Arizona republican., 1891-12-01
DAPPLES MISTRESS.

"Stop, Dapple; we must LOOK 70 tnls,
 The scene was green stretch of sum- mer lawn in front of fine old Virginia farmhouse; the speaker slight, bright faced girl gracefully mounted on a small, gray pony.
 The sun was dropping out of sight be- hind the green hills, and far away down the silver bend of the Accoceek came the tramp of retreating troops, with now and then the untitled roll of drum or the shrill bray of bugle
 Old Virginia, the queen mother of the sunny south, was overrun with soldiers, devastated by fire and sword, shaken to her very foundations by the thunders of civil war.
 Colonel Moreton was far away from his pleasant home, in the front ranks of death and danger; but Irene. his only child, still braved the terrors of inva- sion, and remained at the farmhouse with her invalid mother and few-faith- ful old servants
 Gathering across the grounds an hour after the retreat of the invading troops. something attracted the young lady's notice-a prostrate figure under the shade of the great cottonwood tree
 Stop, Dapple; we must look to this!"
 Dapple stopped, and Miss Irene leaped lightly from her saddle, and throwing the silken reins over the pony's neck, she went tripping across the grounds to the spot where the figure lay
 1t was tall, soldierly figure, clad in army blue, with pale. worn face, and an abundance of curling, chestnut hair.
 Colonel Moretonis daughter looked down upon the senseless soldier with all her woman's divine compassion stirring within her bosom.
 Poor fellow" she murmured, laying her soft hand upon his brow; 'I wish l could help him"
 The soft voice and the softer touch called back the veterans wandering senses He opened his eyes and looked up in the young lady's face. Great luminous. handsome eyes they were, that somehow reminded Irene of her brother Toms eyes; and Tom was down in the trenches in front of Richmond. The compassion in her heart stirred afresh she smoothed back the tangled curls from the soldiers brow.
 My poor fellow" she said. "can do anything for you:''
 He struggled up to his elbow with Q stifed groan.
 My horse threw me-" he explained. and they left me behind. think must have tainted from the pain. thank you very much. but can't see how you can help me. suppose l must lie here till they take me prisoner, and I'd almost as soon be shot"
 Irene smiled. smile that lighted her dark, bright face into positive beauty.
 "l am in the enemy's country" she said, ''but if you will trust me think can help you; at least, will see that you are refreshed and made comfortable"
 She put her hand to her bosom, and drawing forth tiny whistle she put 1t to her lips and blew sharp little blast.
 Dapple pricked up his gray ears and came cantering to her side, followed in- stantly by colored man servant.
 You see, smiled Miss Irene, flashing a beaming glance on the soldier, "I hold ulN TtctINt dl h o ing. Here, James, help this gentleman to the horse, and then ride for Dr. Werter to dress his limb"
 James obeyed without word, and by the time the sun was fairly out of sight the Union soldier, refreshed and made comfortable, lay asleep in the best cham Der of the pleasant old southern man. sion.
 Meanwhile, on the long veranda, Irene kept watch. her slight, willowy figure wrapped in scarlet mantle. her fossy raven dresses floating on the winds. By and by, as the midnight stars came out and glittered overhead, above the dreamy flow of the river. above the mur- mur and rustic of the forest leaves, arose the clash and clang. the roar and tramp of advancing troops
 lrene's dark face flushed and her lus- trous eyes dilated She crossed the yer anda with swift step and tapped light ly at the door of her guests chamber
 They are coming" she whispered; they will take you prisoner if you re- main You must go"
 The soldier started to his feet and made his way out, but he reeled against the doorpost faint and gasping for breath
 "l can't walk!" he cried; there's no hope of escaper
 But Irene held out her 1.-the, young arm.
 "Yes, there is," she said cheerfully. Lean on me. l can help you down, and you shall ride Dapple. He knows the river road, and you will overtake your comrades by dawn. Hurry! there is no tine to lose!"
 The soldier leaned upon the brave, helpful young arm, and succeeded in reaching the lawn below.
 "Dapple" the young girl called, in her clear silver notes, come herep
 In breath Dapple was at her side The girl stood and looked at the gentle creature, and then threw her. arms around his neck.
 "Oh. Dapple, pretty Dapple," she sobbed, 'it breaks my heart to part from you. Goodby, Dapplev
 In the next breath she stood erect, her eyes flashing through mist of tears.
 Come, sir" she said, "allow me to help you to mount. Dapple, take this gentleman down the river road. and at your utmost speed"
 Dapple uttered sagacious whinny, but the soldier hesitated.
 "Why don't you mount, sirY' cried the girl impatiently. Twill you remain here and ruin both yourself and meY'