Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1871-03-03

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flag that he she'd his blood 20 save from
disgrace"
FL believe you, dearest replied Harry
sincerely; "and remember. whatever
happens, yon will have a protector in me;
you must call upon mc for anything you
need"
IL WILL faltcrcd Clara.
And now must 60"
$50 soon?n
"Yes; | only obtained leave for this
short time, by promising to return in an
hour, and You know soldiers promise
must never he broken"
So, with many more assurances, and
some mutual sighs. they parted, and
Harry went away TO camp. so happy that
all The hard work OF that and many sue
ceeding days and nights was made light
by the glorious future.
lie dill not see Clara again Tor what
seemed very long time, but he heard
from her frequently, and those sweet
notes breathing out The love of her young
heart cheercd him on Then. too, he
could dream of the time when his term OF
service over, ho could claim her for his
bride.
SO the days stole by. until the time
came when ut last the Government a"ak'
oned and began to seize in is iron grasp
ali those suspected proved Ia he traitors.
One night the Moon WAS silvcring with
her pale lalgall the wooded shore OF the
Potomac. the sir WAS still and pure Us IL
il had never been bIackencd with smoke
anil cloyen with cannon balls. Once
again Harry Was on senlinels duty hc
was one Of picket of soldiers who were
guarding the road that led away TO
Manassas; his beat was along lonely
lane .kirtcd with bushes and deeply
shaded by over.arching trees. Back and
forth be had marched in his ronotlnous
round for one lonely hour that had been
frightened only by dreams of Clara. 1t
was past midnight, and NIL bul The guards
On duty were sleeping quietly \" sound
disturbed the stiffness but the faint chirp'
inr of the summer insects aud the long
,irh ofthc wind through the trees. Harry
vas Just thinking how peaceful was
everything bat his own soldierly liz
urc. when Il faint rustic caught his
alcr, car. lie listened intently the Same
indis,inct noise, and nc caugh: sight OF II
dark object crouching in the bushes. In
nm instant he had brought his piece 10
bear, with Il sharp
"Who goes there
No answer. and with . levelcd gun, he
cried. .'adyance and give the countar'ign
or fire.
Then with arrested aim he heard low
ahrick, and caught the words,
Harry, Harry, Harry"
..Oh, Harry" she sasped. my uncle
they are after him; he will 30 seized
and thrown into prison. | have told him
would save him Nc is here with me.
Only let us 50 pat
Never exclaimed Harry, thongh
even as he spoke all the horrors OF his po'
si,ion flashed upon him. He knew that
oven to talk with her one instant while on
guard was a violation OF his duty and yet,
how summon his comrades, and expose
his pure darling to THEN rude jcsts? "oh,
Clara he groaned, "you know not what
YOU ask; leave me and go back to your
home"
No" she answered firmly. Harry,
have you forgotten all you proml'ed'
You have said YOU would do anything
asked y
Anything bnt this
But surely, YOU will let my poor rncle
sos lowe him much, and ! haze sworn
to save him now
"liow did yoa cross the liver without
the pass?" asked Harry. with sudden
hope.
.In an open boat, we two alone. Now
Harry. let me call him and let ns so free, y
No, never" repeated Harry. "lfyou
call Your uncle, [ summon the guard Tor
YOUR sake dread to do so. Leave me.
then Clara. and so away as you came.
Then give me the conntcrsign," she
begged inplolngly.
mo, Clara; how can you ask me to
commit such inlamy?"
You DO not love me-" she sobbed,
drawing away from him.
II do" replied Harry. solemnly; 81
love you more than my life, but not more
than my honor"
Clara was sobbing now convulSivcly,
and only shook her head.
You are a soldiers daughter, Clara;
Won ought not 10 demand of me what will
surely cover my name with disgrace"
AS he spoke there was sound OF quick
footsteps approaching. Clara sprang To
his side.
"Forgivc me she murmured. Al The
instant, there was \ glitter OF steel in the
moonlight. Harry levelled his gun Tor
he knew those were hostile bayonots.
Close behind him, tall, dark figure
glided across the road.
Back" he cried, and levelling at the
nearest intruder, fired A score OF creak
lug shots replied; a sudden agony seized
him ;he heard woman's shrek, long and