treme, and the first two companies of the first
battalion and Life Knox's company with them received a severe fire
lasting for upward of two hours.

At this engagement Deck took more than an ordinary interest in his work.
As a true soldier, he wanted to see the siege raised. More than this, he
wanted to obtain the drugs so much needed by his father and Artie. He
went in with a vigor almost born of desperation, and falling against a
body of Confederates which were little better than guerillas, his
command drove them, seven hundred strong, a distance of two miles into
the mountain fastnesses.

As mentioned, the way was now open to Bridgeport, Stevenson, and other
points, and Deck obtained permission to visit half a dozen towns and
villages in quest of the drugs desired.

He took Life Knox with him, and the pair were gone the best part of the
forty-eight hours. Nothing that was wanted could be found at the places
named; but at another spot, where there was a cross-roads, the major
discovered a large general store, with a medicine department attached.

Entering the place, the two Union officers were confronted by a burly
Confederate over six feet high, and weighing over two hundred and fifty
pounds. He scowled at them, but did not dare to abuse them openly.

"Yes, I've got drugs, but I ain't sellin' 'em to-day," he said shortly.
"You'll have to find another drug shop, I reckon."

Deck gazed at the man in silence for a moment. Then he pulled out his
pistol and pointed it at the fellow's head.

"Sit down in that chair, sir," he ordered, and the burly Confederate
almost collapsed.

"Would you shoot an unarmed man?" he gasped.

"Not if he behaved himself."

"I haven't got to sell my drugs if I don't want to."

"In this case I think you have. Life, will you keep him covered?"

"Certainly, Deck."

"I want certain drugs and will have them if they are in your stock. I
will pay for what I take. But there must be no disturbance," went on the
major.

He spoke thus for the benefit of two clerks who were present and who
seemed inclined to be ugly. They heard him and allowed him to move
around the establishment unmolested. With his list in one hand and his
pistol in the other, he looked over all the bottles and packages the
store contained.

It was a wearisome search, but it was gratifying, for out of four
articles wanted, Deck found three. He then interviewed the shopkeeper,
who declared by all he held sacred that he