The weekly intelligencer. [volume] (Lexington, Mo.) 1891-1901, 1891-03-07

III "diu iiiutbciiiiE thicuts anu AiuhiiS
some very hostile demonstrations, and
Johnston begun to think he had posi-
bly, made mistake in so Openingly
announcing himself; but feeling indis-
posed to allow himself to be imposed
upon, he placed his hand upon the butt
of his revolver, and a dangerous light
glittered in his flashing black eyes.
Just then tall soldierly man stepped
into the hotel corridor.
He was very dark, with keen piercing
eyes, u heavy, dropping moustache,
strong, determined features, and mas
sive, we'll set head from which his coal
black hair fell iii heavy drapery
almost to his shoulders He was
attired in the undress uniform of a
Union officer, and his figure was firmly
knit and commanding. This person
age was no less celebrity than Gen.
John NJ. palmer, just returned from
the seat of war, crowned with the laurels
of victory.
Turning his eagle eyes upon the mob,
he took in the situation at a glance,
and stalking into the midst of the
crowd exclaimed; "Hold, there!
What is ali this commotion about?n
ats rebel spy, General" answer
ed the brawler who had been doing
the talking.
ga rebel spy! Preposterous? Don't
you know the war is over yetP Back,
and let that man alone'' Then ap-
proaching Johnston, he inquired,
''What were those towards threaten
ing you with, sir?'
80, nothing they would have at
tempted, Think" replied Johnston.
81 am an ex-confederate soldier, and
have come to Jacksonville to find Mrs.
Jamison for whom / have message
from her son who was killed in Missouri
IN 1862
"Mrs. Jamison? Why she is rela-
tive of mine; and this reminds me that
| have not yet paid my respects to her
since my return from the seat of war.
I am glad to have met you, sir, and
taking Johnston by the hand he gave it
hearty shake. Then in moment he
said: "By the way, you have not
dined yet. Come into dinner with me,
and | will take pleasure in driving you
ont to Mrs. Jamison's as soon rs we
have finished"
During the meal, at Palmer's request
Johnston related the particulars OF
Lieut.. Jamison's sad death.
"Poor Will" sighed tho General,
"he was noble boy. knew he was
killed, but never knew just where OIL
| howl
Soon after dinner was over, General
Palmer and his guest entered u carriage
and were driven out to the beautiful
home of the Jamison's
Right graciously were the two receiv-
ed by Mrs. Jamison and her daughter
but when Johnston's mission was eX.
planned, and he produced the picture,
watch and bible of the son and brother,
and described in low, sympathetic tones
the death scene ON the battlefield, the
fortitude of mother and daughter gave
way, and burst of grief tore Oper
anew the wounds of their hearts.
| Gen. Palmer's duties called him tc
Springfield that afternoon, and he soor
prepared to depart. Capt. Johnston
also arose for the purpose of returning
to the hotel, but both mother anC
daughter plead with him so earnestly to
remain with them few days that HI
consented to do so.
Those were halcyon days for tht
handsome young confederate officer
whose heart was most susceptible to th'
charms of lovely Florence Jamison, nov
a superb young lady of twenty sum
mers.
| A week quickly passed away, ant
the visit was prolonged to another
1t is said that love grows never so fas
as when fed by the romance of wa
and heroic deeds. Evening afte
evening would Florence and the hand
some young ex-confederate veteran 81
out in the soft night air-she listepin.
with deepest interest, and he relatin.
such incident of battle, peril and escap
Us his memory would recall.
That these young people, so wei
fitted for each other should come to love
was very natural; and Johnston ha,
not been the associate and companion
of Florence Jamison long before he wa
compelled to confess to himself that h
loved her; loved her as he had neve
loved woman before.
But did she love himp that was tn
question that racked his brain. No on
is so blind rs the modest, sincere an
scarcely daring to hope, lover, henc
r our hero did not observe many littl
things that to the penetrating eyes of
disinterested man or woman, woul
J have been proof that Florence returne
, his love. Finally believing that she di
not care for him he determined t
proIong his visit no longer, but retur
/ home. o, the blind, timid hero!
1 Yet, going, he found to be not tn
/ easy task he imagined. Florence ha
troops of lovers, and many of thel
were of distinction. To 90 was t
| leave the field clear to them, perhay
; lose this beautiful girl forever; so /
! still fingered. He had been an inmat
5 of Mrs. Jamison's home for 4 mont
5 before he could possibly tear himse
= away.
q II will go tomorrow he said re
, olutely, one morning, and he set hin
self to work preparing his farewe
3 speech to Florence. Should he tell hi
4 of his love or not? was the questio
8 that baffied him. Then he conclude
3 he wouldn't. ssBetter TO bear the il
2 we have than fly to others we kno
not Of
: That evening as he and Florenc
l stood out in the vine-embowered sun
e mer house, he said:
l Tomorrow l shall start home.
t $50 soon!" she said, and there VIZ
s pathetic appeal in her voice, and h
: saw that her hand which was trailing
a spray of honeysuckle, trembled
l eyes, must go!" he said. 81 haS
4 stayed too long already. May ash
3 Miss Jamison, that you will not torg'
me!n and his voice was husky an
5 tremulous from suppressed emotion
: "Forget youP How could l; l.
you suppose, Mr.. Johnston, that
e would ever do that" was the repil..
:, "And may come and see you agail
r Miss Jamison?" he asked, uncol