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

came the tramp Of retreating troops
with now and then the mutlled roll of
a drum or the shrill blare 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.
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 tcrrors 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
thisl"
Dapple stopped. and Miss Irene
leaped lightly from her saddle and
throwing the silken reins over the
pony's neck went tripping across the
ground to the spot whore the figure
lay.
1t was tall, soldierly figure, clad In
army blue, with pale, worn face aud
an abundanc, of curling, chestnut
hair.
Col. Moreton's 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; II wish
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 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 youP"
He struggled up to his elbow with a
stihed groan.
MY horse threw me" he explained.
''and they left me behind. think l
must have tainted from the pain. /
thank you very much, but | can't see
how you can help me. l suppose |
must lie here till they take me pris-
oner, and I'd almost as soon be shot"
Irene smiled. a smile that lighted
her dark, bright face into positive
beauty.
! Il 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 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. y smiled Miss Irene. fash
ing beaming glance on the soldier,
II hold my reserve forces at mo-
mens't warning. Here, James. help
this gentleman to the house. and then
ride for DR.. Werter to dress his limb
James obeyed without word. aud
by the time the sun was fairly out OF
sight the union soldier. refreshed aud
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 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.
Irene's dark face flushed and her
lustrous eyes dilated. She crossed
the veranda with a swift step and
tapped lightly at the door of her
guests chamber.
They are coming" she whispered;
'they will take you prisoner II you |
remain. You must 60"
The soldier started to his feet aud |
made his way out, but he reeled |
against the door-post, faint aud gasp |
ing for breath.
Il can't walkln be cried, 'there's no
hope of escapeln
But Irene held out her 1.-THE young
arm.
Yes, there Is. " she said, eheerfully.
Lean on me. can help you down,
aud you shall ride Dapple. He knows
the river road. and you shall overtake
your comrades by dawn. Hurry there
is no time to losei'
The soldier leaned upon the brave,
helpful young arm, and succeeded in
reaching the lawn below.
'Dapplel the young girl called. In
her clear, silver notes, ''come herem
In breath Dapple was at her side.
The girl stood aud looked at the gen
tie creature aud then threw her arms
around his neck.
'Oh, Dapple. pretty Dapple." she
sobbed. it breaks my heart TO part
with you. Good-by DappleF
In the next breath she stood erect.
her eyes flashing through a mist Of
tears
Come. sir =" she said. ALLOW me to
help You to mount Dappie, take this
gentleman down the river road. and
lt your utmost speed.
Dapple uttered a sagacious whlnnv,
but the soldier hesitated.
Why don't you mount sirPn cried
he girl. impatiently. ''Will you re-
main here and rnin beth F0aTssiiff F0aTssiiff aud I
nePn
he yaulted into the saddle without
! word
Away, Dapple. like the windr'
ried Irene, and the little mountain
lony shot Of like an arrow.
The war was over. and once more
yer the blasted and desoiate homes Of
'irginia peace and freedom. rsigned.