The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1888-01-19

Capitola. and would have been delighted to
present my friends but for the fact that
she knew ne only as Dir. B., while my
friends called me Mr.. a.
Inmr eagerness 70 meet her again, rs felt
that now l must leave town, I was willing
TO take some risk. I explained to the boys
that had assumed a fictitious name IN my
acquaintance with CaBitoia, and it was
arranged that / should first see her alone,
and get her consent TO present the Texans.
saw Capit0la and neryously explained
that few of my Texas friends, who had
heard SO much of her beauty and accom-
plishments, were clamorous for an oppoT-
funity to kneel at her shrine l did not
attempt 10 say word for myself, because it
was understood that since the Mississippi
Lieutenant had been paying his addresses to
her We were, all Of us, entirely out of the
question.
DID NOT SAY GOOD BY,
because I dared not tell anybody-not even
my best girl-that must 60 away; so was
denied even the poor satisfaction of a fare
well
MT friends were much pleased with Capitola
the Doctor especially SO, as ne all found out TO
orr sorr0w. With him it was apparently q
case Of love at first sight-at least he tried TO
make Capitola think so. As ] was out Of the
field myself II was something OF a qualification
to see prospect Of one Of my friends being able
70 cut out Lieut. Claiborne.
Some such thought as this was in my mind
when, to my utter CONSERVATION, the servant
announced TO Capit0la that Lieut.. Claiborne
was al the door"
Jumping to my feet and rushing across 10
where Capitoia Was IN conversation with the
Doctor, begged her so earnestly not to admit
Lieut. Claiborne, that I suppose l made myself
ridiculous She misunderstood my motive, but
with her quiet tact she laughingly said: Way.
Of course / viii arrange that your friends shall
not be interrupted"
She went into the hallway and closed the
door after her, while she had few words with
my LieuteBant If he had come into the room,
introdnctions would have ensued, and explana-
tons would have followed; and if there was
any one thing desired to avoid, it was ex-
plantations
Capitola returned. laughing heartily, as the
outside door closed with a bang and saying TO
the Doctor and the rest of rs as We rose 70 90:
On, no seat yourselves and be al home here
this evening
There was not word Of reference to the
visitor on her part, until l. IN my eagerness,
found an opportunity TO ask quietly If she had
told Claiborne who We were.
Why, yes; l merely told him some Of your
friends had called by a Previousl y-arranged
agreement, 10 spend the evening"
What did he ssyg"
Nothing at all, except that he would call
later; and when ] said that YOU Wonid proba-
bly, remain All the evening, be
LEFT NE IN A TOWERING RAGE"
Then she added. laughing heartily as she
Didn't you hear him slam the door?D
] was safe Tor a little while longer any way,
! thought and We enjoyed ourselves as freely
as 4 sFe had nothing else 70 do with not a fear
10 troabie uae.
how long We remained there Is not material,
but when We were ready To leave it was dis
covered that u ~ as too late 70 get 10 camp eZ-
cept by running the panilet Of the guards
and patrol. who lifted eyerybody's pass after a
certain hour. / noticed then, and have not
forgotten IN these p years that the Doctor
was the last 10 say goodnight TO Cspitola, and
that be beid her hand ia his while he whis-
pered his farewell.
by acquaintance with the city and the haunts
Of the patrol a. night, enabled me to steer the
party safely up TO nay old hotel, where we en-
EaGed a room with two beds, aud the quartet
turned in, but not 20 sleep.
In the morning. after breakfast escorted
the DOss = 5e3 DayjEs usice, ia hopes that We
might gel a chance 10 see him come down
through tBe square. He were disappointed in
this, as be had gotten IN before we arrived.
My companions were interested IN having me
point out 70 them objects aud persons Of inter
est about the Capitol, but the day was cold and
dreaFy compelling us 70 separate early. The
Texans were unaccustOmed to the snow and
elush Oi q Virginia Winter, which interfered SO
much with tleir enjoyment that day
I was the least bit uncertain about my status
with my Old Captain, for ] had oveFstaid my
leave al night and knew that Claiborne was
sure 70 let him know that / was in the city
thai night.
With lhe return Of Monday morning my
small supply Of common sense began TO assert
itself, and I saw that / was not only
STANDING on scAFFoLD.
but the rope was about my neck Something
EUst be done 1t once. While p0udering over
what might be the best course 10 pursue hav-
ing made Up my mind not 10 return 10 the
company a. all but 10 add desertion Of the
rebel cause 10 the probable charges and spccifi-
cations against me, by making desperate ef.
fort 10 get North at once, ] was hailed on tho
street by the Captain himself who Inquired
rather savagelys Where in - have you
been2"
lie interrupted my explanations abruptly by
saying: " We have orders TO march, and al
hands are getting ready. Go right out and
pack up the papers,"
This was news. good news / thought; and
saying a. much 10 the Captain. i YeBtured x
ask II We were 10 60 TO Manassas.
10, nc; fhere are enough up there doinf
nothing. We are 70 20 down 70 hunt for tbos,
- Tennessee Unionists that are burning
bridges"
This wasn't 50 satisfactory to me- but I va
glad 70 hear that we were TO leave Richmond
shd fastened to camp. There ] found every
BODY packing up; everything was in eommo
tioB snd I entered with zest into the prenara
tion 70 leave camp. Lient Claiborne. with ON,
section OF the battery, was to remain IA Elch
moud.
Sudden demand had been made on thi
rebel Var Department for troops 70 protect tht
railroad bridges in East Tennessee and a on
ole Captain happened TO be on good terms Wit
The Secretary he volunteered his company fo
This service as the Government seemed nn 81,
= supply us with guns TO go to the field a
Manassas
So i happened that on the evening Of tba
MonoAy the Colonel and Lanyard aud | car
Il L. L. -