Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-03-03
selett Storp.
THE
FAITHFUL SENTINEL.

Harry Milton had for two years belong
eel to one of the crack regiments of New
York. His triendS had sometimes laugh
ell at him for playing ut war, and being
a trainer rather than soldier; hut no
one smiled. when. lew days after tho
Presidents stirring appeal Tor men, hc
marched off in the ranks that contained
the best blood of the city, TO certain
danger and possible death Harry wa,
wealthy and well born. one of the court.
ed darlings Of the aristocracy;" but his
was large family, he was unmarried
and disengaged, and he could see no
reason why when men werc wanted, he
should seek 10 avoid the hardships of the
life of the private soldier. So, while the
heart of the great metropolis was rung
with griei, he and his comrades marched
bravely away.
In due time they reached the Capital,
though not without many hardships. and
pitched their white tents on the green
fields and under the spreading trees be-
side the broad Potomac This was pc,
regiment. ss have said. and in the evsn-
iug. n dress parade. whatever OF beauty
or fashion remained in the 5esieged city,
came out TO their camp. For the first
night or two Harry was in the ranks, and
had not much opportunity Tor Observing
tie visitors; but at last there came al
evening when he was on guard duty, and
his beat was at he right of the line. A,
he paced slowly up aud down, he noticed
gentleman andSldy stroll away from
the group and pause beneath tree just
beside him. The Gentlemen was tall and
dark, with fierce black eyes, and "a gaunt
face and his look ran along the line o
.latued soldiers and glittering bayoncls
scoul OF the fiercest hate darkened hi:
brow, and he between the set teeth NUT
tered what seemed 4 curse; the threaten
ing expression startled the sentinel; h'
walked noiselesSly away, but as soon Il:
be turned again, kept wary watch OF
tho odd stranger. He WAS evidently
much excited. talked eagerly with hi
companion. and more than once making
q menacing gesture towards the regiment
The lady evidently was trying TO chec!
him, and al last laid her hand on his arm
and turned iRploringly towards the ap
psOaching sentinel. Then, for the fiys
time, Harry saw her. 4 fair, beautilu
face, and large brown eyes. that lOoke'
at him with glance Of such deprecativ'
/ wistfulness that an involuntary sentilnen
OF pity. aud perhaps even then soite
| sentiment that is akin 10 it, filled hi
heart. He could only return her look b,
q respectful salute, but she seemed 10 un
dcrstand, for half smile broke on he
sweet lips, and Harry ielt as il for IA
other such smile hG would hare done
almost anything. When he turne'
away again il was all he could do TO re
restrain himself from racing over tha
portion of his beat that led from the en-
ehanted spot where she stood, that h
might again have chance 10 see he
lovely face.
She was still there when he turned, AIT
looked quite happy. for her strange com
panion was quiet now. only with mood.
scowl regarding The glittering ranks be
fore him. IIarry's luck befriended hin
this evening, for as he came up again h
saw an orderly who was able to sen'
! after a camp aiool for the lady. His at
tention was gratefully accepted. and one
moro that bcwitching smile more than re
warded him; and after the parade Wa
over Iiarry's lieutenant strolled near, an'
catching sight of the couple, came up L
greet them as old friends. So now h
could know who she was. OF course b
watched them all more eagerly then
hoping earnestly that they would sta,
until after the change oil guard. AM
once again fortune was his friend. The
waited. and Harry was made happy b
being presented to the Hon. Manlus Il
and his neice, Miss Clara Haywood.
Their interview was but short one
and Harry was intensely surprised t
hear Mr.. r. speak smilingly and Wit
apparent enthusiasm OF our "magnilicen
army" One would have thought, t