The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1855-02-28

officers stung the handsome young Refu.
gee to the quick.
"Hark ye!" he cried, bali rising from
his seat; with a flushed brow, but deem
aud deliberate voice: Tomorrow marry
wife: an american girl! Tonight, At
midnight too, that American girl will
join the dance in tive next room You
shall see her you shall judge for your
selves! whether the American woman ia
not the most beautiful in the world !"
There was something in the manner Of
the young Refugee, more than in the ma.
ture OF his information, that arrested the
attention Of his brother officers. For a
moment they were silent.
ave have heard something of your
marriage Captain said The Ensign, "but
we did not think that it would occur SO
suddenly. Only think OF it t!-To-morrow
you will be e-settled-verdict bro't
in-sentence passed. married man (!
But tell met How will your lady love
be brought to this house to night? i
thought she resided within the rebel
linesl"
"She does reside therel But have
sent friendly Indian chief, in whom
can place the utmost dependence-to
bring her from her present home, At dead
OF night, through the forest, to this man
sion. Hei is to return by twelve; it is now
halfpast eleven"
Friendly Indian r. echoed the veteran
Colonel; "rather an odd guard for pref
ty woman Quite an original idea OF a
Duend VOW"
"And you will match this lady against
all the world for beautyi" said the Ma
jor.
"Yes, and il you do not agree with me,
tEsis ,ssDist. ,ssDitssada ssadarf fsGRs ouf niesk, for wines
for a month 70 come. But if you do
agree with meas without a doubt you
will-then you are to replace this gold
With hundred guineas Of your own"
"Agreed! it is wagerr chorussed
the Colonel and the two other officers.
And in that moment while the door
way was thronged by fair ladies and gay
officers. attracted from the next door by
the debate-as the Refugee stood, with
one hand resting upon the little pile OF
gold, his ruddy face grew suddenly pale
AS a shroud, his blue eyes dilated until
they were enci. cled by line Of white en-
amel, he remained standing as if frozen to
a stone.
"Why Captain, what is the mat,erF r
cried the Colonel. staring up in alarm
.do you see a ghost, that you stand gaz
ing there, Mt the blank WALTZ
The other officers also started up IN
larm. also asked the cause Of this singu
lar demeanor, but still, for the space OF
minute or more, the Refugee CsPta''
stood there, more like dead man sud
denly called to life, than living being.
That moment passed, he sat down Wit
n cold shiver; made strong effort as
to command his reason; then gave utte'
ance to forced laugh.
Ala, ha! See how I've frightened you
he said-and then laughed that cold' VI
ILL.,, lan.I aOain
And yet, half an hour from that III"
he freely confessed the nature OF that no
7 rid picture which he had seen drawn uPc
\ that blank, winscotted WA ], Ms if by "on
supernatural hand.
But now, with the ~inecuPin his han
u he turned from one comrade to anoth'
= u,tering some forced jet, or looking
wards the door way, crowded by Office
Is and ladies, be gaily invited them to sha
e in this remarkable argument: VIII
% were the mos. beautiful women in
" worIdi
Z, As he spoke, the hour struck.
Twelve o'clock Was there, aud with
IL foo.step, aud then bold indian 10
a. came urging through the crowd OF lad
'e' ,brouging yonder door.vay;
Silently his arms folded on his
ly, bla. .ket, look of calm stoicism upon
70, du.ky brow, the Indian advanced al'
eiv the room, and stood at the head OF
nd table. There was no lady with him.
M aWhere Is the fair girl She ~h'
in TO be the bride tomorrow Perhaps
nty Indian has leh her In the nezt room
in one Of the other halls Of the old o
sion, or perbsps-sbat the thought
pee foolish ons--she has refused 70 obey
lovers request ss--refnssd 70 come !"
aid There was something awful IN the
silence that reigned through the room
the solitary Indian stood there, ~
bead of the table. gasing silently N
isish i0vsrsfaee.