The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1891-08-12

"Come along" said the good rhumored
officer, as he strobe from the room, with
Charlie following.
Have they given you any grub to-
day?p he asked, as they reached the
prison chamber.
"Eot q bite nor sup; but l am not
hungry" was the doleful confession.
'Pshaw, man! cheer up--rll go below
and send you something" and. true to
his word, his departure was quickly fol-
lowed by substantial meal, which
Fulton, Notwithstanding his troubles,
did ample justice to- esi g'g .H Z
Then came clatter OF arms and
stamping of horses without, and Charlie
saw the squadron on the move.
"By Jove! You are in luck, my boy"
manly voice cried, ns his door opened,
and the officer who had commanded his
guard the previous night made his ap-
pearance. ~ ~
"How SOP" Charlie asked, wearily.
"Why, there's no batch Of prisoners
to send to limbo, so I've orders to con
duct you TO {. recruiting station at Muir
freesboro, where you won't get half bad
quarters, 1 can tell you The General,
too, Is well impressed with you, and
means to let you down easy, 50 keep a
stiff upper-lip and hope for better fort
une." N wac
Fulton,s next quarters were in o
large, roomy building, which had once
been private residence OF no mean
proportions, but which was now occu-
pied by the military, partly as recruit
ing Office and partly as hospital for o
few convalescent officers, whose wounds
for the time incapacitated them for act
i've service. His chamber faced the
grounds of a handsome mansion, ten
anted evidently by persons of position
in society, for Charlie spent many u
weary hour watching gay groups Of
ladies gathered on the broad verandah,
or toiling with the needle on soldiers
supplies in the handsome rooms, the
windows of which were almost always
open. vi
He had been offered q parole, and had
refused, decision which did not lower
him in the estimation of his generous
captors. Y
And now the gayest season In all the
year in the South was approaching, the
Christmas holidays, and Charlie could
see that his fair neighbors were making
lavish preparation for the coming
festivities.
Charlie happened TO mention this to a
young officer, who often fingered after
visit of inspection to chat with the
prisoner. EsfsV tHa
"Bahl My dear fellow, 1t isn't only
for the holidays they're decorating, but
tonight t',at pretty girl in blue, leaning
on the pillar yonder, is to be married by
Bishop Polk. allow they'll have Q
gallant fling, for President Davis him
self has como to grace the festivities
with his presence"
at doesn't seem to me time fol
much rejoicing" Fulton said, moodily.
"Never better" was the gay reply
Mcclellan whipped at Antietam, Sher
man at q deadlock before Vicksburg
Rosecrans on the eve Of retreat, ant
Nashville as good as ours againl"
There's many slip 'twixt the cul
and the lip" Charlie ventured.
''But not when the cup is held by th'
firm hands of heroes" was the decides
answer.
That night his friend was with hin
again, when the revelry was at IT
height The evening, though In Decem
Der, was mild, and In the crowde'
rooms Of the mansion must have beel
almost sultry; at least It seemed SO, TO
the blinds and windows were flung Vi
TO their utmost height, affording tn
two young men an uninterrupted viey
OF the ballroom.
"See that tall, stately man lead for
ward those two pretty girls to dance
that Is President Davis-that fine fel
7 low in black Is the bishop-but, Heav
ems, man, what is the matter? Your
pale as death itselfp
sT,oolsip Charlie cried, clutching hi
: neighbor's arm convulsively. "What |
that they are dancing on-that thing-
that carpet-what is it2'
"It is the Northern flag, my boy, tn
star and stripes, they are tramplni
! under footl" was the exultant boast
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