Millheim Journal. [volume] (Millheim, Pa.) 1876-1984, 1877-12-06
Cecile'S Pearls.

rs was during the late rebellion.
was an officer in the Federal serv-
ice and it chanced, through the for
tune of war, that my command was
sent TO New Orleans on special du-
ky.
This duty 10 most of Us, was not
rery pleasant /; and we were await
ing eagerly our summons to another
quarter, when met with u rather
romantic adventure.
Passing down q secluded street,
late one evening, | was startled by a
loud shrek, evidently in q woman's
voice, followed by au appeal for help.
Darling forward, ! perceived in the
dim, gray shadows OF twilight.
which iell upon all things, The slen-
der figure OF woman, enveIoped in
% waterproof cloak, struggling in
the grasp OF burly ruffian. lt was
but the work of moment to deal
linn blow, which laid him at my
feet. He arose, and with .muttere6
curses and threats OF future ven-
Eeance, to which !. ut 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 build
ing.
'How can / ever thank you, sir ?"
It was q low. clear, sweet voice.
unmistakable tones of refinement. I
raised my hat.
''lf you will allow me, madam. !" l
replied, " | will escort you home.
IL Is not safe for ladies TO be out
alone, in these troubleous tines"
II know it." she responded, some
what haughtily. "But since your
army has demoralized the city, and
forced it's citizens TO an observance
Of laws, which are only the laws OF
tyrants-the power OF the stronger
over the weaker-since New Or
laans has become what it now is, we
are obliged to submit to much and
do many acts which are repugnant
TO us ~
She turned away, with q quick,
imperious ges ture OF disdain, and,
are could advance step, had van
ished down an adjoining street. |
stood for moment, staring blank.
ly IN the direction that she had taxi
en-, and / must confess it, thinking
<ery much of the soft tones of her
voice, and the bewildering dark
eyes with which she had glanced in
30 my face, while she uttered her
TRADE against the army, TO which I
lad the honor of belonging.
tWhew! The little REBEL" 7 Elk.
claimed half aloud IS turned to
move away. just then, my eyes
fell upon package lying upon the
pavement, and I raised it with q
start Of surprise. It was evidently
a small box carefully wrapped in
tissue paper. Thrusting it In nv
pocket, I started in the direction she
had AIKEN with faint hope OF over
taking her but I had proceeded
but few rods. when heard my
name called and glancing around,
beheld the colonel Of my regiment.
"sfajor, said he, hurriedly, "re-
port at once at headquarters.
have received important news, and
wish TO see you and some Of the 9th.
or officers Immediately.
He assed rapidly onward before
] could answer with moro than the
customary salute, and was lost to
aiglt Ia the distance.
With O feeling of impatience which
I could not restrain, obeyed my
superior'S com mands, and hastened
60 headquarters. Here I soon uis.
covered that we were to .eave New
Orleans at once and proceed north
ward. Important military move
nlcnts rendered this change imperi-
t:gc.
/ sought my own quarters, and
proceeded 10 examine the little pack
age. Removing the numerous
strings and Wrappings, small box
stood revealed. With an odd sensa-
t!0n at my heart I raised the lid.
Within the inclosure, upon bed of
eg1re satin, there rested a magHifi-
cent set of pearls, bearing the in
seriptiop, In old English letters -
"Cecilc 1ren,asne, from her Father. !"
siv heart filled with pity for the
young girl whom I felt convinced
was Cecile Tremaine. Where was
she going alone % late, and with
90 costly O burden Z? Who could tell
What story OF want, and woe, and
despair 1t night be In her power to
relate 2 My experience In the war.
! des sisted South had shown me clear