The Alleghanian. [volume] (Ebensburg, Pa.) 1859-1865, 1863-07-09
Playing Seccsh.
BY RUFUS EARE.

with him. 1t is fact. [ did not think
the women could be such fools before
Whether it was because OF the novelty, or
because of the romance, or because OF an
inexplicable whim, it is hard to say; but
they certainly treated him with fattering
distinction. An ugly dog he was, too;
short, thick-set and swarthy, with half
healed wound over one eye, which did not
add to his beauty. He was captured after
Fair Oaks, being out on picket. And i'll
he had been, undeniably Ill, ever since he
came North. a complicated affection of
the heart, they pronounced it, which wo'd
not admit of his removal; SO he staid on
with US, instead of going down to the fort
with the rest OF the prisoners. Nominal
as his captivity was, 1t was CALLING to him /;
and he was sullen as the mischief, wlthal
he got the lions share Of the jellies; flow
| ers, books, and other niceties which came
to the hospital.
1t was ridiculous to see him with his
lady-sympathizers. But it was provoking
as well. We poor fellows, on the broad
OF cur backs, stiff aud sore with loyal
wounds, bit our lips with vexation many a
time when we saw the delicacies travelling
past our Federal mouths, and dropping
into the ugly little traitors. Not that We
begrudged him the trifies; but there Is a
medium In all things, and the women
ought to have known better
| In the next bed to mine was my chum,
| Ike Russell, the greatest limb, and most
thorough practical joker n the regiment.
| He was an incorriglble fellow. The doe
tors had given him up twice since the
fever had got hold of him; but his consti-
tuition Was Of gutta- -percha. 1t would
stretch to the fullest extent before it wo'd
! break.
They may give me up, like a bad rid
die, as often as they like" was hls char
acteristic remark, "but | don't think they
will play the Dead March over me yet
awhile"
And they didn't. 1t was a hand to-hand
struggle, bat Ike fought the fever as ieice-
ly as he had fought the foe, and conquer
/ ed. He was now convalescent, and most
indignant, as was natural, at the paftiality
shown Secesh.
See here, Rufus" he said to me one
night, in u heat, don't lou think this Is
pretty near played out! %
What pa
This Jelly and flower business
Il should judge SO, my son"
cit is burning shame" went on Ike,
wrathfully Il didn't think Northern
/ girls could be such geese. wonder what
the mischief they see in him. The fellow
is as ugly as a gorilla
| "Chacum SON gOa4t," said |, thought
fully.
) That's SO; but I've made up my mind
il shall not last"
"How eau you help it 7"
/ "I4eave that TO me l m no novice
Before the week is out | warrant you we
shall have plenty of delieacies and light
reading"
There the conversation dropped.
The next morning, on opening my eyes
( l became aware of change. The Rebels
bed was opposite lnine-it was empty
Secesh was non est. The man who wa:
there yesterday, who had been there al
these days, never able to lift or turn him
self without help, was gone.
"Hailoo Ike" said |, poking thai
gentleman with my crutch, "have yor
spirited him away? What has become O.
the pet Of the ladies 2"
Ike raised himself on his elbow, ant
stared at the vacant bed.
''Ye gods he is gone!'
"Fact," said l. Thou art gone from
my gaze, like beautiful dream p
"Bosh p' cried Ike. laughing at the ad
jective, "IIorrible would have been more
to the point. But, bless my soul, Hare
what can have become of him !'
''For further particulars inquire within,
said l, tapping him jocosely on the hea'
with my crutch.
Ike looked at me.
You think have had something to G.
, with it? You wero never more mistake,
) in your life l only hope" added he
pleasantly, "that they have sent him t.
the Fort, and may keep him ON bread ant
water for month. Rufus, my warrior
that Secesh was the Mordecai in the gate.
"He will not be likely to trouble yo1
again." said the Surgeon, who was thei
passing
"What's the reason he wont ?" we botl
chorussed.
"No levity, boys. He is dead"
: "Dead z"
, Ike's face was sobered at once. lie va
wild enough, in all conscience, out ia