The New Orleans crescent., 1868-03-15
Written for the Sunday Crescent-l
BARTRELLE.


tions. It ran through light forest across
hills and valleys; and aside from the family
traced foot-path, there was no guide to the
point they were endeavoring to reach This
path they pursued in single file and in utter
silence. Now and then q glimpse OF the
scouts could be caught at the far end OF
long stretch, skirting the bushes or STOPPING
behind the cover to reconnoitre the way In
advance.
Close by the side of Bartrelle rode the boy;
his face was turned in earnest scrutiny to that
of the captain. Emotions strange and pow
erful were visible on his finely cut features.
There was on them deep, passionate anxiety,
which would have arrested at once the atten-
ton of the beholder.
Bartrelle became aware at last that he was
being watched by the young man with an
intentness that ordinary curiosity would not
alone have prompted. Ii was by that intui-
tive consciousness which all of US have at
some period of our lives experienced, but
which in itself is indescribable. Turning
suddenly ON the youth, he encountered this
profoundly searching and anxious gaze fixed
full upon him. The boy did not blush nor
turn bis head away. There was mourful,
yearning Tenderness aboutit that went directly
to the heart of the observer. 1t was such a
look as mother might bestow on her only
born, ensnared by danger and yielding to a
deadly peril; such gaze as sometimes rests
for burning moment above the face Of the
departed, as the sorrowing soul gives out the
raouiaro Of fha broIan haartad
Bartrelle could stand that look no longer,
but bending in his saddle until his chestnut
curls mingled with the jetty locks that cleaned
on the boystemple, he asked in low thrilling
whisper,
''Is Zera sad to-nightT
"Could 1 be glad, when you are in peril
Oh, Richardl how my heart has throbbed for
this meeting, and to find you thus menaced,"
she replied in the same low, cautious tone.
"Wby, Zera, this is nothing-it is mere
child's play If l have to encounter no
greater danger than this midnight march
through the woods, I shall esteem myself
more than fortunate. Come, dash away that
care-worn look and tell me gil thenews
came you here?" and Bartrelle looked at her
with half roguish smile that chased her fe irs
away
"It is too longs story to repeat to you here.
You must wait for our halt ng place, and will
tell you every thing. But how did you pene-
trate my disguisea thought you would not
know me-"
"No fear of that; / knew you the first
moment 1 saw you; but of course did not
betray your identity. The men think you are
some friend whom have been long expecting >
"I observed as much" she said
''But tell me Zera,' and Bartrelle's utter
ance came quick and short, as one whose heart
leaps and quiyers eagerly for the answer,
show is Laura ?-is she ell?-when did you
see her last st?-what said she? Did you tell
her you were coming to see me and sent she
no word?"
"What multitude of questions? WhyI
can't remember the half of them" was the
laughing reply. ''Bst stop; don't frown. Laura
is well; / saw her but q few days since, and have
a letter for you from her; but stop; you can't
have it now-you must curb your impatience
until We get to camp" and the now reassured
youth clapped his hands and laughed at Bar
trelle's perplexed and dissatisfied look.
But he had not long to wait The horses
and men were tired with their long, fatiguing
march. Alas! their powers of endurance were
nearly at an end Thty had been for nearly
twenty-four hours without food or rest, for it
was nearly daybreak now, and they could hold
out but little longer. One by one the horses
began to lag, until the greater number of them
followed, with tottering steps, hundreds of
yards in the rear 4tSwas in vain to contend
against nature. The men, too, absolutely
needed repose.
So orders were given to halt, and the men
glided from their saddles and Immediately
commenced arranging the camp and picketing
their steeds.
The ground they occupied was on the crest
of a hill, and little rivulet glided along its
base. Tall, thick trees covered the ground
and afforded them shelter. 1t was such a
place as wearied, exhausted troup would
have preferred to all others. Pickets were
stationed and guards set, and the tired men
and exhausted horses sought refreshment and
repose.