Pittston Gazette

              m » i- I ? CxtablUhed 1850. I VOL. XLlXNo.28 f Oldest Newspaper in the Wvomine Vallev PITTSTON LUZERNE COUNTY, PA., FRIDAY, MARCH 24, 1899. A Weekly Local and Family Journal. 1 «l oo » Year :,j Ad-vane*. physical characteristics of each parent. Jim Ackers, who did all the talking for himself and comrade, presented the prisoner to the ladies and explained his wishes. At the moment of confronting them the lieutenant removed his cap and stood with bared head blushing deeply. IN THE ® mnaBLE ® IT LAMA. 1 "® ® ell'IA. ® Cr» "uo yon Know now many no nas killed V i ning or up to glory you go! dog. the thought of the prisoner went to Ssm Borland the scout who hadjiccompanied liiiu on his perilous enterprise The two had separated, but. as has beeu shown remained in sight of each other "And aunty never makes a mistake, added Miss Eldridge "She is the best physician in the county. Do as she says, and she will soon bring you around. of whom showed evidence of acttial want, though the poverty of attire, the substitutes for genuine tea and coffee and the meager fare itself spoke eloquently of the painful change of conditions."When i nave received so- muca kindness from your family, there can be no such thing as inhospitality on yonr part." "Ain't sartin, butheerdit was leben hundred million." The lieutenant had no carbine, and his sword was useless There was no passing that grim figure in slouch hat and tattered gray uniform who "had the drop, on him. if any one man ever held another at such disadvantage. "1 am afraid, Rastus. that your informant has slightly exaggerated matters: but will you tell me what ladies are at the house?" ' i *£} "My words sound very like it. else can they be construed?" How What had m me of Borland and what was he C "■D while his superior stood in such n. iuiuent need of help? He must haw heard the sound of firing and could not fail to know the extremity of the lieutenant Why was he idle or calmly watering his comrade as he plodded painfully forward with a Confederate captor on either hand? It is probable that this exemption from the distress that came to thousands of other homes was due to a variety of causes. As is known, the section lay in the very heart of the Confederacy, where, until the visit of Sherman and his army, the real presence of war was not felt. Although the men attached to the plantation had long since gone to war, taking the most valuable horses with them, Pete and his wife were able to give more help to the women than would be supposed. Their love for the mistress and her daughter led them to a self denial that no one besides themselves suspected. Since Lieutenant Oakman was not ailing in Ifttdy and the arm which he carried in a sling was mending rapidly, there was no call for him to stay within doors. The second night on which he walked the floor was the most wretched of his life. A drizzling rain fell steadily through the dismal hours, and the pattering on the roof, the endless dripping of the eaves, the soughing of the wet branches, drove him almost frantic, but with his sudden release from anguish the autumn suii burst forth in splendor, as if rejoicing with him over the blessed surcease from misery. She had begun gouging the soft gronnd near the point of one of her tiny shoes with the 'tip of her parasol and looked upward and sideways at hinr with a faint smile. "No, «ah. " responded the boy. with admirable pluck. "Why not?" "I surrender. Johnny in for me this time You've got it "This is wholly involuntary on my part." he hastened to explain. "It pains me inexpressibly to be forced thus upon you. If you have the slightest objection, I beg you to say so and I shall not cross your threshold.'' "Mr. Ackers knew when he brought you here that you would be received. My husband was treated kindly when a prisoner. You belong to my enemies. But you are injured. It is poor comfort we can offer, but such as it is you are welcome. Please enter." The graciousness of manner which accompanied these words was like a gentle benison. Lieutenant Oakman could hardly check his tears when, declining the air offered by his captors, he passed up the steps, cap still in band. There was something in the sweet words that recalled his own mother as he last saw her in the faraway New England home when she kissed her soldier boy goodby. In a choking voice he murmured, "Thank you!" and. waving a farewell to the grizzled men still standing at the foot of the steps, he followed the ladies into the broad, roomy apartment where they had been seated sewing and waiting, waiting, waiting, when Rastus burst upon them with the startling news of a wounded "Linkum's man" who would soon reach the door. "I feel meaner than I can express," thought Lieutenant Oakman when he accepted this typical southern hospitality. "for, in welcoming me to their home, they have no suspicion of the whole truth. The best man doe* not know what a miserable scoundrel he can become until be makes the honest effort for himself."' "1 reckon so It's a sqnar' deal. No aces up your sleeve?' persistedthe " 'Cause yo' wants to cut dere heads ' 'The motive must be the interpreter. Your words are prompted by the same feeling that led you and your mother to extend hospitality when it was sorely needed." The earnestness of the urchin made the officer smile in turn ■ cSPYRICfPlT 16 99. BY THtjP" AUTHC^ "Yon are mistaken, my boy I wouldn't harm one of them for the 1 Borland had no superior as a sharpshooter in the American army, while his intrepidity had been complimented more than once by Kilpatrick. Slocum and General Sherman himself Had it been otherwise he would not have been selected as the companion of the New England officer on this delicately dangerous enterprise world. "Am dat sot Will yo take yo The gentle face became thoughtful, and after a moment's silence she said in a lower tone: CHAPTER t aaaea. start lea oy a snaaen rear. It was evident from the musings of the New England officer, who until this hour had never set foot in that part of Georgia, that he was acting upon the knowledge imparted by some one who knew every rod of the soiL "At Kinmore I was to take the road to the right and ride for four miles, when I would reach a point where a fork turned into the woods on the left. I did as directed and found the forest highway at the exact point expected I was to follow that for 300 yards, wheti. if 1 looked sharp, I would observe a bridle path Well. I looked sharp and observed it. Riding along the same. I was told it soon emerged from the trees and skirted these cotton fields At the point where the path debouches from the wood I was to halt my horse and wait for the signal, j "Which the same is what I've been doing for the last hour," added the lieutenant impatiently "Night isn't far off. and there is no time to lose. I ' promised the general to be with him by tomorrow night. but my trip will be ! bootless if the mansion yonder refuses soon to give a sign— Hello!" The instrument was lifted to his eyes again, and on the instant confirmed the belief that had suddenly thrilled him. From the upper window, on the right, he saw a hand waved. Just above and somewhat to one side he could catch the partial contour of ji person's face, manifestly watching him with as close interest as he was studying the action of the party for whom he had waited so long oath ?' 