Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1890-11-20
Nnhanndwp Frederick County, MaIand Thursday November 70 1890

AS he rode away he lltted his torn
hat, brushing back the hair from his
brow. The unlearned woman felt a
thrill that she could not comprehend as
she encountered that farewell glance,
and went into the house TO dream Of her
boys in the army.
He rode steadily, until at about five
in the afternoon, he saw the broad
waters Of the river cleaning in the dis
tanCe.
He tied his horse to tree with the
long rope and let him Craze.
Then he climbed to the highest
branch OF the highest tree in the little
grove and surveyed the country.
On the other side of the river the
white tents of the enemy, the cannons
on the outposts, the men in uniform, the
martial sights and sounds made up an
agreeable whole.
But to the poor boy in the tree it was
terrible. Somewhere in the midst Of all
that his little brother was prisoner.
Many of the tents were very near the
bank, and from his post of vantage he
watched the men as they went in swim.
ming.
At last the sun went down and he
crept from the grove.
Presently a single star came out and
comtorted him. His mother always
looked for that first star and loved IT..
When they were little they had made
wishes on it. He made wish upon it
now, and then with child-like faith
pursued his enterprise.
He WAS near enough to hear voices,
borne family over the water. for it was
a broad deep stream, not one Of the
overgrown creeks which we often Call
river in the South.
Deeper and deeper grew the twilight,
until Its gray mantle wrapped him
completely. Then he went farther
down the shore until he was no longer
quite opposite the camp and walked out
into the water, which was shallow near
the bank. Then he swan across the
river and waited in the reeds on the
other side.
4
A party of soldiers were eating a
"post supper spread" at a short distance
from the camp fire.
They had obtained permission to
bring with them one Of the prisoners, u
''little kld,' as they called him, who
had wonderful voice.
The mea would make him sing
"Home Sweet Home until the tears
rolled down their cheeks and his own.
Then to make up for this they tried to
teach hlm songs which he would not
learn.
On this particular evening ha iiai
sung to them a long time. As his eye
caught the star his brother had seen,
even before it was dark, he struck up
his mothers hymn:
Guide me, o, thou great jehovah,
Pilgrim in this barren land
His voice did not falter. 1t seemed
to soar up grand and full to that God
of David, that God of battles who had
been the righteous warriors stay for
ages.
What did his quick ear catch ?-Was
it his Imagination. like himself, had
never forgotten that promise to their
mother? Did he fancy he heard him
whistle F?
Rupert rose from his position and still
singing walked toward the bank.
1t was high aboye the water which
looked dark and threatening.
"Be careful 'Kiddy,'' called one Of
the men, ''you might fall over. Its
deep round there and l calculate you
can swim.
He little knew that, born and raised
by the Potomac, no one was more at
hcme in water than his prisoner.
Open now, the crystal fountain
Where the healing streams do flow
chanted Rupert.
He held his breath for a moment to
be sure OF the whistle and let the time
for several bars 60 by.
All, yes no ether voice but Wilton's
called him. There was no mistake
The memory CT childish hours, tie bond
of brotherhood assured him.
Strong deliyerar! Strong deliyerer
he sang clearly, and then there was a
splash.
The men rose to their feet. II said
that kid would fall oyer,' said one.
Hold up and try to tread water un'
til We get rope" roared another,
while the third went for torch.