the drum. Then, without in- 
 vitation, Tim told a beautiful ro- 
 mance about the young adventurer, 
 and wound up by proposing that the 
 company should formally adopt him, 
 and that he should at once be in- 
 stalled as their drummer. 
 
 "The very thing!" exclaimed 
 Steve Hughes, "for you know that 
 our drummer is in the hospit.al, and 
 is to receive his discharge for disa- 
 bility, if he hasn't got it already." 
 
 "True enough," said Sergeant 
 Small; "but then, as I understand it, 
 the boy don't know any more about 
 drumming than a mule about sacred 
 music." 
 
 "That don't make any difference," 
 said Phil MiGiveney, quickly; "he 
 shall know all about it in less than a 
 week; I'll teach him mvself." 
 
 "What, you, Phil?" 
 
 "Of course; didn't I make a musi- 
 cian of my own boy, and can't 1 do 
 as well h\ another?" 
 
 "That" settles it," cried Duffy; 
 "run the kid over to Professor Mc- 
 Givenev at once." 
 
 "Whiifs all this talk about?" ask- 
 ed a fine looking officer, of some 
 twenty-six or seven years, as he now 
 approached the group. 
 
 Sergeant Small started to his feet, 
 and with a military salute entered 
 into an explanation. 
 
 "Hum," said Captain Ellsworth, 
 when he had finished. " I've l.eard 
 something about this boy before, 1 
 fancy. " Then turning to Tony: 
 " Did you enter our lines in the night 
 with a note for the general ?" 
 
 " Yes, sir. was the pi'ompt reiily. 
 
 "Who sent you?" asked the Cap- 
 tain. 
 
 "A man who came to our house on 
 horseback, sir." 
 
 " Where is your house ?" 
 
 " Down the creek apiece— Parmer 
 Grij)per's place, sir." 
 
 " What hind of a looking man was 
 it?" 
 
 Tony, to the best of his ability, 
 described the correspondent. 
 
 "Ah! I think I know who he 
 means," exclaimed Corporal Snow- 
 pen, suddenly. 
 
 "Well?" said the Captain. 
 
 "I'm pretty sure it was Byington 
 (»f the New Y'ork Tribune. I saw 
 him start (Hit in the early part of tlie 
 ni.uht and he took that direction." 
 
 "You must be right," said the 
 Captain musingly, "he probably 
 wanted help to repair the telegraph 
 wires, and ro sent to the general for 
 it." 
 
 "But about the boy. Captain dar- 
 lint," put in Tim, with the greatest 
 assurance in the world, " Shure we 
 may kape him?" 
 
 "I don't know about that," answer- 
 ed the Captain, slowly. "If I un- 
 derstand the matter rightly, he's le- 
 gally bound to this farmer until 
 he's twenty -one, and the master or 
 guai'dian could come and demand 
 him of us at any time." 
 
 " No fear of his coming for the 
 next two or three days, at least," 
 said Tim, "an' after that he might 
 have a hard job huntin' us nj), I'm 
 thinkin'." 
 
 "And I fancy," said Corporal 
 Snowden, "that Uncle Sam needs his 
 services quite as much as this hard 
 fisted farmer, and for that matter, is 
 quite as much entitled to them." 
 
 "There's much truth in that, Cor- 
 poral," rejoined the captain, approv- 
 ingly, then turning to Tony: 
 
 "How is it, my boy, had yon rath- 
 er go back to the farm, or stay with 
 us?" 
 
 "Stay with you a hundred times 
 over," was the earnest reply. 
 
 "Think seriously, my boy, a sol- 
 dier's life is full 01 hardships and 
 dangers, then — " 
 
 "It's a glorious life, sir," inter- 
 rupted Tony eagerly, "and I should 
 be fighting for my country." 
 
 "Well said," murmured Corporal 
 Snowden, with an api)roving jiod. 
 
 "But listen," urged the Captain, 
 "even now you can hear the soun<ls 
 that herald death to some one ; and 
 look around you, at this very mo- 
 ment, on every hand, you see thou- 
 sands hurrying to their fate.'' 
 
 "No matter," said Tony firmly, "it 
 may as well be me as they. If 1 die, 
 I sb.all die in a good cause; if I live, 
 I shall be proud of the choice I make 
 this day." 
 
 "Enough, you shall be one of us, 
 and if Farmer Gripper institutes a 
 search for you, I fancy, from what I 
 know of these brave boys, that it 
 will be no easy task to find you." 
 
 "Anah ! jist let him come," said 
 Tim, "Sure, its a foine scare we'll 
 give him.'' 
 
 "By Jove ! I hope he will," chuck- 
 led liuffy, rubbing his hands togeth- 
 er. 
 
 "Then that's settled," said the 
 cai)tain, and 1 leave the young re- 
 
THE WAR LIBRARY. 
 
 cruit for you to look after, boys. See 
 that he doesn't suffer m your hands." 
 
 "All right, captain," and as Kau- 
 dal Ellsworth turned away, Sergeant 
 Small called out, 
 
 "Tony, ray boy, I'll bet a Scotch 
 shilling— and that's a big one— that 
 you haven't had bite nor sui) since 
 you woke this morning." 
 
 "You're right, sir," answered 
 Tony, casting a wistful glance at 
 some hard-tack and a few other sol- 
 diers' delicacies which were scatter- 
 ed around. 
 
 "Come and sit down beside me 
 then and help yourself, lad." 
 
 Tony obeyed with alacrity, and for 
 the next few minutes was too busy 
 to answer half the questions that 
 were rained upon him by the boys. 
 
 CHAPTEE V. 
 
 DESPKRATE FIGHTING TIM COONEY 
 
 PREDICTS GREAT THINGS FOR TONY. 
 
 Hour after hour passed, and still 
 Tony and his new friends remained 
 out of harm's way in the sheltering 
 nook. 
 
 The inaction of the rebel army 
 seemed providential. Had the con- 
 test been renewed in earnest at day- 
 light, with the first and eleventh 
 corps exhausted by the battle and 
 the subsequent retreat, the third 
 and twelfth weary from their forced 
 march, and the second, fifth and 
 sixth not yet arrived, nothing but a 
 miracle could have saved the army 
 from destruction. 
 
 Instead of this, as we have seen, 
 the day dawned, the sun rose, the 
 cool hours of morning i)assed, and 
 the forenoon wore away, with no se- 
 rious aggressive movement on the 
 part of the enemy. Thus, time was 
 given for the absent half of the 
 Union army to arrive and take their 
 place in the lines, while the rest of 
 the troops enjoyed a much needed 
 half day's rest. 
 
 It was not until two o'clock in the 
 afternoon that Sedgwick arrived 
 with the sixth corps. He had march- 
 ed thirty-two miles since nine o'clock 
 in the morning of the day before. 
 
 It was only on his arrival that the 
 Federal army attained anything like 
 an equality of numbers with that of 
 the rebels pitted against it. 
 
 At length, between three and four 
 o'clock in the afternoon, the work of 
 death began. The Federal batteries 
 in front of the rebel line of fire re- 
 plied vigorously; and for two hours 
 tlie roar and thunder, and flame, and 
 smoke of artillery so completely fill- 
 ed the heavens that all else seemed 
 forgotten. 
 
 At length through the woods on 
 the left black masses were seen mov- 
 ing — larger, more frequent, and 
 nearer ! 
 
 Skirmishing in that part of the 
 field became sharper. 
 
 General Sickles moved forward to 
 develop the enemy s intentions and 
 
 to gain a commanding ])osition from 
 which to repel the rebel attack. 
 Bigelow's Massachusett's battery ac- 
 companietl him. 
 
 General Sickles' position was un- 
 fortiuKitely too far from the maiu 
 line to be promptly or immediately 
 supported by the second or Fifth 
 corps. 
 
 General Meade saw this and sought 
 Sickles at once, and discussed with 
 him the propriety of falling back to 
 the line of his supports; but the 
 enemy had perceived his exposed 
 position, and were rushing forward 
 to the attack in heavy force, about 
 twenty-six thousand men being 
 thrown at once upon this single 
 corps. 
 
 Very early in the engagement Gen- 
 eral Sickles was severely wounded, 
 and Major General Birney took com- 
 mand of the corps, and retained it, 
 tllough himself wounded soon after. 
 
 After a brave and determined re- 
 sistance, the corps was forced back; 
 and the enemy, flushed with success, 
 pressed forward with all their might 
 for the high ground between Round 
 Top and Little Round Top. If they 
 could reach and hold this they would 
 be able to command the Federal 
 position on Cemetery Hill. 
 
 The struggle was tierce and des- 
 perate, and, for nearly four hours, 
 victory seemed poised in the balance. 
 
 Bigelow's battery, which had not 
 previeusly been under fire, occupied 
 an exposed position, and the rebels 
 seemed determined to take it. Major 
 McGilvray, who commanded the ar- 
 tillery on the left, ordered Captain 
 Bigelow to hold his i)osition till he 
 could get up two batteries on the 
 ridge, and to give the rebels grave 
 and canister. 
 
 Captain Bigelow obeyed, and as 
 the rebels came up to the very muz- 
 zles of *his cannon to capture tliem, 
 he blew them to pieces, and filled the 
 air with the scattered fragments of 
 their bodies. 
 
 Still they rushed on with demoniac 
 yells, climbing upon the limbers, and 
 shooting the horses,but Bigelow held 
 on, though nearly all his horses were 
 kille<l, five of his sergeants dead, 
 and three of his cannoners and twen- 
 ty-two of his men wounded, and him- 
 self shot through the side, till the 
 booming of the guns from the ridge 
 told that McGilvray had planted his 
 batteries. He then brought off five 
 of his limbers and two of his guns, 
 dragging tliem in part by hand. 
 
 The rebels rushed forward, seized 
 the four pieces with loud shouts, and 
 came on for ne w triumphs, but McGil- 
 vray's batteries drove them back 
 with terrible slaughter, and a fresh 
 division coming up to reinforce the 
 third corps, charged upon the rebels 
 and recaptured the guns. 
 
 It was at this moment that Larry 
 O'Brien and Jim Pender, both of 
 Captain Ellsworth's company, ruslied 
 in among their couiiades, and with 
 one breath exchiimcd: 
 
 "O," boys, the most elegant piece 
 of fighting you ever saw in your 
 lives. Sickles' corps is in for it hot 
 and heavy, and they want helj) the 
 worst way. I wish the colonel would 
 let us take a hand." 
 
 "Arrah, now. Sergeant darlint,"' 
 cried TimCooney, "just spake to the 
 captain, af he axes it as a favor,! 
 share, the colonel won'trefuse." ' 
 "111 do it," said Sergeaiit Small, 
 " but I fear its of no use. It's in cg- 
 ular, you see." 
 
 At that moment the cajitain and 
 several other ofticers apinoachctl. 
 
 The Sergeant at once made known 
 the wishes of his comrades. 
 
 Captain Ellsworth shook his head. 
 
 "Ko use," he said, "the regiment 
 
 will have enough to do by-and-by, 
 
 I'm thinking; still, if you wish it, 
 
 I'll speak to the colonel." 
 
 "Then spake at onct, captain, dar- 
 lint," said Tim, "for see, sure, he's 
 comin' now." 
 
 As the colonel came up, the cap- 
 tain referred to him the singular re- 
 quest of his men. 
 
 "No use," exclaimed the colonel, 
 promptly; " 'twouldn't do at all — 
 can't think of it for a moment. Meade 
 will see that Sickles' coriis don't suf- 
 fer." 
 
 "Arrah now, colonel," began Tim, 
 in a wheedling voice. 
 
 "Well, I don't know," continued 
 the colonel, with a grim smile; "if 
 you're all so mighty anxious to get 
 killed, if there were any other troops 
 about here moving to the support ot 
 the Third Corps, why, you might 
 join them without attracting atten- 
 tion." 
 
 "See, colonel !" exclaimed Cor- 
 poral Snowden, "two divisions of our 
 corps and the Sixth there are just 
 moving toward Little Round Top; 
 we can easily join them." 
 
 "Well, if Captain Ellsworth ap- 
 proves, you may go." 
 
 "Hurrah for the Colonel!" and 
 with three ringing cheers, the brave 
 boys fell into rank, and with Ells- 
 worth at their head, hastened to join 
 the moving divisions. 
 
 In addition to the Sixth Corps, and 
 the two divisions of the Twelfth, 
 Doubleday's division of the First 
 Corps, the Second and part of the 
 Fifth came to the assistance of the 
 Third, and after nearly three hours 
 of the hardest fighting of the war, 
 succeeded in repulsing the enemy, 
 who had at one time gained possess- 
 ion of the summit of Little Round 
 Top. 
 
 From this point they were driven 
 by Ellsworth's company and Craw- 
 ford's division,who, cnmingup fresh, 
 charged upon them with great fury, 
 drove them down the rocky front of 
 that hill, across the valley below, 
 over the next hill and into the woods 
 beyond, taking over three hundred 
 prisoners. 
 
 In this fearful charge it was that 
 Tony Tibbits for tlie first time in his 
 young life saw what real fighting 
 
8 
 
 rpTT-p WAP LIBRARY. 
 
 •was; tlien it was he leaviieil to love 
 and respect every man with whom 
 his lot had been so suddenly and 
 strangely cast. 
 
 He saw Captain Eandal Ellsworth 
 cheer on his men, and noted that not 
 for one single instant did he shrink 
 from danger. He saw that the friend- 
 ly sergeant and corporal were both 
 great warriors, a host in themselves, 
 and that the two O'Briens, Duffy, 
 Phil McGiveney, Tim Cooney, 
 Hughes, Glynn and all the others 
 were in their native element when 
 the light was hottest and blood was 
 flowing most freely. 
 
 Then he forgot everything— every- 
 thing but the tight, and casting aside 
 his drum, which a half dozen shots 
 had rendered useless, he picked up 
 a rifle, the use of which he well un- 
 derstood, and went in with the rest 
 in dead earnest. 
 
 At this time the fighting was fear- 
 ful in the extreme, and the Union 
 trooiJS were doing terrible work; but 
 the rebel General Barksdale was seen 
 to fall; then thoroughly disheart- 
 ened and driven back with severe 
 loss, the rebels made no further at- 
 tempt on the Federal left wing. 
 
 But now word was passed that the 
 Twelfth Corps was in danger, and 
 Captain Ellsworth with his company, 
 which had suffered severely, has- 
 tened to rejoiu his regiment. 
 
 It was time. 
 
 The rebel commanding general was 
 now determined to break through 
 the right and gain the central one of 
 the valley roads. 
 
 The failure of his troops to turn 
 the left, the snatching of the victory, 
 as it were, from their very clutches, 
 and the hurling back of their broken 
 columns, defeated azul in confusion, 
 made the case more desperate ; and 
 so the attack on Slocum was furious 
 even to madness. 
 
 But shortly after Ellsworth's men 
 had joined their regiment the First 
 and Sixth Corps came up to the sup- 
 port of the Twelfth, and sustaiued it 
 in an unyielding combat. 
 
 Until half past nine o'clock the 
 battle raged with unmitigated fierce- 
 ness, the lines moved to and fro, 
 each in turn advancing and falling 
 back. 
 
 At this hour of the night the en- 
 emy made his final charge on the left 
 of the right wing held by General 
 Geary's division. He was repulsed 
 with terrible slaughter, and refused 
 to renew the attack. 
 
 At ten o'clock the battle ceased, 
 
 (and for a time peaceful quiet reigned 
 over the field of carnage. 
 Ellsworth's men now had a little 
 time to rest, and Corporal Snowden, 
 placing his hand kindly on Tony's 
 head, said: 
 
 "You made no mistake, my brave 
 boy, you were cut out for a soldier, 
 if ever boy was yet. " 
 
 "Thrue forye. Corporal Snowden," 
 exclaimed Tim Cooney, who was 
 standing near; "I had me eye on him 
 
 all through ther foight, an'I predict 
 the by will prove an honor to me 
 sagacity; shure there's not a doubt 
 av it." 
 
 CHAPTEE VI. 
 
 THE GEEAT VICTORY AT GETTYS- 
 BURG. 
 
 EWELL, operating against the ex- 
 treme right of the Federals, which 
 had been weakened by the withdraw- 
 al of troops sent over to support the 
 left, had succeeded in gaining a foot- 
 hold within a portion of the Union 
 lines near Spangler's Spring. This 
 was the only advantage obtained by 
 the rebels to compensate them for 
 the terrible disasters of the day, and 
 of this they were destined to be soon 
 deprived. 
 
 During the night General Meade, 
 determined to dislodge Ewell from 
 his position, and as a matter of ijer- 
 sonal honor assigned the task to 
 General Slocum, who had previously 
 held the same place. 
 
 A division of the Sixth Corps was 
 stationed on the rightof the Twelfth, 
 Slocum's, thus forming the extreme 
 outpost of the right wing. The Fifth 
 Corps was sent over as a reserve, and 
 General Wadsworth's division of the 
 First Corps took position to strength- 
 en Howard's right where it joined 
 Slocum's left. 
 
 These were the preliminaries. 
 
 The men well knew the fearfn) 
 called to perform, and nerved their 
 hearts to the perilous task. 
 
 The next morning at four o'clock, 
 Slocum's line opened a temiic tire 
 on Ewell's men. The enemy re- 
 sponded in a furious charge— per- 
 haps the most furious ev^er made on a 
 field of battle. 
 
 With fiendish yeils and seeming 
 contempt of death, during .six full 
 hours, they hurled their solid masses 
 against the well-defended line.s. 
 
 The Federal troops stood like a 
 wall of fire, whose flaming tongues 
 inwrapped in death whatever came 
 near, whose foundations were as 
 firm as if one with the primal rock 
 on which they rested. 
 
 Nothing during the war had equal- 
 ed this six hours of carnage. In 
 front of Geary's position were more 
 rebel dead than the number of the 
 entire list of casualities in the twelfth 
 corps. They lay in bloody mounds, 
 some pierced with a single bullet- 
 wound, others torn and mangled in 
 the most frightful manner. 
 
 Before half-past ten o'clock, Slo- 
 cum had repulsed and driven back 
 the foe at every point, and reoccu- 
 pied his original position. As they 
 fell back, a battery on the Baltimore 
 turnpike plowed through the ene- 
 my's lines with shot and shell hurl- 
 ed over the heads of the twelfth 
 corps, and made terrible havoc in 
 their ranks. 
 
 Ellsworth'.s brave boys now had a 
 breathing spell, for after the retreat 
 
 of Ewell's troops to the west and 
 northwest of the town of Gettysburg, 
 the enemy remained quiet till one 
 o'clock in the afternoon, when they 
 opened tire with one hundred and 
 twenty-five to one hundred and tifty 
 guns on the centre and left, the posi- 
 tion of General Hancock's corps, 
 which from the want of natural de- 
 fenses, was the weakest i^ortion of 
 the Fedex-al lines. 
 
 The Federal batteries, fully equal 
 in number and caliber, replied 
 promptly, and for the next two hours 
 the earth fairly shook under the feet 
 of the two armies with the terrible 
 concussion. 
 
 The air seemed filled with iron 
 missiles, and the forest trees on both 
 sides were riven, torn and splintered, 
 as if struck by lightening. 
 
 At last the Federal troops ceased 
 to reply, not from any disposition to 
 yield, or from lack of ammunition, but 
 to compel the rebels to a further de- 
 monstration. 
 
 They were not slow in making it. 
 Pickett's division, the elite of Long- 
 street's corps, which had not yet 
 been under fire in this battle, was 
 advanced, and supported by three 
 brigades from two divisions of Hill's 
 corps. 
 
 They moved steadily forward for 
 nearly half a mile, intending evi- 
 dently to carry the Federal lines by 
 assault; when having arrived within 
 short range, the artillery o])ened on 
 them with gi'ape, canister, and shell. 
 They hesitated for a moment, then 
 with tremendous yells rushed on 
 till, when within a sliort distance of 
 the lines, they were leceived with a 
 most deadly and destructive tire of 
 musketry. 
 
 Under this they reeled and stag- 
 gered, and a part rushing up to the 
 Federal lines threw down their arms, 
 and surrendered, while the remainder 
 turned and fled. 
 
 Two brigades of Doubleday's di- 
 vision sprang foward, and each cap- 
 tured more than eight hundred pris- 
 oners, and the other brigades took 
 considerable numbers. Fifteen stands 
 of colors were also taken by the 
 the Federal troops. 
 
 Over one third of the rebels en- 
 gaged in this assault were left upon 
 the field, and three thousand more 
 were taken prisoners. One of their 
 generals was killed, and four more 
 weunded— two of them mortally. 
 
 On the Federal .side the loss ha<l 
 been much less, but Major (icneval 
 nancock and Brigadier Ccncral Gib- 
 bou were severely, and Generals 
 Warren and Hunt slightly woundeil. 
 Of course this closed the battle in 
 this part of the field, as there was im 
 probability of rallying these broken 
 and disheartened troops for another 
 attack. 
 
 But Longstreethad not relinquisli- 
 ed the hope of efl'ecting a lodgment 
 of his trooi)s upon Round Tnj) or 
 Little Round Top. Hood's and ^\c- 
 Laws' divisions of his corps, while 
 
THE WAR LIBRARY. 
 
 the tight with the Federal center 
 ■\vas progressing, assaulted these 
 points with great vigor in front, 
 and at the same time Longstreet sent 
 an infantry force with two or three 
 batteries, to a point nearly two miles 
 southwest of Round To]>, with orders 
 to press foward and turn the Hank of 
 the sixth corps, so as to fall upon the 
 Federal rear and secure its trains of 
 ammunition, which were packed be- 
 hind Round Top. 
 
 Tiiey were, as they thought, mak- 
 ing good progress in this movement, 
 when they suddenly found them- 
 selves confronted by two brigades of 
 Kilpatrick"s division of cavalry. 
 
 A tierce engagement ensued, in 
 which the rebel batteries were 
 silenced, and tlie infantry driven 
 back to tlieir original position in 
 front of Round Top, and the Penn- 
 sylvania Reserves charged upon 
 them, capturing the battery, taking 
 tiiree hundred prisoners, and five 
 tliousand stand of arms. 
 
 At the same time, General Gregg, 
 with liis division of cavalry, who had 
 held a position on the extreme right, 
 cro.ssed the Baltimore and Bonaugh- 
 town road, and successfully attacked 
 Stuart's cavalry and Ewell's force 
 ou (he left and rear. 
 
 The great battle was over. Thwart- 
 ed at every point, his efforts to pene- 
 trate and destroj' the Federal army 
 all defeated, with nearly one third of 
 his whole force either killed or pris- 
 oners, his ammunition and supplies 
 nearly exhausted, the rebel com- 
 manding general sullenly drew back 
 to his intrenchments, and ordered 
 the gathering up of such of his 
 wounded as could be most readily 
 moved. The rebel troops which had 
 hitherto occupied the town and the 
 tract southeast of it, moved during 
 the night to Seminary ridge. 
 
