The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1883-05-23
ON GUARD.


which few hours before had been clear
and bright, was now overcast by heavy,
driving clouds, through which, from
time to time, the moon shone with dull
light The pedestrians covered up their
ears and faces with the collars of their
overcoats, and hurried up the frozen
streets. Nobody stood still moment.
The sentry at the powder magazine
did not seem to mind the snow very
much. He walked his post briskly, with
his musket "carry arms" but, as the
cold increased, he took a sheltered posi-
ton against the wall of the magazine,
holding his musket with his mantel, to
prevent his stiffening fingers from adj
herring to the metal, and gazed out over
the vast expanse OF snow, he looming up
like bulky exclamation point. Occa-
sionally he stamped his feet A couple
of icicles hung down from the ends of
his heavy mustache. 1t was, indeed, a
terrible snow storm. All at once, his
attention was directed TO dark point
1t certainly moved, and it appeared to
be coming nearer. Some belated person
was toiling through the snow towards
him.
.'Halti called the sentry, bringing
his gun TO his shoulder. The figure con-
tinued to approach. "Halt, or | will
fire." called the sentry once more in
threatening tone.
Don't fire! it's only me. Its Katie
He dropped the butt of his gun to the
ground. "Are YOU here? In the name
of the devil, himself, what brings you
out of your village in all this cold wealth
err" ,...
wanted to speak to you, Fritz, and
had to come tonight, or not at all.
The dark spot on the snow came near
er and nearer.
THE soldier is not allowed to talk
when he is at his post. "
"But want to talk to you. Nobody
can hear us"
when the relief guard comes and finds
me here talking TO a woman, | will be
locked up in the classmates, said the
soldier sullenly.
There is no danger of anybody com.
ing here in this snow storm. I'll be
gone before you are relieved
What devilsh sly girl you are"
laughed the soldier grimly, shaking
himself up to get rid of the snow that
was falling thick and heavy. Here
you have flanked me in place where ]
cant advance or retreat. You have
stragetic head, you have. There is q
staff officer lost by you being woman
and the soldier, a tall, handsome speci
men of the German soldier, laughed
heartily.
Katie did not laugh, On the contra.
~, she looked sad, and her large black
eyes seemed surcharged with tears.
Don't look at me so sharp with your
big black eyes. You are a sly one, tc
take me by surprise when have NJ
chance to fire and fall back. SO yot
want to talk, do youP Talk away t.
your hearts content, only don't expect
me to answer you Ny oath as q soldier
forbids me TO answer you when | am OF
guard.
"Your OATH she exclaimed scorn
fully, her dark eyes flashing fire. Your
oathN' she repeated in ringing voice.
Cant you remember another oath that
you took when my people drove me
away from home on your accountp' She
clasped her hands in despair, and
groaned In her misery.
"For Gods sake, Katie, calm your
self You cannot reasonably expect me
TO take care Of wife and child while
am soldier In the barracks, on my
pay"
~ can work for three, she said, in
a fierce tone Of voice. Give me back my
honor, and will work forus all. D."
keep quiet" responded the soldier
lowering his voice, they will hear you
at the guard house, and then l an
lost"
''Let them hear. Let the whole worlC
hear that came here in the cold an,
snow TO remind you, for the last time
Of your oath. .Iwant you TO keep YOU
word. Make me your wife before Go,
and man, as you promised me yo'
would" M
She looked beautiful, in all her DIES
pair and wretcbedness. Fritz looke'
away for q moment, and then replied;
I'm do oil that you wish, Katie, onl
n keep quiet II the patrol were TO come
d, We would both be lost"
i Doubt and Joy were mingled Ia til
: expression o. her face, az she almos
shrieked;
HI "Will you, Fritz, will your"
! The soldier glanced around anxiousl
but there was no sign Of relief.
y $50 help mo God, we will DO marie
tomorrow.
\ Her eyes danced with Joy, as 81,
IN | .,..S1..J a.. Lt,,, IL tk...... A.. 80. =.