8EVKKAL SIGNALS. "Yes. I will take my oath that 1 will not injure a hair of their heads.' "Cross yo heart "You speak the truth, for yon are in danger." «- General Sherman was in the full ■wing of his colossal picnic, consisting of the promenade of #0,000 Union veterans from Atlanta through the core of the Southern Confederacy, 800 miles eastward to the Atlantic coast, when Lieutenant Ledyard Oakman of the —r— Massachusetts cavalry, accompanied by the scout Sam Borland, reined ■side and started off on a little campaign of his owa The officer gravely drev his gauntleted hand down and across his breast That removed all difficulty and won the confidence of Rastus. "Such has been my situation from the first." "But the danger has become imminent. Despite the care we have used it has become known that we are sheltering a Union officer under our roof." Oakman expected the interference of the scout, who could readily pick off one of the captors and thus place himself on even terms with the other, but the fragments of cotton bolls slowly swept to the rear of tiie trio, and Borland gave no sign "De wimmin folks am Miss Adele an Mrs Eldridge "Miss Adele. I suppose, is the daugh ter of Mrs Eldridge V' "Shet up!" angrily Interrupted Aunt Marcie. "And- thereby have placed- General Eldi*dgfe- u) Drfalse position,'' "It is not ilnit. He is too chivalrous to object. In truth he would have been displeased had we failed in our duty, but there are others'who do not think as he does.'' "Ain't sartin bout dat. but I know de'inissis "am de moder ob Miss Adele.' "Admitting your premises, the con elusion 1 adduced is inevitable. When the prisoner looked backward for the third time, pretending he was commiserating his mare, the bushy whiskers around the mouth of Jim Ac kers twitched in a way that showed he was grinning He said, with a t-huckle My mother has already assured you that you are welcome so long as you choose to remain with us." They were far over in eauLnrn OMf gia, near the South Carolina line, through which the mighty army was to "I cannot express my thankfulness," said the lieutenant with deep feeling. "Since I entered your state as an enemy, what right had I to look for such kindness?" Erastus 01 lened his month and stared. "Not Masters and Ackers ?'r "Their treatment of yon does not warrant your distrust." rweep. facing northward to unite with the legions of Grant and stamp out the last embers of resistance And what a wonderful march that was. the vast host advancing in four columns, with a cloud of skirmishers and cavalry in front to veil its route, and foraging on the country through which the army passed! Not the faintest glimmering of the meaning of these words penetrated his brain, but be nodded his head "Haul down the star irpnriqled banner "I allow you won't see him yet nwhile, leftenant." Stirring news had come to the Union prisoner. From some cause General Sherman made an abrupt turn to the northward in his line of march, thus leaving the Eldridge plantation a goodly number of miles to the south. This was an enormous relief to the officer, who knew too well the plundering proclivities of many of his countrymen, which led them to regard everything worth taking as legitimate spoil. He dreaded a visit from them, though expecting it, until he learned of the change in the line of march. Several squads of cavalry had been seen hovering in the neighborhood, but they vanished without molesting the women, who uttered a prayer of thankfulness when convinced that nothing more would be seen of the invaders. The officer's face flushed and he made haste to apologize. "It does not, but they might be obeying the orders of others. I understand that since the Union army bas passed through this section there are many Confederate cavalrymen. hovering on the outskirts at the rear of the forct. "You are sure that only the mother and daughter are living in the house?' quicker'n lUihtiiiiuj." "The right qf those who profess the faith of the good Samaritan," replied the mother. "God knows I have suffered enough at the hands of your people. My father and brother have given up their lives, one at Gettysburg and the other in front of Richmond But we are civilized creatures, and when my husband was a prisoner of the Unionists he was treated as I hope to treat yon." The question struck the lad as uncalled for. but he inclined his head several times with much vigor Like most youngsters, he was gifted with a well developed bump of curiosity Confederate, who was not quite free of suspicion and held his gun in a threatening position "Whom do yon mean?" asked Oakman. impressed with a sudden fear Yes : it's all in the open I'm your "That scout of yourn. He's out the prisoner ring "Dead?' "Not exactly but he was gathered in before you " The antnmn was drawing to a close, and in the north the frost of the coming winter was in the air. while the soldiers in the Virginia camps drew around their blazing fires at night and. as they talked o4D the great war and wondered how soon it wonld end. wrapped their overcoats closer aTonnd their shivering forms. Ent nature sways a gentler hand and her breath has a soft fragrance of its own in the states farther south The mornings were crisp and bracing, bnt something of the summer fervor lingered in the sunshine, and the hundreds of campfires that twinkled at night were needed less for warmth than for the cooking of food and the pleasure of comradeship "That's a powerful fine piece of horseflesh you've got there. Yank Reckon she was stole from some south erner.' "Lieutenant Oakman of the th Massachusetts cavalry Are you acquainted with any of our men or officers?'"What's yo'r name? "How did it happen? That's too bad. was the bitter comment of the captive "No; she was sent to me by a friend who bought her in the blue grass region in Kentucky Sheco-U $1,000 in good honest money ' "I remember