The New Orleans crescent. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1866-1869, 1868-05-10

Dlach-Jack anu prairie uaZlc, anu .ho Siounu
itself broken into ravines and dotted with the
huge, rugged boulders which, in that part Of
the country, almost everywhere cover the
ground See the space almost literally COW
cred with infantry and horsemen in battle
array; and in front of them. extending into
the timber and seemingly covering their flank,
single troop of partisan cavalry. On one
side you distinguish the Union and on the
other the Confederate uniform.
In this horrid defle man might scarcely
walk with safety withered trees grow be-
tween the masses of granite; and scattered
stones make the bed of the ravine difficult
and uncertain for the tread.
For a single moment all is silence! But
single moment these two hundred men
gaze into the faces of Bartrelle's iron-chested,
death-eyed rangers. moment, and then as
the Union musketry streams its steady blaze,
! you would think that a ceaseless sheet of fire
was bathing those rocks and hills and hollows
with flame; for all at once the federals have
| delivered their fire full in the faces of the
| Confederates. r
But where is Bartrelle? A shout echoes
from his lips as his eighty battle devils
poured their fine into the enemy's ranks, and
now, with appraised knives, charge them
home. At first it looks like cloud of horse
men and steel-of struggling, foun-
dering, writhing men and beasts; but
suddenly you see the rangers plain
uniform came out in strong contrast with the
federals gaudy trappings-you mark the fash
| of the bowie knife, and the answering stream
of blood
''Again. comrades By the right flank
well together, wheel-charge!" and Bartrelle's
| stern command rung loud and clear above
that battle rout. From rank to rank he hur-
ried, his breast exposed to the enemy's dead
hest fire, glancing through the clouds of
battle his slender form rose proudly in
every part of the field, as his blue eye gleam-
| ing with battle light he hurried his men to
| the charge.
On, right on, through the serried ranks,
darted the men of iron; they have passed the
infantry-they have turned the flank of the
cavalry; and wheeling suddenly, the rough
butting crags of the projecting ridge
separate the combattants. The broad
road again appears before them, and too
late to remedy the mistake, which their own
want of foresight had made, and Bartrelles
sagacity enabled him to take advantage Of
they were compelled to witness the escape of
the eagle they thought was completely within
their clutches. Secure in his retreat, Bar
trelle quietly moved away. The enemy are
| - al 10 81 md
this not so, the infantry would be useless in
pursuit, and the cavalry alone would be unable
to cope with him.
By the side of the ranger captain through
out this bloody fray quietly rode youthful
form, exuberant in grace and beauty. In the
thickest of the fight Barding of, but dealing
no blows, he moved conspicuously, from his
youthful appearance, and the calm smiling
gaze with which he looked upon the battle.
Conscious of no terror throughout the melee,
Zera only saw in the gloom of that battle
scene something so grandly sublime, that the
passionate fire of her Eastern heart thrilled
to the war spirit that burnt in unison with her
own. Hers was the wild, warm nature, born
of sunshine and tempest, and thus strangely
mixed with light and gloom, with joy and
sorrow, the record of her life would present,
as events might make it, a picture of loving
beauty, rich and fervid with dreams of love,
or dark and lowering with flashes of somber
sublimity. n2os ao
As the retreating rangers slowly moved
away, Bartrelle, from whose side she never
strayed, was greatly amused in watching the
play of emotions that swept rapidly across
the features of the strange young being who
was offering up her life and happiness in his
service. Twice in the skirmish had she saved
his life; and when the contest was over, and
he tried to make her sensible of his gratitude,
she had turned from him, as if the act he had
commended was of little worth
"a tough tussel that, Zera don't you think
so ?" and the soldier bent forward to catch
the answer, which came in a low, quiet tone,
but musical as the MARBLE of canary:
eyes, terrible for moment; but never
doubted for an instant that you would extri-
cate yourself" and the fine lip curled, ani
the eye flashed with the pride she could moi
conceal.
| @hu gCe l. NOo1 q AalA uOlou OF my ueu.
They died bravely-they have done theil
duty" was the low, quiet reply but with q
moistened eye, and look of poignant regret
But can i'll sustain the lost just now"
"You think there will be battle soor
then ?" questioned Zera in low, eager tones,
which showed how deeply she felt interested
in the answer.
For weeks she had been looking forward t.
such an event with the keenest anxiety
1t was not apprehension-not fear but a.
she reflected on the not improbable conse
quences of a general engagement to the cause
in which she had begun to feel all the inter
est of child of the SOIL she could not stife the
fever of unrest that took possession of hel
heart.
"Yes, it cannot be postponed many days
longer. should not be surprised if it burs
upon us before the dawn tomorrow. The