Charles City Republican intelligencer. [volume] (Charles City, Iowa) 1861-1864, 1862-12-04

You just look at ono side of your
question, Kate, and then jump at your
conslusion. | know a man who told
me yesterday he would go to war if
he could afford it man who is
neither cold or cowardly. He has
sister, girl Of fifteen. The two are
orphans, and his mothers dying breath
gave her to his care They were well
born, but they had fallen into poverty,
and he resolved that his sister should
have the education of lady. She is
at school now. If he had the means
to leave her provided for he would
enlist but what if he should die, and
that poor, pretty, undisciplined child
should be left alone in the wild world,
with no means of support, no protec-
tor, no friend Could he answer it
to his mother when he met her in the
country which souls people 2"
Kate had listened with breathless
attention.
"Would ne fight wcll?" she asked,
musingly.
No man better. There is not a
drop of coward blood in his veins.
He is the very one | would choose to
have stand beside me in the front of
the fray
If he were sure his sister would
be provided for in event of his death
you think he would go?"
Il know it, His whole heart is in
the fight now. If he were sure that
she could be secured from future pri-
walton or fricndliuess, his name would
he enrolled tomorrow"
Kate's face glowcd with eager re-
solve.
He shall be sure. cannot give
my life to my country. | ought not
to shrink from giving everything else.
That girl is an orphan like me. She
shall be my sister. | will undertake
her expenses while her brother is
away, aud if he dies, she shall share
dollar for dollar with me all | pos
sess."
Major Ross looked at his young
cousin almost reverently. He was
just beginning to see below the happy
careless surface of her nature, but he
made no comments on her resolve.
"Wait here" he said simply, and
| will bring your soldier"
In half an hour hc returned. He
brought with him tall, athletic,
strong man, with face brave and
masterful rather than handsome.
" Miss Barclay, this is Mr. kecne-
Richard kccne."
So much of the introduction per-
formed, Major Ross went out and left
Kate to make her bargain.
Mr.. kecne was thoroughly well
bred. In the peculiar circumstances
in which he was placed, sorely trying
| they would have been to most men. he
was able to steer clear of any false
pride or cmbarra ssmcnt.
Miss Barclay" he said bowling,
understand that by way of doing your
part toward the war, You wish to hire
me as substitute to fight your bat
ties for you. My terms arc easily sta
ted. All | ask is a security that my
sisters education will be carried out
as | have commenced it, until she is
able to support herself by teaching.
!" | am ready to provide for all her
expenses, and to charge myself with
the care of the future should there be
need of my protection"
$50 much as that is not necessary
While | live could not allow You tc
undertake all her expenses. So fal
| as my pay as soldier can so, it must
be applied to her support. For the
rest | accept your offer in the spirit ir
which it is made. | viii remember
you when | fight. aud, Heaven help
ingSme you shall not be ashamed oI
your substitute
kate's eyes grew misty. He was
so calm in his resolve to dare danger
and death-seemed to consider him
self SO little. She longed to beg him
as sister might have done-not tt
be too rash-not 10 court unnecessary
peril, but something restrained her
She only asked
"When will You take me to sec
your sister? 1t is better | should be
introduced to her by you. She viii
feel more that she belongs to me whel
you have conlided her to my protec
tion." SCI. t..... =...... f..- ...
"You are right. | will take yo,
now, if you please. | wish to marcl
Tomorrow, and there is no time to los
Poor Emily it will be hard on herr
In five minutes more Miss Barc,a,
was walking towards Gramercy Par
with her soldier by her side. Sh
stole a look now and then at his face
1t was calm and firm-no marks ther
of weakness or irresolution She be
, gan to be proud of him. Soon the
| sat in Miss Dupont's front parlor, wait
ling for Emily As she came throug
: the door her brother met her and drew
her back with him into the back room
9 He had said to Miss Barclay that
a was better he should speak to he
first alone.
q Waiting there, Kate heard th'
! sound of earnest, manly talk, and thel
K a few words in voice full of tears
n then again the low manly tones an
n then, after while, Mr. kccnc led hi
Z sister in.
$ "Miss Barclay he said, " here j
k y2ur portese. She quite understand
v your position, as regards her, and
; hope she will exact little, and not max
G YOU much trouble"
kate's warm heart ovcrnowed il
: stantly. She put her arm around til
| shy. trembling girl, aud drew her t
= her side. She whispered
81 have no mother, dear. and no sis
, ter. shall need you as much as yo
need me. Let US love one another"
: Mr.. kcenc did not hear the whispe
but he saw the quick blush OF pleas
: nre flush his sisters cheek, and tn
. contiding gesture with which her han'
t stole into her new friends, and he wa
: satisfied. -e. 49,.
( I'VE need not detain Miss Barcla.
any longer" he said gently. l wi
: walk home with her now. This after
) noon | shall be busy, but will com