 Uiiriiig the same night, the Fede- 
 ral army, worn out with the stress of 
 tlie terrible combat, bivouacked in its 
 position; the men dropping in their 
 places and sleeping. 
 
 Before the sun rose on the morning 
 of the fourth, Lee had decamped with 
 his whole army toward the Potomac. 
 
 Details of Federal soldiers were at 
 once made to bury the dead. Along 
 the Union lines and down the slope in 
 front, especially in front of the point 
 where Ellsworth's men had been sta- 
 tioned, the ground was strewn with 
 corpses, many of them already black- 
 ened and swollen, some still in striking 
 attitudes. Here a soldier had evident- 
 ly been engaged in trying to save the 
 life of a wounded comrade by binding 
 a handkerchief about the shattered 
 limb, but was shot, and, falling on 
 his wounded companion, both had 
 died together. 
 
 Tony, who with Corporal Snowden 
 had accompanied the detail from his 
 regiment, beheld this and many other 
 fearful spectacles, and as he gazed 
 about him he could have recognized 
 the truthfulness of the picture drawn 
 by a certain officer there. 
 
 "I could imagine," he said, " no- 
 thing more terrible than the silent 
 indications of agony that marked the 
 features of the pale corpses which 
 lay at every step. Though dead and 
 rigid in every muscle, they still writh- 
 ed and seemed to turn to catch the 
 passing breeze for a cooling breath. 
 Staring eyes, gaping mouth, clinched 
 hands, and strangly contracted limbs, 
 seemingly drawn into the smallest 
 compass as if by a mighty ettbrt to 
 rend asunder some irresistible bond 
 wliich held them down to the torture 
 of which they died. 
 
 " One sat against a tree, and, with 
 mouth and eyes wide open, looked 
 u}) into the sky as if to catch a glimpse 
 of its own fleeting spirit. Another 
 clutched the branch of an overhang- 
 ing tree, and hung half suspended, 
 as if in death he had raised himself 
 partly from the ground. Another 
 had grasped his faithful musket, and 
 the compression of liis mouth told of 
 a determination which would have 
 been fatal to a foe had lii'e ebbed a 
 minute later. Another clung with 
 both hands to a bayonet which was 
 buried in the ground. Great numbers 
 lay in heaps, just as the fire of the 
 artillery mowed them down, mangled 
 their forms into almost indistinguish- 
 al)le mass." 
 
 Tony Tibbits saw all this and more. 
 No wonder then, taking into consid- 
 eration all he had previously passed 
 through on that bloody field, since 
 leaving the farmer's house, that, at 
 one bound, so to speak, he became 
 transformed from a diffident country 
 boy to a brave and thorough soldier. 
 
 CHAPTER VII. 
 
 GILES GRIPPF.R GETS INTO HOT 
 WATER. 
 
 For two days after the battle the 
 greater part of the Federal army re- 
 mained on the field of Gettysburg, 
 and the Twentieth Connecticut Vol- 
 unteers, the regiment of which Ran- 
 dal Ellsworth's comi)any formed a 
 part, occupied a ])osition near the 
 spot where Tony Tibbits had first 
 found it. 
 
 Tbe boy had quickly won his way 
 to the heart of every member of the 
 company, they would gladly have 
 made a pet of "him had he not resent- 
 ed the idea and shown them conclu- 
 sively that he wanted to be treated 
 as a man, and do a man's whole duty. 
 
 This manly bearing of the brave 
 young drummer boy only increased 
 the love and respect his comrades felt 
 for him, and so, by the time the great 
 battle was fairly fought and won, 
 they were ready to do anything in 
 the world for him. 
 
 It was the second day after the 
 battle, all the work assigned to the 
 Twentieth had been performed and 
 Ellsworth's boys, in common with 
 the rest of the regiment, were " tak- 
 ing things easy." 
 
 Tony, Joe O'Brien, Jim Keegan, 
 and one or two others, were lying in 
 
 the shade of a clump of trees, at thi 
 rear of the camp, and at some distance 
 from the rest. 
 
 Suddenly, on looking uj), Tony saw 
 two i)ersons advancing to their quar- * 
 ters, one from his neat uniform it 
 was easy to see was the orderly of 
 some general, the other wore thel 
 plain clothes of a country farmer. | 
 
 As the boy caught sight of the 
 hitter's face he uttered an exclama- 
 tion of alarm. 
 
 His comrades turned quickly and 
 asked to know what was the mat- 
 ter. 
 
 " Gripper," gasped Tony, " he's 
 come to take me away." 
 
 " Where is the griper ? " demanded 
 Jim Keegan savagely. " Just let 
 me get a-hold of him, and I'll show 
 him what a griper is." 
 
 " Don't talk so loud, Jim," whisp- 
 ered Tony, " he'll hear you and then 
 it will he all day with me— sure." 
 
 " r.sii:nv! " Innghed Jimmy, " don'1 
 bother your head about him, the boys 
 never II let him get away with you ii 
 the world." 
 
 " 1 don't know about that," mut- 
 tered Tony, with a sorrowful shake 9. 
 of the head, " 1 m worth a good deal 
 to him and he won't go away without 
 me if he can possibly help himself." 
 
 "Ah! but that's just it — he cant 
 help himself." 
 
 " Hark! " exclaimed Joe, " there's 
 Snowden, Larry, and Tim Cooney, 
 the farmer and orderly are going to 
 speak to them. Let's hear what 
 they've got to say," and cautiously 
 bending forward, they all listened. 
 
 "Corporal, here's a man who wants 
 to see your captain — Ellsworth I be- 
 lieve," said the orderly. "He has 
 particular business with him." 
 
 "Ah!" responded Snowden, who at 
 once suspected the farmer's identity, 
 "very sorry that Captain Ellsworth 
 is not about — off on sisecial service,, 
 you know." 
 
 "Well, I suppose one of lieuten- 
 ants would do as well," suggested 
 the orderly. 
 
 "That's bad again, our first lieuten- 
 ant was seriously wounded in the 
 late battle and is now in hospitiil. 
 the second lieutenant is busy making 
 out a report and as he don't like tht 
 business, and has got the temper oj 
 a fiend, it would be about as much 
 as any man's life is worth to disturb 
 him." 
 
 "Oh Lord! don't disturb him on 
 any account then," exclaimed the 
 farmer hastily. 
 
 "Hum," said the orderly, "at least 
 you must have some officer about 
 who can give the man the informa- 
 tion he seek. Of course its no busi- 
 ness of mine, but you see, I was sent 
 by General Slocum, and I dare say 
 he'll want me to make some kind of 
 a report. Where's your first Ser- 
 geant—Thompson, Brown, or what- 
 ever his name is?" 
 
 "It happens to be Small — Peter 
 Small, since the charge we made on 
 Little Round Top, when the rebels 
 
THE WAR LIBRARY. 
 
 held possessiou of the summit 
 there. " 
 
 "Ah! your orderly was killed 
 then-" 
 
 " Yes, and Sergeant Small was pro- 
 moted to be orderly Sergeant, and I 
 was advanced a peg or two myself. 
 Peter's first sergeant, and I'm first 
 corporal now." 
 
 "Well, can we see Sergeant 
 Small?" 
 
 "Why— yes, I think so." Then 
 turning to Tim Cooney with a sly 
 wink, 
 
 "Tim, old boy, go fetch the ser- 
 geant. — But wait a moment; who 
 shall 1 say wants to see him?" 
 
 "Giles G-ripper," answered the 
 farmer, "and you may as well say 
 that I've come about a boy, who, I 
 understand, has enlisted in this com- 
 panj' — the little scamp want's to rob 
 me of his time— the rascally villain." 
 
 "Oh, the dhirty spalpeen!" ex- 
 claimed Tim, "Phat's the name ov 
 him?" 
 
 "Tony Tibbets," answered the far- 
 mer, "and he's no more fit to go to 
 war than I am— no! I don't mean 
 that — than my old woman is." 
 
 "Well, sor, I'll call the sergeant— 
 and a few more be.sides, I'm thinkin' " 
 muttered Tim, sotto voce, as he moved 
 away. 
 
 "Have you such a boy in your 
 company as he describes, corporal?" 
 asked the orderly. 
 
 "Let me see," mused Snowden, 
 "Tibbits— Tony Tibbits. About how 
 old should you say, sir?" 
 
 "Wal, may be fourteen," said the 
 farmer, "p'r'aps a leetle more." 
 
 "Hum! I fancy there was a boy of 
 that description who came into our 
 quarters during the night, after the 
 first day's fight." 
 
 "Ah! and he's with you now?" 
 said the orderly quickly. 
 
 "It may be so." 
 
 "Then, Mr. Gripper," continued 
 the orderly, turning to the farmer, 
 "I don't see as I can be of any fur- 
 ther use to you, and s«, as I've much 
 to look after, at headquarters, I'll 
 bid you good day. Good day, cor- 
 poral, good day, comrades," and he 
 was gone. 
 
 "Nice likely fellow, that," said the 
 farmer approvingly, "reckon he'll 
 be a general some day, sure." 
 
 "Very likely," replied Snowden 
 dryly, "that's the kind of timber 
 the government makes geneials out 
 of," and he east a furtive glance in 
 the direction Tim had taken. 
 
 But Tim did not seem to be in any 
 hurry to return, neither did Sergeant 
 Small show up." 
 
 Farmer Gripper began to grow im- 
 patient. 
 
 "What in thunder's the matter 
 with all you sojers?" he growled, 
 "a pesky lazy lot seems ter me." 
 
 "Don't get impatient, sir," said 
 Corporal Snowden meaningly, "Per- 
 haps the sergeant will get here quite 
 as soon as you'll care to see him, 
 after all." 
 
 "What's that you say?" 
 
 The corporal drew nearer, and 
 gazed earnestly into his face. 
 
 "The more I look at you," he said 
 gravely," the better I am satisfied 
 that I've heard of you before." 
 
 "What d'ye mean, sir?" asked 
 Gripper with a bewildered and star- 
 tled look. 
 
 "O, nothing— that is, you'll learn 
 fast enough when the sergeant 
 comes." 
 
 "Good Lord ! what mess have I 
 got into now?" groaned the unhap- 
 py farmer. 
 
 The corporal with an impenetra- 
 ble look, shook his head. 
 
 "Why the deuce don't yer speak ?" 
 snapped Gripper. Then brightening 
 up a little, "But confound it all, / 
 hain't done uothin', all I want's my 
 boy, an' him I'm goin' ter have, I 
 reckon if there's any law in the 
 land." 
 
 Snowden made no answer, and a 
 minute or two later. Sergeant Small 
 and quite a number of the boys 
 came up. 
 
 The sergeant had a slip of paper 
 in his hand, which, after regarding 
 the farmer attentively for a moment 
 or so, he referred to, 
 
 "Ah ! you are Giles Gripper, afar- 
 mer in this neighborhood?" he said 
 sharply at last. 
 
 "Yes, sii-," faltered the poor farm- 
 er, who didn't know what to make of 
 what was going on. 
 
 "And you gained admission within 
 our lines on the pi-etext that you 
 wanted to find a boy, who, as I un- 
 derstand it, you claim, was bound to 
 you by the town authorities?" 
 
 "Of course, that's it exactly." 
 
 "Hum, a very ingenious story, Mr. 
 Gripper." 
 
 "What, sir?" 
 
 "a very ingenious story, I say. 
 But, sir, let me tell you, we're up to 
 all such dodges. And whatever 
 you've done in other parts of the 
 army, you can't fool us. We know 
 you. " 
 
 "Good Lord ! What do you mean ?" 
 
 "Mean ! What do you suppose we 
 mean ? We understand j-our little 
 game — that's all. The fact is, you've 
 played it once too often. " 
 
 "Played it too often ? Played what 
 too often?" 
 
 "This lost boy business. We know 
 what your real business is within our 
 lines." 
 
 "Sir!" 
 
 "How much did you expect to get 
 from Lee for the information, you 
 were going to send him to-day, eh ?" 
 
 For a moment the ]ioor farmer 
 seemed comiilctel y duiiibfouiided. At 
 length he m:iiiagod to -asji out ! 
 
 "Lee ! I never had any thing to do 
 with Lee in all my life. What're you 
 drivin' at, any way ?" 
 
 "Of course you deny it, but we un- 
 derstand, don't we, boys?" 
 
 "Of course, of course," went up 
 from the attentive crowd. 
 
 "You understand, do vou ?" ex- 
 
 claimed the farmer fiercely, "then 
 what d'ye take me for, any way ?" 
 
 "A spy! a spy!" shouted the 
 boys. 
 
 "Yes," added Snowden, "and the 
 worst kind of a spy too; for he would 
 have betrayed us when we had just 
 saved his home and fields from pil- 
 laqre, think of it !" 
 
 CHAPTER VIII. 
 
 THE FAKMEE IS TREED, AND SENTEN- 
 CED TO BE BUBEIED ALIVE. 
 
 "That's a durned lie any how," 
 exclaimed the fanner angrily, "yer 
 didn't save either ther house or fields 
 from pillage, an' ther very wust 
 thieves that carried oflmy property 
 war men, who claimed tev be Union 
 soldiers." 
 
 "Well," said the sergeant, "if any 
 men have misconducted themselves 
 about your place they were not 
 Union soldiers, though they may 
 have pretended to be such. But 
 that's not to the point, the question 
 now is, what punishment shall we in- 
 flict on you — a miserable spy." 
 
 "It's a durned lie, I tell yer," 
 cried the farmer, "I'm as good a 
 Union as any o' yer, and love my 
 country just as well. " 
 
 "Ah, phat are ye givin' us, yer 
 dirty divil ?" growled Tim. "If ye 
 war that, ye'd be in the army, wear- 
 in' a blue coat, an' wid a good mus- 
 ket or rifle over your shoulder, so 
 yer would. " 
 
 "Everybody can't fight," retorted 
 Gripper, "some must stay home, and 
 raise stuff for you sojers ter eat." 
 
 "Arroh, go 'way wid yer, there'd 
 always be cowards enough for ther 
 likes o' that." 
 
 "Sergeant," said Larry O'Brien, 
 suddenly and in a serious tone, "I'd 
 just like to know what all this talk 
 is about any way. This man is either 
 a spy or he is not a spy. If the first, 
 he ought to be hung at once, if the 
 last, we ought to send him home to 
 his old woman with the least possible 
 delay." 
 
 "That's the talk ! that's the talk !" 
 went up from a dozen approving 
 voices. 
 
 "Then I reckon yer'd better let me 
 go right straight away," exclaimed 
 the farmer eagerly. 
 
 "Holdup! Not so fast, my man," 
 said the sergeant sternly. "Tim, are 
 all the witnesses here?" 
 
 "Yes, sir, ivery mother's sou av 
 thim." 
 
 "Then bring up the first." 
 
 "Here he is, sor, John Faulkner, 
 who, loike ther great Gineral Wash- 
 ington himself, niver told a loi." 
 
 "John," said the sergeant, in a 
 magisterial tone, "do you know the 
 prisoner at the bar? — Ahem ! I wish 
 to goodness there was a bar here, — 
 I say, do you know him?" 
 
 "i do, sir," responded Johnny 
 promptly. 
 
THE WAR LIBRARY. 
 
 11 
 
 "Where did yoii ever see him be- 
 fore ?" 
 
 "Down by the spring yonder, just 
 before dark last evening." 
 
 "Ah ! And what was he doing 
 there?" 
 
 "He was whispering to a soldier." 
 
 "He was 1 Anything else ?" 
 
 "I saw him offering the soldier 
 money." 
 
 "Oho ! trying to corrupt one of 
 our noble comrades. But of course 
 the brave defender of our country 
 rejected the tilthy lucre with scorn, 
 eh?" 
 
 "Not mnch, sir; he pocketed the 
 greenback so quick it fairly made me 
 wink." 
 
 "All ! I see, the prisoner is an old 
 sinner. He knows how to corrupt 
 the innocent." 
 
 At this point tlie boys, with one 
 accord, sent up a dismal groan — they 
 saw no chance of being "corrupted" 
 just then. 
 
 "Is that all, John?" asked the 
 sergeant. "Didn't you catch any 
 words that passed between the plot- 
 ters?" 
 
 "O yes, sir, I heard this man say, 
 'you must find a chance to smuggle 
 me in some time to-night,' and the 
 soldier said, 'that may be difficult,' 
 then, after a moments thought, this 
 one said something about bringing 
 some one out to liim." 
 
 "Isee, Iseet" exclaimed the ser- 
 geant; "there was another, probably 
 an officer, concerned in the plot. la 
 that all?" 
 
 "Yes, sir." 
 
 "Step down — that is, stand to one 
 side. Bring on the next witness, 
 sheriff — I mean Tim." 
 
 "Here he is, sir, Billy Duffy." 
 
 "Well, William, look upon the 
 prisoner and tell me, did you ever 
 see his face before?" 
 
 "Think I have, yer honor," an- 
 swered Billy, carelessly. 
 
 "Ah! wbeu and where?" 
 
 "He was jumping bounties in Con- 
 necticut, more than a year ago." 
 
 "Ah-h-h!" exclaimed the ser- 
 geant. 
 
 "O-o-o!" groaned the boys, and a 
 look of bewildered astonishment set- 
 tled on the face of the farmer. 
 
 "Are you quite sure of what you 
 say?" asked the sergeant, seriously. 
 
 "Oh, yes," answered Billy, "I re- 
 member him well. I have good cause 
 to— he picked my pocket of a heavy 
 gold hunting-case watch over on 
 Grapevine Point one day." 
 
 "He did?" 
 
 "Yes, indeed, sir. You remember 
 that watch, Jim Pender — the one I 
 lent you the night you went courting 
 the Hillhouse avenue girl?" 
 
 "Oh, yes," said Jim, with an hon- 
 est look, "I remember it very well." 
 
 "Well, that's the watch he robbed 
 me of, and I swore I'd be even with 
 him some day, and now the time has 
 come." 
 
 "Look-a-liere," cried Gripper ner- 
 vously, "what's all this nonsense 
 
 you're a gettiu' off? I never was in 
 that miserable little State of Con- 
 necticut in all my life, and what's 
 more, never expect te be there, 
 either." 
 
 "You're more than half right, any- 
 way, I suspect, old man," said Larry 
 O'Brien, with a chuckle; "the fact 
 is, you won't live to get so far as 
 Connecticut." 
 
 "What's that you say?" 
 
 "Silence in the court!" said Ser- 
 geant Small, sternly. "Go on with 
 your testimony, Mr. Duffy." 
 
 "Am I to tell all I to tell all I know 
 about the prisoner?" 
 
 "Certainly, everything. " 
 
 "Well, sir, this man is not at all 
 what he seems. " 
 
 "What! how's that?" 
 
 "He is acting a part when he 
 claims to be a farmer. He was act- 
 ing a part when he was in Connecti- 
 cut, more than a year ago." 
 
 "Acting a part! who is he then?" 
 
 "In pointof fact, he's alieutenant- 
 general in the Confederate army!" 
 
 "Oh, what a lie!" groaned Grip- 
 per. 
 
 "And the bosom friend of General 
 Lee," added Duffy. 
 
 ""That's another whopper; never 
 saw Lee in all my life, I tell yer." 
 
 "This is getting serious," said the 
 sergeant, with a solemn shake of the 
 head. "Are you sure of what you 
 say, comrade? " 
 
 "Certainly," was Billy's unblnsh- 
 ing answer; "and it so happens I am 
 able to fully account for his being 
 here at this moment." 
 
 "We are listening." 
 
 "Well, sir, it grew out of a serious 
 conference between him and Lee. He 
 saw that the South could never whip 
 us in the regular way, and at length 
 told Lee so. Then when the rebel 
 commander-in-chief acknowledged 
 that he was right, and asked him 
 what he would advise, he said: 
 
 " 'Let some officer with a pleasing 
 person and good address disguise 
 himself as a substantial Pennsylva- 
 nia farmer, and make his way into 
 the Union lines. Then let him pick 
 out some boy and claim him as his 
 or bound apprentice, and get away 
 with him. When he's secured the 
 first in this way, let him go back and 
 secure another and another, using a 
 different disguise each time, if he 
 likes. In that way, don't you see, 
 we can soon carry off the whole Union 
 army, and at no great risk of being 
 shot, either, which is a consideration 
 worthy of attention.' " 
 
 "You are the worst liar I ever 
 heard!" said the astonished farmer. 
 
 "Sir!" said Billy, with dignity. 
 
 "Go on, Mr. Duft'y," commanded 
 the sergeant, "and tell us what Gen- 
 eral Lee said to the prisoner's sug- 
 gestion." 
 
 "He said, as he grasped the pris- 
 oner's hand : ' my dear general, I like 
 your idea very much ; but where in 
 the world can we find just the right 
 man — I mean with a pleasing person 
 
 and good address? for in truth these 
 things do count with the Yankees, 
 there's no denying it.' 
 
 " And then our friend here 
 straightened himself up and striking 
 his manly bosom with his shapely 
 right hand, said : 
 
 " 'General Lee, I am not, I believe, 
 a vain man, but 1 know my merits, 
 both of peison and mind. If 1 am 
 handsome, "tis as God made me, and 
 as for my address, deign to remember 
 that I have always associated with 
 gentlemen. In short, I am just the 
 man you want; I will undertake the 
 important mission. One by one I will 
 bring off the whole Union army, I 
 swear it!' " 
 
 "Good heavens, what an awful 
 plot!" exclaimed the sergeant, roll- 
 ing his eyes ujjward in holy horror. 
 
 " Terrible! " murmured Snowdon 
 and O'Brien. 
 
 The rest of the boys indulged in 
 another dismal groan. 
 
 " You understand it all no w, " Duffy 
 continued, "Lee gladly accepted his 
 projiosition and so you see how he 
 hiipi)ens to be among us. I tell you, 
 sergeant and comrades, this thing 
 strikes right home to us. After car- 
 rying off' the Lord only knows how 
 many of our brave boys, he under- 
 takes to deplete our own comi>any!" 
 
 "Ah! 1 see — I understand," ex- 
 claimed the sergeant, "and of course^ 
 he's communicating with Lee all thel 
 time, eh?" jr 
 
 "O, of course," said Billy, readily 
 taking the hint, "and there's where 
 more of his ingenious and diabolical 
 work comes in. How do you think 
 he does it?" 
 
 "Hum, can't say. Evidently^he's 
 got a head capable of plotting' any 
 deviltry." 
 
 "You're right there, as I shall pres- 
 ently prove." 
 
 "We're listening." 
 
 "Well he has a curious mongrel 
 cur that follows him about wherever 
 te goes, and when he's got anything 
 to communicate to his chief, he writes 
 it on thin paper, crams thepaper into 
 a piece of meat, makes the dog swal- 
 low it whole, and posts him oft' to 
 find Lee, who, knowing the dodge, 
 gives the cur an emetic, and so makes 
 him throw up his dispatches." 
 
