The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1881-12-06

anu, alter q moments 8 gay Dadlnage,
was about to resign his place in favor Of
other claimants for her smiles, when he
saw q sudden psllor overspread her fea-
lures"
"Miss Alice, you are III !''he exclaim-
ed anxiously. "Let me get you some
water"
1t was scarcely moment before his
return, but even then he was shocked at
her white, drawn face.
"Call my sister," she said to another
gentleman with her while Colonel Terry
had gone for the water, and both had
reached her at the same time.
"Lucy, take me home," she whispered,
81 am dying"
"Oh, no, darling" said her sister
tenderly; "yeu will be well in the NOR
ming"
As quick as possible the carriage was
called and the sick girl placed in it.
When they were just starting Colonel
Terry wished them good night, express
ing his hope that Miss Alice would have
recovered by morning She put out hel
hand and exertlng her strength, said
distinctly:
Eyes, / shall be we'll in the morning
Tell Charley" her voice failed, and
lifting her slim, white hand, loosened
the flowers she wore at her breast and
put them into the Coloners hand. "Give
these to him-yes-in the morning"
Her voice died away to faint whisper
and her head fell back on her sisters
shoulder. The lady who had acted as
their chaperon fastened to apply resto.
raiives and the carriage rolled swiftly
away.
The next morning when Colonel Ter
ry called to inquire after the invalid be
had no need to ask, for from the door
there foated the. mouInful insignia OF
death. Shocked beyond expression that
hardy soldier turned away, unable then
even to offer his services if they we're
needed. He went again after awhile and
saw Mrs. Cameron, the hostess Of the
sisters during their visit. From her he
learned the brief details OF Alice's death
Her attack had been a sudden spasm OF
the heart, and she had never rallied. She
had spoken but once, and they caught
her lovers name aud repetition of the
words, sin the morning."
Poor Charley, who will tell him n
groaned the Colonel when the lady's
voice ceased
"You are his best FRIEND" she answer
ed 81 think no one else could do it SO
gently"
II can't" be replied, shaking his
head. 81 would rather face battery.
Why you don't know, you can't think,
how his very life seemed bound up in
her; and now"
They hurled her next morning; six of
Picton's friends carried his dead love to
her grave and then came sadly back, each
questioning who would bear the tidings
to the gallant saberer far away with the
old brigade
That night the order came to join the
main command, and by daylight the
troops were miles away. AS they reach
ed the vicinity of the appointed rendez
vous a desultory firing warned them OF
an approaching conflict. Presently they
formed themselves in the midst of por-
ton of the command, drawn up in a
piece of woods overlooking sloping
Ael (which on the opposite side rose to a
shaiP eminence on the brow Of which
was posted Federal battery.
Farther to the right the firing had
become sharper, and soon the roll of
musketry swept all along the line.
81 say, Barclay" called Colonel Ter,
ry, as that officer passed him, shave you
seen Picton yetl' And as Barclay
shook his head, added, "Tell the boys
not to let him know it. Wait till this is
over"
Gall right; I'll tell them," answered
Barclay as he rode away.
"The old General will be wanting that
battery the first thing they know" said
one of the men as shell exploded 'over
their heads. "They had better keep it
quiet"
"Thar, what did tell you p he added,
biting off huge piece of long green;
"thar 60 the Mississippi boys, now"
AS he spoke tawny column moved
out OF the woods and swept gallantly
across the field. But as they reached
the center murderous round OF grape
and canister tore through their ranks
and the column broke in confusion.
Three times their leader rallied them to
the charge, and three times they were
shattered by the CALLING fire.
"Tell you what, boys" called out the
private who had before spoken, "thar's
fun comm now! That's Gangs bugle,
The 'old regiment want some Of the
pie!'
He stopped and felt of his saddle'girth
as he spoke, then Strengthened himself
and waited for the command, for he was
"one of the boys." The next moment
there was ringing cheer from the ranks
as General Forrest rode up.
"Boys," he exclaimed pointing with
his sword, i want that battery captured.
One regiment has tried and couldn't
lake it Now I want you boys to do
better than that. I am going to lead
you and l want you all to follow me"
Another cheer wss the answer as the
men fell into ranks
"Charge!" aud down the slope rode
the gallant 'old regiment" never falter.
ing as the grape swept through the SER
ried ranks, closing each gap as it was
made by the deadly fire; on, on, follow
ing the lead of the tall figure at the
head of the column, till they rode right
over the death-dealing guns, "sab'rng
the gunners there," and the woods gave
back the ringing echoes of the famous
"rebel yell'' as the victory was won.
Won! Yes, but at fearful cost That
fatal slope was drenched with the blood
of the Southland's bravest sons.
After that charge Colonel Terry found
himself face to face with Charley Picton
"My God, how can / tell him ?" mutter.
| ed the Colonel to himself, as the gallant
young fellow rode toward him, holding
out his hand
"It takes the 'old regiment to do uF
things in stylew he said grasping th,
Colonel's hand. "Say, Terry, did yor
see Miss Alice? Coleman has just 60
back from Memphis, and he told me sh,
had gone on visit to some friends il
n -