Pittston Gazette

              ■ :Dv ' | V 0 •ft riTTSTON. LXJZEKNK CO.. F1U1)A\', ,IUNE 2S, 188'J. k»tabli»hk» ■*D» D oldest NewsDaDer in the Wvoming Valley A Weekly Local and Family Journal. AN AUTUMN LYRIC wanderers and banished from their country, and you ask me to surrender! No, bo help mc God, never! Klsie. leave tho room!" 0 „„ ti soia in each otL a arms. listening to the pattering of the rain upon the shingles and the expiring groans of their dying comrade. Luke at once knew that the negro alluded to was Blackhawk, their mysterious 1 guide, and this accounted for his absence fleeing men. Twenty muskets belched forth their deadly contents into the wood. The bullets shattered the trees, cut off the leaves in showers, but the three Confederates still thundered ahead, evidently unharmed.ANY ONE CAN DYECSH^ A Dress, or a Coat, | Any Color Ribbons, Feathers, D for Yarns, Rags, etc. j ten cents «nd in many other j^°gDIAMOND cJoZ th, BEST and FASTEST known. Ask for DIAMOND DYES and take no other. Cleanse the System '•They are gone," said Luke. "1 am th'i last Union man in the house, and hrave only come to bid you adieu.-' •'KILL ME, MASSA, AND I)E SECRET OB YOCB CHAPTER XIV. Hlpt o'er the forest the storm clouds ore flying, The little birds haste to the south and the sun; Darling, the red leaves are dropping and dying— Darling, how soon is life over and done! Luke Mason regards this a-t the most miserable nightof his army life. He was in an old hut, anil worn out with fatigue and anxiety sat shivering and dozing upon ihe ground. The roof was full of holes, and the drizzle which finally assumed the form of a cold rain sent the water drip, drip, dripping through the rat her loose boards in a hundred different places. Although he again and aprain selected a position where ho hoped to be out of the leak, yet ere he had long been in h s new piaco the cold water came drip, drip, dripping down upon him, entering his collar, and gliding dowu his b-iek. Binr r vis." •'No, no, no," the pale, beautiful girl cried, clinging closer to him, "I will not leave you, Albert—no, never. Let us die together." ' "Luke, LuJlO, darling Luke, let me think you a thousand times for saving my brother," cried Lillie, Hinging her arms about his neck. which had caused fheir recent disaster. I " Did you kill him!" ho asked. After the battle of Fort Donelson General Grant, the hero of that fight, was temporarily removed from command. The only cause for removing him that has ever been given is that orders sent General Grant were never received, and of course he could not obey thCfin, but took matters in his own hand and acted independently. The impartial student of history will very readily come to the conclusion that it was well for the cause of the Union that General Grant never received those orders, for if he had, instead of pushing on and seizing Nashville and even Donelson, he would have had to lay at Fort Henry. West Point has made tome good military men among the thousands turned out from that institution; but General Grant's common sense was of more value to his country than all his early military training. With that most reliable medicine—Palne's Celery Compound. It purities the blood, cures Constipation, and regulates the liver a nd kldneys,elTectually demising t he system of all wa.4te and dead matters. I " Dun know for sartin, but hope I did," the Confederate growled, "fur I never saw a i devil so hungry ter kill anybody as ho was ; me. It war so infernal dark that I couldn't see his face, but I half believe he war some DO IT NOW Hardly the hawthorn tree blossoms ami blushes, Hardly has opened the ttrst rose of May. Scarce o'er the heart love tumultuCv" Ere the rose |Detals fall—and all passes ttwav Luke was In a dilemma. To bring his troops into the room would be Albert's death in the presence of his sister whom Luke loved dearer than his own life. To screen him would ruin Captain Mason's clianrrs for promotion a' the very moment when he had tho Colonelcy almost in his In his eagerness to capture them, Colonel Mason nev.ir stopped to consider that he was only one man on horseback, the remainder of his staff being in another place. An occasional ylimpseof the fleeing gray coats spurred him on, and he drove his borse at the top of his speed through the woods. Two or three times he fired his revolver, but owing to iu'.ervening trees and the speed at which they were traveling h« missed. is rushes, Their lips met in a warm kiss of love, and he led her to tho sofa, where a few words of fondest affection were Rpoken. The love and the w«j og—the rapture and sor- "Don't forget, darling Lillie, that war is cruel, and wo can not always control our own destiny. Thank Heaven, I was able to save your brother, but had I been only seoond in command 1 would have been powerless. The fortunes of war may at any time turn against us, and one or both may fall. o' them black devils I use ter wallup when I war overseer." I A few moments' silence ensued, and then Luke said: | " Well, Sneed, did you expect to find me herei" | "\es," the Confederate answered, and lowering his voice a little so that the guard might not overhear him, he added: "Captain Neff sent me ter find ye." "What! is Captain Neff here?" "Hush! not soJ.rnd'r it'll bo all up with our plans. Ye see these fellers can't be Are they but dreams that come never again? What will be left when tlie day knows no morrow? Darling, we sigh but we question in vain. "diamond paints"" Celery Compound _ M c,lv,r Bronre Copper. Only 10 Cents, combines true nerve tonic and str.'n?Uili)s? Gold, Silver, Bronte, v-opp ■D qualities, reviving the energies and spirits. Portraits. , M,ortfoU°of beauty baby j£ process, sent free JoJlotWof gan to mi jo „n ,^, any Baby bom within a year teelUM anew man )u m slnc,;, Every Mother wants these and I have compound." pictures; send at once. 1 e HivNKSrt'S Stearns. Kelehvllle, Vt. Baby's name and age. six for $5 00. At Dru&fflsts. WELL2'uSuI!