Democrat and sentinel. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1853-1866, 1861-11-13
EBENSBIRG. PA. WEDNESDAY, NOV. 13, 1861!

vi Tue tories ana tnen throw the entire party
into confusion. was late in December, and
the winter was unusually severe Snow had
fallen abundantly, even in that southern lati-
tude, and lay deep On the rude. ill-construct-
ed roads, filing up bitches, concealing land
marks, and rendering travel perilous even in
daylight. But, nothing daunted, or, at least,
maintaining an outward aspect of composure.
and commencing herself to the protection of
Heaven. Mary Wilder went forth alone.
The night was pitchy dark, the wind blew
keenly from the north, and mingled snow and
rain was falling fast and freezing as it touched
the ground. She had not, however, mere than
two miles to walk to reach the tory camp; and
as she had set out as soon as it grew dark she
felt sure of being in season for her purpose.
At length she reached the outer picket of the
camp. sentry challenged her grufiy. She
heard the ring of his musket as he brought the
butt end to his shoulder, and sudden thrill of
terror darted through her. What if the
should fire and kill her the spCt2 1t is strange
but she frequently said afterwards, when refer
ring to this desperate night journey, that even at
that moment she felt more alarm at the thought
Of what would be said of her; of what construc-
ton would be put upon her motives when her
corpse came to be recognized than of anything
else. Mastering up courage she assumed the
| tones of negress and answered the challenge as
loud as she was able
GA friend. b'long TO the camp let me pass
! am half frozen to death.''
"What Is that you. Aunt Sally % said the
soldier, fancying that he recognized the voice.
Yes she answered, though she dreaded lest
the man should approach near enough to discern
! her features.
"What the ID are you doing out on such
night, eh ?" continued the sentry; "up to some
mischief, warrant. Pray, Aunt Sally, have you
/ got any whiskey in your bottle, ell ?"
! No" replied Mary. pressing on as quickly
! as she could.
! Y>s-no," said the soldier, mimicking her
I voice; 90 seems you're mighty short in your an
swers tonight. Has the cold frOze up your
voice Pm a good mind to give you the tasse
/ of a bullet. you old witch, for not bringing any
whiskey with ye, only I'd alarm the camp.
There, hurry on, old lady, lest the old musket
goes of of itself"
! He made 4 81 ort run towards her as he spoke,
and the terrified girl took to her heels, gasping
for breath, and almost ready to sink down in the
snow and resign herself to her fate. The sentry
laughed at her alarm and returned to his post,
leaving her to pursue her way
A few minutes walk brought her to the camp.
The soldiers were already in motion. and for-that
reason she probably passed amongst them with
out attracting the notice she might otherwise
have done. She was regarded as a camp follow
er, and hopes began to arise in her bosom that
she would be enabled to accomplish her purpose
without being questioned or asking questions
For that reason she sought the officers quarters
but, passing by tent, the torchlight threw its
lurid glare full upon her features, which forth
with attracted the notice of a young sergeant.
.sHalloa!" cried the young fellow, "here's 8
deuced pretty lass Come here. What have yor
got in your basket 2"
Nothing, SIR" answered Many. moving from
: the spot but the sergeant grasped her arm.
+ Come. come" he said, :. let me look. You've
got something for your sweetheart, warrant
Who is he What ~ he cried, finding that tn
basket was really empty. '' He's got the best o
us poor fellows who have no pretty lasses to car
for us. However, you must pay toll for the dis
, appointment Give me kiss2 You won eh
We'll, then, 1 must take one by force"
C He suited the action to the word In vain tn
1 poor girl struggled and sought to disengage heI
self. Her fears only served to amuse the ser
. geant's comrades who had begun to gather roun
:, him. Pereaps Mary might have been still NOR
: rudely treated, but, by good fortune, at this me
ment the drum beat to quarters, and an offcC
came forward to learn what was the cause of I'll
disturbance.
: s.Hiloa who have we herv7'' he said. ''Son
camp follower To your duty, sergeant.
t- this time for such idle nonsense2 And vol
l. young woman, you had better go to the women
il quarters. You ought to be ashamed of yoursel
\ wandering about the camp. Ha, what ~
exclaimed, looking the frightened. blushing gi
full in the face. 50 You don't belong here VIII
do you want? How came you here?"
"I-I-wish to see Lieutenant Bartlett, - sa
Oh Mary, in trembling voice e wish to see hi
hut for a moment. have come here alone,
purpose. Oh, sir, do not send away till
have seen him ~
1g The officer was an elderly man, of benigna
if visage He looked pityingly upon the blush
at GIRL and faint sigh escaped him as he replied
er q am sorry to young lady such as y
nd appear to be in the camp. 1t is sad pity. Y
:, sbould be at home with your parents, my pc
ei,l. We are or the eve of marching, but sir
Won have ventured here you shall see the lieutt
" ant. But you must say what you have to S
Oh quickly, and then you hal better go to the "
est mems quarters till morning"
er- Marv blushed deeper than ever at the allus
Id. of the officer, who desired her to follow hi
-ch They proceeded to the officers quarters, and
i ac = .i,> ,,,oe Tho m ajor of tle regiment cal