Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1855-11-28

seized his powder horn and dashed on after
the heroic band
What daring fellow is that p asked
the grey haired General, of soldier swab-
blRg cannon.
He helped Texas fight her battles, and
was at the fall Of the Alamo, Gen 'ral--'tis
all We know of him."
The reyered hero sat in bis unpretending
tent alone. The great victory which had
just crowned bis arms had no effect on
him: He vas basily engaged in writing
Laying aside his pen and paper, he rang .
small bell The Ssuad had scarcely gone
forth when young soldier appeared in the
doorway He raised his band to his hat
and remained standing in respectful 81
lence
"Show the tall hunter in Immediately,
John, if he has arrived"
"Gin raj, it shall be done"
In few moments our old friend Ralph
johnson, stood in the presence of the con-
queror of Buena Vista.
+" What's your name, my gallant fellow"
Ralph johnson, Gin raj, from old Var
ginny"
"Ah! my State too, Ralph-God
bless hcr!'
"God bless her, Gin raj p'
" You fought CALAMITY in the battle
yesterday, Ralph, observed"
" Not much of my own reckoning Gin
ral-made my old rife speok."
" Do you know anything of military
tactics p
" Did once, Gin'ral- larntit when Texas
fout and bled. I give em a helping hand
then"
Here, then, Ralph, but would you like
to take brush with the Mexicans p
" Nothing better, Giu'ral-'
"Where is your young friend that was
wounded ?"
quarters
" Here, Ralph, this paper makes you
First Sergeant, in a company of scouting
Rangers-all picked and trust worthy men.
Always look at the stars and stripes,
and when you strike for your country, let
your blows be many and heavy-good bye,
Heaven protect you, Ralph
4" God bless you, Gin'ral III never
disgrace my commission I"
The dawn of morning peeped thro an
open easement, and the cool breezes of
Mexico played over a rich couch whereon
reclined wounded man. For several mo-
ments the soldier lay the rich hunting
shut RrGee klasIJBfYd5 fYd5rFj rEFj suddenly, however,
he turned and uttered sigh. At the same
moment a side door to the apartment open
ed, and young girl of almost surprising
loveliness entered. "God be praised" she
spoke in English, the crisis is past he
is saved Once again the door creaked
The sunburnt countenance Of Ralph, the
hunter, showed itself He stole slowly in
"Glad to hear he is better, gal. Heard
you say so thro' the crack. Norrad's
good boy, and"-
Norwood! said you, hunter? Norwood
what-for Gods sake %
Norrad Wooelhdm, to be sure and sar
tain. By confummux what's the matter
gal. I've known him-hello-phat tn
confummux is to pay ?'
The beautiful creature had rushed quick
ly to the bed. She soon turned the face O
the sufferer towards her. "Good heavens :,
she exclaimed, "'tis Norwood
The young man slowly opened his eye!
They rested for moment on the lovely gir
hanging over him. "Good God be thank
ed!' he cried, "'tis not dream-this
my own Adelaide!'
"By confummux" muttered Ralph q
leaning on his rifle, he surveyed the couple
Let's drop the curtain here. :
Norwood was in due time welded to h
long lost Adelaide, and lived happy lif
He settled again in his dear old nativ
State. His lofty mansion now towers
mong the Blue Ridge peaks. Several Ii
tie prattlers make glad his costly habitatio1
The death Of an unknown relative had le
him opulent. His hatred to the Red ma
! has in measure subsided.
The veteran pioneer, Ralph Johnso
served, much to his credit too, througho'
the war He arose speedily to promotion
In almost every battle, his fierce war CT
was heard" Remember Alamo!' Whe
peace was finally established between Il
two countries, content with his well earnt
laurels, he settled near Norwood, his your
protege. He possessed enough of th
worlds goods and chattes for one mo
avaricious than Ralph Johnson-he W
independent. DerHish Sal rests in pea
in racks over the spacious hearth. Rall
in course of time took unto himself a he
mate. Our spool has ceased to wind fl
ther.