 Another groan from all the boys. 
 
 "Sergeant with all due deference, 
 I think we've heard enough to con- 
 demn a dozen spies," said Corporal 
 Snowden solemnly. 
 
 "Indeed we have," assented the 
 grave judge. "And now the only 
 thing left for us to do is to pass sen- 
 tence." 
 
 "Of course." 
 
 "And that sentence must be " 
 
 "Death!" exclaimed the boys in a 
 breath. 
 
 "Ah! but this is an aggravated 
 case," said Steve Hughes. "Hang- 
 ing's too good for such a man." 
 
 "You're quite right, Steve," nod- 
 ded the seigeant. "By what death 
 shall he die then?" 
 
THE WAR LIBRARY. 
 
 There was a moment of unbroken 
 Bilence, and all looked toward Billy 
 Duffy. 
 
 "I have it! " exclaimed Billy at 
 last. "Let's bury him alive!" 
 
 "The very tliiiis!" shouted the 
 boys. "We'll bury ithe old spy alive!" 
 
 CHAPTEE IX. 
 
 POOR GRIPPER FINDS HIS WAY TO 
 THE BOTTOMLESS P,IT. 
 
 "Let a dozen set to work at once 
 and dig a grave," commaHded the 
 sergeant. 
 
 The boys rushed away with a shout 
 and the farmer pleaded in vain for 
 mercy. 
 
 "Yer all wrong. I'm as good a 
 man as any ov yei-," he moaned. 
 Then with another gasp, "Oh! what'll 
 ther old woman say when she hears 
 of it!" 
 
 But it was all of no use, the dig- 
 ging went on steadily and soon the 
 grave was readj'. Then they led the 
 unhappy man to its brink. 
 
 "Giles Gripper, have you anything 
 to say before we proceed to carry 
 out tlie just sentence that has been 
 pronounced against you? " asked the 
 sergeant gravely. 
 
 The farmer gazed upon the un- 
 friendly faces in the crowd which 
 surrounded him, looked down into 
 the gaping grave at his feet, gave a 
 profound sigh, and then blurted out: 
 
 "Go on with yer durned old funeral ; 
 reckon as how it'll save me burial 
 expenses, any way." 
 
 "What a hardened sinner!" groan- 
 ed Corporal Snowden. 
 
 "What a precious old file!" mut- 
 tered Billy Duffy. 
 
 "Better blindfold him, sergeant," 
 suggested Jim Pender. 
 
 "Of course," and a handkerchief 
 was tightly bound over his eyes, ef- 
 fectually shutting out all light. 
 
 The miserable man was then low- 
 ered into the narrow grave, and dirt 
 thrown upon him. 
 
 "He's gone oft' the handle, boys!" 
 exclaimed Duff'y suddenly. 
 
 "Sure!" asked the seigeant anxi- 
 ously. 
 
 "Yes, look for yourself." 
 
 The sergeant let himself down into 
 the grave and carefully examined 
 the victim. 
 
 "Only fainted," he said at last. 
 "But it's a dead faint, that is cer- 
 tain." 
 
 "Then hustle him out lively] and 
 let's sew him up in the blanket and 
 take him to that confoundedly dark 
 cave that Johnny Loftus discovered. 
 He'll til ink sure that he's in his grave 
 or the bottomless pit when he comes 
 to there." 
 
 "You're right Billy," exclaimed 
 Ed. Lillie, "and we'll have just loads 
 and loads of fun — you bet." 
 
 Poor Gripper was now lifted out 
 of the grave, and his arms folded 
 across his breast, were tied in that 
 position, his feet were also tied to- 
 
 gether. He was then wrapped up in 
 an army blanker, which was secured 
 by strings, the bandage, of course, 
 was still left over his eyes. 
 
 "Ifow, then," said Duffy, when all 
 their arrangements were completed, 
 " let's take him to the cave, it's more 
 like a grave than anything else, and 
 we can all set around and wake the 
 corpse." 
 
 "Agreed!" and the unconscious 
 farmer was conveyed to a low and 
 dark cave at no great distance, where 
 he was carefully lain ujjon the ground. 
 
 "Now then," said Joe O'Brien, 
 "let's go away and leave him to him- 
 self for awhile." 
 
 "No, no! what's the use of that?' 
 exclaimed Duffy, "Let's stay right 
 here. If we fasten a blanket over 
 the entrance, he can't see us, even if 
 we take the bandage from his eyes." 
 
 "That's so," said the corporal, 
 "and if we stay and keep mighty 
 quiet, we shall soon hear what he 
 thinks of death and the other world. " 
 
 "That's all right," said Duff'y; 
 "but I propose to get even more fun 
 than that out of him. But you shall 
 see for yourselves. Now then, hang 
 up a blanket, some of you, you can 
 drive a peg or two into the cracks 
 over the entrance there easy enough. 
 The rest sit down and kec]) <iiiict; he 
 may cdinv iduikI at any nidiiu'iit now." 
 
 Nearly tla- wliolc cdniiiany had by 
 this time crowded its way into the 
 cave, which was by no means a large 
 one. The blanket was at last sus- 
 Ijended over the opening, and every 
 ray of light shut out, then Duffy re- 
 moved the handkerchief from the 
 farmer's eyes. 
 
 "Now," he whispered, "keep quiet 
 ever mother's son of you; he'll be 
 coming round before you know it, and 
 I don't want the fun spoiled." 
 
 The boys fixed themselves the best 
 way they could, and waited in anx- 
 ious ex])ectancy. 
 
 Minute after minute passed, and 
 still the farmer showed no signs of 
 returning life. 
 
 "Be ther powers !" muttered Tim, 
 at last, "af he don't come round 
 purty (luick, oi shall think ther divil 
 has got him sure." 
 
 "Hist! Tim," whispered Billy 
 warningly, "he's just moved his 
 head, not a word— not a sound now !" 
 
 At that moment the farmer uttered 
 a dismal moan, then, in a measure, 
 his faculties seemed to be restored to 
 him. 
 
 "Good Lord ! where am I ?" he ex- 
 claimed in a scarcely audible whis- 
 per. Then, after a moment: 
 
 " Ah I I remember now, them con- 
 founded soldiers buried me alive ! 
 Oh, LorcJ ! what will become of ther 
 old woman ?'' 
 
 Then, after another pause, and in 
 an aggravated tone. 
 
 "Ah ! I know what'll become of 
 her fast enough, she'll up and marry 
 Hans Frseger, my hired man. I've 
 noticed she's felt er sort o' sneakin' 
 kindness for him for some time. But 
 
 won't I haunt 'em if she does ! That 
 is, if I 
 
 "Lord ! how dark it is here, an' 
 how tight they crowded the earth 
 down outer me. I can't move a peg. 
 I'd scarcely know I'd got any body — 
 Thunder ! p'r'aps I hain't ! Why, 
 of course not ! that is, I'm jist a 
 spirit fastened up here somehow — 
 new born, so ter speak. But where 
 am I ? can this be — ." 
 
 "Hell !" exclaimed Duffy, in a deep 
 hollow voice. 
 
 "Oh, Lord !" groaned poor Grip- 
 per, and again, from very fright, he 
 became unconscious. 
 
 This the boys quickly discovered, 
 and some were for ending the farce 
 before it became a tragedy. But 
 Duff'y pleaded for a little more fun, 
 and agreed, if the rest would see him 
 through it, to land the farmer plump 
 in his own bed before he awoke to 
 the fact that he was still in the land 
 of the living. 
 
 "Well, liave it your own way," said 
 Sergeant Small, but keep quiet now, 
 he's coming round again."' 
 
 At that moment the farmer uttered 
 a weary sigh, and then seemed to be 
 intently listening. 
 
 " I heard it — I surely heard it," be 
 at length muttered, "some dark 
 si)int— ]iroliably the evil one himself 
 answcied my very tli(ui.t;lits, and told 
 nie ] was in liell ! can it lie jiossible? 
 Is this indeed the bottomless pit into 
 which all the wicked are cast?" 
 
 "It is ! said Duffy, in the same deep 
 hollow voice in which he had before 
 spoken. 
 
 "Oh, Lord !" groaned the unliap- 
 py victim, "and why am I here ? I've 
 been a church member for years an' 
 years." 
 
 "Yes, and a most infernal hypo- 
 crite too," said Billy. 
 
 "But — but — I was as good as most 
 of my neighbors." 
 
 "That, as you very well know, is 
 no excuse, when death comes every 
 tub must stand on its own bottom." 
 
 "But what did 1 do while on earth 
 that was so awful bad?" 
 
 "You were not a poor man were 
 you?" 
 
 "N-no— not so very poor." 
 
 "Wasn't you quite well off"? 
 Didn't you own a good farm, free 
 and clear from all incumbrance ? 
 wasn't it well stoclAd? and hadn't 
 you a snug little sum in the bank 
 besides?" 
 
 "Ye — ye — yes, I suppose all that's 
 true." 
 
 "And can you point to one single 
 charitable act that you have ever 
 performed? Where is the widow 
 whom you have ever befriended? 
 Where is the orphan you have ever 
 succored? Where — " 
 
 "Hold up, Mr. Devil, I befriended 
 one orphan any way — Tony Tibbits, 
 I give him a good home, an' made a 
 regular pet on him— me an' my wife." 
 
 "Giles Gripper," said Billy, in his 
 most terrible tone of voice, "do yon 
 presume to think that you can de- 
 
THE WAR. LIBRARY. 
 
 13 
 
 eeive me? You befriend Ton.y Tib- 
 bits. You give him a good "home. 
 You malve a pet of him. Wliy, you 
 ivorked the poor boy almo.st to death, 
 in fact, made him do a strong man's 
 (vork, that's the way yon befriended 
 him. You and your wife made a re- 
 gular drudge of him in the house, 
 fed him on your leavings, and made 
 him sleep in an old tumble down 
 shed, that's the home you gave him, 
 and as for clothes, you never allow- 
 ed him but one poor suit at a time, 
 for every day and Sunday, so that 
 when that one was stolen, your wife 
 was obliged to steal a wounded drum- 
 mer's uniform to replace it with, and 
 j-ou never give him a dime of spend- 
 ing money in j-our Yvi&—thaVs the 
 kind of pet you made of him. Pali! 
 [ can't bear to talk with you. Beel- 
 gebub, old fellow, just stir up the 
 big brimstone fire, we must give our 
 new friend a warm reception — ^a sort 
 of foretaste of tlie comforts he is to 
 enjoy among us." 
 
 "Oh Lord !' gasped Gripper, with 
 another moan, and again he became 
 unconscious. 
 
 CHAPTER X. 
 
 GENERAL LEE HAS AN INTERVIEW 
 WITH MRS. GRIPPER. 
 
 "Now then," said Duffy, hurried- 
 ly, "I've got something here that one 
 of you must help me to make him 
 swallow. It will keep him in a 
 drowsy state for the next four or five 
 liours, and by that time, I promise 
 you, we shall be well rid of him. 
 Pull down the blanket, Steve." 
 
 The blanket was bulled down, and 
 the dose— whatever it was, adminis- 
 tered. 
 
 " Nowtheu," said Bill, "we'll leave 
 him where he is till night; and then 
 half a dozen of our best fellows shall 
 see the play out." 
 
 About an hour after dark, Billy 
 Duff, Jim Pender, Steve Hughes, 
 Tim Oooney and the two Johnnies, 
 as John Doftus and John Faulk- 
 ner were called, silently entered 
 the cave. 
 
 "Here he is, all right boys," whis- 
 pered Billy, after feeling around for 
 some time, "and as quiet as a fresh 
 corpse, my dose worked beautiful- 
 ly." 
 
 " 'Tis yerself that can do it. Bill 
 Duffy," said Tim admiringly. 
 
 "You bet," laughed Billy, "and 
 aow the question is, how shall we 
 2:et him home?" 
 
 That's easily answered," Johnny 
 Loftus, "just lift him on my back, 
 i can carry him and not half try." 
 
 "I believe you, and that I think 
 vill be the best way, at least you can 
 iarry him till you get a little tired, 
 lud then Steve and Tim can have a 
 %o at it. " 
 
 "Pooh !" said Loftus contemptu- 
 ously, "just lift him up, will you ?" 
 
 The unconscious farmer was boost- 
 ed into position and the squad start- 
 ed off. 
 
 "You fixed it all right to get 
 through the lines, Billy?" said Pen- 
 der. 
 
 "Yes, of course, come ahead," and 
 they hurried on toward the road. 
 
 Having passed the wondering sen- 
 tinels, they kept on until they had 
 almost reached Gripper's house, 
 wheu Billy brought the squad to a 
 halt. 
 
 "Now you fellows wait here," he 
 said, until you see that the coast is 
 clear — that is until you see the 
 old woman start off' around the house 
 with me, then take the old man in. 
 You know where his bedroom is 
 Jim, Tony told you. When you find 
 it, strip him and put him to bed, then 
 make yourselves scarce as soon as 
 possible. But if you hear him call 
 out— 'Hold on boys, don't shoot !' 
 why, come to me. Do jou under- 
 stand?" 
 
 "Yes, all right, — drive ahead, and 
 Billy advanced to the front door and 
 gave a loud knock. 
 
 Mrs. Gripper did not keep him 
 long waiting. She was anxiously 
 expecting word from her husband 
 and Tony, and thinking a mes.sage of 
 some kind had come from them, 
 hastened to open the door. 
 
 "Who be yer?" she instantly de- 
 manded on seeing Billy. 
 
 "Hist !" he replied warningly, 
 "Can I trust you, madam ?" 
 
 "Trust me ? of course yer can — if 
 yer pay me fur keeijing yer secret." 
 
 "Ah! mercenary womac! But no 
 matter, let it be as you say. I will 
 tell you my awful secret and pay 
 you lor keeping it— But please step 
 this way. " 
 
 "Why, what d'ye want me ter 
 come out there fur, I'd like ter 
 know?" 
 
 "There may be some one listening 
 about here. Ain't there some one in 
 the house?" 
 
 "No — that is nobody but Hans, 
 our hired man. He's kinder been 
 lookin' after things about ther house 
 since my old man started out ter find 
 our bound boy." 
 
 "Hum, Hans, eh? Perhaps you'd 
 belter call him out too — if he can be 
 trusted." 
 
 "Lors-a-me! Of course he can, sar- 
 tin sure, I'll answer for it." 
 
 "Then call him." 
 
 "Hans! Hans! come here, you're 
 wanted," and presently a sturdy 
 looking young Pennsylvania Dutch- 
 man made his ai^pearance in the door- 
 way. " 
 
 "Now, then, sir," said the woman, 
 "what have you to say to us?" 
 
 "Where's your barn?" asked Billy. 
 
 "Over there," was the answer. 
 
 "Come and point it out to me." 
 
 "Why, if you just go round the 
 other side of the house, you can see 
 it easy enough." 
 
 "I dare say: but I'd much rather 
 you two would show me, and then 
 Hans must go to it with me. " 
 
 "Dot vos all right," said Hans. 
 "Gome on, Mrs. Glibber," and so the 
 
 three moyed around the coriierof the 
 house tOj>ether. 
 
 Here Dutty brought them to a 
 stand and held their attention. 
 
 "Before we go any further," he 
 said, "I ought to tell you who I real- 
 ly am; for my conscience would not 
 jiermit me to deceive you in this mat- 
 ter and get you into trouble unwit- 
 tingly." 
 
 "Ah, that's right, that's fair, sir," 
 exclaimed the curious woman, "and 
 now for the land's sake who be yer, 
 anyhow?" 
 
 "Hist! not so loud; don't give it 
 away for the world. Let me whisper 
 it in your ear. I'm— can I trust 
 you?" 
 
 "Of course yer can. Come, do tell 
 us if yer ever goin' ter." 
 
 "Ah, dear madam, my heart almost 
 fails me. Suj^pose you should be 
 tempted to send word to General 
 Meade, what would become of me 
 then?" 
 
 "Good heaA'ens, what can the man 
 mean? What in the world is he 
 driving at? Hans, can you make 
 out?" 
 
 "Nein, I have not understand," 
 answered the Dutchman, stoically. 
 
 "No more can I; do tell us, sir." 
 
 "Once more then, madam, listen," 
 and putting his lips close to her ears, 
 he whispered : "I am General Lee! 
 Now don't, don't give it away, I 
 beg." 
 
 "General Lee! Good Lord!" ex- 
 claimed the woman, starting back 
 aghast. 
 
 "There, I told yon just how it 
 would be," said Dufl'y, bitterly. 
 "You'll have a whole troop of Yan- 
 kees down upon me in less than no 
 time, and then I shall be hung, per- 
 haps drawn and quartered." 
 
 "Oh, Hans, Hans, what shall we 
 do with him?" asked the bewildered 
 woman. 
 
 "I have not know," replied the 
 man, "unless you vos took him in an' 
 give him somedings to eat." 
 
 "That's it," she exclaimed, bright- 
 ening up; "you want your supper, 
 sir, then we can talk afterwards." 
 
 "Ah, dear madam, how thoughtful 
 —how kind! just as that sweet child 
 Tony said I should find you." 
 
 "What! you know where that lit- 
 tle scamp Tony is?" 
 
 "Don't say scamp, dear madam; I 
 have heard him say how he loved 
 you; I have heard his pitiable story. " 
 
 "Ah, and what is his story?" 
 
 "After delivering the message 
 with which he was intrusted he 
 started to return home and losi his 
 way. He was then taken in charge 
 by a Union picket, and held by them 
 until the next day, when the boy, 
 picket and all were captured by my 
 men, and he is now a prisoner in our 
 hands." 
 
 "An' so ther rebels have really 
 got him, have they ?" 
 
 With great dignity: 
 
 "He is a prisoner in the hands of 
 the Confederates, ma'am." 
 
14 
 
 THE WAR LIBRARY. 
 
 "O, I beg pardon, I'm sure. You've 
 really got liim though? An' ain't 
 yer goin' ter give him up ter me?" 
 
 "Do you really wish it?" 
 
 "Of course I do." 
 
 "Then it shall be so. The moment 
 1 again reach my army I will send 
 him to yon, with a pair of beautiful 
 diamond earrings, which I shall beg 
 you to accept as a memento of this 
 interesting occasion." 
 
 "You're very kind, General, an' I 
 thank yer a thousand times. But, 
 mercy me! now that I look at yer, 
 how is it that you're wearin' a blue 
 uniform! an' I thought General Lee 
 iiad a gray beard?" 
 
 "Ah, I foresaw that you would ask 
 those questions. The fact is, mad- 
 am, that [ was most anxious to know 
 whether Meade was likely to follow 
 me up promptly after his victory, or 
 let me get back into Virginia at my 
 leisure, and in my own way; and as 
 this information was of the utmost 
 importance to me, 1 resolved to ob- 
 tain it myself; so I borrowed this 
 uniform from one of my prisoners, 
 shaved off my beard, and entered the 
 Union lines; and now comes the un- 
 pleasant part of my story." 
 
 "Do let's hear it. General, I'm 
 awfully interested." 
 
 "It leaked out through the prison- 
 er whose uniform I wear that I had 
 left the Confederate lines in dis- 
 guise. Some Yankee spies got hold 
 of it and at once reported to Meade, 
 and now his troops are scouring the 
 country for me. I may be taken at 
 any moment— indeed, if you do not 
 use the utmost caution, I may be 
 talven before your very eyes." 
 
 "General Lee, I would " 
 
 "Ah, Mailain, what liave you done? 
 You have lirtiaycd me. See. yonder 
 comes a si|iiad of the enemy. Hold 
 on, boys! don't sliool! I — I surren- 
 der!" 
 
 The boys, who had succeeded in 
 yetting the old man into hia bed, and 
 were now making toward the road, 
 on liearing Duffy's voice, turned, 
 and at once hastened toward him. 
 
 "You surrender, do you?" said 
 Jim Pender, who quickly took the 
 cue. 
 
 " Yes, comrade ; aud I will cheer- 
 fully bear testimony before General 
 Meade that it was you who captured 
 me. Ah! it isn't everyday that you 
 take such an illustrious prisoner as 
 General Lee." 
 
 "That's so. General, you uever 
 made a truer remark. But we can"t 
 stay here all night; so come on," 
 and after a sad good bye to|Mrs. 
 Gripper and Hans, the great Con- 
 federate general started oft' with his 
 captors- 
 
 CHAPTEE XI. 
 
 MES. GRIPPER AND HANS ARE FRIGHT- 
 ENED BY THE FARMER'S SHOT. 
 
 "Hans what a great pity it is that 
 them soldiers came .just as they did," 
 
 said Mrs. Gripper regretfully, as she 
 started slowly toward the house. 
 
 "Why vosdot?" asked Hans. 
 
 "Why, don't you see, if we had 
 only got him safely into the barn, 
 you could have run oft" to the other 
 general — Meade, aud tlien we should 
 have got a big reward, p'r'haps four 
 or live thousand dollars, then if my 
 old man didn't come back, you and I 
 could have settled right down here 
 in mighty comfortable shape, and if 
 he did, why we could have pulled 
 up stakes an' gone oft' together." 
 
 "Yaw," grunted Hans. 
 
 "Five thousand dollars is a good 
 deal of money, Hans," persisted the 
 old woman. 
 
 "Yaw." 
 
 By this time they had entered the 
 house, and ou Hans hinting that he 
 would like a leetle somediugs more 
 to eat, Mrs. Gripper bestirred her- 
 self, aud soon placed a piece of cold 
 spare-rib, .some potatoes, bread and 
 pie ou the table, and begged him to 
 draw up aud help himself. 
 
 When it came to the matter of eat- 
 ing, Hans was in no way "backward 
 in coming forward," he drew his 
 chair up to the table, seized knife 
 and fork, and went to work with 
 alacrity and enthusiasm. 
 
 To see him one would think he had 
 not tasted food in twenty-four hours, 
 and would have been incredulous 
 when informed that he had eaten a 
 hearty supper only a little before 
 sun-down. 
 
 For some time Mrs. Gripper watch- 
 ed the stalwart feeder in silence. At 
 length she burst out — 
 
 "Ah ! Hans, how you do enjoy my 
 victuals." 
 
 "Yaw," grunted the young Dutch- 
 man, with his mouth full. 
 
 "You know when good cookin's 
 set before you," she proceeded. 
 
 "You shust pet." 
 
 Tenderly : 
 
 "Ah, Hans, how I should love to 
 cook for you all your life ! " 
 
 "Dot vos all righd, Mrs. Grib- 
 ber. " 
 
 "You would really like it too?"' 
 
 "You vos know your peesness, 
 Mrs. Gribber, you vos geep der house 
 in goot shape, you vos set er goot 
 dable. Dot vos all righd." 
 
