Gallipolis journal. [volume] (Gallipolis, Ohio) 1837-1919, 1853-05-05


lgazing intently on that loved face
Reused from his reverie by her earn
est look, he spoke to her.
! "Ah, comrade, so you have just
enlisted; you are rather young for
such work. How do you think you
shall like servicef"
81 shall like if well il | can be near
you," replied Beta, in disguised
voice.
"Ah, near mel so you take a lik-
ing TO me. do you! that's well, you'll
find a good friend. Sit down here,
and we'll have little talk. Where
are you fromf'
"From the mountains, sir"
"What is your namei"
"Pierre Cloise."
swell, Pierre, take as much
liking to you, as you do TO me. You
have got a good honest face. and no
doubt we shall be friends"
Alter that, Beta sought the compa-
ny Of Carl every day, those dark
eyes which were once averted
whenever she looked towards them,
now gazed upon her. and thrilled
her soul 10 its utmost depths, and
that Iull manly voice, which once
answered her only in monosyllabIes,
now conversed freely with her, and
often was that strong arm thrown
around her waist. At such times
she was too happy for utterance, and
all the hardships of her lot were for
gotten in the pleasure Of his CON-
pany.
But day by day they went further
and further from their native noun
tains, and at length they saw the
hills OF Spain rise in the distance
Now the discipline Of the army be-
came more strict, and preparations
were made for an encounter with the
enemy; the war had been going on
for some years, and the heart OF ey-
cry Frenchman was reused for the
glory Of his country.
AT length the Spanish armv ap-
peared in sight and took up its posi-
lion. Now what were the feelings
of the tender>hearted Beta; The
night preceding battle has arrived,
and she lies in her blanket thinking
OF the scenes that are TO ensue the
following day. She hears the dread
ful notes Of preparation, and when
the sun rose lurid and red, sleep had
not visited her eyes. The army was
drawn up in array, and side by side
in the ranks were Carl and Beta
The heavy canons poured forth their
thunders, and the scene of carnage
and death commenced. Shaking
like an aspen leaf with terror, Beta
glanced at Carl, whose firm counte-
nance and eyes lull of fire and deter
mination, re assured her, and she ieli
by his side she would fear nothing.
The sight of the dead, and the
wounded writhing in agony, and
gushing blood, almost overcome her,
but by degrees she became accus-
toned to the view. and could stand
unmoved in the heaviest OF the fight
and face death without lear.
Thus by the side OF Carl she SER
we'd in many engagements. and be
came reconciled to the thought OF
spending her lie in the camp OF the
soldier. il she could bul be near him
she loved. And Carl could not i'm
agine what power drew him so |
closely to that STRIPPING, nor why
those sunny eyes should thrill through !
him with such effect; but he was
never SO well pleased, as when cons
versing with him, and at every op- |
portuniiy she sought his compa.
ny.
At length peace was declared be-
tween the two contending nations,
and the armies were called home.
"Soon," said Carl once to Beta,
"soon we shall see our beloved |
France. and Tor my part ] shall be
glad to leave these scenes OF blood
for the peaceful lie of the shepherd,
which suits my taste better than
slaughtering my fellow-men."
Why said Beta, "you are one
of the bravest fellows in the army.
One would not think to hear such
sentiments from you."
90" said Carl, 81 do not fear death
on my own account, and ! am will
ling to do my duty to my country,
but / wish no occasion for war exis-
ted"
"ShaII you return Immediately
homer inquired Beta.
10 yes. Hong to see my old home,
and my old friends again."
"Perbaps," said Beta, and the
quick blood rushed from her head TO
her cheeks. but il could not be seen
through the dark slain she kept on
her face, "perhaps you have left some
maid behind who is waiting Tor
YOU"
80, no, /" said Carl, Laughing, 81 never
loved any woman half as well as love