, 1864-02-27
The Soldiers Return.

.,.-J -
The Soldiers Return.
Seven or eight years ago, was travelling
between Berwick and SeiSirk; and, having
started at the growing IF the cock, | had
left Mclrose before four in the afternoon.
III Highland soldier, applSsA {itisued K
myself, leaning upon a walking stick, and
gazing intently on the fairy palace of the
magician whose wand is since broken, but
whose magic still remains. ] am no parti-
cular disciple Of Lavater's; yet the man
carried his soul upon his face, and We were
friends at the first glance. lie wore plain
Highland bonnet, and coarse grey great
coat, buttoncd to the throat. His dress be-
spoke him to belong only to the ranks; but
there was dignity in his manner, and fire,
a glowing language, in his eyes, worthy of
a chicftain. His hight might exceed five
feet nine, and his age be about thirty. The
traces Of manly beauty were still upon his
cheeks, but the sun of western hemisphere
had tinged them with sallow hue, and I'M
printed untimely furrows.
Our conversation related chiefly to the
classic scenery around us; and We had plea
sanity journeyed together for two or three
miles, when we arrived at a little sequestered
battle-ground by the wayside, near which
there was neither church nor dwelling. Its
low wall was thinly covered with turf, and
VIC sat down upon ittorest. My companion
became silent and melancholy, and his eyes
wandered anxiously among the, graves.
Here" said he, 'sleep some of my fa-
TIERS children, who died in infancy"
He picked up small stone from the
ground, and, throwing il gently about ten
yards, "That," added he, % il the very spot.
But, thank God no grave stone has been
raised during my absence 1t is token
shall find my parents living; aud may
also find their love 1t is hard, sir, when
the heart of parent is turned against his
own child"
lie dropped his head upon his breast for
n few moments, and was silent; and, hastily
raising his forefnger to his eyes, seemed to
dash away solitary tear. Then, turning
to me. he continued: '' You may think, sir,
this is weakness in soldier; but human
hearts beat beneath . red coat. My father
whose name is Campbell, and who came frUm
| Argyleshirc while youpg, is awealthy farmer
| IN this ncighborhood. Twelve years ago, l
loved being gentle as the light of sum-
mer moon. We were children together, and
she grew in beauty on my sight, as the star
of evening steals into glory through the
twilight. But she was poor and portiOnless,
the daughter Of mean shepherd. Our
attachment offended my father. He com.
manded me to leave her forever. could
not, and he turned me from his house. !
wandered-l knew not and l cared not
whittier But will not detain you with
my history. In my utmost need, 1 met a
sergeant Of the forty-second, who was then
upon the recruiting service, and, in few
weeks, ] joined that regiment of proud
hearts. was at Brussels when the invita-
tion to the wolf and the raven rang at mid,
night through the streets. It was the herald
ofR day OF glory and Of DEATH There were
three Highland regiments Of us-three
joined in one-joined in rivalry, in love,
and in purpose, and, thank Fate i was
present when the Scots Greys, flying to our
aid, raised tho electric shout, Scotland Tor
eyerY returned our tartaned elansmen;
Scotland forever! reverberated as from
the hearts We had left behind US; and
Scotland forcverv rc-echocd Victory!
Heavens" added he, starting to his feet,
and grasping his staff, as the enthusiasm Of
tho past gushcd back upon his soul, "to
have joined in that shout was 10 live an eter-
nifty in the vibration of pendulumP
In few moments the animated soul that
gave eloquence to his tongue drew itself back
into the Chambers Of humanity, and, resum-
ing his seat upon the low wall, he continued
-aI left my old regiment with the pros
pect of promotion, and have since served in
the West Indies; but ] have heard nothing
Of nv fathcr-nothing Of my mother---no-
thing Of her love-"
While he was vet spcaking, the grave
digger, with piek-ax aud a spade over his
shoulder entered the ground. Heapproaeh-
cd within afcw yards Of where We sat He
measured off o narfeAlsPiece Of earth--it
encirclcd the little stone which the soldier !.
had thrown to Indicate the burial-place,, OF
his family, Convulsion rushed over the
features OF my companion; he shiyered-