Part 22 (2/2)
”Well, then, who are you?”
”We're from Kentucky and we've sneaked through the Union lines to enlist.
If you want to show us the way to Chattanooga we'll be much obliged to you.
But if you're going to the trouble of arresting us for burning.... What was it we burned, Tom?”
”Bridges,” replied Tom, laughing.
”Yes-for burning bridges, then you're wasting your time.”
”Maybe,” answered the man. ”But you're a-going with me all the same.”
”Then let's go,” said Tom. ”What's the use of standing here in the mud?”
”I'll walk you back to Judson, an' you can tell yer story there. I ain't believing you and I ain't disbelieving you. Turn around the way you was a-going, an' keep yer hands out of yer pockets. I'll let a bullet go smack into the first man that makes a move he shouldn't.”
Here was a man they couldn't talk down. He was probably a good shot, and ready to keep his threat. If only they could get him at a disadvantage, and pull their revolvers before he could fire. But such hopes were shattered a few minutes later when two hors.e.m.e.n pulled up before them. They yelled when they saw the three prisoners.
”Good work, Alf!” said one of the men. ”Three of 'em. h.e.l.lo there, Yanks.”
”You're a Yank yourself,” answered Tom hotly.
”What's that?”
”We're no more Yanks than you are. We were on our way to enlist in the army at Chattanooga, and this is the way we get handled.”
”Don't believe 'em,” said Alf. ”Let's search 'em.”
”Why not wait until we get back to Judson? Easier to do it there.”
”All right,” replied Alf. ”You two ride along beside 'em. I'm done up totin' this gun.”
The procession started again. Tom heard Wilson whisper to Shadrack: ”Keep to the story!”
”No talking, there!” ordered one of the hors.e.m.e.n. ”You can do all your talking when you get to Judson.”
It was nearly six o'clock when they reached the little town of Judson. As they went down the main street, men and boys tagged along beside them, plying the guards with questions. The guards waved them aside, and answered, ”Don't know if it's them or not. Picked 'em up a piece down the road.”
They stopped at a two-story frame building labeled ”Hotel.” One of the guards went in, then motioned to the others to bring the prisoners. Presently they found themselves in a big room, lighted by two lamps which hung from the ceiling. The air was cloudy with smoke. A dozen men sat about at the tables. Instantly there was commotion. Everyone commenced talking.
”Got three of 'em!” shouted Alf. ”Three of 'em, Judge.”
”He thinks he has,” said Wilson.
”You better keep your mouth shut,” yelled Alf.
”No use talkin' like that, Alf,” said the man addressed as Judge. ”Where did you find them?”
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