 "And — and — Hans, you would 
 realli/ like to live with me always ?" 
 
 "1 vos willin', if der old man bays 
 me all righd." 
 
 "Ah, but if he don't come home 
 again, Hans. — And really, I don't 
 think he will now. I'm quite sure 
 some accident has happened to him. 
 He must have got killed by mistake, 
 either by the Union men or rebels, 
 otherwise, he would have been home 
 before this." 
 
 "Dot vos so," said Hans slowly. 
 "Der old man don't vos like ter pe 
 out all nights." 
 
 "Yes," exclaimed the woman ea- 
 gerly, "and so, if he don't come, just 
 see how nice we can have everything, 
 you'll take charge of the farm, and 
 
 I'll make the butter and cheese, and 
 cook for yon." 
 
 "Dot vos goot. An' how much vos 
 you bay me, Mrs. Gribber?" 
 
 "Why — why — don't you under- 
 stand, Hans? I— 1— thought you 
 liked me, that — that you loved me, 
 and so— and so we'd get married, 
 don't you see?" 
 
 "O, dot vos it, hey?" 
 
 "Why, yes; aud then, don't you 
 see, we'd own everything together, 
 and we could live much cheaper as 
 man and wife. Just come and see 
 our bedroom. I think yon have 
 never been in it yet." 
 
 Slowly raising from his seat, and 
 casting a regretful glance at the 
 remnants of the spare-rib (the pota- 
 toes, bread and pie were all gone), 
 Hans followed her into her sleeping 
 apartment. 
 
 "Wait a moment," she said softly, 
 "let me bring a light." 
 
 "Yaw," he grunted. 
 
 She returned to the dining room, 
 and snatching up the lamp which 
 still stood ou the table, hastened 
 back. 
 
 As she entered the bedroom, and 
 put her arm lovingly around the 
 Dutchman's waist, in order to draw 
 him further into the room, a deep 
 groan, which seemed to come from 
 the corner beyond the bed, startled 
 them both, aud made the woman droj) 
 the light, which, fortunately, was 
 extinguished without doing any 
 harm. 
 
 "Ter duyfel !" exclaimed Hans, 
 "vot vos dot?" 
 
 "Merciful heavens ! pardon me, a 
 miserable sinner," moaned Mrs. Grip- 
 per. "It's my old man's ghost come 
 back on earth to haunt me. I know 
 it is. " 
 
 "Ter duyfel !" again ejaculated 
 Hans. "A ghost! shust let me get 
 out of dis, righd away,pooty quick," 
 aud he made for the point where he 
 supposed the door ought to be, and 
 tumbling over a chair, pitched head 
 forward into a closet, filled with the 
 loving Mrs. Gripper's wardrobe, 
 among which he became so entangled 
 that he found it difiicult to extricate 
 himself. 
 
 Meantime, Mrs. Gripper had be- 
 come bewildered, and falling back- 
 wards over a stool, had come down 
 so emphatically upon a somewhat 
 dilipated caiu'-bottom chair, that she 
 had goni' clean through it, and so 
 was imprisoned there — shut up like 
 a jack-knife, so to si)eak. 
 
 Now all this noise and confusion 
 had the effect of rousing the drowsy 
 farmer, and suddenly he started up in 
 bed. 
 
 "Oh, darkness impenetrable !" he 
 moaned, "not a ray of liglit, not a 
 shadow <if hope ! And this is hell !" 
 
 The woman uttered a scream— not 
 a particularly low one — she was not 
 in a position to give full play to her 
 lungs. And Hans, in a muffled voice, 
 from among the skirts and petticoats, 
 grunted out: 
 
TRE WAR LIBRARY. 
 
 15 
 
 "Terduyfel !" 
 
 Gripper heeded them not, e\en if 
 he heard them, he probably supposed 
 the cries came from some other lost 
 spirits, and so went on : 
 
 "Oh, why wasn't 1 a better man 
 while on earth, then I might have 
 been in the kingdom of light now, 
 and not chained down here in the pit 
 of darkness and despair." 
 
 Then something seemed to come 
 back to his memory. 
 
 " Ah ! he said, the evil one himself, 
 that was— that I must be burned, 
 and he sent Beelzebub to stir up the 
 tire, I wonder if he's got it hot 
 enough, and when he's coming for 
 me ?" 
 
 "Oh, Lord ! what misery. What 
 horror ! And then ter think that my 
 old womans's enjoying everything I 
 left behind me on earth — p'r'aps is 
 auuried to that Hans Trseger before 
 tills. She wouldn't waste anytime 
 about it, Zknow. 
 
 "Eutjist let her do it, an' I'll haunt 
 "em botii, every time ther devil will 
 give :ne a day off, an' I hope that'll 
 be purty often. Jist let me get at 
 'em now !" 
 
 "Lord, no, Giles ! don't come a 
 near me. Jist rest quiet in yer grave, 
 can't yer, an' let us alone." 
 
 "Who — who spoke ?" gasped Grip- 
 per wonderingly, "that sounded like 
 Nancy's voice." / 
 
 "Of course it's me, Giles, an' I 
 think y'er pesky mean ter come back 
 here an' bother me, jist 'cause I want 
 er nuther husband now you're dead. 
 Why can't yer rest quiet in yer 
 grave, like any decent man ? Im 
 sure if I was dead you'd marry again 
 fast enough. How long would it be, 
 I'd like ter know, before the widow 
 Bangs, ther bold ugly thing, would 
 be a-standing in my old shoes?" 
 And in her anger she tried te extri- 
 cate herself from her uncomfortable 
 position, and, naturally, upset the 
 chair. 
 
 In falling, her head came in violent 
 contact with Hans' overloaded stom- 
 ach. Not being able to see, and with 
 his mind full of ghosts and super- 
 natural apparitions, the Dutchman 
 supposed, of course, that the enraged 
 shade of the farmer had come to take 
 vengeance on him for the tender pas- 
 sion he had inspired in the bosom of 
 his widow. So he at once set up a 
 howl of fright, and began kicking 
 vigorously with his big feet, his arms 
 being so entangled that he could not 
 use them. 
 
 But his feet did fearful execution, 
 they soon knocked to pieces the chair 
 he had tumbled over, and then tear- 
 ing through Mrs. Gripper's dress and 
 skirts, sadly bashed her shins, and 
 made her fairly howl with pain. 
 
 Meanwhile, (irmly persuaded that 
 he was among the lost spirits, all 
 this seemed peifectly natural to 
 ( rripper, who i-emembered that he 
 had always heard while on eai-th 
 that Hades was anything but a quiet 
 Place. 
 
 And now a new fancy took posses- 
 sion of him— probably the effects of 
 Duffy's dose, which must have left 
 his throat dry, and an unpleasant 
 taste in his mouth. 
 
 "Water! water!" he cried, "oh I 
 I'm burning up inside, fire consumes 
 me. I'm in agony — agony !" 
 
 "Poor old critter," murmured Mrs. 
 Gripper, for the moment forgetting 
 her own pains. 
 
 "Ter duyfels ! Why don't dot 
 g:host geep quiet und go avay, I vos 
 like to know ?" 
 
 "Water ! wa — " 
 
 At that moment there came a 
 thundering knock on the outside 
 door. 
 
 "Oh, Lord, there comes Beelze- 
 bub," groaned Gripper. 
 
 "Land sakes alive ! what's that?" 
 exclaimed Mrs. Gripper, with chat- 
 tering teeth. 
 
 "Ter duyfels ! dare vas ein odder 
 ghost," moaned Hans. 
 
 Bang ! bang ! bang ! on the door, 
 and now the most profound silence 
 reigned in the bedroom. 
 
 Bang ! bang ! bang ! and then a 
 loud "hallo, there !" 
 
 But no one moved. 
 
 After a moment Gripper began his 
 groans and mutterings again, and 
 Hans, feeling Mrs. Gripper's hand 
 stealing upward toward his throat, 
 became frightened, and once more 
 began to kick and tumble about. 
 The woman screamed, and in the 
 midst of all this uproar, a bright 
 light burst upon the scene, and a 
 strong, manly voice demanded, in a 
 tone ef wonder and amazement: 
 
 "What the deuce is to pay here, I'd 
 like to know?" 
 
 Then, as he caught sight of the 
 farmer in bed, the old woman on the 
 floor, with tattered dress and skirts, 
 and the chair attachment, and poor 
 Hans, with his head and arms envel- 
 oped in dresses, skirts, and other 
 female wearing apparel, he burst 
 into an uncontrollable fit of laughter. 
 
 CHAPTEE XII. 
 
 THE WAR CORRESPONDENT SETS 
 THINGS TO RIGHTS. 
 
 "Well, well," exclaimed the stran- 
 ger, as soon as he was able to speak, 
 " this beats any thing I ever saw be- 
 fore in all my eventful life, and I've 
 seen a good deal too. I wonder what 
 in the world I shall come across 
 next." 
 
 All this time the farmer had been 
 sitting up in bed, regarding the in- 
 truder attentively . 
 
 "You ain't the devil?" he asked 
 at last. 
 
 "No, I should hope not," was the 
 laughing reply; "still I should think 
 someone had been raising the devil 
 here." 
 
 "Nor yet Beelzebub?" persisted 
 the farmer. 
 
 "No, nor him either," laughed By- 
 iiigtoii. 
 
 "And yet I have seen you before." 
 
 "Eight again, old man." 
 
 "Ah! I know now, you're the news 
 paper fellow that came to my house 
 the first night of the great' battle, 
 and who got me into all this trouble 
 by sending Tony Tibbits off to the 
 army. " 
 
 " I got you into trouble! What do 
 you mean, old boy?" 
 
 "Ah, sir, it was through you, in 
 the first place, that I lost my life,— 
 But say, how come it that you too 
 are in the bottomless pit ? Was you 
 so awful mean and wicked while on 
 earth?" 
 
 "Now, old man, you've got me, un- 
 til this minute I didn't know that I 
 was in the bottomless pit, — indeed, 
 I supposed I was in your own farm- 
 house, near Gettysburg. But to tell 
 the exact truth, when I came up to 
 your door, I was inclined to think 
 that pandemonium had broke loose." 
 
 "See here, mister," whimpered 
 Mrs. Gripper, at this jjoint, "if 
 you've got any of ther milk o' 
 human kindness left inter your 
 soul, I wish yerd jist come here 
 an' jtull this cheer off' on me. 
 
 Almost dying with suppressed 
 laughter, Byington obeyed. He 
 caught hold of the chair, and 
 after two or three vigorous yanks 
 pulled it oft. He then helped the 
 dilapidated woman to her feet. 
 
 With a bitter groan she sank into 
 another chair; but this time she was 
 careful to see that it had a firm wooil 
 bottom before she trusted her weight 
 upon it. 
 
 Hans was next extricated from his- 
 nnpleasant predicament, and as he 
 slowly raised himself to his feet, he 
 merely ejaculated— from force of hab- 
 it, jirobably: 
 
 "Ter duyfels!" and then stareil, 
 first at the war correspondent, then 
 at Mrs. Gripjier, and lastly at licr 
 beibgged husband on the bed. 
 
 "Now, if it's all the same to you," 
 said Byington, "I'd like to have 
 some one tell me the meaning of all 
 I've seen here. What's the matter 
 with Mr. Gripper? and what were 
 you two doing on the floor there ?" 
 
 He had addressed himself to the 
 farmer's wife, and she hastened to 
 answer: 
 
 "We'd been out-doors," she said, 
 — "Hans an' me. General Lee called 
 us out, an' wanted Hans ter hide him 
 in ther barn an' " 
 
 "What!" exclaimed the aston- 
 ished Byington, "General Lee want- 
 ed to hide in your barn ! What in 
 the world are you talking about, wo- 
 man?" 
 
 "Talkin' about what really hap- 
 pened," she affirmed, "General Lee 
 didwuut to hide in our barn, didn't 
 he, Hans?" 
 
 "Yaw, dot vos such." 
 
 "Yes, indeed, an' he would a-done 
 it too, if six Yankee soldiers hadn't 
 a come up an' took him prisoner, 
 wouldn't he, Hans?" 
 
 "Yaw." 
 
16 
 
 THE WAR LIBRARY. 
 
 "A squad of Union troops captured 
 him, eh?" 
 
 "Yes. thej^ did." 
 
 "Kig-ht here in your front yard?" 
 
 "Yes." 
 
 "How did they happen along so 
 op]>ortunely ?" 
 
 "They linew he was somewhere 
 hereabouts," and were out in search 
 of him." 
 
 "This is news," muttered Bying- 
 ton to himself, "Lee a prisoner in 
 the hands of the Federals! I won- 
 der if any of the other boys have 
 got hold of it yet. If they hain't, 
 by Jove, I shall be pretty well up in 
 the world. Lord! how the Tribunes 
 will go off to-morrow," and he began 
 to write rapidly, holding his pad in 
 his left baud, and shoving the pencil 
 over the paper with his right. 
 
 "But come," he said at last, "you 
 haven't told me the whole story yet, 
 go on." 
 
 "Why, sir, you see, after the 
 soldiers had carried off General 
 Lee " 
 
 "Stop! How long ago was that?" 
 
 "Let me see. How long ago was 
 it, Hans? An hour?" 
 
 "Not so much as dot." 
 
 "Half an hour?" 
 
 "More." 
 
 "All right," said Byington, "say 
 three-quarters, and go on." 
 
 "Well, after they'd carried him off, 
 we came inside, an' Hans feelin' hun- 
 gry, I got him something to eat. 
 
 "Just as he finished, and as I was 
 thinkin' of puttin' ther«things away, 
 we both heard an awful groan, com- 
 in', as it seemed ter us, from this 
 here very room, au' as yer may well 
 suppose, we war both awfully dis- 
 turbed." 
 
 "Why, didn't you know it was Mr. 
 Gripper?" 
 
 "Ah! there it is, yer see, sir, we 
 supposed ther old man was dead." 
 
 "Dead! why should you suppose 
 so?" 
 
 "Why, you know how you sent 
 Tony Tibbits away that night? 
 Well, he never came back at all, 
 an' ther moment ther battle was 
 over — that is, yesterday mornin', 
 Giles started out ter find him, an' 
 we hadn't seen nothin' of the old 
 mau since, so we supposed he must 
 have got killed by mistake." 
 
 "An' I was killed," spoke up the 
 farmer abruptly; "but not by mis- 
 take—no, not be a long shot." 
 
 "How was that, sir?" asked the 
 correspondent curiously. 
 
 " Why, yer see, I searched all day 
 long yesterday — I suppose it was — 
 for that pesky boy, an' not findin' 
 him, one o' ther generals gave me 
 quarters last night, sayin' as how 
 he'd got track on him himself, an' 
 that he'd send me to him terday. 
 Well, he did, an' a young soldier 
 went with me; an' when we got to 
 ther regiment an' company where ter 
 boy was, ther soldier left me, and 
 them fellers said as how I was a spy, 
 an' so they dug a grave an' buried 
 
 me alive, that's how it comes that 
 I'm dead now." 
 
 " Ah ! I see, "said Byington thought- 
 fully. Then turning to the woman: 
 
 "Well, go on, madam." 
 
 "Where was 1? O, I remember. 
 Hearin' that awful groan, we rushed 
 in here; but it bein' dark, we couldn't 
 see nuthin', so 1 went out for a light, 
 an' jist as I came back with it, we 
 heer'd ther awful est noise yer ever 
 listed to au' I was so skeert that I 
 dropped ther lamp — there 'tis now. 
 Tlien Hans tumbled over a cheer, an' 
 fell inter ter closet, an' I sot down in 
 er nuther an' went clean through it. 
 An' when I heer'd Giles tell as how 
 he was in ther bad place an' had 
 come ter haunt me, I tumbled over, 
 as you found me." 
 
 "Ah! I see it all now," said Bying- 
 ton, with a smile. "And so, old 
 man, you -really think your dead, do 
 you?" 
 
 "Of course; how can a man that's 
 been buried be alive?" 
 
 "Such things have happened be- 
 fore, and will haijpen again," said 
 the correspondent. 
 
 "Is that so?" 
 
 "Yes; and in your own case, I 
 think I can tell you about how it was. 
 You were speedily dug up after you 
 were buried, and when you revived a 
 little, being still somewhat dazed, 
 cams home mechanically, and with- 
 out knowing what j'ou were about. 
 Your wife and Hans being outside, 
 you found the front door open, and 
 so walked lu and came right here, 
 uaturally enough, and went to bed. 
 After a while you got back your 
 faculties a little more — enough so that 
 you could recall tlie past, in a meas- 
 ure, and now, I fancy, you're all right. 
 Come, old man, say that you are, for 
 I want to do a stroke of business with 
 you, and in a hurry too." 
 
 "What! and ain't I really dead?" 
 asked the old man excitedly. 
 
 "No more than I am." 
 
 "And you ain't dead?" 
 
 "Not much." 
 
 "Hurrah! I'm ready for anything 
 then. Want er do a stroke o' busi- 
 ness with me, eh? Well, wait er 
 minute, an' I'll be with you," and he 
 sprang out of bed as buoyantly as a 
 boy of ten. 
 
 "Mercy me!" exclaimed his wife, 
 and rushed from the room. 
 
 Byington and Hans followed her, 
 and a little later the farmer joined 
 them in the dining-room. 
 
 "1 ain't dead, that's a fact," said 
 the old man, looking around him; 
 "but I don't understand it .yet." 
 
 "Well, it will all come back to you 
 by-and-bye," said the correspondent. 
 "And now let's talk. You've got a 
 good horse in your stable, eh?" 
 
 " Why — yes— purty good. " 
 
 "You bought him of a Union of- 
 ficer?" 
 
 "Ye — yes." 
 
 "W^ell, mine's a little lame. Gome 
 and look at him. The army is just 
 moving South and I must be well 
 
 mounted. If you're a mind to make 
 a trade, I'll give you a hundred dol- 
 lars to boot. Come, now, let's make 
 quick work of it, for I must get off 
 my dispatch about the capture of 
 Lee, and then join Meade or Slocum, 
 wherever they may happen to be." 
 
 "All right, mister, I'll look at your 
 horse," and being now thoroughly 
 convinced that he was still in the 
 land of the living, the farmer became 
 more worldly-minded than ever. 
 
 He sold the correspondent a horse 
 he had never owned, stabled the one 
 he took in exchange, and i^ut one 
 hundred and ten dollars in green- 
 backs in his pocket, and then he re- 
 turned to his house feeling that he 
 had done a very smart thing. So 
 there, for the present, we will leave 
 him. 
 
 CHAPTER XIII. 
 
 FEOM GETTYSBURG TO THE TENNES- 
 SEE. 
 
 Unfortunately for the the Union 
 cause. General Meade did not seem 
 to comprehend the great advantage 
 he had won. Two days after the 
 battle he carefully jinsbed the Sixth 
 corps toward til e enemy ; taking his 
 other corps by different roads and 
 advancing as rapidly as Lee moved 
 on and got out of the way. 
 
 The general course was toward 
 Frederick, which was reach the 
 second day out. 
 
 The Seventeenth pressed forward 
 with the Eleventh corps to Hagers- 
 town,whicIi it occupied on the twelfth 
 of July, capturing one hundred and 
 twenty-tive prisoners. The Fifth 
 and Twentieth overtook the enem:^ 
 intrenched at Fair Play on the twelfth 
 and were ordered to take position 
 and throw uj) earthworks. 
 
 Next night the main rebel army 
 escaped across the Potomac. TJie 
 retreat and pursuit were continued, 
 without much in the way of interest, 
 until Lee's army occu])ied the south 
 side of the Kapidan, near Orange 
 Court House. 
 
 The Twelfth corps went into camp 
 near Raccoon Ford. Ross, the colonel 
 of the Twentieth, now had command 
 of the brigade. 
 
 On the twenty-fourth of September 
 the Twelfth corps was relieved and 
 marched back to Brandy Station ; and 
 all property was turned over to the 
 post quartermaster. 
 
 The march was resumed toBealton 
 Station, where to the surprise of all, 
 the corps was embarked on board the 
 cars to reenforce the Army of the 
 Cumberland in Tennessee. 
 
 This was to meet Longstreet's 
 army, already thrown into the west- 
 ern scale in aid of Bragg. 
 
 Rosecrans had been pushed into 
 the fortifications around Chattanoo- 
 ga; and Bragg was investing the 
 place, while ojjerating on the Union 
 communications with strong detach- 
 ments. The enemy occupied Look- 
 
THE WAR LIBRARY. 
 
 17 
 
 out Mountain, and the railroad and 
 jiver back to Bridgeport, Alabama. 
 The Union army was on half-rations. 
 Every day their provision-trains 
 were attacked and wagons cap- 
 tured. 
 
 The twelfth corps travelled night 
 ind day from Virginia westward. 
 The twentieth regiment, in which we 
 are particularly interested, was stow- 
 ed away iu freight-cars. Dispatch 
 was indispensable. Comfort could 
 not be considered. 
 
 The commissary had preceded; and 
 at regular intervals the train stopped 
 for sandwiches and coffee for the 
 soldiers. 
 
 All through Ohio and Indiana the 
 troops were greeted with an ovation. 
 Thousands turned out at every stop- 
 pingplace; and ladies brought to the 
 veterans bouquets and wreaths of 
 flowers. Haversacks were seized, 
 and filled with fruit, cake, baked 
 meat-pies ; and the pork and hard- 
 tack came to be despised. 
 
 From Louisville they went on to 
 N"ashville, thence to Murfreesbor- 
 .9ugh and to Fullahoma. 
 
 The rebel guerrillas infested the 
 whole country; and they now cut the 
 railway immediately in the rear of 
 the reenforcements. 
 
 A division of the Twelfth corps 
 was ordered to defend the track 
 from Bridgeport back toward Nash- 
 ville; and the guerrillas became, for 
 a time, somewhat more timid, and 
 their raids less frequent. 
 
 The Twentieth regiment went 
 through Tennessee to Stephenson, 
 Alabama, where they arrived on tlie 
 fourth of October. Here the Twelfth 
 corx)s had its headquarters, and was 
 occupied in guarding the lines of 
 communication for the army at Chat- 
 tanooga. A few weeks later tlie 
 Twentieth Regiment went to Cowan, 
 
 Grant wos now in command, and 
 tad an army of one hundred thousand 
 veterans in and around Chattanooga. 
 During the succeeding weeks, he 
 moved on Lookout Mountain and 
 Mission Kidge; defeated the rebel 
 army with frightful slaughter; cap- 
 tured six thousand prisoners, seven 
 thousand stand of arms, and scores 
 of cannon, and pursued the shattered 
 hosts of Bragg as far as Dalton. 
 
 The Twentieth regiment was still 
 guarding the lines of communication 
 at Cowan. The duties of the regi- 
 ment were extremely arduous; and 
 they suffered every few days from 
 guerrilla raids. Oiue company, sta- 
 tioned at Tracy City, ivas surprised 
 by a band of more than one hundred 
 and fifty land pirates, who dashed 
 into their lines, and attempted to 
 capture or murder the boys. 
 