General Eldridge well," said the lieutenant gently. "No braver officer lives. I helped to capture him, and my opinion is that of all who knew him. I was glad when he was exchanged, though," cleverly added the officer. "I know it is just such as he that help prolong the war. I shall avail myself of your kindness to the extent of perhaps a week"— "1 reckon it is from your p int of view, but you didn't think, leftenant, did you. that Tim and me are the only Johnny rebs in this part of the country? There's more than 20 of us scouting through these parts, and. Yank, we were waiting for you " "Guess not. Hab yo eber been hyah afore?" CHAPTER V. A BREEZE. "Never until today I am a stranger in this part of Georgia "Which is to say the coin of the same was Confederate paper " That hospitable southern home of General Arthur Eldridge. C. S. A.. had its physician, who, so far as the ordinary ailments of the hnman flesh are concerned, conld have given lessons to the majority of the profession who hold the dnly certified diplomas of the most famous medical schools of the land. "Den what yo' tryin to flirt wid Miss Adele fur? Yo oughter be shamed ob yo'self.' "Had it been, the cost would have been about a million and a half." The Confederate's face was covered with immense whiskers, which concealed everything below bis nose and temples. bnt he now displayed a yawning cavern throngh the mass like the rent beyond the wooded feedge, and his massive shoulders shook with mirth He conld take as well as give in the matter of cna fling A frightful dread passed through the frame-of the wonnded oflicer He felt his pale face flush under a fear that until that moment was a stranger to him, for the manner and ihe words of Jim Ackers hinted of treacStry very near to headquarters. Of course in the event of a hostile visit the officer would have defended the household to the last, but he was only one unarmed man against what might have been a score or a hundred. Perhaps his chivalry would have availed. perhaps it would not; so it is well that it was not put to the supreme test. The situation of Lieutenant Oakman was unique. He felt that he ought not to prolong his stay, and yet what means should he adopt to depart T He was a prisoner on parole and unexchanged. Scurrying back and forth on the flanks and in the wake of the Union army were Multitudes of Confederate cavalrymen, through which it would be well nigh impossible for him to make his way. Some of them were irregular force* or guerrillas, who, enraged by disaster, would show scant consideration to the United States uniform. They were liable to visit the home of General Eldridge at any hour. "How could I flirt with her when I never set eyes on the young lady*' "Den it war de missis herself Yah. yah. yah!' "Shet up!" angrily interrupted Aunt Marcie. "Yo'hain't got nnffin to say how long yo's gwine to be heah. I'll fix da t.'' The window was raised from the first, and the impatience felt by the officer at the delay in the communication vanished, the moment he knew that it had been opened Holding the glass in place, be waved the other gauntleted hand in salutation, slightly annoyed that his friend failed to show himself more fully and display a signal of a different nature But not only did the stranger decline to do that, but unexpectedly and exasperatingly he suddenly disappeared. Lieutenant Oakman did not know whether to laugh or be angry over the bright stupidity of the young African Annt Marcie. wife of old Pete, the coachman, and mother of Rastusl had nourished Adele when a child throngh a seemingly mortal illness after the regular physician said all hope was vanished. and she had sat by the bedside of her beloved mistress as the weeping husband uttered what he believed was his last farewell and administered her simple remedies, which pulled the mother back from the edge of the dark river. General Eldridge himself had received the benefit of that wonderful skill which nature sometimes bestows upon thoee that are the least gifted mentally, while in the old days, when the threescore slaves sang and worked on the plantation, there was none who willingly received the care of any doctor iu preference to Aunt Marcie. It was on the afternoon of one of those perfect autumn days that Lieutenant Oakman drew rein at the edge of a piece of wood fronting on the broad, sloping cotton fields, which bad yielded up their meager harvest but a brief while before, though here and there the snowy flecks on the stunted brown bushes showed where the deft fingers had failed to garner the aftermath."As yon please, aunty," meekly responded the invalid, who blushed more fiercely than before, because at that moment his eyes and those of Miss Eldridge met. and each smiled. "Rastus. he said, with all the severity he could assume. "1 tell yon again that never before have I been in this part of the world, nor have 1 ever spoken to your missis or her daughters, so let's hear no more of that " Was it possible? If the intimation of his captor was based on fact, the dread that Lieutenant Oakman felt was not for himself, but for another The fate of that individual might well make the bravest man shudder "Reckon you ain't fur out the way. Yank, but you can't say I stole the critter from you. cause she's captured in war." Into the room walked at that moment a tall, severely featured woman of perhaps 35 or 80 years of age. She came through the front door, as if she were a neighbor. She was attired in black, and the light gray eyes, the thin lips and the rigid figure were those of one who knows little of the quality of mercy. "I should have left this lovely home several days ago." He was anxious to ask the lad several questions, but hesitated The fellow was too observant and suspicions. Lieutenant Oakman had others to think of besides himself, and valuable as would have been certain information be Was sure this youngster could give there was peril in the inquiries necessary to extract such knowledge "Much as I regret to do so. 1 must admit that your position is logical.' The ofHt*er looked appealingly at Ackers. andHhe rugged fellow answered with a solemn wink of the eye picking off stragglers. Some of them are in this neighborhood." "They are and mean to pay you a visit." The perils of campaigning had taught Lieutenant Oakman to think quickly "Tim and me will have to take turns in riding, fur we both lost our mounts in the scrimmage with yon folks yesterday Great thunder. I didn't s'pect that!" The lieutenant and his scout had parted company a couple of hours previous. and the attractive countenance of the young officer betrayed his