Page 161 - Among the camps, or, Young people's stories of the war

him. Jake was very doubtful. He was afraid of the Yan­
kees catching him. The glory of Jack's capture the night
before had, however, given Jack great prestige, and when

jack told him about the letter his mother was going to write
as a safe-conduct— like a " pass,’1 lie explained—Jake agreed
to go, but only on condition that he might carry the pass.
To this Jack consented. It was late, in the afternoon when
they started. For the horse had to be broken to carry double,

and he was very lively, fioth Jack and Jake went off again
and again. At last, however, they got him steady, and set
Outi jack in the saddle, and Jake behind him clinging on.
Jake had the letter safe in his pocket for their protection.
They had a beautiful ride through the woods, and lack

remembered the glorious race he had had there the night
before. As they approached the bridge, Jack thought of
tying his handkerchief on a stick as a flag ot truce ; but he
was not sure, as he was not a real soldier, he ought to do so*
He therefore rode slowly on. He pictured to himself the

surprise they would have when he rode up, and they recog­
nized the horse, and learned that he had captured it
This feeling almost did away with the mortification of
having to return it. He rode slowly as he neared the bridge,
for he did not want them to think he was a soldier and shoot

at him. jack was surprised when he got to the bridge to find
no men there. He rode across, and not caring to keep up
the main road, turned up the path toward the clearing. He
rode cautiously. His horse suddenly shied, and Jack Was