&tRoDnSOvt W bixs, Richardson £ Co., Burlington. Vt. reach Though tbe perfumes be shed and the rose leaves be blighted. "Albert, think what position your conduct places me in." Luke began. "You placed yourself in this position. Luke Mason, we have carried this hollow sham of friendship in war as long as wo can. We arc belligerents, aud it's useless to pretend tt bo friends. If you Intend to make a captive of me pick up your  wlftch I see is already stained with the blood of my comrades, and we will havo it out." The new year must come and tlie new roses blow; And lovers will kiss and their vows shall be plighted On the green of our graves while we slumber belowHope for the bes: worst." —be prepared for the But the long, dreary night came to an end, and with tho coming of the morning therein ceased, though it was still cloudy, cold and blustering. They were fully three-fourths of a mile from the bouse when the sharp report of a rifle broke on the air, and the foremost horse and rider went down. A white puff of smoke from behind a tree marked the place from whence the shot had been fired. The horse pitched his rider over his head, throwing him with such force against a tree as to stun him. Tho parting was short and replete with tender solicitude. Pressing a burning kiss on those sweet, palo lips, he hastened from the house. -Blackwood's Magazine. Captain, where do you say we are!" asked Captain Lawrence. "Now LUKE MASON. His companions were already in the saddle, and mounting'his own horse they galloped down the road too vert ake thecavalry '•We must be about twelve miles from the fort." managed like sojers. They're a set o' blamed thieves 'n murderers, "'n wouldn't miss hangin' yer fur any thing. We couldn't begin ter save ye 'nless 'twas done by stratergy an' sarcumvention, ye know." All the while he was talking in a mere whisper, and the stupid guard at the door, who was draining the brandy-flask Sneed had given him \o allow him to enter, heard not a word "We've got it 'bout lixed up," Sneed continued. "In 'bout an hour a boy'U come fur ye. Don't yer ax him any questions, don't yer speak a word, nor even look around, but foller the boy. Now d've mark what I'm say'n?" ' On the 17th of March, 1862, Grant was restored to command, and found the Union army in his district divided, one part being on the east side of the Tennessee at Savannah, while oae part was at Crump's Landing on the west bank four miles further up the river, while a third division was at Pittsburg Landing, which was still fivemiler further up the river. Lillie, who had partially recovered, started up, and, flinging her arms about hei lover's neck, cried: "Yes, and in the worst kind of a rebel hot-bed." Colonel Mason was astonished at the shot, for he knew none of his men were near enough to have fired it, but he never for a moment slackened his speed. As his horse flew through the woods, leaping logs and whizzing past trees, he saw the fallen rebel trying to rise, the blood streaming from a cut in his forehead, caused by his fall against the tree. A Thrilling and Romantic Story CHAPTER XII. BUSHWHACKED—A PRISONER. The commander of the expedition knew this, and as soon as he could got his force in motion. They had gone about a mile in the direction of Port Donelson whin they entered a narrow lane. On a hill stood a large two-story farm-house, with at least a dozen doors and windows facing the road. It stood on the left, while on the right was a large barn. of the Late Civil War. •Oh, dear, darling Luke 1 Spare him for Iii a second love liail triumphed over duty. What cared lie for promotion as compared with the happiness of that dear girl who ciung to his neck. But he fcftow he must find sorno means of keeping the presence of Albert from the soldiers, fur they might insist on killing or capturing tho Confederate, despite all ho could» Their blood was up and they were furiou Tlier* came a knocK at the bolted door. Whatever he did must be done quickly, for my sake. . The cavalcade was already some distance down the road, and their horses' feet splashing in the mud and water could bo but faintly heard. HO! FOR SOUTH DAKOTA. lemon of "Brother Against Brother," "Eiun Lakeman," " Walter Browmv *ixuD," "Bankerof Bedford,'1 and Other Stories. _ BY JOHN K. MUSICK, The loss of Forts Henry, Donelson and Nashville had greatly demoralized the Confederates, and to once more bring the army into something like marching orders, General Sidney Johnston, one of the most efficient commanders in the Southern army, began concentrating all the available forces at Corinth. The wisdom of this action must be acknowledged by all military men. Johnston had learned the kind of a man Grant was. Corinth was the junction of two of the most important railroads in the Mississippi valley—one connecting Memphis, and tho other the Mississippi river with the Eait, and the other leading to all the cotton States of the South. Still another railroad connected Corinth with Jackson, in West Tennessee. "Cap'n, don't ye think we're gwineter have trouble t' make it back t' camp}" asked old Arkansaw Tom. A large, powerful negro bounded from a thicket with a blood-curdling yell, and clubbing his rifle ran upon the * \llen man to dash out his brains. Down came the gun as a curse of vengeance escaped the black, but at the instant it fell a horseman was alongside and a sword was thurst forward ward"' in g off the blow. "1 don't know, Tom; but I think we had better get back as soon as possible, for the firing has without doubt been heard all over the neighborhood.'' The anxious soldiers spurred their jaded hordes onward, depending on the advanced guard, which had already passed the house, to warn them of danger. [Copyrighted, iSBt.] (conclusion n*P\T WEEK) '•Every word." " Will ye carry't out?" "Yes." i nev una n [10 UK iium (Arise ) a large, old-fash- "Thet's jest what I was a tliinkin', Cap'n," said Tom. "The country's full o' Johnnies." The column was directly between the house and barn when suddenly a shot from a cluster of bushes in the yard was heard. Instantly every door and window became a volcano trom which there issued smoke, flame, fire and death. Bullets and buckshot whizzed like hail about the troops. FREE FARE TO SETTLERS. miles when theycai ioncd Souther the top of a c ;e, standing oa some one was demanding admittance "Good-bye." man s ho nence. From '•Spare ltiin, Luke, uh! in heaven's name, save mv brother 1" sobbed Ltllie, clinging to " Let's ride faster" They put their horses to a gallop, splashing both steeds and riders with muddy waw. And he was gone. Gone as suddenly and silently as if he had melted away into darkness. Luke half believed he was still there, and put out his hand to feel for him, but his hand found on;y darkness and the empty air. An hour jassed and the silence was broken only by the drunken, inaudible murmuring of the guard at the door. Occasionally he mumbled snatches of a song in a hoarse, drunken voice, and Luke,who began to see through the plans of Albert Neflt and Dick Sneed, trembled lest they had carried it too far. "What! would you kill a wounded man?* cried Luke. tho windows tin flashed brilliant lights, citement seemed to j»errom attic to cellar. her lover's neck. vade the built and an unusual ex "I will, darling; but we must be discreet," he answered. " God a'mighty, massa, don't f tand in iny way I" cried the negro, panting with rage.i "Foh twenty-two ya's I is been a prayin' to de debil to give me a chance to kill dat man,' an' I'll kill—I hate him!