mental concern. His black, blooded mare, that had carried him safely through the flame of more than one fierce conflict, stood motionless, with the reins lying loose on her neck, while her rider looked and wondered and fretted. The most that she ventured to do was to thrust forward her silken nose and, with the aid of the flexible upper lip with which her species is provided, draw in some of the neighboring twigs and munch them despite the interference of the •teel bit "That abrupt withdrawal means that something threatening has taken place in the house or near me." Bad not the prisoner been suffering acutely from bis wound be might have felt more hopeful, but it seemed to him that the disaster which impended was irretrievable With native American pluck, however be set his teeth, resolved to brave it throngh to the end. "But I am already a prisoner." Since one contingency was hb probable as the other the officer glanced rapidly at bis surroundings, and as he did so both eye and ear revealed the alarming fact that a person was standing 20 feet away intently watching him "This is Miss Harriman," Miss Eldridge made haste to say, mentioning at the same time the name of Lieutenant Oakman and the misfortune that made him a temporary guest in that home. "And yet confined in no prison." The words meant a good deal Lieutenant Oakman felt that the most chivalrous enemy would have been justified in objecting to the privileges he enjoyed.The Confederate had lowered his gun and, stepping forward, placed his band on the bridle rein of Fanny who was panting from her exertion, bnt was gentle, as if she understood that she. too. had surrendered As the man advanced he looked toward the Union officer and saw that the sleeve of bis right arm was crimsoned and that a number of scarlet drops showed on the knee of his blue trousers Rastus had seen the signaling of the officer, and perhaps it was better the lad should rest under the belief that he was seeking to attract the attention of the daughter of General Eldridge While Lieutenant Oakman was pondering over the best method of solving a problem whose greatest difficulty lay in its simplicity the lad infused a startling diversion into the situation by remarking in a lower tone than be had been using Meanwhile it was becoming evident every minute that the wound in bis arm was more serious than at first supposed There was little bleeding through the crude bandage, but the pain and partial numbness showed that it needed Of all this Lieutenant Oakman knew nothing, but when the old colored woman. with her head swathed in a gorgeons bandanna handkerchief, promptly and deftly removed the bandage from the wounded arm with a sniff of contempt he felt somehow or other that it was useless to send for the best surgeon in the Union army, even if the opportunity were presented. The olficer partly rose from the cushioned chair in which he had been seated. bowed low and expressed his pleasure at the meeting. Miss Harriman looked angrily at him without the slightest inclination of her head or acknowledgment of the introduction. The thin lipe closed for a moment, and then with a strange glitter in her steely eyes she turned to the mistress of the home. The words that followed seemed to be shot out like bullets from between the lips: "I must take the first opportunity to leave," was Oakman's thought "My arm is only slightly sore, and if mountad on A good horse, with my revolver at command, I wouldn't hesitate to chance it Poor Fanny I It' isn't likely we shall ever meet again, and as for a revolver"— "Miss Eldridge, could I have carried out my wish I should have left this lovely home several days ago." CHAPTER II AN INTKRRUPTION She bad resumed her gouging of the earth at her feet and f# a minute seemed absorbed in the progress she was making. Then again she turned her face sideways and asked with a bright smile: • The first notice that reached Lieutenant Oakman was the sound of a laugh Ordinarily the emotion of mirth is contagious. but in this instance it sent a shiver down his spine, for its meaning was conducive to anything but merriment He had been discovered while engaged in a most delicate and danger ous business Instantly the whole interest of the captor was transferred to the wounded prisoner He cheeked himself with a thrill of hope, In the flurry of his encounter with his captors the weapon was dropped while ridiag the mare at full speed Forgotten for the time, it might be he was the only one who recalled the fact. What a godsend if he could recover it I The food was neither tempting nor nourishing Perhaps Fanny indulged to this gentle extent the better to pass away the time while her rider ruminated. but muster and beast had long been accustomed to "hard tack. " "Why ?" "Luftent Oakum, yo'd better git out ob dis kentry." "Why t" "Dere's some folks dat am lookin fur "Climb down and let me have a look at that, pardner Give me hold of t'other band."' While Mrs. Eldridge and her daughter looked sympathetically on. with an occasional word of pity. Annt Marcie attended to business. The officer would hare been spitted before telling all that was in his mind. "I really don't think it amount* to mnch." replied the lieutenant, who nevertheless accepted the proffered help As he dropped on his feet he was nearly overcome with dizziness, but mastered himself before his enemy and friend observed the proof of weakness "Mrs. Eldridge. do you mean to let that man stay here?" "I am entirely recovered from my wound and could have gone before this. Instead I am in the unworthy position af an ablebodied soldier lingering in the rear when his country needs the service :Df every one of its sons." The officer turned his bead like a flash and saw standing on the edge of the wood behind him a negro hoy not more than 12 years old. barefoot, with trousers held in place by a single suspender and a rickety hat without a crown. The ebony face was bisected by a grin which displayed a set of teeth that a princess might have envied, while in his right hand be held a switch, which he had proba bly broken from a tree that Ae might carry it for his own amusement»« yp • "Mik'ht've knowed dat was done by some fool of a white man like Jim Ackers." she remarked as she laid tho stained and caked cloth aside. "It am tied twice as tight as it orter be. Dat'a what makes yo' face so red." The attention of Lieutenant Oakman was divided between a point on the fringe of the curving wood a fourth of a mile away and the old mansion of the plantation, which was lees than half the distance named It was a typical planter's home, low of stature, broad, roomy