The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1877-05-22
A STRING OF PEARLS.

war, that my command was sent to New
Orleans on special duty.
This duty, to most of us, was not very
pleasant; and we were awaiting eagerly
our summons to another quarter, when
1 met with rather romantic adventure.
Passing down secluded street, late
one evening, i was startled by q loud
shrek, evidently in woman's voice
followed by an appeal for help. Darling
forward, perceived in the dim, gray
shadows of twilight, which fell upon all
things, the slender figure of woman,
enveloped in a waterproof cloak, strug-
Cling in the grasp of burly ruffian. 1t
was but the work of a moment to deal
him blow, which laid him at my feet
He arose, and with muttered curses and
threats of future vengeance, to which I,
at the time, paid no heed, considering
them but the rawlings of an inebriate,
staggered onward. All this time the
woman had stood trembling with terror,
leaning against an adjacent building.
6 How can ever thank you, sir S''
1t was low, clear, sweet voice, tie
unmistakable tones of refinement. I
raised my hat.
{" If you will allow me. madam" /
replied. II will escort you home. 1t is
moi safe for ladies to be out alone,in these
troublous times"
know it," she responded, some
what haughtily. But since your army
has demoralized the city, and forced its
citizens to an observance of laws, which
are only the laws of tyrants-the pow
er Of the stronger over the weaker
since New Orleans has became what it
now is, we are obliged to submitto much
and do many acts which are repugnant
to us ~
She turned away, with a quick, impe-
rious gesture of disdain, and, ere could
advance step, had vanished down an
adjoining street. l stood, for moment,
staring blankly in the direction that she
had taken, and, must confessit, think
ing very much of the soft tones of her
voice, and the bewildering dark eyes
with which she had glanced into my
face, while she uttered her TRADE against
the army, to which / had the honor of
belonging.
"Whew The little rebel,'' 1 exclaim-
ed, half aloud as L turned to move away.
Just then, my eyes fell upon q package
lying upon the pavement, and raised
it with start of surprise. 1t was evil
IDENTIFY 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 not proceeded but few
rods, when heard my name called, and
glancing around, beheld the colonel of
my regiment.
Major" said he, hurriedly, "report
at once at headquarters I have received
important news, and wish to see you and
some of the other officers Immediately.
He passed rapidly onward before I
could answer with more than the Gus
tomary salute, and was lost in the dis
tance.
With a feeling of impatience which I
could not restrain, obeyed my superi.
or's commands, and hastened to head
quarters. Here soon discovered that
we were TO leave New Orleans at once
and proceed northward. Important
military movements rendered this change
imperative.
sought my own quarters, and pro-
ceeded to examine the little package.
Removing the numerous strings and
wrappings, small box stood revealed.
With an odd sensation at my heart 1
raised the lid. Within the inclosure,
upon bed of azure satin, there rested a
magnificent set of pearls, bearing the
inscription in old English letters: see
oil 1Teandine, from her Father"
My heart filled with pity for the young
girl whom felt convinced was Cecil
Tremaine. Where was she going so
late, and with so costly burden ? Who
could tell what story of want,and woe.
and despair, it might be in her power to
relateY My experience in the war-de-
vastated South had shown me clearly
the suffering and poverty, and desola-
ton of many of the first and best in the
land, and may not her errand have been
to convert the jewels into bread for some
suffering loved one? !? Hard old soldier
though / was, felt the tears start in my
eyes, And from that hour determined
to protect the jewels, and, sooner or
later, if it were in the power of man to
do go, would return them safely to her