—I hate him J"  In the momentary glances Colonel Mason had been able to give the belligerents, he' discovered that the white man was Dick Sneed and the negro Blackhawk. Never had he seen such a picture of rage and fury in his life as the negro presented. He wa9 more like some ravenous beast than a human, his eyes almost started from their sockets, he was foaming at the mouth and he had gnashed his teeth until the froth about his lips had grown crimson. , " Blackhawk, you shall not kill a helpless "Wall, Bill, it mayn't be'n ow-el by er long shot," said Arkansaw Tom, who was reclining on a pile of straw. This beautiful garden spot of the Continent presents to the emigrant attractions more varied and substantial than any other land. Lights from gilded c through the broad, d'-epi a delightful lawn, and s horses hitched to t :ie fen iiudeliers shining indows fell across lisp, rap, rap! camo louder and more determined knocks at the door. It still lacked several hours of morning, and the night was intensely dark, the wind Men fell, horses reared, plunged and be came unmanageable, and, while Luke was trying to rally his men, his own steed, pierced by a dozen bullets, fell against the •d a number of *N*S '■I can't pit in," saiii one of tlio troopers, "Bring an axe an' I'll bust tlio door down.' Grant at once saw that if he obtained possession of Corinth the enemy would hav« no railroad for the transportation of armies or supplies, until that running east from Vicksburg w«s reached. In fact, it was the great strategic position at the West between the Tennessee and the Mississippi rivers, and between Nashville and Vicksburg.Mason halted his command and called Captain Lawrence, of tho cavalry, to his gide, and asked lilackuawk who lived in th« house. There was ilot a moment to lose. fence, "Albert NetT. for the sake of these young ladies, help me to save yourself. You know full well what the result will bo when that door is broken down," said Luke, in au In vain Ciptain Mason tried to disengage his feet from the stirrus*. the horse rolled over, and the young officer's head struck some hard substance with such force as to render mm insensible. Jf: * M%.c Pittstonians who went there lust month have purchased and are delighted with the location. "CWoneJ Lucas, sah,-' the guide an- Bwered. At last, however, the guard became quiet and his heavy breathinar told that he had succumbed. Some ouec*:ne in, and going to his side motioned him to rise. He did so. A small, soft hand, which ho at one knew to be the hand of the boy, was placed in his and he was led from the room. In the hall near the doorway he stumbled over some «ne, and a half-smothcred curse came from the drunken guard. "Is he a Confederate t" "What do you mean, Luke?" Albert asked, considerably moved by Captain Mason's earnest manner. undertone When ne found hinisel rillas. a nelp1. -lined consciousness he .-ounded by fierce guer- " Yes, sah, dey am secesh, an' specks deD am now gittji' ready to go off ter Nashville.""Conceal yourself somewhere, where you can not be found until I get my men away from tlie house." prisoner. General Grant at once put all the troops at Savannah in motion for Pittsburg Landing. It was his intention to march from this position on Corinth as soon as Buell with his army from tho Ohio should arrive, and the west bank of the river was to be the starting point. * * * Captain" Lau rence at this moment cams up to where Luke sat at tho head of the command, and Captain Mason said: CHAPTER XIH: AT PITTSBURG LANDING. The following letter, though not intended for publication " Capttiin Lawrence, I believe there are several officers in that bouse, and it's our duty to arrest them V The next question was where could he find concealment. Elsie Morgan's quick wits came to their aid. There was a closet in one side of the largo bed-room, and she sprang to it and opened the door. When Luke found himself a prisone* of the Tennessee brigands lie fully expected that his last moment had come. Had his captors been regular Confederates, his life would have beea safe, but he knew that these partisan warriors, no better than brigands, with their primary objects blood ana plunder, got all military law at dafiance, and seldom or never spared a prisoner.is self-explanatory He was warned by a gentle pressure on his hand to be silent and careful. Another person joined them, and the three went softly from the house. "Yer don't think old Johnston or Price ar' comin' to tackle us, d' yei" asked Bill. Colonel Mason was thrown well to the front in the brigade of the brave old General B. M. Prentiss. Luke's regiment was filled with recruits which were almost hourly pouring into camp. Many of the new soldiers were young men fresh from the farms, counting-houses, shops and stores, who had never yet smelt powder, but who were destined ere long to learn something of the terrible realities of war. "Mought be." "Let um come." " I nm with you," the Captain answered. are also women "More than iikr and children in tiic men not to injure i " In with you, quick." said Luke, and Albert was not slow to obey Closing the door the Union Captain, by the aid of the girls, drew a large bedstead in front of it. The head-board being high and broad, completely hid the door of the closet. t-lD c ution your It was so dark that Luke could no more see than if he had been totally blind. They were going through , tho mud, and slowly making their way somewhere. They crossed a fence and were in the woods. "Not afore Buell gits here." "Whutd'we keeri Hain't we ernuff tef Hek um!" PiEKttK. Dakota. Mat 6 b, 188i» AN EASTERN MAN'S EXPERIENCE IN THE FAR The troops were divM Captain Lawrence liavii and Captain Mason of tl ( possibl into two parties, Ttioe. LyeoU E q , kvoe*. Luzeri.e CfPa. WEST •fi command of one "Wall, we'd hev our hands full, ye kin bet, Bill. I'm ergoin' ter bet that we burn powder atore we've been here a week longer." n , . o The siaff correspondent of the New York Dear Hon: We arrived at Pierre on fridey ► . Tribune who 1 aC been investigatii g D..kot* light, hod fou d jour cus ria all cell ana * ' and us r. sources. says: Dueh pleased with the country, Ou Salurdy . PierrPi Dakota, has the tinest siv we drove out to their farru aud found tley for ti,e Caoit'l; and her situsiion is Mich had a beautiful piece of land where they were as o mtke the Indian question oue of the at work putting in crops After looking the It* a.csi n.otnent io ail her calculations. Thai . T , part of ihe Reservation which is to be opened country oyer ihe boys and I we e so m .en ' .. . . A J 1 r settienrieut, is directly across ibe river, and pleased with tie prospects that we colluded piei re is the neareat point through it to the io remaiu so I purchased 160 acres of land Biafk H il". As soon as the way is clear iLe half a mile west of Michael Lyaott.s, every Chicago & North western Railrond will spat) /cot of which is good prairie s il, and there is ' Missouri with a bridge and push its Dako, ta line directly iuto the Hills. Th'.e me;-ns besides a well of good water on thn plaje, a;id i 6 everything to Pierre and to central Dakota a u« w windmill, besides a smtDH house and a pl(irre jg ihe western terminus of the .real Chicago & Northwestern Riilroad, arid the _ „ ,v„ • a,j point fri m which, when the Sicux Rc.