 One brave fellow, a guard, was 
 shot dead from the first fire. Cap- 
 tain Upson, commander of the post, 
 was murdered in cold blood. While 
 he was trying to join his company, 
 only a few rods distant, he was shot 
 twice through his body after his sur- 
 
 render, and he soon after died from 
 the effects of his wounds. 
 
 A part of this same band of guer- 
 rillas attacked a freight - train of 
 eleven cars, at some distance from 
 Cowan, A rail had cautiously been 
 displaced from the track, which 
 threw off the train with a terrible 
 crash. 
 
 Instantly a gang of rebels jumped 
 from behind trees and ledges, and 
 commenced the work of bloodshed 
 and plunder upon the passengers; 
 simultanously firing the train, which 
 was loaded with haj-, lumber, and 
 the like. 
 
 Captain Ellsworth, who at the 
 time acting as brigade-inspector, and 
 who sometimes was unlucky and 
 then again lucky, happened unfor- 
 tunately to be on board. 
 
 Thiee brave soldiers were shot 
 down by his side; and a musket was 
 leveled and fired at him, which 
 missed its mark, just grazing his 
 neck. 
 
 Ellsworth, iu compai^y with two 
 lieutenants and three negroes, brake- 
 men on the train, was then taken un- 
 der guard, and run off' three miles 
 or more into a dense woods. The 
 poor negroes were shot; Ellsworth 
 expected the same fate; but was 
 finally simply robbed of his watch, 
 about four hundred dollars in money, 
 his coat, hat, boots; and then asked 
 to sign a parole. 
 
 He flatly refused; and. after strip- 
 ping the two lieutenants, who were 
 with him, of all they had, they were 
 then left by the cutthroats to grope 
 their way back through the woods 
 barefooted, which they did, guided 
 by the liglit of the burning cars. 
 
 Captain Ellsworth was not in the 
 best of humor when he got back to 
 his regiment, and he lost no time in 
 laying the matter before the lieu- 
 tenant-colonel commanding. 
 
 The officers were called together, 
 as a sort of committee of war, and it 
 was unanimously determined, that 
 the land pirates must be extermin- 
 ated. 
 
 But how should they go at it? 
 only a small portion of the regiment 
 could be spared to follow them up, 
 the rest were absolutely needed for 
 guard duty along the road. 
 
 While they were still deliberating, 
 Major Andley Peale, of the Tennes- 
 see Union cavalry, was announced. 
 
 He listened attentively to what 
 was being said, and at last asked 
 permission to say a word himself. 
 
 Permission was promptly granted. 
 
 "I imderstand," said the Major, 
 "that quite a number of Kentucky 
 horses were captured by your men 
 the other day. How many of them 
 were there?" 
 
 "Between fifty and sixty," said 
 the Lieutenant-Colonel. 
 
 "Ah! then let me have between 
 fifty and sixty of your best men, who 
 can keep the saddle when on horse- 
 back, and I'll soon settle this busi- 
 ness for you." 
 
 "By Jove!" laughed the Lieuten- 
 ant-Colonel, "I don't know as we've 
 got that number of horsemen in the 
 whole regiment. Connecticut is 
 hardly big enough, you know, to 
 practice horsemanship in to advan- 
 tage" 
 
 "I'll guarantee to furnish the 
 men," exclaimed Captain Ellsworth, 
 quickly, "if I -may be allowed to ac- 
 company them." 
 
 "It s a bargain," said the lieuten- 
 ant-colonel, i>romptly; "and now you 
 and Major Peale go "off and settle all 
 the details of the expedition between 
 you." 
 
 "You turn the capable horses over 
 to lis, of course," said Peale. 
 
 "Certainly." 
 
 "Come, then. Captain." And the 
 two went out together. 
 
 Less than an hour later Eandal 
 Ellsworth, at the head of nearly his 
 whole command, rode out of Cowan, 
 in company with Audley Peale, and 
 his Union cavalry, and that night 
 they bivouacked on the banks of a 
 swiftly flowing stream, near the out- 
 skirts of a pretty village, and many 
 miles from headquarters. 
 
 CHAPTER XIV. 
 
 EDNA STANWOOD DEFENDS HEE 
 HOME. 
 
 About two miles from the bivouac, 
 and south ol the village, standing on 
 a slight eminence, which overlooked 
 the broad acres of one of the best 
 plantfitions in East Tennessee, stood 
 a stately mansion, which for more 
 than sixty years had been the abode 
 of one of the proudest families in all 
 the land. 
 
 An unnatural silence reigned 
 about the i)lace, no one could be 
 seen in the grounds, no lights ap- 
 lieared in the windov.'s, and even the 
 negro quarters seemed deserted. 
 
 All at once, a steady, growing 
 sound was head iu the distance, 
 which soon resolved itself into the 
 measured hoof-strokes of a number 
 of well-trained horses; and soon a 
 squad of mounted men api)eared, 
 who, on coming in sight of the man- 
 sion, halted, and held a brief consul- 
 tation. 
 
 "Now, then, Bolton," said the 
 leader of the party, "you're quite 
 sure of what you say; the general 
 left those papers with his wife, did 
 he?" 
 
 "Yes, Colonel, either with his wife 
 or Miss Edna, I won't be certain 
 which; but I'd think it more likely 
 the latter, for she's got more grit and 
 determination about her than her 
 mother. If she wasn't a woman, 
 she'd bo her father right over 
 again." 
 
 "O, bother her and her father 
 too," growled one of the number, 
 "what we want to know about is the 
 papers; eh. Colonel?" 
 
 "To be sure," acquiesced the col- 
 onol; "still, I must say Bolton is 
 
18 
 
 THE WAR LIBRARY, 
 
 right about tlie girl. Ediua Stan- 
 ■VFOod is a youug lady of very decided 
 character, and she comes of mighty 
 good stock, too." 
 
 "Slie's a regular she devil," 
 growled the man who had before 
 spokeu. 
 
 "Come, come, Captain, not quite 
 so bad as that. I fear you have a 
 particular grudge against her aud 
 her family." 
 
 "So I have; and against every oth- 
 er Union family in East Tennes- 
 see." 
 
 "Humph! is that all? Then you 
 haven't so much cause for grievance 
 as I have myself." 
 
 "Ah! I remember," said the ';ap- 
 taiu before he thought, "she reject- 
 ed vou too." 
 
 "Oho! then she did re^]ect you, my 
 dear captain? In truth, I always 
 thought so." 
 
 Captain Jillson bit his lip with 
 vexation, but presently blurted out: 
 "Yes, Colonel Hicks, she did re- 
 ject me ; and at the time I swore the 
 day should come when she should 
 repent it — when Id be even with her 
 and all her race. You may judge, 
 then, with what delight I heard, af- 
 ter the South had taken up arms, 
 that St. Clair Stanwood had boldly 
 announced himself as an uncom- 
 promising Union man, and had ac- 
 cepted a commission in the Union 
 army. Then it was that I resolved 
 to take an active part in the war on 
 the side of the South; and in order 
 not to be drawn too far away from 
 my main object, I joined your inde- 
 pendent force. Colonel." 
 
 "I see. Well, I've no great cause 
 to love the Stanwoods myself, aud 
 with such a good hater as you by my 
 side, Abner, we ought to be able to 
 accomplish something to-night." 
 
 "If we get hold of those papees we 
 shall accomplish something." 
 
 " Ah ! but suppose the girl refuses 
 to give them up, or to tell where 
 they are?" 
 
 "TLeu force her," hissed Jillson, 
 between his set teeth . 
 
 "But suppose she still refuses, in 
 spite of all I can do?" 
 
 "Then turn her over to me, and 
 threaten to burn down the house." 
 
 "That would be pretty tough, 
 wouldn't it? I hear Mrs. Stanwood 
 is quite an invalid, and Flora Pen- 
 rose, her niece, as kind and inoffen- 
 sive a girl as ever lived, is staying 
 there with her." 
 
 "That can't be helped, we must 
 have those papers, at whatever cost. 
 You know as well as I, Colonel, the 
 possession of them would set us up 
 for life." 
 
 "That's so," muttered tlie Colonel, 
 thoughtfully — "Well, ci.i-i ■ on, we 
 must try for them, any way. Bolton, 
 is there many niggers about the 
 place?" 
 
 "Very few, colonel, not more than 
 
 twenty-tive or thirty in all, and most 
 
 of 'era mind there own business too." 
 
 "All right, tliafs the safest plan 
 
 for them. Come on, let's make 
 straight for the front door, and so 
 get inside before they have time to 
 fasten it. Forward!" 
 
 The little party moved on, rode 
 through the open gateway, and 
 pushed forward to the broad veranda 
 which ran across the whole front of 
 the mansion. 
 
 "Dismount!" was the Colonel's 
 brief order, aud springing from his 
 own horse, he made a rush toward 
 the open door. 
 
 "Back! not another step forward 
 or I lire!" and a fair youug girl, of 
 not more than nineteen summers, 
 suddenly a])peared in tiie doorway, 
 
 Taken (■(iinpretcly hy surprise, the 
 colonel at tiist retreated down the 
 steps; but quickly recovering him- 
 self, aud supported by his dozen fol- 
 lowers, he again advanced toward 
 the door. 
 
 "Back, I say!" came in firm deter- 
 mined tones from the lady's lips, 
 "not one of you can enter here, 1 
 know you all for a baud of heartless 
 outlaws, and while I live you shall 
 never cross the threshold of my 
 father's house." 
 
 "Out of the way, Edna Stanwood!" 
 said Abner Jillson, in a brutal poice, 
 "We have not come hear this night 
 to be balked in our purpose by a 
 woman, out of the way, I say, or it 
 may be the worse for you." 
 
 "No sir! I move not from where I 
 stand uutil you have left this place," 
 was the brave reply. 
 
 "One momeui," said Colonel Hicks, 
 in a somewhat ediiciliatiny tone, "it 
 may be that this matter can be com- 
 promised. We have come for a cer- 
 tain package of papers, which, as we 
 happen to know, your father left, 
 some days since, either in your own, 
 or your mother's hands, for safe keep- 
 ing." 
 
 "You happen to know! sneered 
 Edna, "I see Austin Bolton among 
 you, and understand very well how 
 you 'happen to know' that my dear 
 and brave father, when he visited us 
 the other day, left certain papers be- 
 hind him." 
 
 "Ah! he did leave them then;" ex- 
 claimed Hicks quickly. "Well, de- 
 liver up those iiapers to us, aud we 
 will go away at once, and make you 
 no further trouble." 
 
 "Those papers are no longer in this 
 house," said Edna firmly. 
 
 "What! no longer here ? I don't be- 
 lieve you." 
 
 "Of course she lies," growled Jill- 
 son, casting a look of deep and bitter 
 hatred on the girl. 
 
 "It makes not the slightest differ- 
 ence to me what you say or think," 
 she said calmly, "the papers are not 
 here. Do you for a moment suppose, 
 after learning that Austin Bolton had 
 been seen sneaking about our draw- 
 ing room, while my father was talking 
 to my mother and myself in the libra- 
 ry adjoining, that I would keej) the 
 papers in the house anotlier hour ?" 
 
 Lester Hicks, I knew his connection 
 with you, and that bad man by your 
 side, and therefore understood only 
 too well how dangerous it would be." 
 "Huni," said the colonel, after a 
 moments' consideration, "then you 
 will give us no information about the 
 package ?" 
 
 "I will not," was the decided re- 
 ply- 
 
 "Then you must stand out of the 
 way, for I propose to question your 
 mother." 
 
 "You will do nothing of the kind, 
 sir, my mother is confined to her 
 room, where my cousin is attending 
 her, and she cannot be disturbed, it 
 would be dangerous to her health, 
 which, I frankly tell you, is very pre- 
 carious." 
 
 "Oh, come, hain't we heard about 
 enough of this chin music?" asked 
 Jillson impatiently, "What are we 
 standing here for, any way? Shall we 
 let one weak girl keep a dozen of us 
 strong men in awe?" 
 
 "I wouldn't advise one of the dozen 
 strong men to attempt to interfere 
 with the weak girl," said Edna 
 quietly. 
 
 At this moment one of the men 
 whispered to Jillson, and as Edna 
 saw, directed his attention to one of 
 the windows opening on the veranda, 
 and which was partially raised. 
 
 "Yes," exclaimed the captain 
 eagerly, "do it, then we shall have 
 her sure; for she can't defend her- 
 self both in front and rear at the same 
 time." 
 
 The girlp' sharp ear caught every 
 word of this, and fully comprehending 
 its meaning, her resolution was at 
 once taken. 
 
 The man who had whispered to 
 Jillson watched her closely for a mo- 
 ment, and when he thought her at- 
 tention was directed another way, 
 sprang suddenly forward, and made 
 a leai) at the partially open win- 
 dow. 
 
 He caught the upraised sash in his 
 left hand, aud his knee rested on the 
 window-sill. He was about to lift 
 the other leg over the stll. when — 
 Crack! 
 
 A bullet pierced his temple, and 
 without uttering the slightest sound, 
 he fell backward upon the floor of 
 the veranda— dead. 
 
 CHAPTER XV. 
 
 THE QUKRU.LA8 DISCOMFITED. 
 
 For one single moment tbe other partisans 
 were too thoroughly confounded to speak or 
 act, then a cry of' rage went up, and each 
 called upon the other to shoot down ths gal 
 in her tracks, 
 
 " I gave you all fair warning, she said 
 coolly. " He knew the risk he ran, and has 
 only paid the just penalty. He knew he had 
 no right to invade this house, and I know, 
 and you know that I have a perfect right to 
 defend it, and what's more, 2 will too. So be- 
 
 ,vare every one of you — how you provoke 
 
 me to pull the trigger again,— 
 
 " Hold, there! You, sir, you need not try 
 to sneak away. I underscand your purpose, 
 you would attempt to get around to the back 
 of the house; but it won't do, the first man 
 
THE WAR LIBRARY. 
 
 19 
 
 who undertakes to lenVH tlie gnmnds in front 
 here, dies,— ay, aud iht; tirsl who attempts to 
 draw a weapon tool " 
 
 While Edna was speaking she kept her 
 eyes fixed on the group directly in trout of 
 her, and particularly on one man who ap- 
 peared to be edging ofi toward the corner of 
 the house, and another, wliose hand was ner- 
 vously groping for the handle of his revolver. 
 
 Htr attention being thus engaged, she did 
 not see that Abner Jillson had gained a foot- 
 ing on the veranda, aud was slowly and cau- 
 tiously approaching her from one side. 
 
 All at once he sprang toward her, and strik- 
 ing her wrist a sudden blow, the revolver 
 dropped from her hand, then, with a mock- 
 ing laugh, he tried to seize her about the 
 waist and drag her from the doorway. 
 
 She uttered a slight scream, and quickly 
 freeing herself, started back a step or two, 
 then, as Jillson attempted to follow and seize 
 her again, she plucked a dagger from her 
 bosom, and aimed a blow at his breast. 
 
 He quickly raised his arm to defend him- 
 aelf, and the keen blade was buried in his 
 tiesh. 
 
 He uttered a sharp cry of rage, and fell 
 back a step or two toward the edge of the ve- 
 randa. One of the men, a friend, both of the 
 ciptaiuand of him who had been killed, now 
 drew a bowie, and with ahorrible oath, sprang 
 toward the beautiful girl. 
 
 The gleaming knife was upraised, in an- 
 other moment it would descend and be buried 
 iu her fair bosom. 
 
 Crack! 
 
 It fell; but it was not sheathed in the 
 ma:deu's heart. It went ringing to the ve- 
 raiida floor, and he who had dropped it, him- 
 self fell prone at the brave girl's feet. 
 
 Had a shell suddenly burst among them, it 
 could not have created greater consternation. 
 
 All, with one accord, turned in the direction 
 from whence the unexpected shot had come, 
 and there, close to the last pillow of the ve- 
 randa, they beheld a noble-looking Federal 
 officer, of perhaps twenty-six or seven years, 
 holding in each hand a heavy revolver, and 
 they at ouce uader:itood that he also held their 
 lives in his hands. 
 
 For aim ist a minute not a won^ was ut- 
 tered by any«jne, then, slowly the Federal ap- 
 proached the group, his eyes never leaving it 
 for au instant, his revolvers always presented. 
 
 " Well, I must say," he began, as he drew 
 nearer, " this is tlie queerest sort of a fight I 
 ever had the fortune to witness -a dozen strong 
 men against one weak woman! I've heard a 
 great deal about Southern chivalry in my time 
 — a great deal too much; but I never saw such 
 a practical illustration of it as I witness at this 
 moment. But say, ain't it about time this 
 farce was played out? Let's see how many 
 there are of you — ten, and the wounded captain 
 there is eleven, then there were thirteen in all; 
 but dead men don't count. Now then, let's 
 see what we shall do with you, and in the first 
 place, gentlemen, I will thank you for any 
 little present in the way of barkers and tooth- 
 picks. You may just throw them down here 
 ou the veranda at my feet. No doubt you 
 will accept this invitation with alacrity and 
 enthusiasm." 
 
 " But suppose we won't accept it at all, what 
 then?" growled Jillson. 
 
 The young officer did not answer in word's, 
 he dimply tapped tlie revolver iu his right hand 
 with li s forednger. But the action was so 
 peculiarly suggestive that words were not 
 needed to complete his meaning. And with 
 another growl the nearest man threw down his 
 weapons. 
 
 "Hallo!" exclaimed the next man, as he 
 cast a bowie ou the veranda. ' I've seen this 
 fellow before. By the Lord Harry! he's the 
 same Yank we captured on the train last night 
 — he is, for a thousand! " 
 
 " Thunder! so he is," muttered half a dozen. 
 " Exactly," smiled Kandal Ellsworth, "aud 
 now, as you see, the table is turned, and as 1 
 have soiiie four hundred dollars in greenbacks 
 to collect from you, besides a first-rate pair of 
 boots and many other articles of weariug ap- 
 parel, to say nothing of much valuable per- 
 sonal property, I siiall stay with you till the 
 
 debt is canceled. You may make your minds 
 perfectly easy on that scoie." 
 
 " What thundering fools we were not to 
 treat y(m as we did the niggers last night," 
 said Jillson regretfully. 
 
 " 1 don't know as to that," said Randal, in a 
 careless tone; " but if you don't hurry u,^ with 
 your offerings I know how some of you will 
 get treated, and in mighty short order too." 
 
 By this time about half the men had thrown 
 down their arms, and others were advancing, 
 when Jilison hurriedly said something to 
 Hicks, who nodded hastily, and drawing his 
 revolver aud addressing Ellsworth, said: 
 
 •' You want my arms, do you, captain ? 
 Well, you can't have 'em; but you can take 
 the contents of this," and he pulled the trig 
 ger. 
 
 If Bandal Ellsworth had not been expect- 
 ing something of the kind, or if the game had 
 been tried in the first place, when all were 
 armed, it might have proved fatal. But as 
 it was, the Yankee captain was prepared for 
 treachery, and as half the men had already 
 thrown down their arms, he had only the 
 other half to look after, aud this he was able 
 to do. 
 
 He saw Jillson whisper to the colonel. He 
 saw the colonel's assenting nod, and readily 
 understood its meaning, So the instant be- 
 fore the rebel chief pressed the trigger, he 
 slightlv changed his position, aud at the same 
 time, fired. 
 
 The colonel's ballet buried itself in the 
 clapboarding behind the Yankee captain, 
 while the latter's ball struck the colonel's 
 right hand, carrying away a finger, and caus- 
 ing him to drop his revolver. At the same 
 time, Jillson cried out: 
 
 " Now's our time, boys! Down with the 
 cursed Yankee! Kill him in bis tracks!" 
 
 Those who had not surrendered their wea- 
 pons prepared to use them while those who 
 had, sprang forward to recover them. 
 
 "Back, fools!" hi.ssed Ellsworth, "yon 
 come only to your death," and he gave a pe- 
 culiar whistle. 
 
 Before the echo had died away, two pistol 
 shots rang out. 
 
 Crack! crack! 
 
 And two of the foremost of the guerillas 
 fell, and the others, feeling sure that a large 
 force was coming to the assistance of the Yau 
 kee officer, turned to fly. 
 
 And now, for the first time, they saw hat 
 their horses, which they had left only a short 
 distance from the veranda, were gone. 
 
 " It's of no use, my rebel friends," said 
 Ellsworth quietly, " the game is incur hands, 
 and ycu may as well submit without making 
 any fuss about it. It's either that, or the 
 other thing — take your choice. It makes 
 very liitle difference to me." 
 
 " What do you requiieof us?" demanded 
 Hicks sullenly. 
 
 '• Your unconditional surrender," was the 
 firm reply. 
 
 "And what then?" 
 
 " Thai's nothing to do with the que.otion 
 now. You must surrender first, what shall 
 be done with you afterwards, can be tettled 
 in the future." 
 
 " Well, we submit." 
 
 " Very wise, I'll call up a couple of my men 
 to receive such weapons as may still be lin- 
 gering aljout your clothes, I can't tru^t you to 
 give them up yourselves — Timl — Tony!' 
 And immediately Tim Cooney and Tony Tib- 
 bits presented themselves. 
 
 ' ' Disarm these men ," said the captain . "I'll 
 see to it that they make you no trouble. " 
 
 " Throuble, is it!" exclaimed Tim, scorn- 
 fully, " Oi'd jist loike ter see ther loikes uv 
 thim a-makin' me throuble. Now howld still, 
 will yez, till I go through yer pockets." 
 
 CHAPTER XVI. 
 
 The eleven deeply chagrined guerrillas 
 quietly submitted to the close inspection insti- 
 tuted by Tim and Tony, and when it was con- 
 cluded quite a pile of deadly weapons lay up 
 
 on the veianda, almost enough, in fact, to set 
 up a young arsenal. 
 
 "Now, then," said the captain, "they must 
 be securely bound. See to it, will you, Tim?" 
 
 " Oh, murther I" exclaimed Tim, " divil a 
 bit av rope have oi to tie thim with, barrin' 
 me bridle, an' that ain't rope at all." 
 
 " Y'ou want cords, I suppose, to secure your 
 prisoners?" said Edna, now speaking for the 
 first time since Randal Ellsworth's well direct- 
 ed shot had saved her life. 
 
 "Yes, miss, and good stout ones too," an- 
 swered Randal, raising his cap. 
 
 " I will get them for you." 
 
 "Tony, go with her; you may be of some 
 assistance." 
 
 The young lady had already turned, and so 
 did not hear this order, therefore she was not 
 aware that she was being accompanied. 
 
