The Manitowoc pilot. [volume] (Manitowoc, Wis.) 1859-1932, 1881-09-22

HlIIe, anu CeI)etllIOl ol TUE WOIQS, III
the morning"
'.Poor Charleyr' who will tell hims"
groaned the colonel when the lady voice
had ceased.
''You are his best friend" she answer
ed. 81 think no one could do it so
gently"
Il can't, he replied. shaking his Lead.
81 would rather face a battery. Why,
You don't know, you can't think, how his
very life seemed bound UP in her; and
now"
They buried her next day; six Of Pic
toms friends carried his dead love to her
grave, and then came sadly back, each
questioning who would bear the tidings
to The gallant SG6r,ser far away with the
old brigade.
That night the order came to join the
main command, and by daylight the
troops we're miles away. as they reach
ed the vicinity of the appointed rendez-
vou5 desultory firing warned them of
an approaching conflict. Presently they
formed themselves in the midst of a por-
ton of the command overlooking q slop-
ing field, which, on the opposite side,
rose 10 a sharp eminence, on the brow of
which was posted rebel battery.
Further to the right the firing became
sharper, and soon the rol! Of musketry
swept all along the line.
81 say, Barclay" called Col. Terry, as
that officer passed him, ''have you seen
Picton YETI And, as Barclay shook his
head, lie added: "Tell the boys not to
let him know yet. Wait till this is over" :"
"All right, III tell them, answered
Barclay, as he gaIloped away.
"The old general viii be wanting that
battery the first thing they know" said
one OF the men, as a shell exploded over
their heads. "They'd better keep it
quiet"
''Thar, what did tell you," he added,
biting off a huge piece of long green;'
"thar go the Mississippi rebels now.''
As he spoke tawny column moved
ont 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 We're
shattered by the CALLING fire.
"Iell you what, boys" called out the
long-legged private, who had before
spoken, s'that's fun comm now. There's
Cans bugle. The old regiment want
some of the pie?'
He stopped and felt his saddle girth
as he spoke, then Strengthened himself
and waited for the command, but he was
sone Of the boys" The next moment
there was a ringing cheer from the ranks
as the general rode up.
Boys" he exclaimed, pointing with
his sword, '.I want that battery captur-
ed. One regiment has tried and could
not take it. Now I want you boys to do
better than that. I am going to lead
you, and want you all to follow me-"
Another cheer was his answer as the
men fell into rank.
''Charge!" and down the slope rode
the gallant ''oid regiment" never falter-
ing as the grapeshot swept through the
ranks, closing each gap as it was made
by the deadly fire; on, on, following the
head Of the tall figure at the head Of the
column, till they rode right over the
dealing, "sab'ring 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 Northland's bravest sons.
After that charge Col. Terry found
himself face to face with Charley Picton.
"My God, how can I 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 90 things
up in style!" he said, grasping the col
onel's hand. "Say, Terry, did you see
Miss Alice? Coleman has just gone back
from Louisville, and be told me she had
gone on visit to some friends in c."
Bat as he spoke he suddenly put his
hand TO bis side. 81 am shot" lie gasp
Ell, family. 1t was true. A stray bullet
had caught him in the side, and Colonel
Terry caagh5 him as lie reeled in his sad
die, and rode with him to the field hos
pital.
When the surgeon examined his wound
he shook bis bead doubtfulIy.
81 know nurse worth twenty doc
tors" whispered Picton with 8 smile.
Terry, can't you fetch her to me2''
Through tho night the colonel stayed
with him. Once he wakened and repeat
cd the question be had asked just before
he was shot.
81 saw Ger, yes," the colonel answer
ed, huskily. ''She sent you some flow
ers.n
The blue eyes lighted up with tender
glow, and Picton held out his hand.
Silently Col. Terry took from his breast
pocket the withered flowers, spray Of
ivy and half-opened white rose, and
laid them in the outstretched hand.
Then the wounded man slept. But in
couple Of hours he aypke much worse,
and the surgeon In his rounds told the
bronzed watch that the end was very
near
"Terry = the colonel bent his head to
catch the faint accents. I'm dying. |
wouldn't mind-only-poor Alicel Tell
her gently, please-she loves me, you