-ervu- We are well satietWd with tne ra-guin and i\ •  nou is opened, it will proceed onward to the noue of us want to go back to Pennsylvania, Black Hills. "Now play your parts shrewdly, and all will be well," ha whispered to the terrified " hold! ioc fools; what are you sb'vjt- The captive was resigned to his fate, however.. He had entered the army fully realizing the dangers which attended such a life, and taken his chances; now that fate haji formed the decree against him he had determined to murmur not It Wil! tlie sc arr.ni nid ( to attack from 11 come ill INOAT in roK f" Not a word ha-d yet been spoken, and beyond an intimation that he was among friends, he knew not whether he was being led to liberty or death. At last they came to horses. from th :iner tho girls sighing through the tree tops liko mc *ns of anguish, at times driving tho fine, mistake rain in fitful gusts against the horso- Arkansaw Tom, Corporal Max, Ned Cotton and Bill Snow, who were still with the regiment, had become a sort of self-imposed body-guard for the new Colonel. Though not on his staff, they were alwaj's near at hand in hours of danger. "Been burnin' powder every day fur a week,''said Ned, lazily shuffling a deck of well-thumbed cards. builoine. from escapir hev ! to i '• Bring an axe, I'm agoin' to bust this door down," a wioe cried from without. Dismountii from tha I Luke.koew there jaust bo no longer delay, and opening the door he walked out, "It's hard ter keep the powder dry," growled Max. men, "Well, Yank," bawled a great, blustering fellow, coming up to where the prisoner sat, "Mount this one," said a low, deep, earnest voice which he recognized as Albert NefTs. "Yes, 'n what does 't all 'mount to?" growled Max. "Nuthin'. Ef 't wan't fur them mullet heads who command th' army we'd a beep in Corinth long ago." "Ye'll git ter Corinth soon ernuff, Max," Ned Cotton answered. fence on the s horses in lowed by Dt up the charge of a s Arkansaw TC saving Have no fears, ladies, vou shall not be "Yer must," said Tom. "Ye'd be'n a purtv pickle ef bushwhackers was ter let iuter us 'n powder wet," "Albert, Is it you?" The Colonel came to love these four veterans like brothers, and even though Max did grunTble he knew he could be relied on when hard fighting was required. "Wall, Kernel, don't ver think we're gwine ter hev a light purty soon I" asked Arkansaw Tom one morning, strolling into his Colonel's tent. hedgerow on t of a sentry coul dim outline harmed "Yes, hush—mount; we have not a moment to lose/' was the whispered answer. sentry discover i bo s t the snme mo- The ♦'Why, hello! Cup'n, w.r you in tbari cried the astounded t iper, who was an*- ''It's a blamed fool trip," continued the chrome grumbler, "sondin' fellers out hero when ttiey can't seo hands afore their faces ter light live ur six thousand rebs, blamed 'f tain't fools work." "We'd as well a had this war over six months ergo as ter be foolin' an' dallyin' erlong. Now, didn't we go right inter Fort Donelson?" ment, and, liri ran toward lous to "bust the door dowr There were four of them, and they mounted horses and started on, Albert and Dick in front, himself and the boy bringing up the rear. Their horses were soon climbing a muddy hi'L th« h iusi icrean frightened girls Yes; there is no or.o in there but two rounded! f arm?! t sur- '• But I'll swar I heerd men a talkin'." "Yes, but old Sid Johnston warnt thar. We're not ergoin ter hev a walkover's we did with Floyd 'n Filler. He'll 80 some o' the walkin' himso'f." Forward! doubt •d Captaii "You heard myself. Where is Captain Lawrence!" Luke asked, determined to Ret rid of this inquisitive trooper. No amount of army discipline would keep Max from grumbling He seemed to have a special license to grumble, and no heed was paid to his incessant muttering. "Don't say a word!" said Major Neff, in a cautious undertone. A few rods further and a voice from the darkness called: ''Halt I" The two reined in their horses. "Who goes there?'' "A friend with the countersign." "Advance and give it." "I don't know. Tom; sit down on that cracker box. Well, about the fight-I shouldn't wonder. General Johnston is massing his forces at Corinth, and I believe General Grant intends to move on that place. There will be powder burned when those two meet." Mason, and tliroupli the awn they sped. A east bore evidence tl had been discovered :ite a: un-shots on the teiiced Quid. Captain Lawrence Sum'ars 'ii the'ousi Tom, do you hear the cavalry!'* Luke The conversation was cut short at this moment by the appearance of the Colonel. Lively house, and tboy found one dead rel on the steps of the porch. Half a dozen pistol shots ranff out from tl*2 hall, and one of the bullets grazed Luke's cheek. 1 around th This door was the only entrance to the bed-room, and Luke determined that no one should enter the apartment where the girls and the concealed oftitvr were. The soldier hurried away to find his Captain. "Hunt him up and send him here " asked. "I am going to the front, Tom, and want you four to accompany me," he said. "It's getting rather dangerous up there now." "Yer bet we'll go," cried Tom, starting to his feet. The four men at once buckled on their accoutrements and seized their guns. ■1 1)1 lying " No, can't hear nuthin' 'nless Max holds his jaw." as we mean to go imo sto k ftircinir. wh et Tho trp lo Pierre ia one lull of imerist ; from the day you leave Chicago, and as 1,0 c •■D- ] oiher liiie runs there tut the Chicago and Max took this gentle hint, and for a moment ceased to berate the managers of the expedition, and gave the Arkansas scout au opportunity to listen. "Shouldn't be s'prised, Kernel. I've been tellin' uv th' boys ter git ready fur the gol darnest knock down they ever heerd on." will pay very C• ell here, ma le doa As they rode forward Albert whispered: "Stone River," and they were told to Dass. , , . , , Northwestern Railroad, vou travel through necuoua at all points on .he j mmey and have % Wiscm.8in, Minnesota and Dakota,-.ud been very well treated since our arrival at tlie scenery is continually changis*. 0:iesefs something new along the whole linp. K'D Lflter lime cm be made, and the accfmmodamirg tiona are splendid, officers are courteous, and the people you meet tilled with life and energy. 