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


with solemn good night he button
ed his coat up to his chin, and witt
hands resolutelv thrust deep into
his pockets, turned homeward, re
solved to waste no more time witt
skating girls, who judged young mer
by the dexterity they exhibited ir
handling their heels.
ii.
Among the earliest volunteer reg
iments that left for theseat of war in
the summer of 1861, was the til
Massachusetts, with Lieutenant John
Horton az 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 repu-
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 in 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 brightest-seasons 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 eniova-
bic, for nearly every one had receiv-
ed from home some Gift or token to
remind him of a 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 to whose loving sympathy he
would naturally turn at this time
passed away. He did not feel in a
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 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 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
or rather a letter-for no sooner
was each one completed than it was
torn in pieces and burned. Horton
felt himselfin n tight fix, and hoped
the enemy would make demonstra-
ton OF the camp that he might get
out of it. He had rather face Il hun
ired cannon than undertake to ac-
knowledge the reception OF hat nit
ten. He knew he loved Miss La
than, but his big sensitive soul had
been terribly lacerated by her appa-
rentlv heartless behavior. and he had
to become indifferent. not
only to her, but to all woman-kind.
This might be another of her heart
ess tricks. bat when Jack recalled
her words, "If | ever think enough
Of YOU to surrender it. I'll send it
10 YOU" he felt the little witch did
some regard for him. Still, I
rs she had vouchsafed no kind mes
sage with the surrender of the nit
en. he was at loss how to act.
Write he would not. ''If | asked
Carter's advice" be reasoned, "he {
would only laugh at me. Why (
ant these plaguey women let fel-
ow alone, anv way?" he muttered to {
Il was trying to forget her '
and now she has opened all my {
afresh. She did it to tan {
alize me, but III show the flirt and
he whole sex that can't be tantal- {
zed." And then Jack took from his {
nner pocket an envelope. out of {
which he fished little red object,
IN which he gazed for a few mo- |
nents as a naturalist might gaze 5
lpon a newly discovered insect, with |
curiosity and tenderness. i
The soldier sighed as he replaced the t
rife, and going to the door of his !
ent' gazed out into the darkness. q
The evening was mild and calm, t
md the darkness was almost impen-
trable. Scarcely sound disturb c
d the sleeping camps, and as the f
nemy across the Potomac We're be- g
ieved to intend no hostile demon q
tration, the utmost precaution had +
N, haa,, tolay, ~ y,,ar6 aro;pcf crr