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

summon 'iNhceo ACpoAt AtcN SiChl W ~
ten thousand strong, at least. Hor
ton determined to keep cool and as
certain for himself the number o
the enemy. He had had little ex
perience of fighting, as yet, and hi:
position was by no means a pleas
ant one. In this maneuvre bis ex
cellent judgment was proved, for af
ter studying the situation as long as
it vas prudent, he hastened to the
/ Colonel and informed him that the
force consisted OF not more than a
regiment of infantry moving direct.
ly for the camp.
A hot skirmish ensued, the fight
lasting for an hour or two. The
demonstration closed with the re-
treat of the enemy, on whose heels
Lieutenant Horton, whose fighting
blood was up, hung with tenacity
that astonished his brother officers.
Jack braved danger with a GOODNESS
that was amazing, and directed the
fire of his men where it would do
the most good. 1t was his ambi-
ton to capture somebody or some
thing, and he did, Confederate cap
tain and two privates who We're
surrounded by himself and one of
his soldiers. But Jack, fired by this
success, rashly pressed ahead for
more human plunder, when he was
laid low by bullet through the
shoulder.
/ Jack Horton was the hero of that
night, and was mentioned in the
commanders report for his GOODNESS,
correct Judgment. and unfinching
bravery. 1t needed just such an oc-
casion as this to bring out what was
in the man; but Jack was modest,
and didn't presume he had done
more than he ought His wornd
was a painful one, and in few 6ays
he was on his way to ROckdale,
where the reports of his achieve
ments had preceded him. Jack
couldn't help feeling n little curious
about how Miss Abbie would greet
him if he chanced to meet her. He
hadn't the remotest idea of calling
on her, however. His time was his
country's, and all his leisure mo-
ments were passed, even in those
invalid days, in the study of mill
tary tactics. He did not want to be
made lion of; did not pretend to
resemble that noble animal in the
least. So he stayed at home and
studied his books.
Just before his return to the army
he attended q fair at Rockdale in
aid of the soldiers. The young la
dies were the principal attractions at
this, as at all fairs; and among the
young ladies none were more attrac-
tive than Miss Abbie Latham. She
drove remarkably fiourishing busi-
ness at the flower stand, one of her
principal patrons being Mr.. Joseph
Staples, who purchased at least half
her stock and distributed it with
lavish hand. He had not gone to
war, but had, at least, and without
compulsion, hired a substitute. His
patriotism was ardent, as he assured
Miss Abbie, but there were to him
other glorious attractions nearer
home
Certainly. Lieutenant Horton
could but pay his respects to Miss
Abbie. His face was paler, and his
form had become more trim and
manly than when she last saw him.
His features, Abbie noticed, bore an
Of sadness and suffering: !
he moved without awkwardness,
and all the young ladies declared !
him to be the handsOmest soldier in |
the hall. He won the sword that |
was voted for on this occasion, as he |
deserved to. Jacks heart throbbed |
a little as he met the gaze of the
young lady, but if he felt any emo
ton it must have been slight; she
was very busy with her customers,
and especially with her wholesale
patron, Mr.. Staples; yet as the lieu
tenant bade her good evening and
turned away he saw her eyes droop
and a faint blush steal over her
cheek. For two old friends, so long
the meeting was decided
ly cold and formal, and Jack felt
chilled to the marrow.
V.
In the stirring events of the next
two years Horton bore his full share
at Fredericksburg, Chancellors-
Vile, Antietam, Gettysburg, the Will
lerness, down to Cold Harbor, where
1T the head of his regiment he tell
desperately wounded in the terrible
md unsuccessful assault on that
stronghold.
He was conveyed to the hospital
1t Washington in a seemingly hope
ess condition. with several wounds,
zach Of which was dangerous. The
nurses moved among the wounded
men like angels of mercy. Some of !
he soldiers lay in a stupor, some
we're raving in delirium. and Others ,
lying in agony. For days Horizons
ife hung on a thread, his fevered !
,rain mercifully rendering him un- !
conscious of suffering As he awoke :
me morning, a soft and gentle hand ,
vas soothing his brow, when the ,
iampness indicated that the fever :
vas broken. He tried to open his 9
yes, but was too weak; speak he
ould not; and many hours passed I
'efore he could discern what was :
round him. Since the night of the I
,old Harbor fight his life had been !
blank. He remembered nothing. {
md now he saw before him the I
physician and the nurse with a
weet, pale face, that looked familiar,
'ut he could mot recall the name of
IS owner. Again trying to speak,
he surgeon kindly whispered, keep !
quiet and all will be well" G
nd the female attendant, at his mo- C
ion, withdrew.
The next morning his dim vision
iscerned the same pale and anxious b
ace, and gleam of wondering in a
uiry passed over his countenance v
5 he gazed upon her. At last he II
eebly whispered, "Where am ~" h
SIN the hosnital. and with friends" r.