8word in band, ho dashed into the house, followed by m;Dn who would die rather than desert him. East and west, through doors "I must find some one to gui.rd this door that can be trustee," Luke said to himself. "We will have heavy fighting soon, but when it will take place, and where, I don't know—" At this moment ha caught sight of the very man he mostdesired to see, Arkansaw Tom, making his way toward him. "We have gone far onough to have overtaken them," said Captain Mason, when all had bent their ears for a few moments to catch some sound of the retreating cavalry. Reaching the top of tho hill they found the ground a little more level, and put their horsed to a gallop, for Luke's rescuers knew that a long ride was before them. Two or three miles away they met a body of guerrillas returning. They were all that Luke deemed necessary for the reconnaissance. They were all on foot, as a horsemun would be a too-conipiouous mark for a shnrpshooter. Colonel Mason's regiment was out on the extreme front, and thev had not gone more than a mile and a half before they came upon the picket line. and windows, deterr rt bl •coats were "But, I say, Kernel, I come in t' tell ye somethin'." Pierre. Al'ogeiher I cm ssy to our friends pressing their wa Carbines and pistols l'Cap"n. I war jist er lookin' fur ye, Didn't know what 'cl become o' yer." n PoonsyIvania that if the think c were euiptifd and sv Captain Masou ran a Confederate, whom he met in the liall, through the body, and, leaping over his prostrate form, burst into an adjoining room. Having seen no one but men, ho had forgotten the possibility of women being in tho bouse until he entered the room, and saw two young girls about seventeen and eighteen years of ago spring In f rontof a Confederate officer and implore his life. •ds drawr " Can't be we're on th' wrong road ?* said Bill Snow. " WELL, TANK, TOC'VE GOT TO SWING." " What, Tom ?" West at all they shouli visit Hughes c»u The firm i f McDonald and Proudfoot who It is necessary for m? to have a er.py of niy have ibeir C (Bees all ever the East and West | . r( are now arranging to run a series of txcur" 11 sions to Pierre, aud these 8' ntle&eri are now x- well kr.ow for their reliability and worth, and f have done much towards building up thi' the country aud town of Pierre. By writine tbrm any one can obtain full information relative to lands and prict-e, and lull part cularp as to railroad fare, 4c, Parlies who are desirious of obtaming homes in the West wctild do well to consult with them at Scran- K*st lerre, Dakota. ton, Pa., or any of their numerous agents." "Tom, I want you to guard this door, and allow no one to enter it unless i order it. Mind my instructions, now, no one enters without my permission. There are two frightened girls in there who must not be molested." " Like's not," growled Max. "'Twould just be our luck." " Don't yer remember that air dod blasted nigger wot yer call Blick Jack ur suthtn' o' the kind, who went on ther boat t' Belmont, an' wo thort war killed 'n th' swamp clus t' Donelsonl" " Yes, yoa mean Blackhawk." " Wall, he's turned up agin." " Where is he!" his hands tied behind his back, "you've got ter swing, that's all thar is o' it." "Halt, thar! Who be you'uns an' whar ye gwinel" their leader cried, when they were within a few rods of them. papers. You will pie» " Hold yer jaw, Max; dod burn ye fur a grumbler," growled Arkansaw Tom, He paused, expecting to see his captive go down on his knees and implore mercy, but Captain Mason was firm and unmoved, his eye meeting his enemy's without quailing. Finding that he made no answer, the guerrilla added: Meeting some relieved pickets coming in the Colonel asked: give yoer Uncle Anthony $1.00 Max was neither u shirk nor a coward when it came to duty either in the field, the camp or on the march, but his propensity *jo grumble had become a growing evil. " I hear 'em," said Tom. •'Then we are on the right road.'1 " Yes, but we've got a good ways behind, some'ow." "I am Major Neff, on my way to my command," Albert promptly answered. "How is it at the front!" peoses to go to Scrsnton and ge "I understand, Cap'n, 'n ye depen' on't," ■aid Tom, taking up his position in the doorway."Year! Wall, I tell yer, Major, ye'd better look a leetle out, kase th' roads ar' •warmin' with Yanks, pourin' by th' millions down on ter Nashville. We've been a runnin' from them till we're a'most tuckered out." "Been quiet fur nour," one of the guards said. the papers. Please forward at owe "In camp. It's a God's fact. Saw 'im this mornin'," said old Tom. smoking his short pipe. " Where?" "Haint seen a Johnny fur nour, but they war a blazin' at us nearly all night." "Did they seem very strong!" "Wall, they made it mighty hot, part o' the Ume " "Of course you have no idea as to their numbers." " - Very truly yours, " Away—away! I fear not the cowardly does.'' said the young Confederate, trying to shake off the girls, but they held on to Cotton, Snow and Max came up at this moment for instructions. ■'What d'ye say t' it!" "Nothing." "Yer don't, hey!" John Lyxott "See that no irjury is done the house,' the Captain said. "No; I am unable to defend myself." "Wail, hain't yer agoiu' ter beg?" "No." "I must join my command, and we've got " In camp. Came past our quarters whar our mess war." "Some ar' talkin' o' buruiu' it," said Corporal Max. '■ " Spur up; we'll ride faster." Their horses were put to a swifter gallop, and in a few minutes more they had caught up with the cavalry. Hearing horses' feet in their rear the cavalry supposed it must bo pursuers, and became alarmed D!&t Did you speak with him?" the Colonel asked. "No, but I believe they're more 'n the Ginerals think." At this moment Captain Lawrence came up and informed Luke that three Confederates had been killed, five wounded and six taken prisoners. About half a dozen, he thought, had escaped, also some women and childreu. Their own loss was four killed and two badly wounded. "It must not be done." up, I say." "Then hang him terouce, boys; string 'im "Yes; axed him whar he'd been, an' he said he'd been layin' 'n th' brush ter shoot a cuss as he hatos. He's been clar out ter Corinth, but hain't got his man yit. Golly, ye orter see his gun; it's a great, big, long-barreled ole-fashioned rifle. Very thing ter kill a buck." DAKOTA OFFERS Half a dozen started toward the captive as if they would put the threat into execution, when some one evidently high in authority put a stop to tha proceedings. Luke did not know why he did so, but realized thai his fate was deferred to a future time. With his slender guard the Colonel moved on. Suddenly there came a distant shot in the woods. It was followed by three or four more in quick succession, and they saw the smoke issuing from a bunch of bushes two or three hundred yards away. " Halt, halt, halt!" cried a voice, and it was accompanied by half a dozen carbine shots, one or two of which whizzed most uncomfortably near the head of Captain Mason.A loDg life, Perfect Health, "What had we better do; burn the house?" asked Captain Lawrence. The arrival of a country boy with some alarming Intelligence threw tlie guerrillas into confusion, and preparations were made for a hasty departure. Luke was placed upon a horse, and under a strong guard hurried oil down the road into a wild, broken country, where the hills were so high