Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1878-02-27
CEglLE's 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 quar-
ter. when met with rather roman
tic adventure.
Passing down secluded street, late
one evening, l was startled by a loud
shrek, evidently in woman's' voice
followed by an appeal for help. Dart
ing toward, psrceivedln IN the dim, gray
shadows of twilight, which fell upon al
things, the slender figure ola woman
enveleped IN waterproof cloak, strug-
Cling In the grasp of ruffian.
1t was ths work Of moment to deal
him blow, which laid him at lay feet
He arose and with muttersd curses and
threats of future vengeance, to which l,
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
+ How can ever thank you sir "
twas a low, clear, sweet voice, the
unmistakable tones Of refinement. l
missed my hat.
If you will allow me, madam re-
Piled. L will escort you home. 1t is
not safe for ladies to be out alone, in
these troublous times.'
4 know it, she responded, somewhat
haughtily, But sincs your army has
Csnorsliked the city, and forced Its
citizens to an observance Of laws which
are only the laws oftyrants--the power
of the stronger over the weaker-slnce
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 a quick, ina
perious gesture of disdain, and, ere l
could advance step, had vanished
down an adjoining street. stood,
fora moment, staring 5lankly in the
direction that she had taken, and l
must confess it, thinking very much OF
the soft tones Of her voice, and the
bewilderiag dark eyes with which she
had glanced into my face, while she
uttered her TRADE against the army TO
which l had the honor Of belonging.
'Whew! The little REBEL exclaim-
ed half aloud as 1 turned to move
away. Just then my eyes fell upen a
package lying upon the pavement, and
raised it with start of surprise. 1t
was evidently a small box carefully
wrapped in tissue paper. Thrust'ns it
in my pocket started in the direction
which she had taken witha faint nope
of evertaking her; butt had proceeded
buta few roads when l heard my name
called, and glancing around beheld the
colonel of my regiment.
Major, said he, hurriedly, 'reporta at
at once at headquarters. | have re-
ceived important news, and wish to see
you and some OF the other officers im'
mediately.'
He passed rapidly onward before
could answer with more than the Gus
tomary salute, and was lost to sight in
the distance.
With feeling oflmpatience which
could otrestrain, obeyed my super
lors's command, and hastened 10 head
quarters.
f There l soon discovered that we were
, to leave New Orleans at once and pro-
coed northward. Important military
movements rendered this change i'm
peratiye.
d sought my own quarters, and pro
ceeded to examine the little package
Removing the numerous strings ant
wrappings, small box stood revealed
With an odd sensation at my heart
raised the lid. Within the inclosure
upon a bed Of azure satin, there resteC
a magnificent set ofpearls, bearing the
inscription, in old English letters -
'Cscite Trem0ine from her father.'
Ny heart filed with pity for the young
b, girl whom felt convinced was Cecilt
Tremaine. Where was she going along
so late, and with so cestly burden
Who could tell what story Of want, ant
woe, and despair it might be in hel
power to relate' Ny experience in th,
war devastated South had shown m,
clearly the suffering and poverty anC
desolatlon ofmany Of the first and bes
in the land, and may not her erranC
have been to convert the jewels intO
bread for some suffering loved one7
Hard old soldier though I was, fel
the tears start in my eyes. And from
that hour determined to project tht
Jewels, and sooner or later, ifit were ir
tie power of man TO do so, / would re
turn them to her possession. "
But had no time ier seutimentaliz
inq; the army was already in motor
and my place was with my command
so sitting nay sighs Ofregret / prepared
for immediate departure. Taking tht
, pearls, sewed them carefully into
large leather belt, which l wore on M
person concealed beneath my outel
o -