The Forest Republican. [volume] (Tionesta, Pa.) 1869-1952, 1877-06-06
CECILEs PEARLS.


atiG II enAnceO, through Jho tOftune Oj
war, that my command was sent TO
New Orleans on special duty.
This dutys to most of us, was not
very pleasant; and we were awaiting
eagerly our summons to another quar-
ter, when / metSwith rather roman
tic adventure.
Passing down a secluded street, late
one evening, Iwas startled by a loud
shrek, evidently in a woman's voice,
followed by an appeal for help. Dart
ing fDrward, I preceived in the dim,
gray shadows of twilight, which fell up
on all things. the slender figure OF a
woman, enveloped in a waterproof
cloak, struggling in the grasp of bur
sly Fuffian. = Itw4s but the work of a
n1oanont to- deal him a blow, which
laid him at my feet. lie arose, and
with muttered curses and threats of
future vengeance, to which l, at the
time, paid no heed, considering them
but the rawlings of an inebriate, stag
gered onward. All this time the wo-
man had stood trembling with terror,
leaning against an adjacent building.
"How can ] ever thank you, sir ?"
1t was low, clear, sweet voice, the
unmistakable tones Of refinement. /
raised my hat. "a ,.xm ev
"If you win allow me, MADAM" /
replied, II will escort you home. 1t is
not safe for ladies to be out alone, in
these troubleus times"
II know it" she responded, some
what haughtily. "Bnt since your ar
my has demoralizsd the city, and fore
ed its citizens to an observance of laws,
which are only the laws of tyrants--
the power of the stronger over the
weaker-since New Orleans has be-
come what it now is, We are obliged to
submit to much and do many acts
which are repugnant to us -
She turned away, with quick, i'm
perious gesture of disdain, and, ere
could advance a step, had vanished
down an adjoining street. stood, for
moment, staring blankly in the di.
rection that she had taken, and, l rnust
confess it, thinking very much Of the
soft tones of her voice, and the BOWL.
deriDg dark eyes with which she had
glanced into my face, while she utter
ed her TRADE against the army, to
which had the honor Of belonging.
"Whew! The little REBEL" | ex-
claimed half aloud as | turned to move
away. just then, my eyes fell upon a
package lying upon the pavement, and
| raised it with start Of surprise. 1t
was evidently.a small box carefully
wrapped in tissue paper. Thrusting it
in my pocket started in the direction
which she had taken with faint hope
of overtaking her; but | had proceed
ed but few rods, whsn heard my
name called, and glancing around, be-
held the colonel Of my regiment.
major" said he, hurriedly, ere
port at once at headquarters. l have
received important news, and wish to
see you and ssme of the other officers
Immediately" 1fff aa4iT /
He passed rapidly onward before l
could answer with more than the GUS
tomary salute, and was lost to sight in
the ulSkahces 6 nTf
With a feeling Of inapatisnce which
I could not restrain, obeyed my supe-
rior's commands, and hastened tohead-
quarters. Here / soon discovered that
we we're to leave New Orleans at once
and proceed northward. Important
military movements rendered this
change imperative.
songht my own quarters, AMI pro-
ceeded to examine the little package.
Removing the numerous strings and
wrappihgs, a small box stood reveal
ed. With all odd sensation at my
heart raised the lid. Within the in
closure, upon q bed of azure satin,
there rested magnificent set of pearls,
bearing the inscription, in old English
letters; "CecIe TTemaiae, from her
Father.p
My heart filed with pity for the
young girl whom | felt convinced was
Cecile Tremaine. Where was che g0-
ing alone so late, and with so costly a
burden? Who could tell what story of
want, and woe, and despair it might
be in her po Eer to relate My exper-
ience in the war.devastated South had
shown me clearly the suffering and
poverty, and desolation of many of the
first and best in the land, aud may not
her errand have been to convert the
jewels into bread for some suffering
loved one? Hard old soldier though
l was, / felt the tears start in my eyes
And from that hour l determined to
protect the jewels, aud, sooner or lat
er, if it were in the power Of man tc
do so, / would return them safely tC
her possession. EEEt
But l had no time for sentimentaliz
ing the army was already in motion
and NV nlnca was with NV cnmmanh