The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-04-12
The Missing Watch.

TRANKLIN COULTER, dry goods
L clerk, Joined as private, one of the
first New York regiments that volun-
teered for the suppression of the Rebel
lion. In the course of service he won
the rank of second lieutenant, then of
first lieutenant, and finally a brevet
.captaincy. Toward the close of the war
his regiment was encamped at a small
village in Virginia, guarding depot of
supplies. 1t was an easy and pleasant
service, and both officers and men de-
lighted in it.
Beside the village, which had only
been depopulated of its young men,
there were several fine plan tations in the
neighborhood, the property of families
that had been wealthy and were still
proud.
The young ladies of the village and
the plantations, although they grieved
for those who were away, could not be
expected to devote their entire time to
that employment, and were not unwil-
ling to be consoled by their conquer
-ors," who exerted themselves to provide
all manner of amusement, so that time
should not hang heavy on their hands.
At the plantation which was nearest
the village, Frank Coulter was a great
favorite and constant visitor.
1t was the home of the Penohyns, a
family of English descent, highly con-
sidered in the neighborhood. At that
time the family was reduced to Mrs.
Penohyn and her two daughters, Ada
and Augusta, her husband being dead,
and her only son in Lees army. The
younger of the daughters, Augusta, was
Frank Coulter's choice.
She was beautiful brunette, pecu-
liarly susceptible to the charms of a
manly presence, and had been too young
at the opening of the war to claim q
sweetheart among the young men who
went to fight.
At the Penohyns' Frank Coulter
spent most of his spare time, his agree
able manners making him welcome to
all the family, and'there was no doubt
that he was devoted to Augusta. 1t
was evident, also, to those who observed
closely, that she was ready to recipro-
cate his affection whenever he should
choose to declare it. But no words of
love had yet passed between them, and
it is probable that Coulter felt that the
uncertainties of war did not justify him
in making the desired declaration.
One evening he had stayed at the
Penohyns' until it was quite late, and
was requested to remain all night as he
had done on one previous occasion. He
consented, and retired to his room at a
reasonable hour as he would be obliged
to leave very early in the morning.
Augusta Penohyn remained seated on
the porch alone, enjoying the beauty of
the summer night, and admiring the
moonlight as it was filtered through the
vines. She was also thinking of the
handsome young Union soldier who had
lately left her side, wondering whether
he really loved her, and wishing, if he
did, that he would declare himself and
end her suspense.
From this revery she was aroused by
the sound of a light football. Turning
her head, she saw Frank Coulter ap-
preaching her. He had removed his
coat and boots, but his partial undress
was neither unusual or Objectionable, as
the nights were very warm, and he was
an intimate friend.
He did not seem to be looking at
Augusta; indeed, his eyes were strange
ly fixed upon vacancy; but he came to
her side, took her hand, and slowly and
solemnly spoke these words: #
Whatever may happen, Augusta,