The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1870-12-15

IHutouhht nlackst0ne. | nave orders
for him" The countersign," said the
man, doubtiugly She gave it ilpme.
diately; then unhesitatingly he led her
to the Lieutenant, who, after hastily
reading the order, said "Madnm, eau
you let General Washington know |
and my men will bJ with him before
dawn to morrow 7" To this she assentcd,
aud in an hour she found herself once
more in the place where she had left
General Washington. But instead of
the commander in chief, Lieutenant
CapOn stood waiting for her Miss
Morcbury," he said, advancing to meet
her, II am rejoiccd to see you safe !;
the General sent me TO receive your re
port" aud he smiled at the idea of this
fair girl reporting to him. lie listened
attentiyely as she gave her message,
Miss Morebury, if you will allow an
almost stranger to offer his advice
would beg you now to think of rest for
yourself" He drew her arm within
his and continued, as he walked with
her home "YGu have done nobIy ;
many women would have failed, but
you - "Hcre, we are at home" in.
terrupted Rachel hastily, twill you come
In 2 'lmpossible," he said, ''and," he
added, his clear voice sinking low with
intensity of feeling, ''pray that this
coming battle may be a success our
troops, our people need it," Holding
out his hand, he said, "Will you bid a
iellow-soldier God speed ?" Her little
hand was laid in his He raised it to
his lips, and left her.
The battle ofGermantown was fought
All Americans know how it ended; il
was not the success that had been hog
ed for, After the battle the British
retired to Philadelphia, aud there pass
ed the winter. Washington Withdrew
with his troops about fifteen miles from
Philadelphia. While the pililcss king
OF the North swayed his sceptre, aud
the ice lay thick on land and tree, their
sufferings were dreadful. But when
spring with her genial rays unbound the
frozen streams, hope revived, an they
once more entered the field 10 battle for
their country's freedom.
To Rachel the result of the battle was
hard blow. She had confidently look
ed forward to victory. Let us take a
look at her home. 1t is evening; a
cheerful fire burned in the huge chin.
ney place, Rachel is on stool at her
mothers feet, who is rolling bandagcs,
pllng them up in basket at her side.
Henry, the second son lad of thirteen,
lies on a rug before the fire, his head on
the shaggy back of u favortc Newfound-
land. Mr.. Morebury is talking eagerly
OF the allengrossing theme, the late
battle. MY dear" he said to his wife,
"the temporary hospital is full; I think
we might help nurse some poor wounded
soldier"
Certainly" said good Mrs. More.
bury, who sclrcely did anything but
echo her husbands opinions.
And, Miss Rachel, if find good
looking young man, you are not to fall
IN love, with him and march off and
leave me, said her father, laughing.
That is just what Ray will do"
cried her teasing brother, delighted to
call the blush to her cheek.
d" will do nothing of'-A loud
knock interrupted her, the door of the
sitting room was thrown open, aud an
officer entered, covered with mud and
blood
must indeed qFologize, he said
iaintly, "for presuming on my very
slight acquaintance with Miss Morcbu.
ry, for this intrusion"
Not at all, not at ALL" said Mr..
Morebury; you are most welcome
come IN you seem to need refresh.
ment."
am wounded" he said family,
sinking on the sofa. All sprang for.
ward He was tenderly raised aud car.
ried to bed, physician called in, aud
all done that was possible for his com.
fort.
Day after day slipped by. Rachel
nursed him cooked for him read to
him. And he, poor young man, lost
his heart with her blue eyes and bonnie
brown hair.
Some six weeks after his arrival,
when he was thorou .hly doinesticated,
he walked into the garden where Rachel
was working "Uome, Miss Ray" he said, ,
using the family name for her, "Come
aud walk with me SOU promised to
take me to see your other patient who
lives 10 the wood where first met you
-Joshua-"
"Green," she said. "WeIl, | will
get my hat, You know, believe, that
he Is a great favorite of mine y she
began, as she joined him. "lIe is us
brave as man, as true patriot as ever
lived. He fought at the last battle on
his crutches you will like him, am
sure"
Yes" he said, absently then ad
ded, rather abruptly, twill you be sorry
when go away, Miss Rayy"
"Of course | WILL" she said you
have been such care, cannot help
but miss you"
I" Here" he said, al first met you /;
aud here | will tell you what my heart
has been telling me for many past
week, that | love you, Ray-loye you,
aud would make you my wife = and he
drew her to him "Tell me, darling"
he whispered, "shall | leave to morrow
with bright hope to look to after the
war is over, or shall go to seek death
in battle :"
This Of course he would never have
done, but he said it, aud Rachel was
foolish enough to believe him She put
I