The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1883-03-23

other side rose to sharp emlnence, on
the brow of which was posted federal
battery.
Further to the right the firing be-
came sharper, and soon the roll of mus
kerry swept all along the line.
81 say, Barclay" called Colonel Ter
ry as that officer passed him, "have
you seen Picton yet?" And as Barclay
shook his head, he added, "Tell the
boys not to let him know yet. Wait till
this is over"
"All right; I'll tell them,' answered
Barclay as he rode away
"The old general will be wanting
that battery the first thing they know"
said one of the men, as n shell exploded
over their heads, ''they'd better keep it
quiet"
"Thar, what did tell you!' he add
ed, biting off huge piece of "long
green" "thar 90 the Mississippi boys
now"
AS he spoke a tawny column moved
out of the woods and swept gallantly
across the field. But as they reached
the centre a murderous round of grape
and canister tore through their ranks,
and the column broke in confusion.
Three times their leaders rallied them
TO tie charge, and three times they
were shattered by the CALLING fire.
"Tell you what, boys called out the
long-legged private who had before
spoken, "thar's fun comm now. That'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 the command, for he was
"one of the boys The next moment
there was a ringing cheer from the
ranks as General Forrest rode up.
"Boys," he exclaimed, pointing with
his sword, Il want that battery captur-
ed. One regiment has tried and couldn't
take it. Now l want you, boys, to do
better than they did. | am going to
lead you, and want you all to follow
me-"
Another cheer was his answer as they
fell into ranks.
"Charge!" aud down the slope rode
the gallant sold regiment" never falter-
ing as the grapeshot swept through the
seTried ranks. closing each GAP as il was
made bv the deadly fire: on. on. follow.
ing the lead OF the tall figure at the
head of the column till they rode right
over the death. dealing guns, "sab'rinp
the punners there" and the woods oave
back the ringing echoes of the famous
"rebel vell' as the victory was won.
Won! Yes. but at a fearful cost.
That fatal slope was drenched with the
blood of the South lands brayest
| After the charge Colonel Terry found
himself face to face with Charles Pic
ton. "Mv God. how can I tell him
muttered the colonel to himself. as the
gallant Young fellow rode toward him
holding out his hand.
at takes the 'old regiment to dc
tbings mn in stvler he said. oraspino
the colonels hand "Say. Terry, did
you see Miss Alice? Coleman has lust
got back from Memphis. and he tcld
me she had gone on visit to some
friends in G.
But as he spoke he suddenly put his
hand to his side. 81 am shot! he gasp
ed, family
1t was true. A stray bullet had struck
him IN the side, and Colonel Terry
caught him as he reeled in his saddle,
and rode with him to the field hospital
When the surgeon examined hi,
wound he shook his head doubtfully'
81 know nurse worth twenty doc
tors, whispered Picton with smile
"Iery cant you fetch her to me-?
Through the night the colonel stayed
with him, Once he wakened and re
peated the question he had asked before
he was shot.
81 saw her. yes" the colonel answer
ed huskily, ''she sent you some flowers.
The blue eyes lighted up with tend
er glow, and Picton held out hi
hand.
Silently Colonel Terry took from hi
breast-pocket the withered flowers,
spray of ivy and half-opened whit
rose, and laid them in the ontstretche'
hand.
Then the wounded man slept, but il
a couple OF hours awoke much worse
and the surgeon in his rounds told tn
bronzed watcher that the end was yer.
near.
Terry, and the colonel bent hi
head to catch the faint accents, "Ir
dying, / wouldn't mind-only-poo
Alice Tell her gently, please-she love
me, you know and 10, Terry! it
hard to leave her. My poor darling!"
For moment the colonel could nc
, answer. Then, choking back a sob, h
said slowly and distinctly:
"Charley, Alice is waiting for yol
You are not leaving her, but going
see her
A bewildered troubled look came il
; to the wistful blue eyes.
Don't you understand me Charley
! She is dead. We buried her there
Sy Spy' I'D buu now you VIII De wllh WIN ne ne
one u'eo wiz" your i! iia'le Oh 'ier up
! ii' n'ur'n'rin oi meeting you III u
!, 'norI'i"s'