and whitewashed, surrounded by a wealth of shade trees, divided near the middle by a roofed passage. with wide porch extending in front.' numerous outbuildings and the row of Cabins near by where the slaves were comfortably quartered until most of them were brushed into the current that came with the "day of jubilee' and floated them into the promised land of freedom "Thank you. Rastus. but I have no fear." "Such is my intention," replied the elder with dignity, "and I have yet to learn that it is any concern of yours." "Humph, and yon claim to be a southern woman!" Since his rapid convalescence the officer spent much of hisUime in wandering about the old plantation. He loved to sit under the grand old shade trees, where seats had been placed long before. Sometimes he chatted with Uncle Pete or Aunt Marcie, and inasmuch as they refused to accept anything in the form of money from him he filled the pockets of Rastns with greenbacks, until the dusky urchin threatened to became a budding millionaire."Yo" oughtet hab. cause dey hab found yo'." , She did not respond until she completed digging a ragged orifice a little farther in front of the hem of her dress. Then, still surveying the tiny pit, she said: "What do you meant" asked the Union officer, with a sudden, vague fear. Meanwhile two other persons arrived on the spot One was Tim Masters, the comrade of Jim Ackers, who bad captured Lieutenant Oakman. and the other was the negro lad Rastus. who in bis great haste to reach the scene had fallen several times. He gaped, silent .and open mouthed, at the three Lieutenant Oakman felt his countenance burning, for be was aware that a pair of bright eyes were fixed commiseratingly upon him, and he welcomed the chance for a parry or diversion. "I do. and therefore a Christian woman."Another individual answered the question with the sharp command "Surrender, Yank, and be mighty quick about it I" There was an ominous flash in the eyes of the daughter, who here interposed:"Not your country, but your section.""Why should that make my face red, aunty t" "Miss Harriman. were I not certain that yon have forgotten your self command and that you will soon be ashamed of this, I should not permit you to remain in this room." "No, allow me—mine—your country, for such it is and shall be to the end of time." When he observed the angry countenance of the horseman turned toward him. the urchin remarked "I seed what yo war doin." "What was I doing, young man?' demanded the lieutenant severely. » "Not much I" was the reply of Lieutenant Oakman. who bad descried his danger at the same instant be heard the crisp summons. "Yo'a a big fool as de rest ob de white folks. Doan' yo' see dat de bandage bein tied tight stops de blood from protnenadin frough de system an keeps it all in de headl Yo's mighty lucky dat yo' head hain't bnsted afore dia." men "We mnst have a look at that tank," said Tim. the new arrival "and being it was my bullet that pink ed yon I II take charge ' Mrs. Eldridge and her daughter were considerate, responding kindly to his greetings and expressing their pleasure at his recovery, but the situation was so delicate to him that he avoided both. His sense of honor would not permit him to attempt in the remotest degree to take advantage of his position. How many southern girls would have permitted these words to pass unrebuksd? To the majority, it would have proved the spark to the powder magazine."Ashamed of myself!" repeated the woman with scorn. "Never I It la yon who will regret to yonr dying day baring given shelter to one who comes to slay onr people and burn our homes! If I had my way, I should not permit him to remain another minnte under this roof." CHAPTER III A PRISONER OF \0AR "Tryin to flirt wid Miss A dele. I had my eye on yo' " She wan toantllno near the steps, and at her xitle was her dmujhUr. skilled attention, and delay in receiving such might imperil the life of the ' The officer turned the small spyglass suspended from his neck by a string toward the point of wood which, it has been said, attracted his attention The result was satisfactory 8am Borland was there, standing beside the trunk of a huge cotton wood. his*horse so far iu the timber asto be invisible Evidently he was on the alert for scarcely bad Oakman located him when he took off his cap and swung it The lieutenant whipped out bis handkerchief and with a single wave replied That was sufficient They understood each other, and the officer turned his bead part way round without shifting bis position in the saddle and fixed bis gaze upon the mansion, or rather upon so much of it as the shading branches permitted him to see Lieutenant Oakman's mare was as quick as her rider to perceive their danger She whirled like lightning and started down the edge of the wood with Oakman reached out his arm. and with his huge knife Tim had drawn from somewhere he deftly slashed the sleeve from elbow to wrist allowing the stained cloth to Sap down, like the fragment of a torn sail The shirt sleeve was quickly ripped and the burt exposed"Ah, how wonderful 1 I never thought of that" Suppose he had uttered them to Miss Harriman? But no—the supposition was incredible. "Whom do you mean by Miss Adele?' Instead of making direct reply the negro lad threw back his bead and broke Into nproarious mirth The question struck him as the funniest thing he had ever heard, and be belonged to a race that laughs upon the slightest provocation. prisoner "Cose yo' neber tought ob dat Yo' wer'n't bo'n dat way." the speed of the wind. Had the officer been given a moment's warning, he *?ould have turned her into the trail and made for the open highway beyond But the shifting of position caused by her,advance upon the negro lad took her away from the most promising opening, while the Confederate, who had ordered the lieutenant to surrender was nearer the path than the officer Consequently to make for it would have been to rush upon his fate. His captors were roughly considerate, but he repressed the evidence of suffering so resolntely that they did not suspect his distress The officer raised his eyes and met those of Miss Eldirdge. standing just behind her mother, fan in hand. She put it in front of her mouth to hide the smile she could not repress, while he made no effort to check his own expression of amusement His eyes flitted to those of the mother, who had no hesitation in showing her pleasure. As for Miss Harriman. the situation I may be said to have been one of armed neutrality. Mrs. Eldridge must have spoken sharp words to her. for nothing more was heard of her biting sentences. She avoided