that they looked like mountain peaks, and the forests were so dense as to form a safe hiding-place from the invading army. "Ho ought to know something about what the rebels are doing. I wish you would find him, Tom, and send him to me." Like experienced Indian scouts, creeping from tree to tree, and bush to bush, taking advantage of every thing that would screen them from view. Colonel Mason and his faithful guard made their way to where five Union soldiers were crouched behind a large oak tree, at the side of a sixth who had been pierced by a musket ball. "Hold, hold fools!" he shouted. "What are you shooting at us for. Don't you know we arc friends!" Matchlfe a wealth, "By no means," Luke answered, "I'll do it, Kernel. I'll go right now 'n hunt 'im up, " and old Tom rose to his feet and started from the tent to find the mysterious negro; but Blackhawk, as usual, could not be found when sought, and Tom had a fruitless search. Generous neighbors, "It may be, but it's against our instructions to burn any houses. We have gone as far as we dare, and it would bo best foi us to return." "It's only a harbor for rebels." The firing at once ceased, and Captain Lawrence, who had been riding pretty nearly at the head of the column, wheeled about and galloped back to the rear A fortune to the poorest, The richest soil in the world, Captain Lawrence was as anxious as some of his men to burn the house, but Luke was his superior on this expedition and he compelled to obey him. "What means this; at whom are you firing?" he cried. That evening General Prentiss ordered Colonel Meson to take two hundred men next morning and go out several miles in their advance to reconnoiter, as it was reported that the enemy had been soen in considerable force along the Corinth road. "Is he hard hit?" asked the Colonel, coming upon the group. The right hand of fellowship to every one. "He's dyin"," one of his comrades answered."At we'uns, ye blamed fool!" roared Arkansaw Tom, whose indignation scorned military etiquette. "Ef ye don't stop it, dod blast ef I don't turn loose on ye wi' my ole gun an' make some o' ye sick at the stomach." They halted at an old mill on a creek, and the prisoner was given a breakfast, whioh, poor as It was, was heartily relished by the half-starved soldior. Luke was the only prisoner, and, as he had seen but two Union soldiers dead, he concluded that the others had made their escape. It was needless to ask any further questions about him. Those glassy eyes, that gaping mouth,the quick gasping for breath and death rattle in his throat were evidence, that life was ebbing away. With each painful gasp there came a gush of blood from the wound in his breast. Contentment and social pleasures of a high ordwr. Whilethey were still talking about burning the house the loud crackling of flames reached his ears. UtiJBual advantages for the farmer, mechanic and professional man A beautiful picture for the tourist, who finds new beauties in her landscape. " AWAY, AWAY, 1 PEAK NOT THE C'OWAIIDLT dogs!" "What is that!" Luke demanded. "Cap'n, the troops hev set the house on fire," said Max. " MOUNT THIS ONE," SAID A LOW, DEEP VOICE. Almost ever since his arrival at Pittsburg Landing Colonel Mason had heard of skirmishing in their front, and his own pickets had been fired on several times. his sword-arm and implored him not to exasperate the enemy. "Have your men stop firing, Captain Lawrence," said Luke. And, finally, Dakota offers everything desired by the most disappointed "Put it out," cried the angry Captain, and he rushed into the kitchen where the flames vere crackling aud blazing. The cavalry "All right, Captain Mason, not another shot shall be fired. I hope no one has been Djit." It seemed that the guerrillas were not quite sure of their own safety even here. The officers held whispered consultations, and nodded aud gesticulated in an excited fast horses, so I don't think there's much danger of the Yanks catching us. Did you meet any of my men?" "No." "Joe, Joe, can't yer speak t' me!" said a comrade, bending over him. "Haint yer got 110 word t'send home. Oh speak, Joe, jest one word. Tell me that ye knoiv me." person in the over-crowded East, if he will work wisely and wtll " Kind sir, spare, oh, spare my brother!" screamed one of the girls, turning her white, tear-stained face upou hiin. "It is probably some guerrillas," said the Colonel to himself. "They are prowling through the country, and the woods are full of them. A few companies of cavalry can easily put them to flight." "That is strange. They were to meet me on the Clarksville road. "We'll hurry on, for we can't afford to miss them." The Lands we Offer are Near the Proposed New Capital of the State, ard "Lillie Neff! My God:—is it you or a dream?'' gasped Captain Mason, closing the door and staggering against it. \Vf "No, thanks to their poor marksmanship, no harm has yet been done." When ho had joined the cavalry officer he asked: ' 'Where is the guide?" " If they intend to murder me, why don't they do it and have it over with!" said the prisoner, watching their strange maneuvers.manner. Now is the Time to Locate. The friendly cloak of night concealed Captain Mason's uniform from view, and the guerrillas could not see whether it was blue or gray. Of course the four men who had been his self-constituted body-guard formed a part of the two hundred picked men, and with three day's rations aud forty rounds, they set out at daylight next morning. - As they were passing one of the outlying picket posts a sergeant hailed them and said: "Was he not with you?" "No." LOVE TRIUMPHANT CHAPTER XL I. *rl[ The day wore slowly by, night came, and the prisoner grew nervous. He reasoned that these men would choose darkness for their diabolical work. Murderers are usually too cowardly to perpetrate their heinous crimes in daylight. Having 1Q0,000 acres from which to select, we can 6iiit you in PRICE, For a moment the quartette stood dumb and stupefied with amazement. At a glance Lillie Neff recognized her lover. She tried to speak, to move, but, tongue and limbs seemed paralyzed, and she could only stare in speechless amazement. Albert Neff need r.ot have been astonished at meeting the friend of his boyhood hero, for he knew he was in Grant's division; so might Luke expect to meet Albert, but the presenco of Lillie, whom he supposed to be safe in her Missouri home, filled him with astonishment.Elsie Morj?.in recognized him as the brave Union soldier who hud saved her house when the recruits would have burned it. WJ "I haven't seen him since we made the at lack on the house." A mile further on they came upon a part of Major NefTs men, a remnant from the attack of the night before, and they all traveled along with the man who had led the attack against them, until it was nearly daylight, and Albert, sending all the men, save the boy, back out of earshot, turned