Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1877-09-21

outstretched but the eyes OF the bru-
nette appeared to precede him, they
were so eager, so sparkingly inpatient,
80 you have come from the war my
brave fellow p exclaimed the General.
Heartily welcome to Burnstock. Its
doors are never closed TO comrade-
one, too, who has seen hard service,
suspect. What regiment, my friend y
"Tho fifth, General" responded the
soldier, making his salute
"The fifth, cried the dark girl, clasp
ing her hands ooh uncle it's cousin
Halls; ask him about him
"IIa1s, laughed the General do
you fancy a soldier knows all the lieu
tenats of his regiment, Francie p
II knew one Lieutenant Hal Gabraith,
General" remarked the traveller -
Saluting the lady: 'Lieutenant Hal
Gabraith"
"fal Gabraith, why its the very man.
That's my nephew; this war was his hap
tism Of fire ! so any news you can give
us of the lad, my man, will be welcome
here"
Francie leaned eagerly forward, her
pretty lips open with expectancy. But
the old soldier did not speak /; an ex-
preston of embarrassment overspread
his bronzed face.
Papa" said one of the ladies' inter-
posing, we forget, johnny told us this
poor man was thirsty and tired Should
we not refresh him FIRST and hear the
news afterwardsY
The old soldier cast glacc, it seemed,
of gratitude, from under his shaggy eye
brows toward the fair speaker.
True, true, Emma. In our anxiety
We forget hospitality. Come, sergeant,
come
"And side by side the General aud
the non-commissioned officer, surrounded
by the three girls, the darkest ever
lowering nearest, went to the house, and
into the dining room where refreshments
were served. But the appetite of the
soldier bad gone. lie appeared i'll at
ease, drank the ale quickly but refused
anything else; whoreupon the General
resumed his questions about Lieutenant
Hail. thereby evidently renewing the
guests embarrassment,
Good Heavens, man p' cried the
General, irate, bringing his cane down
with a loud thud "lIave you anything
to say iii Of the lad that you hum-and-
ha? It's the first time the boys been
under fire, it's true; but surely he's not
proved coward lie is no Gabrath il
he have hinchod"
"Uncle !" exclaimed Francio but the
soldier interrupted, sadly:
"And that's just what he has done
General"
dome what? Speak, man, speak /.
Toll mo-"
Jdeutenant Hal was ordered to take
command Of an exploring party was
one Of them Well General, We hadn't
got FAR beyond the trenches when We es-
pied a small detachment Of the enemy
their numbers were no more, if as many,
as our own"
, "Wcll, well, 60 on, man"
clad we attacked them, we should
t have made all prisoners but-but the
! enemy caught sight of rs first and
, "And Lieutenant Hal" broke in
| Francie.
"Ordered a retreat, Miss" and the
old soldier dropped his voice and his head
, We've Englsbmcn hed--fod before
, our enomy's first freP
, There was pause; then a clear sill
| - Il LY.p a. a..
1T is falsc-lalse I will never
never believe it. Cousin Ha was az
bold as lion lie never would have
done this thing"
Uncle" she proceeded indignantly,
"do not believe it. Why should we
take this mans word ? Let us wait for
Halls coming home. Who knows but
this soldier, to hide his own cowardice--
She stopped. The guest had said
nothing he bad simply raised his
wounded arm and touched his bandaged
head significantly.
Il beg your pardon" said poor Fran
Gle humbly IL am unjust, but can't
believe what you say Of Lieutenant Hal"
Then her voice gave way, and she
hurried from the room.
The General had tho soldier we'll
cared for. aud vowed that be would not
proceed Northward on bis journey until
he had slept one night at Burnstock
The seargent accepted the hospitality
thankfully, aud after dinner, going to
the dining-room, held the family inter
ested with accounts Of the war ; but all
purposely avoided the name Of Lieuten-
ant Hal.
Francio sat rather apart from the rest,
her hand frequently shading her eyes
but her firm lips seeming ever 10 express
the words, 81 will not believe il.
When the hour came for separation,
the General held her back awhile and
said
"My child. surely you will think no
more Of one who has disgraced the name
Of n race which has produced brave
soldiers for century, Francie, did you
promise him your hand only if he proved
himself worthy Of it|
ooh Uncle, I love him So" she
murmured then sho.lookcd up, a strange
light in her eyes "Uncle, let us wait
At least give until tomorrow I will
answer you then. No, if Hal be craven
/ | will never be bis wife "
The next morning Francic rose early,
and sought the old soldier. He was
seated on the terrace in tho sun; but
got up hurriedly as she approached.
"please tell me all you know Of
Lieutenant Hal " she said II cannot
ask You before Others