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

from al Il escaped unhurt. Months
elapsed, and still l wore the pearls
safely hidden, and, as 1 fondly imag.
ined, unsupported by anyone. But /
was doomed to find out my mistake.
We were eucamped not far from
Chattanooga, Tennessee. We were ex-
pecting marching orders daily, and,
lying idly in camp, were glad of any
diversion to while away the long hours,
when, one day, g strolling musician,
an old man with long white beard,
and carrying a violin in 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 prov
ed that the "boot was on the other
foot" Worn ut-with inactivity, the
boys, one aud all, welcomed the old
fellow and, when we found what ex-
quisito music he drew forth from that
worn, old violin, we decided unani.
nously, that the new arrival was a
grand addition to the camp.
But, once, | caught him looking at
ME there was peculiar glitter in his
steely-blue eyes, which did not please
me an impression 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" f"r the night. All
the camp lay quietly sleeping be-
meath the clear, white, moonbeams !;
no sound broke the silence, save the
occasional challenge of the sentinel !;
and lay, restlcssly tossing on my
rude couch, uneasy and filed with a
vague distrust, q feeling that some
thing was to happen.
The moon-rays penetrated my shell
ter, and drapped in great, white
patches on the ground, before my bed.
| 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 he had obtained access to
our camp in disguise for some unlaw-
ful purpose; and, also that my good
memory had not played me false; this
midnight prowler was the man whom
| had struck, for assanltipg the young
lady, some months before. In IA flash
| saw it ALL He had attempted to
rob her of her jewels; but, failing in
his vile design, had secretly observed
my possession of them, and had follow
ell our regiment ard dogged my steps
for the purpose of robbing me at last.
Something prompted me to close my
eyes, and feign sleep. | felt the vii.
lain approach me closer-closer-
then, a sponge saturated with chloro-
form was held to my nostrils; with
quick spring | bounded to my feet and
caught the ruffian by the throat. Just
then, the sound of bugle pealed
through the quiet night, "boots and
saddles" With a desperate wrench
the robber escaped me; and before
| wes scarcely aware of my own move
ments-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 engage
ment, / kept the pearls jealously guard
ed it was point of honor with me,
and would nerer give them up. Such
thoughts were fitting through my mind
when | felt strong grasp on my bri-
die, 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 2 numb, dead
feeling. ra- --
| saw the red-hot torrent which pour
ed forth, and knew that was wound
ed then l lost consciousness.
/ was aroused by 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
know not; but with a sudden, mighty
effort l seized my saber, and struck
him a heavy blow. | saw him reel,
and fall backward-snd then-once
more-I swooned away.
On my second return to conscious
ness found myself lying on a hospi-
tai 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 weary months lay upon my
bed and, during the interval, the war
ended But my health was very fee
BILE, and when | was removed to my
native New York it was the general
impression thst / had come home to