Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1878-09-10
Cecile'S Pearls.

Cecile's Pearls
1t was during the late rebellion. I
was an officer in the Federal service,
and it CHANGED through the fortune of
war, that my command was sent to New
Orleans on special duty.
This duty, to most of us was not verv
pleasant; and we were awaiting eagerly
our summons to another quarter, when
| met with rather romantic adventure
Passing down secluded street, late
one evening, L was startled by loud
shrek, evidently in woman's voice.
followed by an appeal for help. Dartiil e
forward, I perceived in the dim, gray
shadows Of twilight, which fell upon all
things, the slender figure of woman,
enveloped in waterproof cloak. strug-
Cling III the grasp of a ruffian.
1t was the work of 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 the adjacent building.
11OW Cd1l i ever tl1auh NCu, S1I
IL was low, clear, sweet voice, the
unmistakable tones of refinement. 1
missed my hat.
eff you will allow me, madam" re-
piled, II will escort you home. 1t is
not safe for ladies to be out alone, in
these troublous times.n
II 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 power
Of the stronger over the weaker-since
New Orleans 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 quick, i'm
perious gesture of disdain, and ere [
could advance a step, had vanished
down an adjoining street. I stood, for
a moment, staring blanliy in the direc-
ton that she had taken, and 1 must con-
fess it, thinking very much of the soft
dark eyes with which she had glanced
into my face, while she uttered her ii
rade against the army to which I had
the honor of belonging.
"Whew! The little rebel" | eXclaim-
ed half aloud as [ turned to move away.
Just then my eyes fell upon a package
lying upon the pavement, and I raised
it with start OF surprise. 1t was evil
IDENTIFY small box carefully wrapped
in tissue paper. Thrusting it in my
pocket I started in the direction which
she had taken 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.
major" said he, hurriedly "report at
once at headquarters. l have received
| important news, and wish to see you
and some of the other officers immedi-
ately"
He passed rapidly onward before 1
could answer with more than the Gus
tomary salute, and was lost to sight in
the distance.
With feeling of impatience which I
could not restrain, l Obeyed my superi-
or's command, and hastened to head
quarters.
There I soon discovered that we were
to leave New Orleans at once and pro,
ceed nOrthward. Important military
movements rendered this change i'm
perative'
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 I
raised the lid. Within the Enclosure,
upon bed of azure satin, there rested
q magnificent set OF pearls. bearing the
inscription, in old English letters -
'CecHe Irensaiae from her father"
My heart filed with pity for the young
girl whom I felt convinced was Cecile
TIemaine. Where was she going along
so late, and with so costly burden p
Who could tell what story Of want, and
woe, and despair it might be in her
war devastated South had shown ME
clearly the suffering and poverty and
desolation 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 I was, [ felt
the tears start in my eyes. And from
that hour determined to protect the
Jewels. and sooner or later, if it We're in
the power of man to do so, would re-
turn them to her possession.
But had no time for sentimentaliz-
ing; the army was already in motion
and my place was with my command
SO sitting my sighs of regret prepared
for immediate departure. Taking the
pearls, [ sewed them carefully into a
large leather belt, which wore on my
person concealed beneath my outer
clothing, and determined to defend them
with my life.
That night we left New Orleans, and
years elapsed before L saw that city
again. Turning our faces northward
we moved through Mississippi; here
| hod Oh ;,lo
I escaped unhurt. Months elapsed anC
still I wore the pearls safely hidden, and
as 1 fondly imagined, unsuspected b,
any one. But was doomed to find ou
my mistake.
We We're encamped not far from Chat
tanCoga, Tennessee. We were expect
ing marching orders daily, and lying
idly in camp, were glad of any diversion
to while away the long hours, when
one day, strolling musician, an oil,
man with long white beard, and car
rying violin in dilapidated case, wa
!, broughtlnt camp. He had been prOwl
ing around, and so had been "taken in
? as one OF the men iaughingly remark ed
!; But subsequent circumstances ha1
proved that the 'boot was on the othe
foot" Worn out with inactivity, th
boys, one and all, welcomed the goo'
? fellow; and when we found what ex
quisite mnsic he drew forth from tina
g worn, old violin, we decided unani
: mousIy, that the new arrival was
grand addition to the camp.
But once, l caught him looking a
me; there was a peculiar glitter in hi
steely blue eyes, which did not pleas
! me; an impression that we had met be
fore, crept over me, and from that yer,
hour L became sus picious of him, AM
| was eyer en- the alert.