The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1877-05-22

ed unhurt. Months elapsed, and still /
wore the pearls safely hidden, and, as I
fondly imagined, unsupported by any
one. But was doomed to find out my
mistake.
We We're encamped not far from Chat
tanooga, Tennessee. We were expecting
marching orders daily, and, lying idly
in camp, were glad of any diversion to
while away the long hours, when, one
day, a strolling musician, an old man
with long, white beard, and carrying
a violin in dilapidated case, was
brought into camp. He had been OBJ
served prowling around, and so had been
"taken in as one of the men laughing
ly remarked.
But, subsequent circumstances proved
that the " boot was on the other foot.''
Worn out with inactivity, the boys, one
and all, welcomed the old fellow and,
when we found what exquisite music he
drew forth from that worn, old violin,
we decided unanimously, that the new
arrival was grand addition to the
camp.
But, once, caught him looking at
me; an impression that we had met be-
fore, crept over me, and from that hour
l became suspicious of him, and was
ever on the alert.
had "turned in'' for the night. All
the camp lay quietly sleeping beneath
the clear, white moonbeams no sounds
broke the silence, save the occasional
challenge of the sentinel; and L lay,
restlessly tossing on my rude couch, un-
easy and filled with vague dstrust, q
feeling that something was about to
happen.
The moon,rlys penetrated my shelter,
and dropped in great, white patches on
the ground before my bed. L lay with
my eyes fixed upon them when sud-
denly, 1 saw dark shadow cross their
whiteness then dark form drew eau
tiously near, and saw that it was our
strolling minstrel.
But he was no longer bent and gray,
and, in that moment / found out two
things; that he had obtained access to
our camp in disguise for some unlawful
purpose; and, also that my good mem
ory had not played me false; this mid
night prowler was the man whom 1 had
struck, for assaulting the young lady,
some months before. In flash / saw
it all. He had attempted to rob her of
her jewels; but failing in his evil design,
had secretely observed my possession of
them, and had followed our regiment,
and dogged my steps for the purpose of
robbing me at last.
Something prompted me to close my
eyes, and feign sleep. / felt the villain
approach Observation-Disclosures n
sponge saturated with chloroform was
held to my nostrils; with quick spring
L bounded to my feet and caught the
ruffian by the throat. Just then, the
sound of the bugle pealed through the
quiet night, shoots and saddles" With
a desperate wrench the robber escaped
me and I-before l was scarcely aware
of my y,own movements-found myself
in my saddle, and, with the rest of my
command, on my way to the scene of
action.
Here we met the opposing army and a
fearful battle ensued.
Through all that dreadful engagement
l kept the pearls jealously guarded; it
was point of honor with me and 1
would ncUer give them up. Such
thoughts were fitting through my mind
when / felt strong grasp on my bride,
and, glancing down stood face to face
with the pretended old man, the would
be robber of the night before. At that
moment felt sharp pain in my side,
followed by numb, dead feeling.
saw the red hot torrent which pour
elk forth, and knew that was wounded;
then lost consciousness.
l was aroused by a rough and hasty
touch and, opening my eyes found
my enemy bending over me, his hands
busily removing my outer garments, and
/ knew that he was searching for the
pearls. Whence came my strength
1 know not but with sudden, mighty
effort 1 seized my sabre, and struck him
heavy blow. saw him reel, and fall
baclxward-and then-once more-I
swooned away.
On my second return to consciousness
L found myself lying on hospital bed,
with kindly faces around me. My first
thought was of the Jewels, and my
. heart thrilled with eXultation when L
found that they were safe. For many