Chasing an Iron Horse

not far from the town of Jasper, three drenched figures might be discerned. They were looking somewhat longingly in the direction of

e hopes of a palatable supper. Certainly there was little in the landscape itself to tempt any one to remain outdoors. The three wanderers seemed to be of this opinion, for th

ression and a four-days' growth of iron-gray beard on his face; "why did I leave ho

in a tone of boyish surprise; "how can you talk

had given place to a young fellow who outwardly resembled an ordinary farm hand. But there could b

as old as I am, my boy, you won't take s

third member of the party. "Are you

h made him look older than he really was, shook the rain from his hat and said cheerily, "I've done a good deal of mountain

trudge across the mountainous country between Shelbyville and the Tennessee, Watson had uttered many a grumble, but his complaints meant nothing more than a desire to hear hims

nd his companions hastily sheltered themselves under th

bout our being Kentuckians, and say nothing imprudent that may aro

Andrews from Thursday night to Friday night. "It is well he did postpo

ling little white woman. The latter was evidently engaged in the business of preparing s

a," spoke out Macgreggor, in a voice which seemed to have the ring of truth in i

softened immediately. "Come in," she said, quickly; "my husband's only a farmer, and we can't give you anything

e great hearth several vessels were simmering and emitting the most delightful odors, while a table near by was already set for the coming meal. On a chair f

lly. "My husband will be home from Jasper in a few minu

d shaken his overcoat, and from out of a large side pocket jumped the diminutive Waggie. The cat, with one bound, took a flying leap to the kitchen stairs, and brushing past the half-opened door at the bottom of

"did you bring that little fel

to a member of General Mitchell's staff, to remain with him during his owner's absence, but George had not proceeded five miles on his journey before he heard a joyous bark behind him-

rd proclaimed him a veritable countryman, came shambling into the room. At sight of the three strangers a curious look came into his res

Confederate army." She cast such an approving glance upon the wanderers as she spoke, and was so good-natured, that George's heart smote him at the deception which was being practised upon her. He was a frank, honest boy, who hated the very

walked up to him, sniffed about his boots, and uttered a low growl.

he South," remarked Mr. Hare at last, in a nasal tone sa

gh the mind of Macgreggor, but he merely said: "We are nearly at

negro "aunty" was soon serving a delicious meal of corn bread, Irish stew, and other good things. They all ate with a will, including Waggie, who was given a private lot of bones by the fireside. When the supper was over th

ry themselves before the

n a great hurry to get his guests up-stairs. Watson, Macgreggor and George looked at one another, as if trying to fathom the cause of their peculiar reception a

t here we will be off again at dawn-and then let our s

he more he thought of the strange behavior of Hare the more uneasy he became. Why had the farmer regarded him and his two companions with such a suspicious glance? Then George suddenly recollected where he had seen that face before. Yes! There could be no mistake. While he, Macgreggor and Watso

the kitchen stairway. At the head of the staircase he halted. It was clear that Farmer Hare was saying something emphatic, while his wife was entering a feeble protest. An intuition tol

three fellows are spies of some sort, and the

eve it," murm

ohn Henderson. Henderson is a spy in the service of General Beauregard, and was in the camp of General Mitchell only a few days ago, disguised as a trader. There he saw this fellow-the one with the brown beard-an

re caught within our lines they will be shot!

the farmer, with

out of the house, Jake, if you suspect them-tell them to go about their business-but don't set a trap for them." Her voice became almost plaintive. It was evident that the strangers had made a favorable impression upon Mrs. Hare, and that her woman's feelings revolted at the idea of betraying them, even though th

are. "There ain't time for

el" was the black farm-hand who helped Hare, but,

rn, I reckon," answered the wi

the barn, stalked out, and disappeared. There was a half-stifled cry from Mrs. Hare, but she apparently

must get word to his two companions, and at once. Just what Hare contemplated in the way of a trap he could not tell, yet it was evident that th

time that this would make a noise that might bring Mrs. Hare to the scene. He stood still and reflected. It would be foolish to invite the attention of her husband or herself

n door open, as Hare came back into the house, and began talking to his

ly on the other side of this wall, and he judged that the partition itself was very thin. In this theory he was correct: the laths and their plaster covering formed a mere shell, which was not much thicker than an ordinary wooden partition. Taking a large jack knife from his waistcoat he began to cut into the wall, about four feet from the floor. B

