Des Moines courier. ([Ottumwa] Iowa) 1848-1854, 1853-07-21

He, young, romantic, and ambitious, as
most men are at three andiwenty. -
There was something in her story tha,
struck him much, and filled his mind
with respect and admiration. With all
the regiment he regarded the devotion of
Pauline as vain, and the sign Of mind
somewhat diseased; but that changed not
their sentiments, and there was not sol.
dier who would no, have pleasantly per-
formed any lille service for her. But
she needed none. She carried her bas.
ket and bag gai'y, she walked with a
handkerchief TO screen her face in the
broiling sun. and at night had cosey
place in a wagon 10 sleep IN.
After passing Bildah, they were in a
country which, if not fiercely inimical,
was still not friendly, and out-fankers
were thrown ou, to keep the road clear.
Still, however, no attack took place. and
they passed even through gorge of the
Ma,amala without difficulty, and found
themselves in plain. and halt was de-
clared for three days before any move
ment took place.
The tents we've pitched on the Dor.
ders of a stream, where grew here and
there palm tree. There was green
pasture aud water--two essentials, for
they had horses and cattle. Abou, a
mile distant rose lofty hill above q
mountain gorge. and here dwelt the Te-
nit-el- Haad, who since have given name
to a town. The orders OF the expeti-
ton were to destroy this village, make
prisoners of the women and children. and
thus enforce the submission of the men.
Ii was determined that the attack should
take place in the night, small party be-
ing lef, 10 guard the camp.
Lieut.. Neville, on the third day, lit
tie after sundown, was sent to reconno:.
tire. The state o. affairs looked very
suspicious. Not a soul had as yet been
seen, and, though stragglers had ventureG
TO within pistol shot of the wooden base
of the hills, no gun had been fired. The
Arab character was too we'll known for
this not to be regarded as a trap
Hence the advance of Neville and de-
tachment Of soldiers, to view the country
and seek some explanation. Pauline
had asked to accompany the party, and
her request had been complied with; and
SO they started, in dead silence. There
was. about mile from the camp, nar-
row opening in the hills, with marked
path shor, distance up, aud then the
steps cut in the rock. This was the on-
ly known approach to the mountain FAST
ness, and It's entire desertion created per.
fec, awe in the minds of men who would
have braved any visible danger. A, the
opening was pool and grove OF trees,
and these were so situated that II was
necessary for the soldiers to stand in the
water TO watch the gorge. down which
they expected some scouts to crawl ere
long. Pauline walked beside the young
officer in silence for some time. the fifty
men o: the detachment coming noise
lessly up behind.
What could have made you give me
such pleasant. co Danion!' presently
asked Lieut.. Neville, IN an almost audi
ble whisper.
when am still. | seem doing moth
ing, replied Pauline; 'when am moy-
ing, | am still looking for him.
Poor girlv said the soldier; and then
he remained silent awhile. Presently
he spoke again. Pauline. said he. this
may turn out TO be dangerous service
hence | wished you no, TO come
But at all events. may not easily say
again what now. in the calm of this beau
niul night, feel. Pauline, your devo,
lion aud beauty has won my heart. |
love you. Leays this position; become
my wife. and will enable you still to
prosecute yodr search. Ny attachment
10 you is rial. As my wife. you, an of.
fcer's daughter, will be more ft,ingly
situateI as edfatdaiere.
Lieut.. Neville, replied Pauline. with
ccls iderable emotion, Il feel deeply your
Kindness; but let me hear no more of This
now. | will answer you when have
found my father-or proof of his death.
But, dear girl, this is Madness be-
gan Neville.
Hush, mon capitaine. you are speak
ing too loud SAID Pauline, gaily.
The officer mace no reply. for they
were close 10 the scene Of action. They
could see the dark face OF the hill, and
they were near the grove of trees. The
soldiers moved along like mourners in
country church yard. They held their
breath, and rod with extreme CAUTION
Presently, just as they stood on the edge
OF the fort, they halted. and then stepped
quietly into the water. which was very
soon up TO their waists. The position
was unpleasant, but il was safe. They
were sheltered behind the thick grove
on the point of which one sentry took
up his post behind tree. Pauline had
been lifted across to large stone, agains,
which the lieutenant leaned.
For some time the men bore their un.
comfortable position in silence. But
presently they seemed tired, and one
quietly asked the lieutenant il they nigh.
smoke.
No. said the officer. dryly, but you
may sir down.
A grim laugh passed along the ranks
OF the men, whose guns and cartridge
boxes were held up ou, of The wet. No
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