The Jeffersonian. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1853-1911, 1867-12-12

| o"o VIC yooiucy vi Tue uOTuiuS dlter re-
ceiving the mysterious packet.
Nance Holk accompanied him on his
weary march, and with her odd and sa-
gacious conversation, helped somewhat to
enliven his spirits; but at times his
thoughts were impenetrable, and present
ed such character as was calculated to
undermine. his health. At other peri
DDS certain fits of silly chat were his de-
light, and he INDUCED in them with all
the vivacity of a boy. His questions of
home were answered evasively, and some-
times not at all, and thus their time pass
ed, he interrogating her at his pleasure,
and she wisely keeping her own counsel
till the time should come, as she said,
when {" Massa should be ober ALL"
The country through which they trav-
elled was delightful The verdue of
summer garnished the valleys with the
dark tints of perennial spring & Birds, of
every hue and plumage, sung their melo-
dies by the cool signing rivulet, and
awakened the deep silence of the glade to
harmony and JOY. On murmered the
beautiful streams through the broken fis-
sures of the rocks = down through the
sandy channels and into the broad race
of the mountain waters. Summer was
queen of the valleys, and our travellers
enjoyed its delightful influences with in
vigorated and healthy spirits
They entered Gordonsville by evening.
The town was occupied by soldiers, and
hospitals containing the sick and wound
ed were the principal attractions it then
presented,
Our travellers were soon comfortably
located in one of these establishments,
and new joy soon awaited our hero. On
the morrow he was created q Lieutenant.
and with pride, SO becoming in soldier,
entered upon the responsibilities of his
new position He devoted his time as
siduously to become what his rank enti-
tied him to = the confident of his fellow
soldiers, and so far succeeded, that none.
not even the old veterans, were envious
of the honors which were awarded to the
young recruit
Austin's round of duty brought him at
length into the society of one whose in
timacy he felt entirely indisposed to cul-
tivate with any degree of warmth Co.'S
tardo, a wounded prisoner, was quartered
in Gordonsville, not far from where our
hero was located. A cold exchange of
compliments passed between themsat first,
and the breach grew wider as they came
oftener in contact. One afternoon they
met at the request of Costardo, which led
to results not anticipated by either.
g So you are what you are, are you ?"
said Costardo, with some sarcasm, as soon
as the first exchange was over "I
thought you and Cammy were iu such po-
sition = as = that you should remain at
home. However, | have no doubt that our
cause will prosper without you, as much
now as if you were with her; but don't
frowu, Austin, l am only speaking my
mind, l think you have taken a false step
which induces me to say that you would
do better at home"
False STEP" And Austin betrayed
some contempt as he spoke.
Better at home. See, Coss, if your
slang is intended for me I return it, and
only tell you, that heDceforth l an, your
enemy, and there is little debt between
US which ! will guarantee to pay on the
first opportunity"
Austin said enemies Well, be it
so, and as to the debt, | don't acknowl-
edge it. Any young man can, and ought,
smile on pretty girl. A hard cuss that
won't. | always loved Camilla, and in
tended to wed her; but it seems | am
discovered and shut down upon. She is
only your sister, not your wife, and
would ask you to remember that"
You wed her. Beware!"
Not at all, Austin, there is no danger,
at least, to be apprehended from you, al
though must confess that you are a little
jealous. However, l have no doubt that
l shall in the end have her. The old
man you know, [ will settle it with him."
This dash of railery threw Austin into
a rage. He turned a little pale, and his
hand, mechanically, was laid on the hilt
of his sword. Costardo noticed the move.
ment and said -
"Surely not Austin, angry, eh?"
Enough"
Too much on your part, no doubt"
"There."
Take it." And Costardo exchanged
the glove with toss in the air.
1t was agreed that they should meet at
four on the following morning, at re-
tired spot, short distance from the town.
They were to choose their own seconds,
and with this settlement they retired to
their respective quarters.
Austin repaired to bed early, first as
suring himself that his pistols were in ex-
cellent order, and loaded with exactness.
He placed Them on a chair close by the
bedside, aud composed himself to sleep.
It was night dark and silent. The SEN
Iriss were all posted, and the officer of the
guard had made his usual rounds. All |
reported we'll AuGtin's chamber was
situated on tho lower story, and outside
sentinel paced up and down. An unu-
'ual stiffness pervaded tho house, and
A ola