Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1881-04-02

most simultaneously with it the sound Of
heavy step passing from the bushes to
the open margin of the stream. The time
was come. Bolton crouched with his rifle
at his shoulder: our eyes were fastened
ON the opposite bank. Suddenly white
nun Of smoke leaped forth-a sharp, flai
report, like the cracking of a whip; then
the low, unmistakable thud Of bullet
staggered and fell, still out Of our sight,
could we have had eyes for him then But
all depended upon our absolute immobil-
ity during the next few moments. The
white smoke drifted down to windward.
Before it had passed away saw the ig-
ure for which we were living IN wait
emerge quietly from its covert on the 9TH
err side and stand revealed. At the same
;naai tt.e bang of Belton's rifle rent the
stiffness; vet had time to remark some
thing inexplicably familiar in that alert.
graceful form-somethiDg not compatible
with its blue belted blouse and high boots.
And what happened next? To me it
seemed like an ugly tumultuons dream.
remember leaping down through the
seeing Hayden, alive and unhnrt support
nS Souubou ou nus Mice.
while he tore open the front of his uni
form. and disclosed the shirt stained with
blood. remember Bolton. with ghastly
face and sobbing breath, tearing loose the
painter Of small skiff thai was moored
close at hand. and putting off with frantic
haste across the stream. And l know
but how can tell-that he was going to
fetch the body of the woman he loved and
L. l. IL L. l.. e L
shooter OF the Rapidan was Rosalind
Capel.
She was still living when they brought
her in, but she had been hit mortally in
the right side and was fast bleeding to
death. But she smiled as we lifted her
ont, and her voice. though very faint, was
distinct and composed.
Lay me by Capt. Camlon.'' she said.
Il shall like to lie beside him. Had You
no mere worthless man in your army. but
you must lime me with a man like him ?''
IL was the one you were to have had, y
said Hayd ..but at the moment the cap
tain flung me down and went forward him.
self. 1t was too late to help it then. God
knows am sorry" and he burst into
tears as he said it.
Rosalind smiled strangely and moved
her hand unit! it touched Camlions.
captain Camlion acted like the hero
he always was she said, now almost in
audibly, II loved him-nevcr any one else
never you. you double traitor she adj
ded, Turning her darkening eyes on Bolton
who knelt in voiceless despair before her.
Last night you sold your adopted country
for a kiss" Her eyes half closed for a
moment and she breathed stertorously.
She opened them once more turned her
face toward Camliou. and made an effort
to lift his hand to her lips.
helped her to accomplish her pnr-
pose. Thanks she whispered. i
am not fit kiss his mouth butt he were
alive-I would ask his and-his
pardon!''
She did not speak after this, and in i
few minutes died very quietly.
Among Camlions papers was found a
letter to Bolton, explaining his object in
sacrificing himself You are my friend
it ran; IL will not stand between you and
her, now that know you lore each other
but shall never find better time oil
cause to die in than this"
Poor Beltoni he was acquitted by the
eourt-martial appointed to try him on the
charge Of having given information to the
enemy; but fear there was that in hi,
memory which made the remainder of hi.
lie more bitter to him than any death.
JULIAN HAWTHORNE.