The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1877-06-15


had shown me clearly the suffering and
poverty and desolation of many Of the
first and best in The land and may not her
GRAND have been To convert the Jewels
into bread for some suffering loved one g.
Hard old soldier though was, l felt the
tears start tony eyes. And from that hour
l determined to protect the jewels, and,
sooner or latter, if it were in the power OF
man to do so, would return them safely
to her possession.
But | had no time for scntimentalizng;
the army was already in motion, and my
place was with my command so, sitting
my signs of regret, prepared for immcd-
ate departure. Taking the pearls, sewed
them in large leather belt which | wore
ON my person concealed beneath outer
clothing, and determined to defend them
with my life.
| That night we left New Orleans, and
| years elapsed before | saw that city again.
| Turning our faces northward we moved
| through NJ Mississippi Here we had several
| sklrmishes, but from all we escaped I'M
hurt. Months elapsed, and still wore the
pearls safely hidden, and, as fondly ina
gined, unsupported by any one. But was
doomed to find out my mistake.
We were encamped not far from Chatta.
nooga, 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, II
strolling musician, an old man with a long
white beard, and carrying II violin in a
dilapidated case, was brought into camp
He had been observed prowling around,
and so had been " taken in,' as one of the
men laughingly remarked.
But, subsequent circumstances proved
that the "boot was on the other foot. To-
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, l caught him looking at me;
there was peculiar glitter in his steely-
blue eyes, which did not please me; an i'm
preston that we had met before, crept over
me, and from that hour 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 sound broke
the silence save the occasional challenge of
the sentinel and lay, restlessly tossing
on my rude couch, uneasy and filled with
vague distrust, feeling that something
was about to happen.
The moon-rays penetrated my shelter,
and dropped in great, white patches on the
ground before my bed. I lay with my eyes
fixed upon them; when, suddenly, saw
dark shadow cross their whiteness then
form drew cautiously 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 lie had obtained access to our
camp in disguise for some unlawful pur-
pose; and, also that my good memory had
not played me false-this midnight prowl-
er was the man whom had struck for as
saulting the young lady, some months be,
fore. In flash i saw it all. He had at.
tempted to rob her of her Jewels; but,
failing in his vile design, had secretly
observed my possession of them, and
had followed our regiment and logged
my steps for the purpose of robbing me at
last.
Something prompted me to close my
eyes and feign sleep. l felt the villain APP
proach me- closer-closer-t Il sponge
saturated with chloroform was held to my
nostrils. With a quick spring, bounded
to my feet and caught the ruiiian by the
throat. Just then the sound of the bugle
pealed through the quiet night, shoots
and saddles" With desperate wrench
the robber escaped me. and before l
was scarcely aware of my own movements
found myself in my saddle and, with the
rest of the 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
kept the pearls jealousy guarded. 1t was
point of honor with me, and | would
never give them up. Such thoughts were
fitting through my mind when | felt a
strong grasp on my bride, and glancing
down, stood face to face with the pretend
ed old mantle would-be robber of the
night before. At that moment l felt
sharp pain in my side, followed by dumb
dead feeling.
saw the red.hot torrent which poured
forth, and knew that l was Wounded
Then lost consciousness.
was aroused by n rough and hasty
touch and, opening my eyes found my
enemy bending over me, his hands busily
removing my outer garments, and knew
he was searching for the pearls. Whence
came my strength l knew not; but with u
sudden mighty effort l seized my sabre,
and struck him heavy blow. l saw him
reel, and fall backward and then once
more-I swooned away.
On my second return to consciousness l
found myself lying on q beautiful hospital
bed, with kindly faces around me. MY
first thought was of the Jewels and my
heart thrilled with exultation when found
that they were safe. For many weary
months l lay upon my bed and, during
the interval, the war ended. But my
health was very feeble, and when was
removed to my native New York it was
the general impression that had come
home to die.
However, that was not my intention, and
in the course of u year found myself in
fair way to recover. The secret of the
pearls had never shared with any one.
They had been in my possession for the
space of five years, and yet had never
really despaired of returning them to their
owner.
About that time it occurred to me that
trip to Louisiana would be very beneficial
to my health and so, in the year 1868,
found myself once more in New Orleans.
My first step was to insert personal" in
the daily papers, addressed to Miss Cecile
Tremaine, and requesting her address,
But received no reponse. Day after day
passed by, and was rapidly losing hope,
when it CHANGED one morning that stroll
ed into the printing office Of friend, and
stood watching the nimble fingers of COM
posters, among whom were several ladies'
At length heard the foreman address
one of the employees as miss Tremaine."
With wildly throDbing heart cast fur
tive glance in her DIRECTION. Great heav-
ems it was she was sure of it.
In few moments 1 acquainted my