Page 171 - Among the camps, or, Young people's stories of the war

they go ! catch them 1 ■' But they were almost at the woods,
and a second later they were dashing through the hushes,

heading straight for their crossing at the old tree. After a
time they had to slow tip, for Jake’s ankle pained him* Jack
carried him on his back ; but he was so heavy he had fre­
quently to rest, and it was broad day before they got near
the river. They kept on, however, and after a time reached
the stream. There Jake declared he could not cross the

poles. Jack urged him, and told him he would help him
across. He showed him how. Jake was unstrung, and could
not try it. He sat down and cried. Jack said he would go
home and bring him help. Jake thought this best. Jack

crawled over the pole, and was nearly across, when, looking
back, he saw a number of soldiers on the hill riding' through
the woods.
fl Come on, Jake ; here they come,” he called. The sol­
diers saw' him at the same moment, and some of them started
down the hill. A shot or two were fired toward them ; Jake

began to cry. jack was safe, but he turned and crawled back
over the pole toward him. Come on, Jake ■; they are com­
ing. They won't hit you—-you can get over.’*
Jake started ; Jack waited, and reached out his hand to

him. Jake had gotten over the worst part, when his foot
slipped, and with a cry he went down into the water, jack
caught his hand, but it slipped out of his grasp. He came
up with his arms beating wildly. " Help“ help me 1 ” he
cried, and went down again. In went Jack head foremost,

I I