the guest, never sitting at the table with him, and being absent from the house sometimes all day and night. The most that was said of her by Miss Eldridge was to explain that her full name was Marian Harriman, that she had come from New England just before the breaking out of the war. and. because of her high recommendations, had been engaged by General Eldridge as a governess or companion for his daughter, who contemplated a European tour with her mother, but was prevented by the opening of hostilities.He was frightened by his own temerity and looked questioningly at her. The gouging of the pointed wood had excavated a symmetrical orifice in the dirt. Several grains were flung over the toe of the Cinderellalike shoe. She flirted them off and continued digging, as if prompted by a definite purpose. Her face was grave, but she remained silent."Madam," interposed Lieutenant Oakman, "I judge yon are a native of the north." The three were within 100 yards of the building when Jim Ackers called a halt Facing the prisoner, be asked "Yank who are you?' Lieutenant Oakman gave his name and rank The bullet had plowed through the fleshy part of the forearm, entering near the elbow and passing out at the wrist The peculiar numbness indicated that a bone had been touched, though Oakman did not think it was broken "I am," replied the woman, turning ferociously upon him. The officer grew angry He saw a peril that must be nipped in the bud. and. wheeling his mare around, he pricked her sutin flank with his spur She responded with a switch of the tail and a leap that almost brought her down upon the urchin, but the latter was frisky and whisked behind the nearest tree trunk, from which his big eyes peeped with the dilapidated hat above them. "Yonr words and manner led me to inspect it" "And I am ashamed of my misfortune, which cannot be helped." "I'm free to allow that Tiui and me like your looks You ve got sand, and I respect that sort of chap, even if his uniform is the color of yourn. If you warn-'t hurt we'd take you to where that scout of yourn has been took. But you've been winged, and in these days, wlien we're in the saddle or on the jump all the time, you'd be only a bother 1 s pose we could exchange yon after awhile, but that. too. is a nuisance Consequently, as aforesaid, the easiest way out is to take yonr parole- Just then aunty looked up. "Have my words given offense?" asked the lieutenant with a pang of self reproach, while studying the perfect profile before him. "No. I could not respect you were your sentiments different. " "A pretty fair shot." observed Masters, after a rude bandage had been applied. "seeing that's just what I aimed to do Von see. I bad my eye on that piece of horseflesh and didn't want to hurt her As for you, he added, with a curious twinkle of his eyes. "I thought yon was too good looking a Yank to send to kingdom come, though I've done something in that line during my time So 1 thought I'd just knock out your bridle hand "Lord sabe me! But I must be quick, for yo' face am redder dan eber. It'll bast suah ef I doan' hurry." "No more ashamed than the north is of such daughters as you, and the woeful grief of it all is that the north is equally helpless in its misfortune." Oakman knew he would be fired upon the moment he refused to surrender He threw himself forward on the neck of his mare and jammed his spur with cruel force into her ribs, while he drew bis revolver and held it ready for use the instant the necessity should arise. Despite the embarrassment felt by the invalid under the battery of those black eyes, there was something-mighty soothing in the manipnlation of bis wounded arm by the colored woman She had carefully provided herself with the medicinal herbs brought by Rastus from their cahin. Front some a bitter tea was made and from others a cooling lotion that was like the tonch of the winter's breath upon the fevered forehead. As the black, hcrny hands passed up and down the forearm, clearing it of the last traces cf coagulated blood, spreading the subtle tonic over the fair skin, through whose pores it gently the two standing behind aunty's chair he could have laid back bis head and sunk into the refreshing dreamless sleep of infancy. CHAPTER VI What a superb creature she was—a true daughter of the south and with the chivalry of Saladin or, what was the same, of General Arthur Eldridge himself I The result of this scrutiny was disap pointing The cavalryman perhaps was looking for some person or signal but i "I ain't afeard ob yo'. I bet yo' can't cotch me." CONV. Aunt Marcie's diagnosis of Lieutenant Oakman's case was accurate. The 3omparatively slight wound gradually grew more angry and inflamed until his system was afire with fever and his sufferings were intense. He walked the floor two entire nights, stepping softly lest he disturbed the sleeping ones who could give him no more than their sympathy, and he rested only when nature succumbed. failed to catch the first sign of either When be grew weary of the work, he lowered his binocular Seeing that othei means must be tried, the lieutenant changed his tone. "What is yonr name, sonnyt" "Rastus." The rifle aimed at the nder rang out. but though the shot grazed bis head he was unharmed Brief as are the words recorded of this young woman, they are sufficient to show her intense southern sympathies. She was more extreme than those among whom she lived and sometimes brought reproof upon her head for her fierce utterances.* He wanted to say a thousand things, but dared not trust himself to utter one of them. His voice, his looks, his manner would betray the truth, and that would be worse than a hundml deaths. "I wonder whether there's a living creature in that house, he muttered. "It looks as if it were an empty shell or huge coffin This is the first time that red war has crowed the thresholds Of these southern homes Until now not the boom of a cannon nor the crack of a hostile musket has startled the women and children, but the terror is npon them at last ' . "What is your father's name J" "Now. Fanny, do your best My fate rests with you!" "You did it calmly replied the pris oner Lieutenant Oakman nodded to signi fy he understood "Pete, an mammy's name is Aunt Marcie We lib in de cabin down yenfler, a little way back ob de house." "What are you doing here?" "Standin ahind dis tree so yo' can't ran ober ma " And Fanny did do ber best She was going like an arrow along the margin of the cotton field toward the drowsy mansion and the winding highway beyond Had she darted into the wood on her left she might have distracted the aim of her