Indian chieftain. [volume] (Vinita, Indian Territory [Okla.]) 1882-1902, 1891-11-19
DAPPLE'S MISTRESS.

drum or the Shrlll Dlare OF DuRle.
Old Virginia. the queen mother OF
the sunny south. was overrun with
soldiers devastated by fire aud sword,
shaken to her very foundations by the
thunders Of civil war.
Col. 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 a few
faithful old servants.
Cantering across the grounds an
hour after the retreat Of the invading
troops. something attracted the young
lady's notice-a PROSTATE figure under
the shade Of the great cottonwood
tree.
Stop, Dapplei VIC must look to
thisw
Dapple stopped. and Miss Irene
leaped lightly from her saddle. aud
throwing the silken reins over the
pony's neck. went tripping across tte
ground TO the spot where the figure
lay.
1t was a tall, soldierly figure, clad in
army elue. with n pale, worn face and
an abundance, Of curling, chestnut
hair.
Col. Moreton's daughter looked down
upoL the senseless soldier with all her
won 1n5 divine compassion stirring
within her bosom.
Poor iullow," she murmured. laying
her soft hand upon his brow; Il wish
] could help him."
The soft voice and the softer touch
called back the veterans wandering
senses. He opened his eyes aud 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 10 the trenches in front Of Rich
mond. 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 a
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 |
must lie here till they take me pris-
oneg, and I'd almost as soon be shot"
Irene smiled. smile that lighted
her dark, bright face into positive
beauty.
Il am in the enemy's country" she
said. 'but il 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 a tiny whistle she put it
TO her lips and blew sharp little
blast
Dapple pricked up his gray ears aud
came cantering to her side, followed
instantly by a colored man-servant.
You see," smiled Mise Irene. fash
ing beaming glance on the soldier
II lpld my reserve forces at a mo-
menrf warning. Here James, help
this gentleman to the house. and then
ride for DIR. We-ter to dress his limb. y
James obeyed without a word, and
by the time the sun was fairly out OF
sight the union soldier. refreshed and
made comfortable. lay asleep In the
best chamber OF the pleasant old
southern mansion.
Meanwhile, on the long veranda.
Irene kept watch, her slight, willowy
figure wrapped In a scarlet mantle.
her hossy, raven tresses 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 murmur and rustic Of the forest
leaves. arose the clash and clang. the
roar and tramp of advancing troops.
uvl~ nd
lustrous eyes dilated. She crossed
the veranda with a swift step and
tapped lightly at the door Of heI
guests chamber.
They are coming" she whispered
"they will take you prisoner II you
remain. You must go.n
The soldier started 20 his feet and
made his way out but he reeied
against the door-post, faint and gasp
ing for breath.
Il can't walkI" he cried, 'there's nc
hope Of esoapet'
But Irene held out her 1.-the young
arm.
Yes. there is." she said, cheerfully
Lean on me. l can help you down
aud you shall ride Dapple. He knows
the river road. and you shall oyortak'
your comrades by dawn. Hurry ther.
Is no time TO lose"
The soldier leaned upon the brave
helpful young arm. aud succeeded Ii
reaching the lawn below.
'Dapplel' the young girl called, IN
her clear. silver notes. "come herem
Ia q breath Dapple was at her side.
The girl stood aud looked at the gen.
tie creature and then threw her arms
around his neck.
"Oh, Dapple, pretty Darplen she
sobbed III breaks my heart 10 part
with you. Good-by. Dapplel"
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
gortleman down the river road, ant
at your utmost speed"
Dapple uttered sagacious whinny,
but tho soldier hesitated.
"Why don't you mount. sirPn cried
the girl, impatiently ''Will you re-
main here aud ruin both yourself and
moPn
lie yauIted into the saddle without
word.
Away, Dapple. like the windr'
cried Irene. aud tho little mountain
pony shot Oh like sn arrow.
The war was over. aud once more
over The blasted aud desolate homes OF
FiFg'ala peace end freedom rsigped.