Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1878-02-27


again. Turning our faces northward
we moved through Mississippi; here we
had several skirmishes, but from all l
escaped unhurt. Months elapsed and
still 1 wore the pearls safely hidden, and
as fondly imagined, unsupported by
any one. ButI was doomed to find out
my mistake.
We were encaaped not far from
Chattanooga, Tennessee, We were
expecting marching orders daily, and
living idly in camp, were glad ofany di-
yerslon to while away the long hours,
when, one day, a strolling musician, an
old man with long white beard, and
carving a violin in dilapidated case,
was brought into camp. He had been
prewling around, and so had been taken
in as one OF the men laughinglK re-
marked. ....,..t..,...f. .,..
But, subsequent circumstances had
proved that the boot was on the other
FOOT Worn out with inactivity, the
BOYS, one and all, welcomed the good
old fellow; and when we found what
exquisite music he drew forth from that
worn, old violin, we decided sunani-
mously, that the new arrival was a
grand addition to the camp.
But once, 1 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 be-
fore, crept over me, and from that very
hour became suspicious Of him, and
was ever on the alert.
had turned in for the night. All
the camp lay qaietly slecpins beneath
the clear, white, moonbeams no sound
broke the silence, save the occasional
challenge of the sentinel;. and | lay,
restlessly. tossing on my rude couch,
uneasy and filed With va ue disirusi,
feeling that something was abent TO
happen.
The moon-rays penetrated my shell
ter, and dropped in great, white patch
es on the ground, before my bed. L lay
with my eyes fixed upon them and sud-
denly, l saw dark shadow cross their
whiteness; then form drew very near,
and saw it was our strOllisg Minis
trel.
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 unlawful
purpose; and, also that my good memo
ry had not played me false; ibis mid:
night prowler was the nanswhom | had
struck, for assaulhng the Young lady,
some months before. In a dash 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 followed our regiment,
and dogged my steps for the purpose Of
robbing me at last.
Something promptedme to close my
eyes, and feign sleep. fell the william
approach me-cleser-closer-then 4
sponge saturated with chloroform was
held to my nostrils; with quick spring
I bounded to my feet and caught the
ruffian by the throat. Just then the
sound of the bugle pealed through the
quiet night, boots and saddles With
desperate wrench the robber escaped
me; and | was scarcely aware ofmy own
movements found myselfin 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 fes fll battle ensued
Through all that dreadful engagement,
| kept my pearls jealousy guardedi ii
was a point of honor with me and
weuld nerer give them up. Such thoughts
were fitting through my mind when |
felt strong grasp on my bride, and
glauciBg down stood face to face with
the pretended old man, the would be
robber of the night before. At the mo-
ment felt a sharp pain in my side, fol-
lowed by numb, dead feeling.
saw the red-hot torrent which pour
ed forth, and knew tnat | was wounded
then l lost conciousness.
was aroused by rough and hasty
touch; and opening my eyes found my
enemy bend over me, his hands busily
removing my outer garment, and knew
that he was searching for the pearls.
Whence came my strength | know
not; but with a sudden mighty effort
seized my sabre, and struck him hea-
Wy blow. saw him reel and fall back.
ward, and then, once more, swOoncd
away.
On my second re turn TO conscious
ness L found myself. lying on hospital
bed, with kindly faces around me. My
first thought was of jewels, and my
heart thrilled with exultation when
found that they were safe.
For many weary months [ lay upon
my bed; and during the interval the wal
ended. But my health was very feeble,
and when l was removed to my native
New York twas the general impiss.
sion that had come home to die.
However that was not my intention,
and in the course of year L found my
self on the fair way to recover.
The secret Of the pearls had never
shared with any cne. They had been
in my possession for the space of five