The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1891-05-29


discreet and to be depended upon I'M
der the most trying circumstances. He
desires him for service which will not
only require nerve and courage, but will
at times place him in positions of the
most desperate and dangerous character.
I know no one in the regiment whom I
could so trustingly rely upon as yourself.
Do you care to volunteer
Without moments hesitancy Philip
calmly replied, Colonel, am ready at
all times to serve my country in any ca
pacity duty requires"
AS the colonel proceeded to unfold to
him the mission the general wished to
send him upon, and the manner in which
he was to leave, a deathly pallor for
moment overspread Philips face.
The colonel stopped. "Do you hesi-
tate?" said he. ''This is to be voluntary
on your part you are not obliged to go
II you do not wish to do So"
"No-no," Philip replied, II wish to
go-it is my desire to do so, but was
thinking for moment of Martha, my
sister, and of the pain she would suffer
when she hears of my being missing. !
am ready, colonel. l will try and do
my duty, but if anything should happen
to me see that no stain is allowed to
rest on my name"
1t was late when Philip left the col
onel's quarters. AS he did so the old
veteran grasped him warmly by the
hand, and while tear trickled down
his bronzed cheek said: "God bless and
protect you, Philip. l hope to be the
first to welcome you back"
The next morning Philip Larrabee
for the first time since his enrolment as
soldier, failed to answer his name at
the roll call. Doubt, uncertainty and
innuendoes are as great n load for low
ing heart to carry as the deepest sorrow.
Martha, alarmed at first in not hearing
from Philip as usual, felt her heart sink
within her when she learned that he was
reported as missing. Everything relat-
ing to his strange disappearance was of
the most vague and unsatisfactory char
acter He was missing from his COM
pany, that was all that was known.
Whether he had deserted. whether he
was alive or dead, no one seemed able to
tell. But Martha believed him to be
alive, although she could not fathom the
mystery. She moved about as in a
trance, and seemed oblivious to all her
surroundings.
Soon after this the little boat, once the
constant companion of these two loving
hearts, was found in a battered condi-
ton on the rocky shore of the bay some
distance from the village. Its mistress
was not to be found. The villagers said
she had at last given away to her grief
and sought consolation and rest in the
deep waters that knew her SO well.
The army had now moved forward
and was in close proximity to the enemy.
Among those who stole into the Union
lines after this advance was a person ap-
parently a farmer. He proceeded at
once to the headquarters of Philips regi-
ment, and the colonel, so the sentinel on
duty there afterward declared, threw
his arms around his neck and hugged
him with joy. They were soon in the
presence Of the general, and although it
is not known what happened at the in
terview it was evidently Of an important
nature.
The next day Philip Larrabee report
ed to the captain Of his company for
duty and once more took charge of the
colors.
The thunder of battle once more re-
sounded through the peaceful hills and
valleys of the Shenandoah. The bri-
gade, of which Philips regiment formed
a part, laid on its arms under cover of
some woods opposite one of the enemy's
strongest intrenchments. From these
works the Confederate batteries kept up a
most active and deadly fire. These guns
must be silenced, and to do so the brigade
is ordered to take them at the point of the
bayonet. At the command the troops
move out from under the cover and take
position in full view of the enemy. The
lines are formed, orders given, and the
command moves forward under ter
rible fire as steadily as if on parade.
A large opening consisting in part of
meadow, and then the rough ground of
an old potato patch has to be passed be-
fore the hills are reached on which the
enemy is so securely intrenched. AS the
brigade moves through the meadow they
get orders to "double quick" and with
cheer upon cheer they steadily push for
ward under murderous fire. When
the edge of the potato patch is reached
Philip, still carrying the colors, stops,
staggers in his tracks and falls forward
The line hesitates, wavers, as though un-
able to proceed farther. AS Philip sinks
to the ground, death stamping its seal
upon his noble face, comrade catches
with one hand the staff, now stained
with the warm life blood of its faithful
guardian; then, bending over his almost
lifeless form, exclaims in tones of indie
scribable anguish and tenderness:
"Phil! my dearest Phil!
What voice is that? At its tender and
appealing tone the dying man looked
into the face of his comrade-a look of
happiness-a recognition in which soul
speaks to soul, g light of unutterable joy
for Il second steals over the shadow of
death, and in dying whisper murmurs
"Marthaw
The pause is but Inomentary--frioht-