 As she was pa.ssing the broad staircase 
 which led up to the second story, a feeble and 
 anxious voice came floating down ^o her: 
 
 "Edna, Edna, my daughter, what is the 
 matter? Has anything happened to you ? Are 
 you quite safe? Child! child! where are you ? 
 Flora, do go to her." 
 
 "Yes, aunty, if you wish it," responded 
 the sweetest voice ever heard by mortal ear; 
 " but you know she made me promise not to 
 leave you for a single moment on any accoiint, 
 unless she called me herself." 
 
 " I know, 1 know; but I am sure something 
 must have happened to her, or the would 
 have come to reassure me. You heard those 
 firearms yourself. I tell you I can't stand 
 this terrible suspense." 
 
 On hearing this, Edna fairly flew up the 
 staircase, aud Tony, as iu duty bound, follow- 
 ed her. 
 
 She threw open the door of her mother's 
 room, and without pausing to shut it, rushed 
 to the invalid's side, and throwing her arms 
 about her neck, exclaimed: 
 
 " Here I am, darling mother, and safe and 
 sound, as you see." 
 
 Her mother folded her in a fond and silent 
 embrace, and then holding her away from her 
 gazed long and tenderly into her fare. 
 
 Presently, with a loving kiss. Edna started 
 to her feet. As she did s-o, Mrs. Stanwood 
 caught sight of the young drummer boy, who 
 
 :ig m 
 
 middle of the room, 
 tha 
 
 Good heavens!" she exclaimed, 
 face! that face! Who is he, child?" 
 
 Wonderiugly Edna turned, and caught sight 
 of Tony. 
 
 "Why, boy, how came you here?" she 
 asked in astonishment. 
 
 ■■Captain Ellsworth sent me," he replied. 
 " He said I might be of some assistance to 
 you." 
 
 "Ah, his name is Ellsworth, then," she 
 murmured. " Well, I must not forget my er- 
 rand. I will find the cord for you at once." 
 
 " But who is he? who is he?" persisted her 
 mother, pointing to Tony. 
 
 "Tell her," said Edna, addressing the boy. 
 Then turning to her mother: "But I don't see 
 why he should so interest you?" 
 
 "The very image," she murmured, "the 
 very image." .Then aloud; 
 
 " Who are you, child ? " 
 
 "My name is Tony Tibbits," he replied, 
 " and I belong in Adams county,Pennsylvania." 
 
 " I'ony Tibbits! a most singular name, I 
 am sure." 
 
 "I should think so!" exclaimed Edna. 
 "Now who could have the heart to christen 
 a child Tonv, I'd like to know." 
 
 " I don't 'think I was christened Tony," the 
 boy ventured to say. " I've heard Mr. Stover 
 — that's the town guardian — say that my right 
 name was Anthony." 
 
 "Anthony!" mused Mrs. Stanwood, "An- 
 thony!" 
 
 "Ah! that's somewhat better," said Edna; 
 " still there are other names 1 thould like quite 
 as well." 
 
 '■ But — Tibbits," said the elder lady sudden- 
 ly. '-Wlio was your father, child?" 
 
 Tony blushed, 
 
 " I — 1 — reallv ma'am, I don't know." 
 
 •■ Don't know! How can that be?" 
 
 A sad look came into the boy's face as h« 
 
20, 
 
 THE WAR LIBRARl?. 
 
 " I have but a dim recollection of the first 
 few years of my life.and if I ever saw him, I can- 
 not recall my father's face. Of my mother I am 
 sure I remember something — a beautiful lady, 
 who dressed elegantly, and looked, it seems to 
 me, like you, miss,"— indicating Edna— "and 
 I am sure we lived in a pleasant home, sur- 
 rounded by every comfort. Then comes a 
 blank, and my next recollection is of the terri- 
 ble life I -was forced to lead at the town farm, 
 near Gettysburg," 
 
 " The what, did you say?" 
 "Alas, ma'am, the poorbouse." 
 "Shocking!" exclaimed the lady. "But 
 you did not stay there long, I hope? " 
 
 "Till I was quite a well-grown boy. then 
 Mr. Gripper took me to work on his farm and 
 help about the house, and 1 lived with him 
 until the battle of Gettysburg was fought, 
 when I joined Captain Ellsworth's com- 
 pany." 
 
 "And haven't you anything at all connected 
 with your early life— a ring— a locket— any 
 trinket that might serve to identify you, or 
 show who your parents were ? " 
 
 •' I have a chain with a peculiar trinket 
 hanging to it; but it's in Tim Cooney's knap- 
 sack, and that's at our bivouace, a conple of 
 miles from here " 
 
 "Boy, boy, you must bring that chain and 
 trinket. All your future depends on your do- 
 ing so. I may be able to tell you who your 
 parents are. God grai.t I am not mistaken." 
 
 " Oh, ma'am, I will surely bring them to 
 you if the captain will let me come." 
 
 " He must. Boy, do you hear me, he must." 
 While Mrs. Stanwood was talking to Tony, 
 Edna had left the room. She now returned 
 with a quantity of strong cord in her hand. 
 
 " Take this to your captain," she said, and 
 then, as her cheeks became suffused with 
 blushes, — " and tell him — and tell him — I 
 would like to see him for a few moments be- 
 fore ha goes away." 
 
 " Yes, Miss, I'll tell him," and bowing, cap 
 in hand, to each of the three ladies, Tony 
 backed out of the door. 
 
 "And don't forget to bring the chain and 
 trinket, child," called Mrs. Stanwood after 
 him, as he disappeared in the hallway. 
 
 " I'll not forget." And he hurried down 
 the stairs. 
 
 The prisoners were speedily bound, and 
 then, after a word of caution to Tim and Tony, 
 Ellsworth entered the house. 
 
 He found Edna waiting for him in the par- 
 lor. 
 
 She arose as he approached, and frankly ex- 
 tending her hand, said: 
 
 "I have to thank you, sir, for the valuable 
 assistance you rendered me. Captain, you 
 saved my life." 
 
 " I require no thanks, Miss Stanwood," said 
 Randal, earnestly. " I am proud indeed to 
 know that I have been of the slightest service 
 to you — to General Stanwood'sdaughter." 
 
 "You know my father, then?" she asked, 
 quickly. 
 
 •' I liave some acquaintance with him; but 
 I know him by reputation far better." 
 
 " He is a noble gentleman, it he is my fath- 
 er and a tiue, disinterested patriot," said 
 Edna, proudly. 
 
 " He is indeed," rejoined Ellsworth, "and 
 is beloved by every Union soldier iu Tennes- 
 
 ui so glad to hear you say so. And now 
 ask, what will you do with your pris- 
 
 11 be done with them 
 a them over to the 
 B, who commands the 
 y company forms a 
 What he will do with them I cannot 
 
 that the scoundrels out yonder will get any- 
 thing like their just deserts." 
 
 "And yet." said she, " I have heard that 
 Major Peale was not inclined to be very ten- 
 der hearted when guerrillas fell into his hands. 
 Then, abruptly: " Where did you say your 
 camp was?" 
 
 "About two miles from here, on the banks 
 of a beautiful stream." 
 
 " Oh! I think I know. I suppose you will 
 not remain there long?" 
 
 " Only until morning." 
 
 " What, will you leave this neighborhood 
 so soon ?" 
 
 "We muoi. We started out to search for 
 Hick's guerrillas, and as we have come across 
 the leader himself and a dozen of his men, the 
 whole gang, I should think, must be some- 
 where iu this neighborhood." 
 
 " I am quite sure of it," she said; "but just 
 where 1 cannot tell." 
 
 "Then, if you too think so, I ought to 
 hasten to camp at once, and report." 
 
 " Before you leave, will } ou do me the favor 
 to speak to my mother. ' She would like to 
 thank you herself for the great service you 
 have rendered us; and there is another thing; 
 she would like to ask you a question or two 
 about that really remarkable boy you have 
 with you, Tony, I think he is called." 
 
 " Certainly, I will speak to your mother, 
 and be glad to do so; but, as I have already 
 told you, 1 don't care to be thanked; and as 
 for Touy, I can tell her very little about him, 
 excepting that he is the brightest boy I ever 
 happened to run across." 
 
 " Well, come, and tell her that." 
 
 " I will, and if she cares to hear a prediction 
 I will tell her that if the war only lasts a year 
 or two longer, and he has the good luck to es- 
 cape flying bullets. I have no hesitation in 
 saying that Tony Tibbits will leave the army 
 a commissioned officer. 
 
 CHAPTER XVII. 
 
 THE PRISONERS UNDER aUAHD. 
 
 As Edna and Captain Ellsworthentered Mrs. 
 
 Stanwood's room, the invalid looked up 
 
 "If possible — yes." .^ 
 
 "Thank you, captain, you are very kind.' 
 
 And the invalid lady spoke in a weary tone. 
 
 Ellsworth took the hint and arose to depart. 
 At that moment Flora Penrose, who had 
 
 been out of the room when he was introduced. 
 
 entered it from an inner apartment. As his 
 eyes rested upon her sweet face, Randal Ells- 
 worth was absolutely startled by her wondrous 
 biauty. 
 
 He was quietly introduced, and soon found 
 himself comparing the charms of the two 
 
 Edna was grand, queenly, self-reliant, and 
 her beauty was of a dazzling quality. Flora 
 was more subdued, home like, and her beanty, 
 while perfect, was of a less striking charac- 
 ter. 
 
 Had he seen Flora first he might have loved 
 her at once; but as it was, when he looked 
 upon Edna's perfect features, flashing eyes, 
 and commanding figure, he concluded that, 
 after all, there could be nothing half so glo- 
 rious in all the world as thisgrand and majes- 
 tic woman, and mentally, he resolved to tell 
 her so some day. 
 
 Having bid 'the ladies good night, he hur- 
 ried down the broad staircase and out upon 
 the veranda, and at once commanded Tim and 
 Tony to prepare for their return to camp. 
 
 "An' phat about thim thirteen torses we 
 captured. Captain, darlint?" asked Tim. 
 
 "Why," began the captain, "as we are in 
 a great hurry— but, stop! an idea has occurred 
 to me," and hastily he again entered the 
 house. 
 
 Edna stood by the window, in a thoughtful 
 attitude. She raised her eyes as he entered 
 the room, and a faint blush suffused her 
 cheeks. 
 
 ■ ' I find myself in a somewhat embarrassmg 
 situation," said Randal, rapidly, "and have 
 come back to ask a question, and beg a favor 
 at vour bauds." 
 
 "Any question you may see ht to ask, 1 
 shall cheerfully answer," she rejoined, "and 
 the favor, whatever it Bay be, is already 
 
 see. 
 
 let me 
 oners?" 
 
 "I cannot tell what 
 ultimately. I shall 1 
 senior officer, Majiir P' 
 expedition of which 
 part. "" ' " ~ " 
 say.' 
 
 But you have some idea?" 
 
 " Probably they will be sent North, aspris 
 nners of war." 
 
 ■• Then I am satisfied. I should not care to 
 tliinkthat I, in a,iywaT, was connected with 
 the death of the most unworthy among them. 
 I have already sent one man into eternity, and 
 I do not wish to add to the number" 
 
 "Don't let the thought trouble you in the 
 least Miss Stanwood. It is not at all likely 
 
 impatiently. 
 
 " He is out in front, waiting for his com- 
 manding oificer," said Edna. Then indicating 
 EUswortli, "this, mother, is Captain Ells- 
 worth, the gentleman who saved my life just 
 now, when, had it not been for him, I should 
 have' died at the hands of Lester Hick's guer- 
 rillas." 
 
 "Captain," said Mrs. Stanwood, extending 
 her hand, and speaking with great feeling, 
 " how can I ever thank you ? You have laid 
 us under a life long obligation. It would have 
 killed the general, as well as myself, had any- 
 thing happened to our child— our only child." 
 Then suddenly: "Is that boy — Anthony, ho 
 said his name was, in your company, captain?" 
 " Yes, ma'am, he is," responded Randal, 
 " and a great favorite with us all." 
 
 " What do you know of him— his early life, 
 I mean ?" asked the lady. 
 
 ' ' Very little, I fear, that will interest you, 
 ma'am." 
 
 "Please permit me to be the judge, captam. 
 Tell me what you do know." 
 
 Then Ellsworth told how Tony had first 
 made his appearance on the battle field of 
 Gettysburg, and how it had happened that he 
 became a member of his company. He also 
 mentioned his former relations with Gripper 
 the farmer. 
 
 "And is that all you know about him? 
 asked Mrs. Stanwood, in a disappointed tone, 
 when he had finished. 
 
 " I regret to say it is," was the answer. 
 " He has a fine gold chain with a little trin- 
 ket attached. He says it is in tbe kit of one of 
 his comrades. Will you permit him to bring 
 it to me in the morning?" 
 
 " If such a thing is possible, he shall do so. 
 If not to-morrow, at all events, I will see that 
 the chain and trinket reach you within a day 
 or so at the late.-t." 
 
 "Let him bring it himself, if possible, 
 
 granted. 
 
 "Many thanks. I wish, then, to ask if you 
 have not at least one or two faithful negroes 
 on your place, and if so, where they are, and 
 why we have not seen them." 
 
 " We have a few— a vey few negroes left,' 
 said Edna, slowly, " most of them have been 
 killed by the lawless guerrillas. Still, there 
 are two men who I am sure would lay down 
 their lives for any member of my father's fam- 
 ily." 
 
 "And where are those two?" asked 1 an 
 dal. 
 
 For a moment Edna hesitated; then, after a 
 glance through the window, and into the hall- 
 way, she said: 
 
 " I sent them on a secret mission early this 
 evening." 
 
 "Ah!" exclaimed Ellsworth, "and when 
 will they return ?" 
 
 " I expect them at any moment. 
 "Good! Now, then, for my request. You 
 see, Miss Stanwood, I started out tonight on 
 a sort of a quixotic expedition, and took only 
 one man and that boy, Tony, with me. \\ e 
 have taken eleven prisoners, together with 
 thirteen horses and a large number of weap- 
 ons. It would be somewhat diflacult, I appre 
 bend, for us three to take our prisoners and 
 booty to camp in safety, especially as we feel 
 pretty sure that the full band to which the 
 outlaws belong is at no great distance. 1 will, 
 then, with vour kind permission, leave the 
 prisoners here, with one of my men and your 
 two faitnful negroes to guard them. ..nd at 
 once return to camp myself with the boy. It 
 will not take long to reach our bivouac, and 1 
 shall speedily return with Major Peale and 
 our full force to relieve you of your unpleas- 
 ant visitors." . 
 
 "A very good plan indeed. Captain, and the 
 
 only proper one for you to follow, I should 
 
 say," exclaimed Edna, heartily. 
 
 " You really think so?" 
 
 •' I do indeed. And you have only to wart 
 
 for the return of EUick and Wash to carry it 
 
 Then I'll go and spealc 
 
 You can 
 
THE WAR LIBRARY. 
 
 21- 
 
 let me know when the two negroes you men- 
 tion have returned." 
 
 The captain rejoined Tim and Tony, and 
 having drawn them to one side, hastily ex- 
 plained his plans. 
 
 Tim, with the freedom of his race, hastily 
 approved, and assured Ellsworth that he could 
 safely leave the dhirty guerrillas in his hands, 
 and that he would see to it that ther black 
 caygars didn't go ter slape on their posts or 
 duty. 
 
 While they were yet talking, Edna came 
 out on the veranda, followed by two blacks, 
 one of them a perfect Hercules in stature, build 
 and str-ugth. This was EUick. 
 
 It took but a moment to inform them of the 
 situation, and having seen the prisoners placed 
 in an out-building, and the guard duly mount- 
 ed, Captain Ellsworth sprang to saddle, and 
 closely followed by Tony, started at a gallop 
 for the Union camp. 
 
 CHAPTER XVllI. 
 
 A FEARFUL SLAUGHTER. — THE GUERRILLA 
 CHIEF AND CAPTAIN ESCAPE. 
 
 In.less than ten minutes the captain and Tony 
 reached the bivouac, and while the former was 
 yet asking where he could find Major Peale, 
 that officer came up and eagerly requested to 
 be informed where in the world he had been 
 for the last hour or so, and what adventures 
 he had met with. 
 
 Randal explained. 
 
 Before he had finished the major ordered the 
 boot and saddle call to be sounded, and hastily 
 prepared to mount his own horse. 
 
 " You can finish your story on the road, cap- 
 tain," he said. And when they were gallop- 
 ing toward the Stan wood mansion, he abruptly 
 renewed the conversation with the remark: 
 
 "And so you were fortunate enough to make 
 the acquaintance of Miss Edna Stanwood, eh?" 
 
 " Tes," said Ellsworth, " I had that honor. 
 She is a beautiful woman " 
 
 " Magnificent. Did you see her mother t" 
 
 " Yes; she too must have been beautiful in 
 her day— indeed, she is so still; but she is a 
 sad invalid." 
 
 "Ah — yes, a sad invalid, as you say. There 
 is a dark chapter in the history of the Stan- 
 wood family, and while it has to a great extent 
 affected the general, it has almost completely 
 broken up his wife. Did you meet anybody 
 else at the mansion?" 
 
 "Only one other person, the sweetest— the 
 most lovable girl I ever met, unless " 
 
 "Ahl who was that?" asked Peale hastily. 
 
 " Miss Penrose." 
 
 " You saw her then ? And — and (uneasily) 
 you think her lovely ? " 
 
 "I do, indeed," was the emphatic reply. 
 "And to be frank with you, major, I should 
 have fallen in love with her. had I not seen 
 Edna Stanwond first." 
 
 "Ahl aud so you have fallen in love with 
 Edna?" exclaimed the major, in a tone of 
 great relief " 
 
 " I suppo-e I'm a fool to confe.ss it," said 
 Randal; " for it ain't at all likely that such a 
 glourious being would ever give a second 
 thought to a poor devil of a captain like me.' 
 
 " Why not?" said Peale, "you saved her 
 life, and I know Edna Stanwood, slie is warm- 
 hearted ami grateful, believe me." 
 
 " She has a regal look, and I should hardly 
 think " 
 
 " I know what you would say, my friend ; 
 but for all her stately appearance, she has a 
 wealth of affection to bestow upon the right 
 man — the man who shall win her heart, I am 
 sure of it." 
 
 At this moment a figure glided from the side 
 of the road and approached the rapidly moving 
 column. 
 
 As it came near, by the pale light of the 
 moon, it could be seen that it was a man, 
 somewhat beyond middle life, and indeed his 
 iron-gray looks Indicated that old age was 
 rapidly advancing. Still, his active body and 
 strength of limbs seemed an assurrance that 
 many years of usefulness were yet before 
 him. 
 
 "Stop one moment. Major," he exclaimed 
 abruptly, as he raised his hand, "you're 
 
 lookin' fur Hicks's gang, their varmints is in 
 ther valley, tother side o' Stanwood creek." 
 
 Major Peale and Randal both brought their 
 horses to a Ftand as the old man spoke, and 
 Peale, in a tone of great satisfaction, ex- 
 claimed, 
 
 " Farley, by all that's glorious !" 
 
 " Yes, Major, its me " nodded the union 
 
 scout. " Nor don't lose any time, an' you can 
 
 come down on ter'em like a clap o' thunder, 
 
 then Cunnel and Capin Jillson ain't with 
 
 " We know that ; but can't you guide us to 
 the spot, Farley V" 
 
 "Its unpossible. Major, I've got-ter be 
 thirty miles from this afore moruin.' You 
 can't miss it, — in the valley, just over the 
 creek, good night," and the renowned scout of 
 the Tennessee was gone. 
 
 " That's luck for us, any way," exclaimed 
 Peale, exultingly, as they once more started 
 
 "Tes," said Ellsworth, " I fancy we shall 
 thin out that gang of cutthroats before morn- 
 ing now, for a fact." 
 
 A minute later they reached the Stanwood 
 place, and having left a sufficient guard to 
 watch the prisoners, and permitted Tim and 
 Tony to join them, they started for the valley 
 beyond Stanwood creek. 
 
 Audley Peale knew exactly how to conduct 
 such an enterprise as the one on which they 
 were now engaged, and his force entered the 
 valley from two directions, rendering it utterly 
 impossible for the guenillas to escape. 
 
 At length they came upon the camp, and 
 before their presence was even suspected, the 
 signal for the attack was given, and a fearful 
 fight ensued. No, it was not a fight, it was a 
 loody sla 
 ion men had it all tli 
 way, and they smote the guerilla and spared 
 not. 
 
 Ellsworth and his men would have willingly 
 given quarter : but when the carnage was at 
 its height, Peale's Tennessean's could not be 
 restrained, they only remembered all the 
 wrongs they had suffered at the hands of the 
 rebels — wrongs in their own persons, and in 
 the persons of thetr wives, sisters, mothers 
 and daughters, and so, when the fight was 
 over, not a guerilla was left alive on that 
 Uoody field ! 
 
 It was fearful, appalling; but many fearful 
 aud appalling things occurred during the 
 great war of the Rebellion. 
 
 The Union force suffered very little, only 
 one or two men were killed, and less than a 
 dozen wounded. More than a hundred horses 
 were captured, and a large quantity of arms 
 aud ammunition was secured. 
 
 Just before daylight the victors left the 
 valley, and again started for the Stanwood 
 plantation. 
 
 As they reached the open gateway, it was 
 evident to them all that something of impor- 
 tance had happened during their absence. 
 Two or three Union men could be seen hurry- 
 ing arouud to the rear of the house, and Ells- 
 wiirth counted six dead bodies in front, where 
 only two had been a few hours before. 
 
 Then they saw EUick and Wash approach- 
 ing, the former with his head bound up in a 
 red and yellow bandana handkerchief, and 
 the latter with his left armin a sling. 
 
 "What the deuce has been to pay here ?" 
 demanded Major Peale, sharply, as they drew 
 near. 
 
 " Dar's trouble enough, Mars'r Major," an- 
 swered EUick, with gleaming eyes. " Dem 
 guerrillas got hold ob de arms in some way, 
 an' we've had er purty hot fight, I tole yer. 
 Cunnel Hicks, him an' Cap'n Jillson, dey's 
 done gone an' got clean away. De odder pris- 
 oners, dey didn't get off, dey — " 
 
 " Well, what of them?" asked Peale, impa- 
 tiently. 
 
 " Dey's done gone dead — ebery one on 
 
 "And our men — are any of them dead ?" 
 " No, sah; but dey's purty much all on 'em 
 hurt, an' some mighty bad." 
 
 " 'This is serious," said Ellsworth, regret- 
 fully. " For my part, I'd rather all the rest 
 had escaped than those two." 
 
 " It is bad," rejoined the major, " and from 
 what you have told me, I fear it would 't do 
 to leave this place unguarded while they are 
 at liberty. They are capable of returning here 
 and murdering the whole family." 
 
 " That's what I was thinking. 'What do 
 you propose to do ?" 
 
 "Make this place our headquarters until 
 they are captured and hung." 
 