to the prisoner and said: "Without a guide 1 Then how do you know whether you are on the right course ir not?" LOCATION AND TERMS. "Ye'd better look a little out." At dusk tlio sound of horses' feet coming down the hill reached the ears of the captive, who was sitting at a window of the house that formed his prison, and he saw a small party of Confederate cavalry approaching the old mill. The regularity of their gray uniforms made it easy to distinguish them from guerrillas. "Have you seen any thing of the enemy this morning?" the Colonel asked. For Farther Information call on or Address : "Oh, of course we are; we are on the tame main road which we came. There's been no road to lead us off." "No; but they've been a shootin' at us boys all night and wounded Jack Gates." ' k=» F. H- BANKER, "But there's no knowing how soon we may strike a road that will lead us off." "I supposed the guide was with you." "He is not." "An' no'uns seen 'im," said Arkansas Tom. " This boy will go with you to the house, and just beyond it is camped the advance of the Union army. Good-bye, Luke 1" "How many times were you fired on?" "Three. The last time they gave us a dozen shots all at once." " Good-bye, Albert, and may God bless you." Their hands met, and for a moment neither moved nor spoke. Then they separated, and, accompanied by the boy, who had been dumb ever since he came into Luke's presence, he rode on. "They are only a few bushwhackers: we will drive them from the the Colonel. ~~fD I Luke had little hope ol their being able to release him, for they were outnumbered by the guerrillas live to one. It might be even possible that they would not care to interfere with these partisan freebooters. It was too dark for him to distinguish faces, and when they had dismounted and dispersed among the buildings about the old mill he forgot all about them. Estate and Loans. "Ain't we 'n a purty pickle?" muttered (Tie chronic grumbler. With three or four (feceptions Luke's entire two hundred were veterans who had been trained in the hottest fights at Belmont and Donelson. Luke, comprehending the situation, bolted the door which he had closed on discovering who thC} occupants of the room were. Lillie having regained her voice murmured: "Luke, Luke!" and staggered toward him. He caught her in his arms just as she swooned, and pressed the insensible girl for a moment to his heart. His crimson blade fell to the carpeted floor, and raising Lillie in his arms he carried her to a sofa, where he laid her down. Over Miners' Bank, Pitts ton, Pa. "We can't stay here long," said Captain Mason. "The country is filled with rebels, and they will soon collect a force ten times ouv number and be after us." Just as the early dawn began to crimson the eastern sky the house was reached. 1 » " I WANT VOL" TO OCAKD THIS DOOM." The country was undulating: and covered with a dense growth of trees and underbrush, except where clearings had been made and fields cultivated. "joeI joe! just oxe wohd." General Agent for Proud foot &■ McDonald, "We'll be gobbled up sure," sighed Max. "Here I must leave you!" said his guide. It was a lifelong friend who entreated him to utter just one word of recognition, and send some word of comfort to loved ones at home. But no word was spoken. Those ears were deadened to all sounds, or that , tongue had not the power of speech. "Joe, Jfodi jest on6 word; tell me yer prepared t' jdie.' 1 Ayi that one word—that precious word ol solid cotnfort to bereaved friends—how many hearts it has lightened in the ages past, a£d how many it will continue tc li$hton In the ages to come.no one but an Sl-wise Father in Heaven will ever know, ut this soldier was too far gone to even utter a word. Already his gasps grew shorter, and already the rigidity of death saemed to steal over his frame. The feeble struggle for breath at last ceased. The grim battle was over, and the soldier was in the Beyond. 309 Lackawanna Avenue, Scrantoa, Pa. men had carried arms full of straw, shavings and sticks and piled on the kitchen floor, which they had ignited. Captain Mason hurled three cavalrymen whom he found at the door watching with fiendish satisfaction the result of their work into the burning apartment, and shouted to them in a voice of thunder: "Put out the fire, or by the Eternal you shall burn with it." "Take command, Captain Mason, and I will follow wherever you lead," said Captain Lawrence. Others were coming and going, and the subdued buzz of voices constantly reached his ears. His room was dark, as neither lamp nor caudle had been lighted, and the guards at the doors and windows looked like silent statues. Had a bomb exploded Luke would not have been more astounded. That voice he would know among ten thousand. A moment more and his horse was along side the other, his arms encircled a slender waist, his kisses fell upon a cheek as soft and fair as Helen's of Troy, while he murmured : The Colonel and his staff were the only mounted men in the expedition. The recent rains had made the roads muddy, and marching was difficult and wearisome. Luke Mason rode to the front, and after a very brief delay they again started in the direction they supposed the fort to be. Luke was wondering why Blackhawk had deserted them. Was it because he was a traitor after all, and had led them into the enemy's country and deserted him. Blackhawk had been a mystery ever since he had first set eyes upon him, when a boy, years af|o. Since Lillie in love, fear and amazement had'uttered his name, not another word had been spoken. The sounds of struggle in ailit'l' Of were becoming They had gone about five or six miles when the advance guard informed the Colonel that they were in sight of a farmhouse, near which a number of horses were hitched. " Where is he?" a voice at last asked. There was something peculiarly familiar in that voice; but Luke was unable to tell to whom it belonged. JRRGK'S JEWE The men plunged into the blinding smoke and stifling heat, and with their swords began to pitch the blazing straw and shavings, out of the wip»iows into the yard. Their comrades carried water for them, and in a short time the lire was extinguished. " Lillie, Lillie, my darling, have you done this for me!" hmhnd—Tun 0*1 l_v—tm) young officer bent over the insensible girl, pressed a kiss upon her marble cheek, and, seizing a water pitcher from a stand near by, bathed her face until she began to revive. When hei recovery was assured he arose and, turning upon the brother who, sword in hand, still stood in the center of the room, he said: The sound of footsteps approaching his prison door reached his ears, and next moment the same strangely-familiar voice was heard speaking to the guard. Some one entered the apartment, and, coming to Luke's side, asked: Closer he pressed her to his breast. His lips met hers again and again in rapturous kisses of love. Such heroic conduct