Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1881-12-13

Hurry up. then" we both answered.
"You have no time to spare
We stood in the doorway of our tent
and watched the tall, stalwart figure as
it dropped out of sigh, behind the hill.
Then Jack turned to me with new smile
that was somewhat belied by his droop'
ing lids.
"Hal looks like prince Of the blood
in his new uniform" he said, land
carries himself like one, too. What a
magnificent fellow he is! But what is
the matter with him, Grey: scent
trouble in the air. He is not himself,
lately"
Just my own impression, also; but |
did not care to discuss the matter. lhe
day was busy one, and when night
came we were glad to wrap ourselves IN
our blankets and 90 to sleep.
Hal returned the next morning.
Halo, old fellow; hows Hilltop:
cried Jack, dancing around him in a fe-
yer OF impa,ience. "Who did you sec
How are all the folks:
He soon received quietus in the shape
Of sundry packages and parcels. Then
Hal turned TO me.
There's no chance at headquarters, |
suppose = he said, in,errogatiyely. 1--WE
get out of this to-day:
answered afhrmatively.
The Lord be praised he exclaimed
Il could not stand this inac,ion much
longer, Grey" And he fell vigorously
TO work, packing his knapsack.
H. had not quite the air of happy
Romeo whose lips were still warm wiki
the kisses Of his Juliet. But had TO
time to puzzle over it, and by sundown
we were off.
This is no war story; and it is need
less to tell our marchlngs and counter
marohings, our perils, our victories and
defeats |, is easy enough TO say that
We were in Virginia, that vast mausoleum
of two armies, and iha, we three Hilltop
BOYS had no reason TO be ashamed OF our
record.
But through it all and underlying all
there was something about Hal BrainaEd
that | could not understand. lie was
brave even to rashness but II seemed 70
me more like the recklessness OF the man
who holds his l,e.oi little worth than the
bravery OF him who takes It calmly IN
his hand, ready ii /, is required OF him,
to offer it up in all its tull sweet COM
ple,cucSS. One eyening-lt was on the
eve OF an engagement ventured TO re-
monstra,c with him.
- You are too reckless, Hail. SAID.
a man has no right 10 throw away his
lie need.ess!y, even in battle. Think
what II would be to Thyrza II you were
to be lett In some name!ess grave down
here.
He started as if the bullet had already
found him. Whether you believe 1t or
not, we three m.ssed together ever since
We lett Vermont, we had tramped side oy
| side through Virginia mud, We had shared
each other railons and blankets IN many
stress OF danger and fatigue, but the
name OF lhyIzA Harrington had never
passed our lips since that day IN camp at
BraiilcbO!o. Hal was always ret!cent
he was the sort OF man who held YOU al
arm length II lie pleased, any subject
he chose 10 ignore was sealed book.
he had not chosen TO talk OF her, and so
Jack and | had been silent; but that
nigh, the s3irit moved me strongly, and /
spoke.
lie started, as | have said, and his
bronzed lace flushed, but after a moment
lie answered quietly:
IL 10 not expect TO be killed. Grey,
for | have learned since | came down
here that 1t takes q deal of ammunition
to Kill Que man. But If should fall
think lhyrza would manage to endure
it, he added in low tone as he tossed
Il pebble into the road with the toe of HE
boot.
Manage TO endure it - | cried.
What do You mean, Hal: Is she not
your promised wife =
"l-suppose-so,' he answered slow
ly, according to the letter Of the law.
But whs, Is the letter good for when the
spirit is gone: What is the body worth
without the SOUL
The flush had faded and be was pale as
ghost.
II am sure you are beside yourself,
Hal" said, laying my hand upon his
arm; " but it will do YOU good to break
the silence in which you have wrapped
yourself. Make clean breast of it, man
for your souls sake. What is the trouble
with you and Thyrza:'
Trouble enough he answered dog
gedly. II have reason to believe that
she made mistake in engaging herself
to me. If should happen to be picked
off by one of those internal bullets" he
added grimly, :" it would be fortunate
circumstance. 1t would set her free, you
see, without any fuss"
There was stern compromise of his
lips, metallic hardness to his voice.
Yet Hal Brainard's nature was brave,
tender and womanly. l probed him
with questions as a surgeon probes a
wound.
"And you" asked, "have you made
mistake, too"
"If she be not fair to me,
what care how fair she be-"
he quoted lightly. Then, as if some wave
of feeling swept over him. tearing his
pride from its moorings, he seized my