master's enemies, but she would have become inextricably involved among the trees and andergrowth She preferred the open, with its greater peril, for it was there that her supple limbs had full play, and never did she do her duty more gallantly "Hope yon ain't feeling powerful bad. Yank "1 presume you intend to leave me at this house Y* She was still leaning slightly forward, plying her diminutive spade, but she now stopped, sat upright and looked toward him. Ackers in turn nodded- Lieutenant Oakman remembered the spot where he dropped his revolver when he was struck by the ballet of Tim Masters. Sauntering to the place, be groped only a few minutes among the cotton shrubs when he came upon the weapon lying precisely as it had fallen. With a cry of jcy he snatched it up, slipped it into his pocket and started homeward. "No It might have been a good deal worse, and I thank you for being so careful of my life "It will be unplensant to the inmates to have an enemy, even if wounded, thrust upon them as a guest "Do you belong to General Eldridga who lives in the house yonder?" "It bain t always been that way Whew, but ain't she a beauty I' The fact that the old colored woman foretold unerringly every phase of his case kept his confidence in her at par. In her erode way she explained that the bullet, which ranged along the forearm under the sleeve of coat and shirt, had carried some of the cloth with it, and it was this foreign substance that was still within the wound which caused the irritation. Until that was removed by her treatment the inflammation and pain would continue, but the mischievous substance be exuded at some honr on the fourth day. after which his improvement would be rapid. "Lieutenant, let us not touch on that theme. It lies too close to tbe bleeding hearts oj the south. I am giad you have recovered from your wound and what I Continued on pane four. "Don't give yourself any worriment about that That sour part of the busi uoss. Now. let's have the parole.' A feeling of pity and wonder came to the gallant officer His thoughts took the same trend they had taken scores of times before, and not cnly with him. bnt with multitudes of those who wore the blue and the gray "Yaas. sir. an am yo' one ob Marse Linkum's sojers?" All the interest of Tim Masters went like a flash to the mare, whose pretty eyes wandered from one man to another, as if she could not quite understand what it all signified. "Yea; we have a big army a little way off. and I rodo over here to take a Jook at the country Who lives in the house now?" There was not much formality about it Lieutenant Oak man merely gave his word of honor to consider himself a lawful prisoner of war. and if recaptured by his own friends, he would not take up arms against the Southern Confederacy until regularly exchanged. "I never saw anything like it," he said gratefully. "I felt better from the moment you began taking off the bandage. I don't understand how"— all NAT'o^£*^Mgl Hpr of t»Ce Qlooe for tin FrheumatismI H NliiUBALGIA and similar I and prepared under the stringent ' MEDICAL LAWS..J e" prescribed by nminent phyaoianss^^B iud iff) DR- RICHTCRS (Km ANCHOR "*$8 2 vPAIN EXPELLERl I World renowned! Remarkably successful! 1 ■Only Pennine with Trade Mark" Anchor,"■ as flF 4d- Blrhter vCtt.T 2' "» Pearl St., New York. ■ al 1 31 HIGHEST AWARDS. m- |B 13 P.-anoh Houses. Own Glassworks. M as K ** Md SO rt.. K.don—I ul rm.a»M hi S ,n. "ABK*K * PSI a, SO Lwror a ma*. . «. C. MLIca, SO North lata StwU 81 *• «* HOCII, I Sartk 81. WBW . PtTTOTUl, /N lin)ui RICHrcRD8^^Mta^ tnd I "ANCHOR" STOMACHAL beat for I by I Complalcf. ■ Bnt those graybacks knew how to shoot. Nothing would have been easier than to have brought down' the mare, thus secnring the rider, bnt every southerner is a prime judge of horseflesh, and their purpose was to obtain both man and animaL Lieutenant Oakman was no more than fairly started on his fierce flight, when the sharp crack of a second rifle rang out. and this time the bullet hit the target Suddenly .lim Ackers extended his broad hand and closed the outstretched fingers on the back of Rastus. just between the shoulders. As he did so. he lifted him high in air, and, assuming an awful frown, said in his fiercest tones CHAPTER VII. UNDER THE TREES. It was wholly accidental, the mee. between Lieutenant Oakman and M Eldridge. He was sauntering thor fully homeward after recovering his volver. happy at his good fortune wondering over the future, whei passing through tho spacious, shb grounds, he raised his eyes and saw young lady seated on one of the rr benches scarcely 20 paces away. "Why are we lighting each otherT Why is the earth wetted with the warm blood of the bravest, the noblest and the most gifted of men ? In the years to come, when the Dnion is restored in all its strength and grandeur and the veterans of both sides sit down to talk ever old times, their wonderment will be why they tried with such unsurpassable bravery to take each other's lives It passes my comprehension." "All de darkies hab gwine away but ns dat I tole yo' bout, an dere's nobody at home but de wimmin folks." "Cose yo' doan' obstend it, cose yo' is nuftin but a white man." "Where are the men?" asked the lieutenant, whose question was wholly While the simple proceedings were under way. the negro boy Rastus was observed standing near the end of the mansion some rods distant attentively watching them When they Were throngh. he beckoned with great vigor and the party passed nnder the shade trees, around the end of the long low structure and ascended the ample porch "That must be it, aunty. I have had KDme fear that one of the bones was injured. Is it so—oh!" "Run right to the house and tell the folks to get ready to receive a wounded Yank. If they want to know his name, say he's General Sherman or Kilpatrick. you don't know which. Tell 'em. too. that he'll be there powerful soon Do you hear me?" ■ She was kneading the forearm with a vigor that sent a thrill of agony throngh his framennd caused the frown, the start and the exclamation. And it came about precisely as she ?aid. Indeed the relief was so marked that, as he expressed it. the change was like heaven itself. "Hush! Hain't yo' no sense? I t'ought Marse Linkum's sojers had some sense, but dey am as big fools as Marse Jeff Davis". Yaas, de bone had been brashed a little by de bullet dat obscated it, but it ain't broke. Shall I tell yo' sumfrn ?" He was silent a moment, and then added in an awed nndertone. "It is the hand of Ood. and his ways are pant finding out." It felt to the rider as if a flaming needle had ripped along his right