Page:Battle-Pieces and Aspects of the War.djvu/212

204 "Save what we've got," the Major said;

"Bad plan to make a scout too long;

The tide may turn, and drag them back,

And more beside. These rides I've been,

And every time a mine was sprung.

To rescue, mind, they won't be slack—

Look out for Mosby's rifle-crack."

"We'll welcome it! give crack for crack!

Peril, old lad, is what I seek"

"O then, there's plenty to be had—

By all means on, and have our fill"

With that, grotesque, he writhed his neck,

Showing a scar by buck-shot made—

Kind Mosby's Christmas gift, he said.

"But, Colonel, my prisoners—let a guard

Make sure of them, and lead to camp.

That done, we're free for a dark-room fight

If so you say." The other laughed;

"Trust me, Major, nor throw a damp.

But first to try a little sleight—

Sure news of Mosby would suit me quite."