he had road of in fiction, but it never occurred to him that It would become a literal truth. She hurriedly explained that herself and brother learning from Dick Sneed, who had just escaped from Fort Donelson, that Captain Mason was a prisoner of the guerrillas, the three had determined to rescue him at all hazard. "They are bushwhackers. Now to capture them," said the Colonel. Somehow he had always seemed to possess some wonderful power over him, and he used when but a child to shudder when he saw him watching him from his great yellowish black-eyes. Blackhawk was an enigma. Why did ho disappear so suddenly! Why did he re-appear at such unexpected times and places! Why was it that he seemed to be everywhere, and at the same time, to know every thing, every place and every body? He divided his command into two divisions, and approaching the house from the south and east prepared to flank it so as to prevent any one from escaping. "I will shoot the first man who attempts such a thing," cried Luke, almost white' with passion. . Removed from Water Street to "Whut are your orders?1' psked the offl cer in command of the cavalry. "Return at once to the front." " Ar' ye the pris'ner?" It was too dark for features to be recognized at even a foot. Luke glanced at the sky to see what the hour was, but it was too cloudy for him to determine by the sun, and, consulting his watch, he discovered it was after twelve. " This is the saddest meeting of all." "I will not surrender!" the Confederate hissed for answec. Elsie, throwing one arm about his neck, clung to his sword-arm and sobbed bitterly. " I am," the prisoner answered. " Hain't ye Captain Mason." "I am." "When you are relieved carry him tc' camp for burial," said th« Colonel. 21 North JVIain St., "Take all that are able to go with us; the others must, of course, be left; allow no l€Be be hurt. None but cowards kill prisoners. Get your men in readiness." "And these rebels." " Kemember, Luke, that you shall always have my prayers. I must go now," she said in conclusion. "They are at dinnar," he thought, "we'll bag our game and learn something from them." "Albert, this is folly," Luke began, but Captain Neff interrupted him. "Don't ye know me, Captain," the voice asked in an undertone. With his faithful body-guard he moved] on among the trees and bushes. Suddenly there came a sharp report from behind a1 tree not over a hundred and fifty paces' away, and a bullet came zip through the canton, Had arrived at Savannah, Grant ordered them to move up the east bank of the river, i ferrled over at either Crump's' of Pittsburg Landing, as the occasion migh»j " It's useless to argue. You have it in your power to kill me. Do it if you want to, for I have sworn that I will never give up my sword to a Yankee. The house that covered my head when a child has been burned." Slowly they groped their way, through darkness, mist, drizzle and fog. Luke was not long in realizing that return in that darkness was impossible. They missed the road, wandered out of their course, and came upon a collection of houses, which might pass for the "Deserted Village." After a short council of war it was determined to pass the night here. " No, though I have certainly heard your voice before." The parting was an affectionate one. The lover would have kept her at his side if he could have done so, but she assured him that she had friends and relatives able to care for her, and that her father, lying sick not far away, demanded her personal attention. The parting farewell was spoken and she was gone. The Colonel was not yet in sight of the house, which was concealed by the thick woods and underbrush, when a single shot rang on the air. i A few moments later the bugle sounded ,and the cavalrymen returned to their jhorses. Captain Mason, with his four trusty 'companions, remained until the very last. i "Tom," said Captain Mason to old Arkansaw, who was still at his post, "you, Max, Cotton and Snow go bring the horses to the front gate and wait for me. I will come soon." (Opposite Gazette Office.) "Don't ye remember Dick Sneed, the wounded reb at Fort Donelson, who told ye 'bout Captain Neff gittin' away? " A moment's silence ensued and then a dozen more reports followed in quick succession. The yclia of combatants, snorting of terror-stricken horses and sharp crack of musketry filled the air. " Of course I remember you, but I thought you a badly-wounded prisoner." THE LARGEST ANI) FINEST STOCK OF "What, burned?" gasped Luke. "Yes; burned by Lincoln's hirelings, and my old father in his feebleness rendered homeless." k "I warn't so bad hurt ez I let on. I only did that ter git away an' I done it, an' I'm here. I was at the house last night when you'uns charged it." Slowly and sadly the young Captain rode to the Union camp. His own regiment was in the advance, and they hailed him as one returned from the dead. They remained here but a short time and went to Nashville,where Luke was commissioned Colonel. From here they were a few weeks later ordered to Pittsburg Landing, which place they reached among the very first troops. Luke spurred his horse forward, and had just come in sight of a garden fence, when there came a crash, and over andAhrough the rotten pickets plunged three horsemen in gray uniforms. Colonel Mason was only a few rods from them, and fired a revolver as they disappeared into a thicket. Since his return from the reconnaissanc* recorded in our last chapter, Colonel Mason had been in his camp and had seen nothing .Of the enemy, fie Was a changed man, and spent most of his sparo time alone in his tent gloomily brooding over the last dangerous interview with the cegro, Blackhawk. Two sentences uttered by that dark S,an of Blustery seemed to ever ring in his ffil :fk:._ , WATCHES JEWE^IiY They had brought one of the wounded men with them, and he was so weak by this time that he was unable to ride further. They carried him into one of the deserted houses and laid him on the floor, where he died before morning. During the remainder of the night the soldiers remained huddled together iu three of the deserted houses, "My God! the house burned and with it the old wooden cradle in the attic," Luka gasped. "The last clew to my identity is gone." Albert, not noticing the effect of this revelation upon Luke, went on: "We'll do 't, Cap'n; you can depend on we'uns every time," said Tom. As soon as every man was out of the house Luke went into the apartment where Lillie and Elsie, half dead with fear lest (Albert's hiding-place might be d'**" " And you got away." "Yes, I run at the first, an' wasn't seen, except by a cussed nigger who run me three mile inter a swamp, and shot at me a dozen times. I laid fur him an' knocked him down wi' th' butt o' my gun." I3ST PITTSTOH, and sister both made homeless " Fire 1 don't let them escape," he shouted, spurring his horse in the thicket after the