The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1882-07-26

she was only mocking him. Sc
with solemn good night he button
ed his coat up to his chin, and with
hands resolutely thrust deep into
his pockets, turned homeward, re-
solved to waste no more time with
skating girls, who judged young men
by the dexterity they exhibited in
handling their heels.
III.
Among the earliest volunteer reg
iments that left for the seat of war in
the summer of 1861, was the -th
Massachusetts, with Lieutenant John
Horton as an officer OF Company b.
Like hundreds of Others he aban-
doned his books for the sword, and
had passed nights and days in study
and drill, to fit himself for his new
position. Horton enjoyed the reDu-
tation among his fellows of being
rather an anchorite. He was reti-
cent, sometimes gloomy, and al.
though he performed his duties ac-
ceptably, he had thus far failed to
show any distinguishing qualities for
a military career. He joined III few
of the camp pleasures, and when he
was not on duty, reading or study
ing, was sure to be seen in abstract
thought, walking among the streets
of the camp, or in the region of
country Immediately around. Christ
mas and New Year in camp formed
one of the NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. to hard
worked soldiers in all the years of
the rebellion. Though the quantity
of useful and useless articles dis
patched from home was at all times
great, the bulk of contributions ar
irving in camp at this festive season
sorely tried the carrying capacity of
all engaged in supplying the army at
the front. And the occasions of
opening the boxes and bundles
among both officers and privates
were most interesting and exciting.
/ The officers Of the -th had arrang-
ed to have an opening" in the Co
lonel's quarters, and thither all who
were not on duty repaired. The
evening was of course most enioya-
bic. for nearly every one had receiv-
ed from home some gift or token to
remind him of mother, sister, or
sweetheart, sometimes of all three.
Horton was present, cool, gloomy
and indifferent He did not expect
any present His family was scat
tered, and many of those nearest to
him 10 whose loving sympathy he
would naturally turn at this time
passed away. He did not feel in 4
sympathetic or sentimental mood,
and yet no particle OF envy entered
his mind in Witnessing the enjoy
ment of Others. As the major held
up a small paper box, however, and
called out Lieutenant John w Hor-
ton, the latter started and felt his
face aglow in an instant. He took
the parcel and in spite of entreaties,
in which not a few jokes were crack
ed at his expense, placed it in his
pocket till the conclusion of the fes-
tivities, when he retired to the COM
Portable quarters he shared with |
Lieutenant Carter.
Lieutenant Horton was puzzled |
and curious. After divesting him
self of his overcoat, he sat down,
placed the box on the table, and in
company with his companion, light
ed the solacing dudeen, determined |
to approach and unravel the mys-
terry as became a philosopher Car
ter got decidedly impatient before
even the outer wrappings were re-
moved, as Horton conducted the
proceedings with weighty delibera-
ton. At last Horton shook from
the box little red mitten snugly
wrapped in a piece of white tissue
paper. No note Of explanation APP
peared, and Horton met his COM
panion's gaze with a look in which
was pictured at least half dozen of
the emotions that affect the human
mind, the principal one being sur
prise.
For the next three evenings our
hero was engaged in writing letters