 "Ah! and you believe they can be found?'' 
 
 " Look at that negro there — the big one, I 
 mean." 
 
 "Well?" 
 
 " I'll stake my life it was either Hicks or 
 Jillsen who cracked his skull for h'm. He's 
 bent on revenge. I can see it; and nobody 
 knows all the hiding places in this part of the 
 country as well as he. With his help we can 
 track the scoundrels to their death. EUick, 
 come here. Whose work was that?" pointing 
 to his head. 
 
 " Cap'n Jillson's, sah, de cowardly dog! He 
 comed up from behind an' knocked me sense- 
 less. Ef he'a a-comed at me liker man, I 
 wouldn't say er word; but now — " 
 
 " You want to find him, don't you?" 
 
 The negro's eyes gleamed like lightning. 
 
 "Never fear, you shall find him. Who 
 winged Wash ? " 
 
 " Ma&'r Hicks." 
 
 "Ahl and he don't feel over friendly toward 
 the colonel, I suppose ?" 
 
 " No, sah! " 
 
 "All right, we'll have something to eat, and 
 let our horses rest, and then we'll start out on 
 the trail." 
 
 CHAPTER XIX. 
 
 TONY BRINGB DOWN THE GUERILLA CHIEF. 
 
 Breakfast was speedily prepared, the officers ate 
 theirs together, with the troopers in groups at no great 
 distance about them. They would not go to the house 
 on account of the illness of Mrs. Stanwood. 
 
 Soon as the meal was finished the bugle sounded and 
 speedily the squadron was mounted. 
 
 As Major Peale was (.bout to give the order, Forward ! 
 Ellsworth's eyes happened to rest on Tony Tibbits, who 
 was urgin" his horseahead at a half trot in order tojoin 
 his friend Tim Cooney, who was calling for him. 
 
 "Wait one moment, Major, if you please." exclaimed 
 the Captain abruptly. " I wish to fulfill a promise I 
 made last night." 
 
 " Very well, but don't keep the squadron waiting." 
 
 "Only a moment, as I said," aud riding forwarr" 
 Ellsworth called 
 
 "Tibbits I Tibbits ! this way !" 
 
 Tony turned, and mechanically his hand went up to 
 
 '"That chain and trinket," said the Captain, "have 
 you it about you now ?" 
 " Yes, Captain, I got it from Tim a while ago." 
 " Very good, ride on to the house and show it to the 
 lady. But mind I if she detains yon over two minutes 
 we shall not wait for you. We are going in the direc- 
 tion of the valley. You are not afraid to ride after us 
 
 "No, sir, not at all." 
 
 "Very well. But hurry ; and if you can rejoin us 
 immediately, I shall be better pleased. 
 Tony at once dashed off toward the house. 
 
 and qui( 
 
 The door stood open, and as he ascended the steps 
 Edna Stanwood appeared in the hallway. 
 
 Ah I its you," she said, hastening forward, " co 
 right in, I have been expecting you. But stop a n 
 ; good look 
 
 ,u, ^^^.^ ^^^u o^peeting >«... 
 where you are, and let me tak 
 you." When taking the boys head between her hands, 
 she gazed down earnestly into his eyes. 
 Tony looked up into her lovely face wonderingly. 
 "Yes," murmured the girl at last, "yes, I too can 
 see the look and I no longer marvel at mother's agita- 
 Bidyou bring the little keep sake, Anthony?" 
 
 it then, and I will see if it is possible 
 J you. She jjasscd a miserable 
 
 'Yes, Miss.' 
 
 fori 
 
 'Leti 
 
 other t 
 
 The capt-ain gave me two minuies. Miss. If I am not 
 bark in that time the column will move on, and " 
 
 "I won't keep you a moment. Sit down here in the 
 hallway, where you can hear my voice if I call;" and 
 Edna haste ed lightly up the stairs. 
 
 She was gone quite tn o minutes, and descended very 
 slowly, with a thoughtful and almost troubled look up- 
 
 "Tony." she said, seating herself by the side of the 
 boy, and^ taking his hand in hers, " my poor mother is 
 
 I entered her room, 
 chain and 
 id, and instantly recog- 
 nized it as one she had seen before. 
 
 " What she said it is not best that I should repeat to 
 you now; it would take too much time, and I am sure 
 you are anxious to rejoin your comrades who have al- 
 ready passed down the road. But I wish to ask, are 
 you willing to leave this with me for a little while?" 
 Tony hesitated . 
 
 " Y'ou need not doubt it will be returned to you; if—" 
 "Oh, I am sure of that, miss," broke in Tony; " but 
 we may not comeback this way. you know." 
 
 ;ry weak, and she I 
 nkelier. However, 
 
22 
 
 THE WAR LIBRARY. 
 
 'Did 
 
 Lapuiin Elltiwoi th say boy" 
 
 ■■ Oh, no. miss; but, you see, we arc following up 
 those guerrilla officers — Hicks and Jlllson— and we 
 don't know where the chase may lend us. " 
 
 She thought a moment, and then hastened into a side 
 room, a sort of library. 
 
 A minute later she returned, a small, three-cornered 
 
 '■There/' she said, "give that to your captain, and 
 take my word for it, you will come back tins way. Now 
 
 "Youa'rcq 
 ■Oh, yes, L 
 
 3 the c 
 
 
 'ith J 
 
 'it is all I have 1 
 
 as your mother's?" 
 ist remember seeing it about 
 neck, with that curious thing hanging down. I 
 w, when I lay upon her lap, or in her arms, I used 
 each up and play with it, as she bent lovingly over 
 I know this," he continued, musingly, " or else— 
 Ise, the thing has happened in my dreams. Alas, tt 
 3 little I do remember, surely 
 
 Go— go, boy, at once!" exclaimed Edna, 
 ►. and return as spet 
 your keepsake shall 
 
 —go, boy, at 
 *' go. and return as speedily as possible; and 
 ed your keepsake shall not get lost." 
 
 1 down the 
 
 tedly; 
 
 , Tony r 
 
 The squadron was already out of sight: but this did 
 not trouble him much, it only caused him a momentary 
 feeling of annoyance. His mind was so much tjiken up 
 by all Edna had said that he thought of very little else. 
 
 Still, he felt the necessity of rejoining his command 
 with as little delay as possible, and so, digging his heels 
 into the horse's flanks— he had no spurs— he put him to 
 the top of bis speed. 
 
 For some distance his way lay alonga level road, with 
 rich open fields on either hand; then came a gradual 
 rise, and when he had reached the top of the hill, he 
 saw that just before him the road took an abrupt bend 
 to the left, and ran through a thick woods. 
 
 Now, witQout in the least being able to account for 
 it, Tony felt a presentiment that danger lurked in that 
 forest, and without slackenmg the speed of his horse, he 
 unslung the carbine that had been given him, loosened 
 his revolvers, undprepaied, asbest he could, to meetit. 
 
 His horse went down the hill at breakneck speed, and 
 then, suddenly, turned into the wood-hordered road, 
 
 Tony was now on the alert; his eyes were searching 
 the underbrush on either side for the slightest indica- 
 tion of a lurking enemy. 
 
 All at ouce he thought 
 branch of a low bush oe 
 
 He took another look, and was sure he saw the neck 
 and shoulder of a man, and then the barrel of a short 
 oarblne, pointed suggestively in his direction, became 
 apparent to him. 
 
 Instantiy his 
 "i.-ady." 
 
 The skulking enemy evidently ; 
 instantly there was a flash, folio 
 and Tony felt 
 had been laid acrot^s his left temple, and then he felt the 
 warm blood trickling down his cheek. 
 
 But this had not for an instant retarded his action, 
 and without checking his horse, he returned the tire, 
 aiming just below where he saw the uncovered neck. 
 
 A sharp cry followed the shot, and there was a violent 
 commotion in the underbrush. 
 
 Tony brought his horse to a stand, and springing 
 
 i slight movement of a 
 
 carbine was brought 
 
 He quickly ■ 
 
 the gray i 
 
 .the 
 
 ■■ Haiti" he cried, sternly, " halt, I say, or I firel and 
 this time I shall fire to kill." 
 
 The officer stopped his onward progress, and turned. 
 Then Tony for the first time caught sight ol his face, 
 and, to his utter amazement, recognized Colonel Lester 
 Hicks, the guerrilla chief! 
 
 CHAPTER XX. 
 
 TONY ACTS THE PART OF FATHER COWPESSOR. 
 
 ' There's no use wasting any more time on me, boy," 
 ,d the colonel, gloomily; "you've cooked my goose — 
 Q done for, sure as preaching." Then, with a gasp, 
 sank down. 
 
 n of the 
 
 ^fter I 
 
 t the colonel endeavored to r 
 ; gasped, " I cannot breathe, 
 
 self. 
 
 "Help me,' 
 and again he i 
 
 Tony now hardly knew what to do. He was most 
 anxious to hurry on and rejoin his command, and yet 
 he did not like to leave the apparently dying man. 
 
 While he was considering what course it was best to 
 adopt the gurrella chief suddenly made another effort 
 
 1 the ^ 
 
 'any kind was 
 
 the stuff was enough 
 sick, and he invariably kept as far away from it as 
 possible. So he was obliged to say : 
 
 " I haven't got any, sir." 
 
 "I have." gasped the colonel and indicated his right 
 hand breast pocket. 
 
 Tony quickly unbuttoned his coat which had been 
 tightly buttoned across his chest, and felt in the inside 
 pocket. 
 
 The first thing his hand encountered was an oblong 
 
 out and threw upon the ground, and then freling again, 
 he found the flask of which he was in search. 
 
 He took out the cork, and with a grimace of disgust, 
 raised the head of the wounded man, and held the flask 
 to his lips. 
 
 )k a long draught, and iben, in a 
 
 d ; 
 
 a little higher, and place my back 
 
 ; difficulty, did bo. 
 
 Qg the almost helpless man, his foot 
 
 ith the side pocket-book and ttxrned 
 
 from his lips. 
 
 "Miss Stanwood I" he murmured, in a lower tone, 
 and gazed long and earnestly at the picture. 
 
 Surely it seemed to dawn upon him that the picture 
 was not an exact likeness of the Jkliss Stanwood from 
 whom he had parted a little while before, there was 
 something mure subdued, more gentle, perhaps, re- 
 vealed in the face before him. It reminded him of 
 something that had struck Mm in Flora Penroye's quiet 
 features. 
 
 Then too the picture was a very old one— ten or fifteen 
 years at least, and yet it represented a woman of be- 
 tween eighteen and twenty years. 
 
 ■ It must be her 
 
 The greater part of tliese were directed to Lester 
 Hicks, and a little package of half a dozen or more, tied 
 with narrow blue ribbon, had indorsed upon it—" From 
 Edith." 
 
 The nest one he took up, and which was addressed to 
 Giles Tibbits, was indorsed— " From Silvester Stover, 
 Gettysburg. Penu." 
 
 Another exclamation burst from Tony--an exclama- 
 tion that roused Colonel Hicks from the lethargy into 
 which he had fallen. 
 
 " What's that ?" he asked, looking up suspiciously. 
 
 "Nothing." answered Tony, hastily gathering up the 
 papers, letters and picture, and thrusting them into the 
 pocket-book, which he slipped in his side jacket. 
 
 Then once more turning to the wounded man he said : 
 
 Hicks, you said i 
 
 know it. See where yo 
 am. bleeding to death 
 
 With that he gave a gasp, aud a large quantity of 
 ' said the boy, "even if 
 
 blood flowed from 
 
 "It's an awful thing 
 one be fully prepared; how mucn more lerrioie, 
 he has not ma^e his peace with God. I am bu 
 colonel, but let me say to you, if yon have anytl 
 your mind, now— if there is any great wrong you have 
 ever done, it might ease your conscience to confess it; 
 and anything I can do to help you right that wrong, you 
 mayrest assured ' 
 
 "There is little l 
 said Tony, firmly, 
 beg, I entreat you, 
 
 'ill do i 
 ; lef L to ( 
 
 I really be the caae 
 
 though, and 
 do alii: 
 
 nurderer? That's a good ( 
 
 " You forget you first fired at me." 
 " But I saw you raise your carbine.' 
 ely a precautionary i 
 
 ' That ^ 
 
 Well, well, I understanu. And see here, boy, there 
 is an awiul load on my mind— murder, double murder, 
 in fact, kidnapping, forgery, and robbery —ay, the worst 
 kind of robbery, robbing the helpless orph- " 
 
 "And the burden of all these 
 at this awful moment?" 
 
 Is there nothing you can do 
 make someattoncmeuti' 
 
 For a moment the dv ng man 
 opening nis ejLs tht 
 
 jouugHdbet 
 
 ighs upon you 
 
 lift It/ Can you not 
 
 s silent At length 
 8 of which had hun^ 
 g iZL upon the bra\ e 
 
 ; brief, b 
 \oulJiowtl hoi 
 len I was capture! 
 
 } the residence of om 
 
 \ here with a n iml ei of my 
 
 til ht by Capta u L 1 u ith 
 1 am \\a^ juui eit 11 that 
 
 f tl oldest md pi ud 1 1 mi 
 
 man who has been the father 
 
 The oldest child was a daughter then there were 
 ':on<i ind d n"ht r=i and at last another g rl I hat 
 II Hi tt-Kt born IS all of h s ch Idicn that is 
 
 1 and he was t-ilent so long Tonj 
 
 led 
 
 t 1 1 Mtl ha\e to bpeak— Ed th She 
 
 w Ha^rand st t 1^ ytt geutl and cunhii^ woman 
 
 and beautitul aba dream Edna look-^ vtij much like 
 
 her but— Edra isnotElith 
 
 The colonel s head hud f lien forw ird unt 1 his chin 
 
 CHAPTER XXI 
 
 \ed before and he I bclit 
 
 Wt 11 ihen came mv accomipli^ht- 1 co is n— \ntoine 
 Warsden the only son and heir of Govenor Warsden 
 the wealthiest man in all this southern country and 
 saw my Edith, and there was no more chance for me 
 
 "Father, mother, the girl herself, all received him 
 with open arms, and before I hardly had time to catch 
 my breath, they were married, and my happiness and 
 prospects were blighted for ever. 
 
 " I saw my prospects were blighted, for more than 
 mere love was concerned in all this, I had hoped to keep 
 Antoine single, in case of his death I became sole heir 
 to the Marsden estates, and now my affairs were in such 
 a condition that the possession of mv cousin's fortune 
 had become^ I believed, absolutely necessary to me. 
 
 "I was still brooding over my fancied wrongs when 
 the news reached me that Goveuor Marsden was dead— 
 his wife had died a year or more before— and thus my 
 cousin andcuccessful rival was in full possession of his 
 colossal ortune. 
 
 "I gnashed my teeth in rage, She whom I had 
 loved, and who had scorned me, was now placed on the 
 very pinnacle of wealth and power, i 
 look down upon me with cold disdaii 
 
 'Should I submit? Should I quietlv permit her to 
 enjoy tall, whilel was poor and miserable ? 
 
 *■ By the Eternal 1 No I 
 
 " 1 swore to ruin the false couple, I swore to possess 
 myself of all that was theirs, and deliberately I went to 
 work to accomplish my purpose, 
 
 " Months roiled by. I saw that I had a hard task yet 
 before me; but just as I was beginning to think I could 
 sec daylight. I had another setback, word came that a 
 son and heir had been born to them. 
 
 " I swore to delay no longer in my revenge, which I 
 promised myself should be eo full and complete as to 
 ' lude them all in one general ruin . 
 
 ■ ban d-i.vri ting. 
 
 I afford 
 
 , 1 had many speci 
 
 i I was what is called handy 
 
 : take me long to draw up a win to sun 
 
 ■At this time Antoine was in WashingI 
 
 
 much 
 n aud 
 very young and 
 
 I public 
 
 personated him, and so the requisite number of 
 persons witnessed the forged will, firmly believing that 
 It was the real Antoine Marsen who made it, 
 
 "Shortly after this— not wishing tc 
 risk myself, I got up a quarrel between 
 Abner Jillson, who at that ti 
 hot headed fellow. 
 
 "He called Marsden out and killed him, unfairly it 
 was said, and for many reasons the matter was hushed 
 up. I doubt if even General Stanwood himself knows 
 the real facts to this day. 
 
 "My own course was now plain before me. Edith 
 had determined to return to her father's house with 
 her child. I resolved to take that child from her. 
 
 "I secured the services of a trusty man, and waylaid 
 her on the road. 
 
 "She became unconscious from fright. When she 
 herself, a dead child, whose face was horribly 
 
 Qed by a kick from 
 
 dressed 
 clothes, lay by her side. 
 
 " She was told that it had been kL 
 one of the horses. 
 
 "She refused to believe the story. She emphatically 
 declared that the child was not hers, and loudly called 
 for her own darling Doy. And this cry she kept up all 
 that night and until the evening of the nest day, when 
 her father arrived at the house where she had been con- 
 veyed, in order to taKe her home. 
 
 "Once in her childhood's home, she became more 
 quiet. She still insisted, however, that the dead boy 
 was a stranger. But her friends thought this only the 
 ravings of an unsound mind, and so the little one wag 
 buried, aad no search was made for the living child. 
 
 "That child was in my possession. 
 
 "At first it was my attention to kill it; bnt somehow 
 I could not bring myself to do that. Then I thought of 
 
 *— vengeance. 
 
 — ---'10 hi 
 
 tie conscience. He nad a wife living in Knosville, 
 
 "He could be hired togoanywhere— do anything, and 
 I had always found him reliable. There is such a thing 
 as honor among thie\ i 
 
 \\cll Iga 
 North somew 1 
 ately poor ai 
 
 the child and told luni to take it 
 ■in a re ideuce seem to be det-per- 
 teee that the brat fetched up in 
 
 I w ife ga\ e the child into her care, 
 
 01 near Getty bui} ai d he man- 
 1 ester sto\cr the ^ lardian of the 
 ic tory arr in^ement w a** made with 
 
 mother d 1 ^1 e d of i 
 Lester U els I 1 li 
 
 His mothc h -j mott 
 Tonys- thel \ jou 
 
 faltered Tony his poor 
 Ith a start He seemed to 
 
 Ah 
 
 I named \i I 
 
 fatUr 
 
 r Antbony, 
 
 iToiy 
 
 
 
 
 ecmyco 
 
 Ubinandhei 
 
 t ilT r I w T 1 r t 1 I f tl r 1 t her into 
 f th L pat r^ wl rh he intrusted to her 
 
 h ch if we could hft\e got hold of tbem, 
 
 insured to me another fortune 
 
THE WAR LIBRARY. 
 
 23 
 
 Again the wounded man becam* silent, and Tony con- 
 tinued thoughtfully kneeling by hiy side. 
 
 Suddenly the dying Binner f^asped for breath, and 
 pointing to the hulf-empty flaak on the ground, man- 
 aged to utter the word— 
 
 ■•Quickl" 
 
 Tony picked up the flask and held it to his lips. 
 
 He drank eagerly, and when at length the boy took it 
 away, murmured feebly: 
 
 '*Tony Tibbits! Yea, that is what they called him, 
 I wish— I wish— word could be got to him. I wish I 
 could right that poor child's wrongs, at least. But this 
 war— nofriende- dyingliliea dog in these woods-" 
 
 "You would really like to see that boy?" broke in 
 Tony, "to tell him you have wronged him, and to do 
 all tha lies ' ... 
 
 . your power to j 
 
 I name and sta- 
 
 '* Yes, yes, I would,' 
 
 ;a^er 
 
 "I am he who has been known as Tony Tibbits," 
 was the quiet reply. 
 
 •*And I die by your hand! Ah, boy, you have fearful- 
 ly avenged your parents' wrongs." And with a gasp he 
 fell forward, a stream of blood issuing from his mouth. 
 
 Tony caught him before his face touched the earth, 
 and endeavored to raise him up. 
 
 It was useless. He was already dead. And so the 
 lone boy laid him on his back, and slowly made his way 
 to the road, where hie well-trained horse was standing. 
 
 For a moment he stood irresolute, and then, as he was 
 about to spring to saddle, the distant sound of hoof- 
 etrokes fell on hie ear. 
 
 CHAPTER XXII. 
 
 Tony turned quickly in the direction of the sound, 
 and a moment later caught sight of half-a-dozen mount- 
 ed men just coming into view. 
 
 Were they friends or enemies? 
 
 At that distance he could not tell. 
 
 Taking his horse by the bridle he led him a short 
 distance into the underbrush, and then returned to hie 
 post of observation. 
 
 Blue coats 1 he was sure of it, and in another moment 
 he was quite as sure that they were members of bis own 
 company 
 
 He rushed out into the middle of the road, and when 
 the advancing squad caught sight of him, they sent up 
 a loud cheer of joy and relief, and put their horses to a 
 gallop: 
 
 Tony now saw that his old friend Coropal Snowden 
 headed the squad, and that the indefatigable Tim rode 
 close behind. 
 
 " I'm very glad to find you safe and sound, my boy," 
 said Coropal tinowden, with a great deal of feeling. 
 
 '* Be ther powers !" exclaimed Tim, 'I was mightly 
 onaisy on your account, Tony But, sure, of anything 
 had happened to you. I'd have murthered every ribel in 
 their confederacy, so I would." 
 
 "Do you want to know an easy way for doing that, 
 Tim r asked Ed. Lillie slyly. 
 
 "Shore, thin, I do." 
 
 '* Just talk French to them," said Ed, amid a shout 
 of laughter. 
 
 " Oh, go long wid yer. " cried the disgusted Tim. 
 
 " Where's your horse, Tony ?" asked Pender at this 
 
 Corporal Snowden, somewhat impatiently, we must re- 
 join the squadron without delay. 
 
 " What, did you come out on purpose to fi.nd me ?" 
 asked the boy: 
 
 '* Certainly, the captain got very uneasy on your 
 
 " Shure, thin, don't I bes tillin yer that it was me self 
 that got onaisy" exclaimed Tim, "and I wouldn't give 
 ther captain any pace till he sent us.' 
 
 " Have you found either of the escaped prisoners ? 
 asked Tony, without making any movement toward his 
 
 "No; but what did you stop here for?" asked the 
 corporal. 
 
 "Dismount, all of you, and I will show you." 
 
 Wonderingly, they dismouuted, add Tony led the 
 way to the spot where the dead guerilla chief was lying . 
 
 An exclamation of astonishment burst from their 
 lips as they ciiught siglit of the dead body, and then 
 turning to Tony, Corj-oral Snowden asked : 
 
 "Is this yuurwork, boy ?" 
 
 Tony gave an affirmative nod. 
 
 "Well, we must hurry back now," said Snowden, 
 " and the question is.whut shall wedo with the body V 
 
 "I should pay, leave it right where it is until we re- 
 turn," said Lillie. 
 
