Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1862-03-19
THE BLUE YARN STOCKINGS:
OR KATE MAXWELL

OR KATE MAXWELL.
"What have you here, Katie ~ asked a
young man, in the familiar tone of an intimate
acquaintance, touching small bundle on NJ Mlss
Katie arm.
''Guess," said Katie a smile, sweet but Sc
rous, went ripping for an instant about her
lips, and then faded off. Her calm eyes, clear
and strong, looked steadily into her compan-
ions face. They had met casually, and were
standing on the street.
"Zephyr ~ and he pushed his fingers into
the bundle.
"No," answered Katie.
81 give it up,' said the young man.
"Blue yaru.'
There was lifting of the eyebrows, and a
half-amuscd expression about the young man S
mouth. blue yarn and knitting need les"
"ies." katie's voice was firm. She d id
not shrink from the covert satire that lurked
In his tone and manner.
"No!" he exclaimed.
Yes answered Katie, emphatically.
They gszed steadily at each other for some
moments, and then the young man gave way to
brief fit of laughter.
"Blue yarn and knitting needles! Ha J ha !!
Soldiers stockings of course.''
"Of course"
There was no smile on Katie's face, no plav-
fnl light in her eye, but deepening shadow.
The evity shown by her friend in such
c0ntrariety to the state of mind in which she
happened to be, that it hurt instead of amusing
her-burt, because he was more than COM
mon acquaintance.
From the beginning of our troubles, Kate
Maxweli's heart had been In them. Her father
WAS man of true loyal stamp, loyal to his
country, clear seeing in regard to the issues at
stake, brave and self sacrificing. He had dis
pensed literally Of his mcans in the outfit of
men for the war, and more than this, he had
given two SONS, yet of tender age, to the
.l,t. nf np+r Rafu Eui
therefore, in the very atmosphere of patriot
ism. She drank in at every breath the spirit
of heroism and self sacrifice. sWhat can l
dor; WIS the oftenest on her lips; and when
The call came for women to supply stockings
i"r the soldiers III time for the approaching
winter campaign, she was among the first who
responded. II only on the morning of
ahis day that the Quartermaster Generals ap-
peal had gone forth, and already she had sup
piled herself with blue yarn and knitting
needles.
IL did not believe you were such lit
lie
The Young man had uttered so much Of his
reply to katie's, ''of COURSE when she lifted
her hand with sudden impulse, and said, al
most sternly:
Take care, George 20
Take care Ofwhat ~
He affected still to be amused.
"Take caro- OF how you trifie with things
l1at should DO held out OF the reign OF tri-
fling"
Soldiers blue yarn stockings for instance,
Laugh If you will, but bear in mind one
thing
WHAT 2"
That am in no laughing mood"
Her clear strong eyes rested on him with
something of rrbuke in their expression.
Tut, tut, Katie don't look at me so seri-
Rnt ind 7 haIp
fou knitting blue yarn stockings Well, it
is funny"
Good morning, George
She was turning away.
''Good morning, Katie,' was answered
lightly. "I'll call around this evening to see
now the stockings are coming on"
When Katie Maxwell left home an hour be-
lore, her steps were light and her countenance
g'o"ing with her hearts enthusiasm. But she
walked now, with her eyes cast down, and a
vel Of unqniet thought shade wing her counte-
nance. This interview with whom her
heart was deeply interested in, had ruffled the
surface OF her smoothly gliding thoughts.
ihe cause of her country, and the needs of
Nose who were offering their lives il its de-
reuse, were things so full of sober reality in
,er regard, that the light words OF George
Mason had Jared her feelings, and not only
JlrFed them, but awakened doubts of the most
painful character
hate Maxwell sat down alone In her room,
Win her hands crossed in her lap and her eyes
l1ed in deep thought. She had tossed the
small bundle of yarn upon the bed, and laid
aside her bonnet and cloak. Now she was
@esIng certain new questions which had come
up,fieht in the face. Was there in the heart
VI y, george Mason true loyalty to his country ?
'nst Was one of the questions. 1t had never
Pfesen ted itself in distinct form until now.
ne was in good health, strong and of manly |
appearance, No imperative cause held him
+.home. During the summer he had taken a |
uipto Niagara, taken a trip down the ST. Law
.suce enjoyed the White Mountains, and in
sIIuerai way, managed to get good share OF
p'easureto himself The state of the times
ever ever seemed to trouble him. 1t would all
.su ae night In the end, he did not hesitate to
>''" but not hand did he raise in defense !