arm. so benumbing flesh and muscle that the revolver dropped from his nerveless grasp. He knew he had caught it from that second bullet, but h«- did not change his posture on bis flying mare nor weaken in his resolution to get away from his enemies. Mrs General Eldridge. calm, matron ly and still handsome, was prepared for what was comiug. for she had rightly interpreted the astounding message of Rastus In her severely plain dress and the silvery hair brushed away from her smooth forehead, she was standing near the steps, and at her side was her daughter, as calm and collected as her parent If the thunder of war had not loug been heard among these southern homes the years of dread expectancy and anguish had burned its woeful les son into every heart A strong man desires to be let alone when he is suffering. Words of sympathy do no good and generally are a bore. Lieutenant Oakman was glad that Mrs. Eldridge and her daughter understood this truth and forbore intruding upon him. The effort to show the courtesy and gratitude due them would have intensified his pain. Inasmuch as the terrified Rastus would have heard the words if a half mile away the question was really un called for The urchin replied in the affirmative, and. his dangling legs find ing support on solid earth, he broke in to the most rapid run of which he was capable, straight for the mansion of General Arthur Eldridge. She was looking toward him am she caught his glance, nodded anc most unconsciously made room for L A singular thrill stirred the officer he raised his cap, and, slightly quick ing his pace, placed himself at the of the young lady. But it is a perilous thing for a soldier to indulge in reverie when on duty or in the enemy's country. Recalling bis straying thoughts. Lieutenant Oakman opce more leveled his glass at the old piansion. but with no more result than before The black eyes, with the iran spectacles resting on the bridge of the flat nose, flashed upward and looked into the face so near its own, like a vision of mercy from out of the midnight. It was useless to prick her side with the bloody spur, for she was doing her utmost Still nnhajrmed, she would quickly bear her rider beyond rifle range if there wu»-no interference. But there were delicacies sent to his room, accompanied by kind wishes borne by Aunt Marcie, that were the sweetest of balms. How these people, reduced to the most painful degree of poverty, could furnish him with such delicate and nourishing food was inconceivable to the guest. All the slaves had run off excepting Pete, his wife and the boy Rastus. The plantation had been going to waste for a long time, and it would seem that the production was not sufficient for the sustenance of one person. A touch of summer's softness, gered in the air, bat the shapely si ders were infolded in a light shawl the head covered by a hat trimmer her own hands with a taste that woula have won a compliment in Paris itself. She even carried a parasol, which was folded, while she used the sharp point to dig the ground at her feet, sometimes ty way of emphasis and again with no purpose at all. "I must be expected." he said, "ftus is the day that was set. and it was understood that I was not to appear on the edge of the wood until the Afternoon I don't nnderstand it. Perhaps the news of the approach of our army has frightened the family into CHAPTER IV ACROSS THK THRESHOLD "I shall be glad to hear it. aunty." "Dat arm am gwine to hab a good eal ob inflammeration. Yo' must keep quiet. Doan' fret, but it'll hurt like creation fur a few days," The officer turned lits head like a flash superfluous, since be knew that all the white men in the state were in either the Confederate or Union army. Unfortunately that interference came at the critical moment She checked her flight and wheeled to one side with gnch quickness that any one less than a [Derfect horseman would have been flung headlong from his saddle That which checked her was the apparition of a man who leaped ont from the edge of the wood directly in front of her and. with his gun held at a dead level called Fate frowned upon Lieutenant Oak man that afternoon in eastern Georgia There was more in this side expedition upon which he had ventured than his captors suspected He wa$, engaged on momentous business, but all prospect of success seemed to have vanished with his capture. ACTIVE SOLICITORS WANTED KVERY** where for "The Story of the Philippines," by Murat Halstead. commissioned by the Government as Official Historian to the War Department The book was written in army campeatSan Francisco, on the Pacific with Oen. Merritt, in the hospitals at Honolula, in Hong Kong, in the American trenches at Manila, is tne insurant camps with Anuinaldo, on ike deck of the Olympia with Dewey, and in the roar of battl 1 at the fall of Manila. Bonanza for agents Br-in fnl of original pictures , «o by goyeran sat photographers on the D o*. I -arge book. )Co» • prloes. Big profit*. Freight paid. Credii L+vea. Drop all trwhr unofficial "•nrtvmV'. »»D•C•» fr»«' A "!»'«•. *" T vi. v.*» U'SWAW01 HUV-imu The voprD« woman was barely out of ler teens, but her mind had been ma;ured far beyond her years in the bitterest of all sclrools. "You are sure there Is no danger. amity?" The question was asked by Mrs. Eldridge, who waa too accustomed to the ways of her servant to be startled by what she might say, flight, but that isn't like the southern people Though none of them is left except the women and servants, they will stand their ground is the face of all danger, calm, dignified, fearless, worthy fepaa at tha noblest of their sex. It —n't ha that I'v—ia %itat»hDr" ha It was too early for the silver to thow in the silken mass of hair that in its midnight blackness rivaled the eyes And the dark complexion glowed with » health and strength that forbade the shadow id % wrinkle. She was of alight stfltnjpe phwlmr in the l*"t After a few words the young woman said: As the three men moved along the cotton field toward the mansion of General Eldridge. with the nare Fanny followiDsr as obedient) v n well trained "ijor'bless yo'l Nnffln at all, Xt'U hart, hot 4e bones aw aa good aa eber aa In « week or two he won't know h Dl» hf -T* C!i t ■ vi-! 1 Mm," "It seems inhospitable, lieutenant, after your brief stay with us for me to urge yon to leave, but I am compelled ♦il .1 . tu " gin rat am killin Yanks. Dat's what he's been doin fur do last 400 yaara" And here were mother and  aoenatom«Dd to Uvea of refinement anc| 1 -~r~r •'' « C K* t'vrAA pTvants, nC no "No use. Yankl Hani down the star strangled banner cinichtr'n litrht ■