  “Your name is Achilles Deatheridge? How old are you, my boy?” “I’m sixteen past and I went to the war From Athens, Illinois.” “Achilles Deatheridge, you have done A deed of dreadful note.” “It comes of his wearing a battered hat, And a rusty, wrinkled coat.” “Why didn’t you know how plain he is? And didn’t you ever hear, He goes through the lines by day or night Like a sooty cannoneer?” “You must have been half dead for sleep, For the dawn was growing bright.” “Well, Captain, I had stood right there Since six o’clock last night.” “I cocked my gun at the swish of the grass And how am I at fault When a dangerous looking man won’t stop When a sentry hollers halt? “I cried out halt and he only smiled And waved his hand like that. Why, any Johnnie could wear the coat And any fellow the hat.” “I hollered halt again and he stopped And lighted a fresh cigar. I never noticed his shoulder badge, And I never noticed a star.” “So you arrested him? Well, Achilles, When you hear the swish of the grass If it’s General Grant inspecting the lines Hereafter let him pass.” |
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