pulled it out of the candlestick, and poked it through the hole. He directed it in such a way that it fell squarely on the face of Macgregg

ed George; "it's I, George

asked the newly-awakened s

ke a noise. But get up, light your candle, and open your

George's eyes, he almost gave a cry of surprise; but prudence restrained him, and he merely touched Watson's arm, pointed to the hole, and then quietly unlocked t

the village grocery store, and even talked with them. They thought I was a good 'Confed,' and I found out that they are organized into a

harge of us, and to string us up, no doubt, to the first convenient tree. The sooner we get away from here the better for ou

ne man here against us now-I mean Hare-we can seize him,

nd raining again like cats and dogs; we don't know our way; we are sure to get lost before we have run fifty yards from the house, and these Vigilants, who understand every foot of the country, will divide into small parties, and hun

n. Yet it would not be long before the Vigilants dashed up to the house. No doubt they had all been telling anecdotes in the corner grocery sto

put out this candle, and open the window to the left, looking out towards the highroad to Jasper. When the Vigilants come riding up the road and get i

y are reckless, and there are at least twenty-five or thirty of them. Three men can't frighten them. They

y. Watson was so composed that the boy felt s

n my brain while we were talking. But the quicker it's put to the test,

th the other conspirators. Watson i

s, shoes, everything on at once

e room, with the irrepressible Waggie at their heels. The old negro "aunty," who had been dozing on a stool near the hearth, jumped to her rheumatic feet in consternation. "Hallelujah!

, trying to smile, yet only succeeding in looking hypocritical: "You ain't going t

" laughed Watson, with a significant look at their h

knocked into the fire his frightened wife who had been st

face, whilst the other spectators listened in breathless interest. "You have sent word t

the countenances of the Hares c

ed the farmer, quite forgetting

ng to play his part. "Only it's a pity you ha

eorge, you will watch this old negress, and if she attempts to make a sound,

ack on her stool near the hearth, and covered her dark face with her

will keep the same sort of watch over Mrs. Hare. Happen

door. With another bound no less quick Watson darted forward, caught th

do?" demanded Hare. "

ed Watson

fs in the distance. Every one listened e

asting a half-malevolent, half-trium

men have escaped from the house, stolen a flatboat, and started to row across the Tennessee River. Send them away and shut the door. I will be standing near yo

rses was becoming mo

asked Watson, very coolly,

ow convulsed by a variety of emotions-fe

" said Watson. "If you refuse, you w

ispered to her husband: "Do as he tells you, Jake. B

-" counte

and, and then dropped it

e got the better of me." He looked, f

, closely followed by the soldier. There were sounds without, as of horses being reined in, and of men's gruff voices. Hare opened the parlor door a few

rd about escaped from here ten minutes ago, stole a boat on the

other side a night like t

away from you for?" aske

he farmer. "They were well armed

oose chase, and on a durned bad night,"

oval. It was plain, from what Watson could hear of the discussion which ensued, that the Vigilants were disgusted. They were ready, indeed, to

n, who appeared to be the leader. "And no thanks

n to have something warm to d

to Hare, and whispered: "Send

house, as the soldier knew, and ca

the cold muzzle of the

called, "You know I ain

ed this remark. "I always reckoned you w

command, the Vigilants turned their horses and cantered back

ered Watson, "and go

who had been guarding Mrs. Hare and the negress, rushed forward to grasp the hands of their deliverer.

away from here as soon as possible, before our k

y smart, don't you?" snapped Hare,

ghed at from now until the day of your death you'd better no

as he offered his hand to Mrs. Hare, and said to that lady:

u," she replied, half smiling, "for you may be an enemy of the South, but I'm glad you've escaped hanging. You've t

, woman," cried t

nd rain, and blackness of the night. Waggie was occupying his usual place inside a pocket of George's ove

), something whistled by them, to the accompaniment of a sharp report. Looking behind them they saw the meagre form o

reggor, "considering you could hardly se

er shot. He had hardly had a chance to adjust the gun, however, before he dropped it with a cry of pain a

to remember me by," la

e must be in Marietta. We are still many mil

nted place was not reassuring. Their only hope was to keep on along the bank of the Tenne

rge. Waggie gave a muffled bark