Thomas County cat. [volume] (Colby, Kan.) 1885-1891, 1889-06-13

skm you fob do Union, an' sottin a
freer'
EYES, Blacthawk; Why do you ak me-
that"
'tCause, massa, r. got . wife N pore
little baby down Souf sum'ars; dey wus
sent down dar great many y'ars ago, an'
IL gets my freedom Kin 60 an find 'em."
II hope you may, Blackhawk,' said
Luke, hurrying on. He had known the me-
gro ever since he was child, but had never
heard him mention wife and baby before.
ssThAt black rascal has heart after IL, !" ho
thought.
Reaching the bower, he sat upon the
rustic bench. The moon, with many flick.
ering shadow, shone through the leafy COW
ering overhead, and Luke's mind recalled
the many thousand events which had trans
pired since last he sat there, . year ago.
A light footstep fell upon his ear. There
was whispering Of soft robes, breath Of
perfume, and she was at his side. No words
Of the vows they had plighted q year ago,
when Luke went OF to seek his fortune,
were spoken. He rose silently, took her in
his arms, and they sat down together. He
was first to speak.
''Lillie, your father has told me all. and
am still an unknown wait. As such can
you accept me!'
"Yes-yes, Lukei have known you all
my life, and what need care about your
birth"
He clasped her more closely in his arms
and imprinted kiss on her lips. After .
moment he said:
"Albert is Confederate"
"What changed him!' she asked.
''It's mystery, Lille. I am surrounded
by enemies and must leave you at dawn.
But, be my lot what it may, shall ever be
true to my first love-"
She did not answer-perhaps she could
not-but chung to him, while tears trickled
in crystal drops down her pretty cheeks.
For long time they sat there clasped in
each others arms, and what they said and
what they thought must be imagined.
The brother in the meanwhile had saddled
his horse, bid his invalid father adleu and
was already on his way to join company
of recruits for the Confederate army.
CHAPTER IL ~
BLACKHAwK-A soLDIER-THE SURPRISE.
Luke Mason, as already told, had been
rescued when an infant from the river and
reared as the adopted son of Mr.. Neh's
brother, who was childless. The brothers
had lived on adjoining farms until old Seth
Nef's death, which occurred about two
years before the time of which we write.
Luke had grown up with Albert and Lille,
and his love for the latter began when they
were children attending the same district
school, Their affection had ripened, and
this year would have witnessed their union
but for the distressing state Of the country.
When the lovers returned to tho house
they found the old farmer still sitting on the
porch, bathed in the moonlight.
s'Wall, Luke, It's time We war gone t. bed"
he said, with sigh. The old man still felt
sad from parting with his son, whom he
knew he might never see again. "Row long
ar ye gwine t. stay!" IS
II leave in the morning."
"Why s. soon?''
'It's best"
The old man again gave utterance to .
groan, and Luke leading Lille to the door,
babe her goodnight and promised to see her
early in the morning. Then he returned to
Mr.. Neff, and, drawing a chair near to his
side, said:
"Mr. Ne1, want those clews to my lden-
tity." tt
ssWhat yer mean, Luke!"
~ mean the things which were found
about me when was taken, like Moses,
from the water"
ssThar haint nuthin' left but the old wood
en- cradle up N tn attic, which guess yes
seen hundred times, n the old yaller ham
kercher."
"Let me have the handkerchief, then; IL
will be some clew. may by it discover
my parentage. Any way, it shall be pre-
cious relic, with which l will never part"
Iro BE CONTINUED