 "Ah, but are we sure to come back this way?" asked 
 the corporal. 
 
 **I should say yes." 
 
 "Then we'll leave it.*' 
 
 " One moment," said Pender. " He was the leader of 
 all the guerillas in these parts; he may have had im- 
 portant papers about him." 
 
 "Right, my boy; Inever thoughtof that; we'llsearch 
 the boay," and immediately they did so. 
 
 They were richly rewarded for thtir pains, for, as 
 Ellsworth had neglected to do more than disarm his 
 prisoners the night before, they now found in a secret 
 pocket on the inside of his undershirt, impurtiint papers 
 from the rebel commanding general, and also certain 
 memoranda, showing where the guerillas had buried the 
 greater part of their plunder, together with important 
 papers and documents of a private nature. 
 
 "This has been a lucky day for you, Tony Tibbits," 
 said Corporal Snowden, exultiiigly. '' Your share of 
 the booty will be pretty lar^e, I can tell you." 
 
 "Idon'twantacent's worthof it " cried Tony, earn- 
 estly. "Let my share be divided among my brave 
 comrades. If they see fit to promote me, 1 shall be 
 glad— because," he added, promptly, "1 ought to be 
 I something more than a mere drummer boy; but I ask, 
 and will have no other reward." 
 
 ■That's strange," murmured Snowden. 
 
 They 
 
 "Be dad, ther by's proud— jist loike meeelf." ex- 
 claimed Tim. " He's got good blood in his veins." 
 
 "And have you, Tim?" asked Lillie. 
 
 "Have.! Shure, thin, an' didn'tyer knowl wasther 
 direct descendant av wan av ther greatest avail ther 
 kings avowIdOireland?" 
 
 '•l^everheardof it;; 
 
 The boys sent up a shout of laughter, amid which the 
 order to mount was heard. 
 
 They were quickly in the saddle, and, at a lively trot, 
 rode once more in the direction of the valii-y. 
 
 As ihey entered it, they saw the whole column advanc- 
 ing toward them. 
 
 "Wait one moment," called out Corporal Snowden, 
 "I have somethingof the utmost importance to report." 
 
 The column was brought to a halt, and wonderingly, 
 Major Peale and Captain Ellsworth rode toward the 
 little squad. 
 
 " What is it?" asked the former. 
 
 •'In the first place," answered Snowden, "Colonel 
 Hicks is dead!" 
 
 "Dead! Who killed him, and where?" 
 
 "Tony Tibbits shot him." was the answer, " and he 
 lies in the woods to the east of the road, about a mile 
 from this." 
 
 "Did you find any papers on the body?" asked Peale, 
 eagerly. 
 
 ■' The most important, major." 
 
 "Where are they?" 
 
 Snowden handed him all the papers. 
 Captain.wemustexamine these at once," said Peale. 
 " -iy did BO, and after deciding that most of them 
 must, be sent to the commanding general without delay, 
 considered the memoranda relating to the buried plun- 
 der. 
 
 "Why," exclaimed Peale, suddenly, "the spot he de- 
 scribes is close by; I can find it with very little trou- 
 ble. Come!" 
 
 " We shall want help ?'^ 
 
 " Yes, let those fellows of yours accompany us." 
 
 Ellsworth gave the necessary command. Peale left 
 the column in charge of one of his officers, and accom- 
 panied by Ellsworth and the party that hadfound l^ny, 
 proceeded to hunt for the spot where the guerrillas' 
 booty was hurried. 
 
 After a quarter of an hour's search they found it, and 
 Peale at once exclaimed : 
 
 " Somebody has disturbed the earth here within half 
 
 " Within five minutes, I say." amended Lillie. 
 
 " Yes, by Jove, and here's a spade hidden under these 
 bushes." said Pender, drawing forth the useful article. 
 
 " Where's those two niggers ? " asked Peale. 
 
 " Out yonder," answered someone. 
 
 " call them." 
 
 EUick and Wash were called, and were soon throwing 
 out dirt at a lively rate, the former with the spade, the 
 latter with a piece of board he had picked up. 
 
 Ellsworth's extreme impatience would not permit him 
 to be an idle spectator, and so unbuckling hissword and 
 throwing it aown, he too seized a piece of board, which 
 at some time had formed the side of a box, or some- 
 thing of the kind, and went to digging. 
 
 Tony mecanically picked up the captain's sword, and 
 as mechanically drew it from the scabbard and examin- 
 ed the blade. 
 
 A slight— a very slight rustling in the bashes to his 
 left, and just back of the parly digging, attracted his 
 
 n that direction for an inf 
 ► the ground, the sword wa 
 nd he was in the bushes. 
 
 arm Itself V 
 
 and the shot struck the gn 
 
 the slightest barm. 
 
 " There." cried Tony sternly, pointing to the severed 
 member, " there lies the hand and arm that was up- 
 raised to take my father's life.— Villain I Scoundrel 1 
 Murderer of an innocent man I know that your just 
 punishment has been inflicted by the sonof Antoine 
 Marsden 1 " 
 
 CHAPTER XXIII. 
 
 the 
 
 Captain Abner Jillson, who it was that lay bleeding 
 on the ground, on hearing Tony's declaration, looked 
 up into the boys face, with an expression of the utmost 
 
 ' My God 
 By this ti 
 ;'ere lookii 
 
 Atl 
 
 gth^ 
 
 ■oine Marsden's son ? "' he gasped. 
 
 vhole party had gathered round, and 
 Touytohis ---- - - 
 
 took Tony o 
 
 " My right "naino is Antoine Marsden," aut^wered the 
 boy, "and I am the eon of that Antoino Marsden. whom 
 this man i;illed su trecherously in a so-called duel." 
 
 Major Peale now regarded the drummer boy with pro- 
 found respect. 
 
 Governof Marsden's grandson then ? " he 
 
 
 ' Yes.' 
 
 you Edna's nephew? 
 
 , grandson of 
 claimed Ells- 
 
 Th<'y tiiriK.'d toward the inutiiaL>-'a guerilla. He had 
 
 and w^as re^ardinti it attentively. 
 
 With a BiL^h he dropped it, and with a more profound 
 sigh, fell back upon the ground. 
 
 "Can we do anything for you, captain?" asked Ells- 
 worth, in a compassionate tone. 
 
 "Yes— if you will." 
 
 "What is it?" 
 
 > death, and all the e 
 
 "Let me die in peace." 
 "But must you die?" 
 " Of course. I am bleeding t 
 geons in your army couldn't sa 
 " Very well, you shall have y( 
 "One thing more." 
 "Well?" 
 
 and bury me. You'll find much that belongs to that 
 boy there, as well as property of the Stanwoods." 
 
 " You shall be buried as you desire." 
 
 " Now leave me." 
 
 They turned away. 
 
 The digging proceeded, and treasure to a large amount 
 was brought to light, together with title-deeds and the 
 valid wilFo"™ ' " • 
 
 :e was dead, and from the expression on his face, it 
 I evident he had died in mortal agony. 
 :e was hastily buried, and then, having made pro- 
 on for the transportation of the treasure, Majo 
 
 Peale ordered the s 
 "Forward! 
 
 the 
 
 the order, and in less than tei 
 Stanwood mansion. 
 Edna and Flora met Peale. Ellsworth and Tony 
 door, and requested them to ascend to Mrs. Stanwood's 
 
 As they entered they noticed that the invalid lady had 
 a gold chain, with a curious trinket attached. 
 
 ^' Step this way," she said. 
 
 They di^l so. 
 
 She held out the trinket, at the same time toucliing a 
 concealed spring. 
 
 It flew open, and revealed on either side a picture— 
 noble-Jooking man, the other a beautiful lady. 
 
 picture of a bright-eyed, laughing boy. 
 
 "Now," asked Mrs. Stanwood solemnly, at the ean 
 time pointing to Tony, "whose son is he?" 
 
 ' ■ swered the major promptly 
 
 
 ith's," said Flo 
 
 " He is your grandson, dear mother," exclaimed Edna, 
 throwing her arms about her mother's neck. 
 
 " There could be no possible doubt with what you now 
 show us," said Ellsworth earnestly, ••but without the 
 help of that locket, the boy himself has already estab- 
 lished his identity to-day and more, has avenged hie 
 father's death.'' 
 
 " How is that? " exclaimed the lady, eargerly. 
 
 - -" - - ,told. 
 
 As Ellsworth began Tony's story, a noble-looking, 
 gray-hairea man, wearing the uniform of a general offi- 
 cer in the Union army, quietly entered the room and 
 stood unnoticed just within the doorway, his eyes in- 
 tently fixed on the boy, while he drank in the captain's 
 
 Now he sprang forward, and folding Tony in his arms, 
 exclaimed: 
 
 "My boy— my dear— dear boy, thank God I have 
 found you at last.-Edna, you are quite sure all those 
 papers are safe?" 
 
 Yes. father. Ellick and Wash took care of that." 
 
 "Then Tony's fortune will be as great as ever was 
 the governor's— his grandfather, and those two faithful 
 fellows are no longer servants but friends. Now let us 
 all have a little family talk together, and plan for the 
 future until dinner-time. Don't go, major, I know the 
 state of your own and Flora's heart, and captain, I must 
 ever consider you as one of us, you have been such a 
 faithful guardian to this boy." 
 
 " I should certainly like to be one of you in fact, and 
 if "—turning to Edna and holding out his hand— " I 
 have read your heart aright " 
 
 "Oho! that's the way the matter stands, is it ? 
 have my consent, if you can get hers?" 
 the captain's, 
 led the general, 
 
 ii£ 
 
 You 
 
 •pris 
 
 really broke up tl 
 ' mant-colonel 
 > ? you ought t 
 
 ► have a hundred 
 
 " iVe lost them,'''' replied the major gravely. 
 
 " Yes," added Ellsworth, "and I very much fear, 
 they'll never be found in this world agaiu." 
 
 Ellsworth was no\v advanced to the rank of paajor, 
 Small became second lieutenant, Snowden was made a 
 sergeant, and Duffy and Tony became corporals. 
 
 A little later the Twentieth was ordered to join Sher- 
 man on his advance on Atlanta. 
 
 They saw some terrible fighting, and their numbers 
 were frightfully thinned out. 
 
 Atlanta ell, and then thegrand march to thesca began. 
 
 Tony was made a sergeant on the field belorc Atlan- 
 ta, for gallant conduct unrter fire. And now, to his 
 great joy, he found himself a commissioned ofticer, 
 with an appointment, on his grandfathers staff. 
 
 The war is over, the army disbanded. Major— now 
 Colonel Peale and Flora Penrose are married and live 
 on the Peale plantation, but a short distance from her 
 
 Lieutenant-Colonel Ellsworth and Edna are also 
 man and wife, aud reside at the Stanwood mansion. 
 
 Tony, after graduating at Yale, aud marrying a pret- 
 ty Yankee girl, has settled down on the old Maredsn es- 
 tate, where he lives to this day, surrounded by a large 
 family of children. 
 
 Peter Small left the army a captain; Snowden chang- 
 ed into luiotlier regiment, and became a major. Tim 
 Cooney stuck to Tony, and is now his overseer. The 
 other boys all turned out well, and thank God. are all 
 alive to-clay, to read this story of their trials and adven- 
 tures while fighting the battles of the Union. 
 
THE WAB LIBRARY. 
 
 THE WAR LIBMRY 
 
 Contains Historic Tales of the War for the Union. Original, full of life, daring advent- 
 ures, love, intrigue and patriotism — 
 
 The Unwritten History of the War. 
 
 20-BATTLE BEN. By Morris Redwing. 
 
 2 I -SHOULDER-STRAPS. Wiimot. 
 22-SEVEN PINES. By Warren Walters. 
 23-SABER AND SPUR. B.v ^fon Myrtle. 
 24 FICHTINC FOR FAME. Redwing. 
 25-DASHINC O'DONOHOE. Carlton. 
 26-IRON AND STEEL. Major A F.Grant. 
 
 27 THE FATAL CARBINE. Wilmot. 
 
 28 MALVERN HILL. Morris Hoyne. 
 
 29 GUNBOAT DAVE. Redwing. 
 30-RIVAL CAPTAINS- Oram Eflor. 
 
 3 I -HARD-TACK. Major Walter Brisbane. 
 32-YANKEE STEVE. Morris Redwing. 
 33-FARRACUT'S SPY. A. F. Grant. 
 34-MISSION RIDCE. By Major Wilmot. 
 3S-CHAIN-SHOT. By Colonel oram Eflor. 
 36 FIVE FOKS. By Corporal M. Hoyne. 
 37-CAPTAIN IRONWRIST. By Major 
 
 Walter Wilmct. 
 38-THE LOST CAUSE. By M. Redwing. 
 39-CAMP FIRES. By Warren Walters. 
 40-M0RCAN'S ROUCH-RIDERS. By 
 
 Major A. F. Grant. 
 4i-BETWEEN THE LINES. By Morris 
 
 Redwing. 
 42 THE CAVALRY GUIDE. By John W. 
 
 43-HARPER'S FERRY. By Major Wal- 
 
 44-SHERIDAN'S RIDE. By Roland Dare. 
 45-CLEAR GRIT. By Marline Manly. 
 
 46 THE RIVAL COURIERS. By Harry 
 
 47 BEFORE PETERSBURG. By Major 
 
 DOWN IN DIXIE. By Hugh Allen. 
 
 LIBBY PRISON.By Colonel Oram Eflor. 
 
 WAR'SALARM. By Morris Redwing. 
 
 UNDER FIRE. By Anthony P. Morris. 
 
 MARCHING ON. By Marline Manly 
 
 SWORD AND SASH.ByMon Myrtle. 
 
 BORDER GUERRILLAS. Hoyne. 
 -MOSBY'S TRAIL. By Morris Redwing. 
 
 BLACK CUDJO. By Lieut. Keene. 
 
 BRAVE COLONEL KELLY. By 
 
 Bernar.l Wuy.le. 
 
 ISLAND NUMBER TEN. Frazier. 
 
 WINNING HIS SPURS. By Redwing. 
 
 A YANKEE MIDDY. By Edwards. 
 -COLD HARBOR. By ItolandDare. 
 
 FIGHTING JOE HOOKER. Manly. 
 
 BOMB PROOF. By Anthony P. Morris. 
 
 A SOLDIER OF FATE. By Col. Eflor. 
 
 CUSTER AND HIS MEN. By Manly. 
 
 THE ARMY DETECTIVE. Eflor. 
 
 IN FOR THE WAR. By Ward Edwards 
 -OLD POTOMAC. By Colonel Leslie, 
 -PIONEER PETE. By Monis Kr.iwing. 
 -UNION JACK. By Ward Ivhvanls. 
 
 OUT WITH KILPATRICK. K.™. 
 
 ROUGH AND READY. By Morris. 
 
 THE SKY SCOUTS. By Oram Eflor. 
 
 DARING MICKEY LOFTUS. 
 
 SKIRMISHER SAM. Aleck Forbes. 
 
 FORTSUMTER. By Major A.P.Grant 
 
 FACING THE FOE. By Ward Edwards. 
 
 VETERANDAN. By Morris Redwing. 
 
 WILSON'S CREEK. DukeDuncan. 
 
 UNDERGUARD. By Morris Hoyne. 
 -BATTERY BOB. By A. P. Morris. 
 
 SIGNAL SERVICE SAM. Edwards. 
 -THE WAR DETECTIVE. By Grant. 
 
 84-PHIL, THE SCOUT. By Ilean Verne. 
 85-MAJOR HOTSPUR. Marline Manly. 
 86 " TO HORSE." By A. P. Morris. 
 87-LOYAL NED. By the author of " Be- 
 fore IVtersburg." 
 88-SHILOH. By Ward Edwards, U. S. V. 
 89-BATTLE SMOKE. By Hugh Allen. 
 90-SHARPSHOOTER DICK. By Grant. 
 91-ANTIETAM. By Anthony P. Morris. 
 92 CAVALRY SAM. By Capt. M. Wilton. 
 93 -FREDERICKSBURG. By A. Forbes. 
 i>4-BLUE OR GRAY. By Ward Edwards. 
 95 BURNT POWDER. By A.P. Morris. 
 96-VICKSBURG. By Corporal M. Hoyne. 
 97-A NIGHT IN DIXIE. By J. M. Merrill. 
 98-ON TO RICHMOND. By A.F.Grant. 
 99-PITTSBURG LANDING. Duncan. 
 ICO BULLET AND BAYONET. 
 lOf FORT FISHER. By Maj. A. F. Grant. 
 
 102 PRISON PEN. By Marline Manly. 
 
 103 THE SHENANDOAH RIDER. 
 
 I 04 FIGHTING PAT ; or, The Boys of 
 the Irish Brigade. By Bernard Wa.yde. 
 
 I05-THE COLOR BEARER; or, Se- 
 cret of the Old Knapsack. A stir- 
 ring Romance of the Siege of Knoxyille. 
 By Aleck Forbes, War Correspondent. 
 
 I06-TRUE BLUE; or. The Union 
 Scout of Tennessee. A Rousing Tale 
 of Hood's Last Campaign. By A. F. Grant. 
 
 I07-IN THE RANKS; or. Camp and 
 
 Conflict. By Mon Myrtle. 
 1 08 CROSSED SWORDS; or. Last 
 
 Charge at Antietam. By Corporal 
 
 Morris Hoyne. 
 I09'LI0N-HEARTED LUKE; or. The 
 
 Plan to Capture Mosby. A story 
 
 ot Perilous Adventure in the War of the 
 Rebellion. By Ward Edwards, U. S. V. 
 
 I IO~BIVOUAC AND BATTLE; or. 
 The Rivals in Blue. A Romance of 
 Sherman's North Carolina Campaign. By 
 Corporal Morris Hoyne. 
 
 I I l-THE SWORD CHAMPIONS; or. 
 Rival Spies of Chanceltorsville. 
 A Story otlhe Battles in the Thickets of the 
 Rappahannock. By Anthony P. Morris. 
 
 II2-THROUGH FIRE; or. Battling 
 for the Union, a story of the Last 
 Campaign in Virginia. By Major Walter 
 Wilmot. 
 
 I 13 MUZZLE TO MUZZLE; or. The 
 Mountain Bushwhackers, a Rat- 
 tling Romance of the Cumberlands. By 
 Captain Edward Park. 
 
 I 14-THE RIVAL CADETS; or. From 
 West Point to Battlefields. By 
 
 Ward Edwards, U. S. A. 
 
 I i5-SHERIDAN'S SPY; or. How the 
 Shenandoah was Redeemed. 
 
 ley. By WarnoMmer,V.'u"''"'°" '" 
 116 ON THE CHICKAHOMINY; or, 
 The Fortunes of a Yankee Cor- 
 poral. By Ward Edwanl.s r. S. V. 
 I 17-FIGHTINC FOR THE FLAG; or. 
 The Reign of Terror in Tennes- 
 see. A Startling Revelation of the Late 
 War. By J. M. Merrill. 
 I 18-FARLEY, THE SCOUT ; or. Old 
 Stars' Path to Glory. A Thrilling 
 Romance|of General Mitchell's Raid through 
 ' ■ ■ By Major Walter 
 
 and Alaban 
 
 Ten 
 
 Wilmot. 
 
 19-DOWN IN VIRCINIA;or,Daring 
 Adventures of a Union Scout. By 
 
 M. C. Walsh. 
 
 I20-MARCHING THROUGH GEOR- 
 GIA ; or. Perils of an Irish Fire- 
 brand. By the Author of Mission Ridge. 
 
 I2I-THE MYSTERIOUS MAJOR;or, 
 
 Was He Blue or Gray ? By Corporal 
 Morris Hoyne. 
 
 122-CHICKAMAUGA; or, The Artil- 
 lery Scout. A story ot the Chattanooga 
 Campaign. By Lieutenant Mackintosh. 
 
 123-THE SIGNAL FLAG; or. Vult- 
 ures of the Battlefield. A Narra- 
 tive of the Cloud Battles. By Colonel Oram 
 Eflor. 
 
 124-SHELBY'S MEN; or. The Last 
 Shot of the War. a Rousing Romance 
 of the Southwest. By Colonel Leon Lenoir. 
 
 125-BAYONET BEN; or. Through 
 Fire to Fame. A RatUing Recollection 
 of the Red River Campaign. By Major A. 
 F. Grant. 
 
 126-THE MISSISSIPPI SCOUT; or. 
 How the Batteries were Run. A 
 Thrilling Tale of Vioksburg, By Ward Ed- 
 wards, U. S. ^^ 
 
 127-GRANT, "THE HAMMERER;" 
 or. The Terrible Path to Fame. A 
 Narrative of the Wonderful Operations Be- 
 fore Petersburg. By Hugh Allen, of the 
 New York Prose. 
 
 128-THE BLOCKADE RUNNERS; or. 
 
 The War on the Coast. A story of 
 the Ouise of the Sea Gull. By Lieutenant 
 Clifford, U. S. N. 
 
 129-BEFORE DONELSON; or. The 
 Troopers of the Cumberland. A 
 
 stirring Romance ot Grant's Tennessee 
 Cmapaign. By Edgar L. ^'incent. 
 
 I30~CHARGE BAYONETS; or. Fight- 
 ing Under Hooker. By Captain Dick 
 Steadman. 
 
 131 SOLD FOR A SOLDIER; or. The 
 Life of His Regiment. A story of 
 the Army of the Potomac. By Ward Ed- 
 wards, " High Private," U. S. V. 
 
 132-UNDER LITTLE MAC; or. The 
 
 Spy Catcher of Richmond. By 
 
 Major A. F. Grant. 
 133-BATTLE ECHOES ; or, Baudin's 
 
 Boys at Chantilly. By Major Walter 
 
 Brisban. . 
 134-THE YANKEE PRIVATEER; or. 
 
 Afloat and Ashore. A Stirring story 
 
 of a Famous Cruise. By Lieutenant Mayne 
 
 135-STARS AND STRIPES ; or. The 
 
 Siege of Fort Pulaski. By Major 
 Hugh Warren. 
 136-MAJOR PAULINE CUSHMAN ; 
 or. Daring the Death Penalty. 
 
 By Ward Edwards, " High Private " U. S. V. 
 I37-UNDER1WO FLAGS; or. The 
 
 Field of Stone River. A Graphic Tale 
 
 of the Army of the Cumberland. By Morris 
 
 Redwing. [Ready April 23. 
 
 1 38-THE DRUMMER BOY; or. Out 
 
 With the Twelfth Corps. By Major 
 
 Walter Wilmot. 
 139-CANNONEER BOB; or. The 
 
 Blockade Runner. By Major A. F. 
 
 Grant. [Ready May 7. 
 
 For sale by all Newsdealers in the United States. Subscription price, $5.00 
 year; single copy, by mail, ten cents. Address, 
 
 NOVELIST PUBLISHING CO 
 
 No. 18 Rose Street, N. 
 
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