Western Kansas world. [volume] (WaKeeney, Kan.) 1885-current, 1891-05-23

though determined voice: This mau
il my prisoner. l claim the right Il
parole him. Surprise was plainly Wis.
ible upon the three faces. But resolu'
ton was equally marked, and Aliens
case seemed far from gained. The
men exchanged questioning Chances.
and one of them, wishing to brighten
the fair pleader, discharged his gun at
tree near by.
His action caused fine scorn to leap
into her face. Throwing back her head
with hauty gesture, she eyed him un-
finchiugly, breathing the one word
coward" Then wholly ignoring his
presence, she addressed herself to the
others:
Brave men are generous, and gentle
men are courteous. As brave men and
gentlemen I appeal to you for this
mans freedom. Many months ago a
Confederate soldier was left as dead
upon the battle field. He was not
dead. A Union soldier found him +;
cared for him, and aided him to place
of safety. That Confederate was my
brother. His benefactor is the Union
soldier before you. Now gentlemen are
Southern soldiers to be outdone in
generosity by Yankee? Must I say
again. He is my prisoner" For a
second no sound broke the silence. Her
words had brought CLEAN of intelli-
gence to Aliens eye. The con-
temptous emphasis, perhaps un-
conscious, yet delicately per-
ceptible, expressed by the one word,
Yankee, brought CLEAN of something
more. Yet he forgot this; forgot even
that he was the unfortunate, whose fate
was under discussion. He saw and felt
only the beauty of that Incompatible
picture. The blue sky, the splendor of
gold and crimson foliage; the wavering
lights, and shadows The gray clad
soldiers, and the gloriously beautiful
girl.
Then the charm was broken. With
one accord the three caps were raised.
The order, Right about. March, was
given, and Aliens would-be captors
rode away, leaving him alone with his
real captor. Surely never had prisoner
of war so happy fate, thought the i'm
questionable young man, as with a
variety of emotions he tried to express
his gratitude. His attempt appeared
to bring his companion to sense of her
position.
She colored deeply, while her manner
grew perceptibly colder.
you exaggerate my service" she re-
piled in low, musical voice. at was
but part payment of debt, I can
never fully discharge. Gerald told me
of your kindness to him. and described
you so accurately that 1 recognized you
Immediately. I should advise you now
to return to your friends as soon as pos
s1ble."
She turned away with the evident in
tention of leaving him.
"Don't CO." cried Allen impetuously.
II beg you pardon" he added more
calmly. Il fear I have not expressed
my gratitude as I wish to do"
@Can one ever do that. You have for
gotten the obligation on my side.
eyes, but mine is greater. I have
proved to-day that Southern men can be
generous. Pray believe that Yankees
are not ungrateful."
A half quizzical smile drove the cold
ness from her face.
Such emphasis as that must have
seemed very rude in me, shereturned in
low voice. II was appealing to the
men, you know, not reproaching you"
"Yet you do dislike them. Those
unfortunate Yankees?"
Her face clouded.
"They are foes of the South, and I
love the South. You are one of them,
but you were Gerald's friend III time
Of need. What has happened to-day
can never wash out that debt. hope
you may pass through this war unhurt.
L cannot hope you may be on the win
ming side"
Il thank you for the first hope" an
sweled Allen, slightly moved. 81 shall
always be happy for having helped q
fellow-man in need, and doubly happy in
the knowledge that my service was rem
dered to your brother. You call me q
foe to the South. but try to believe that
I fight according to my convictions, and
that hold as noble the cause for which
am willing to seal my faith with my
life."
Il can give you credit for that, but ]
cannot forget that yours may be the
hands to take the life of those love the
best"
These words baunted Allen, long
after he had left the scene, destined to
live in his memory. They were always
with him; in the quiet of night, and the
strife of day.
Often he looked for her brother when
the sharpness of the contest brought
Blue and Grey together.
He saw him at last It was during
one of their fiercest struggles.
The two lines had rushed upon each
other like waves of q living sea.
Moving backward and forward,
with the motion of mighty
human tide. The great guns
poured forth their terrible broadsides.
The light Artillery moved down men
like reeds before the wind. Shells
tore shrieking through the wooded
knobs, and the whole storm-swept field