Smyrna times., 1892-07-27
DAPPLE'S MISTRESS.


down the river bend of the Accocee
came the tramp of retreating troop
with now and then the muff1ed roll (
of a drum or the shrill bray of th
bugle.
Old Virginia, the queen mother
the sunny south, was overrun wit
soldiers, devastated with fire an
sword, shaken to her very foundation
by the thunders of civil war.
Colonel MOretOn was far awav from
his pleasant home, in the front rank
of death and danger; but Irene, hi
only daughter, braved the terrors O
invasion and remained at the farm
house with her invalid mother and
a few faithful servants.
Cantering across the ground an hou
after the retreat of the invading troops
something attracted the young ladyl
notice-a PROSTATE figure under the
shade of the great cottonwood tree.
stop, Dapple; we must look al
this"
Dapple stopped aud Miss Irene leaned
lightly frOm her saddle, and throwing
the silken reins over the pOny's neck
she went tripping across the grounds
where the the figure lay. 1t was a
tall, soldierly figure, clad in army blue
with a pale, worn face and an abun.
dance of curling chestnut hair. She
looked down upon the senseless sol.
dier with all her wOman's divine com.
passion stirring within her bosom.
Poor fellow" she murmured. lavinp
her soft hand upon his brow; II wish
| could help him."
The soft voice and the softer toucb
called back the veterans wandering
senses. He opened his eyes and
looked up in the young lady's face
Great. luminous handsome ewes thew
were, that somewhat reminded Irene
OF her brother Toms eyes, and Tom
was down in the trenches in front of
Richmond. The compassion in her
heart stirred afresh she smoothed
back the tangled curls from the sol.
dier's brow.
My poor fellow" she said, "can |
do anything for you ?"
He struggled up to his elbow with a
stifed groan.
My horse threw me-" he exclaimed.
land they left me behind. | think 7
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 l would almost as soon be
shot"
Irene smiled, smile that lighted
her dark, bright face into positive
beauty.
Il am in the enemy's country, but if
you will trust me l think / can helm
you at least l will see that you are
refreshed and made comfortable.
She put he- hand to her bosom and
drawing forth tiny whistle. she nut il
to her lips and blew a sharp blast
papple picked up his gray ears and
came cantering to her side, followed
instantly by the polored mao servant
"YOu see" smiled Miss Irene. fash
ing beaming glance on the soldier
i hold my reserve force at a moments
warning. Here, James, help this gen.
tleman to the house and ride for DR..
Werter to dress his limb"
James Obeyed without a word. and
by the time the sun was fairly out of
sight the union soldier, refreshed and
made comfortable, lay asleep In the
best chamber Ofthe pleasant old South
ern mansion.
Meanwhile on the long veranda
Irene kept watch, her slight, willowy
form wrapped in a scarlet mantle. her
raven tresses floating on the wind. By
and-by, as the midnight stars came out |
andglittered 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
lark face flushed and her lustrous ewes
tilated. She crossed the veranda with
swift step and tapped lightly at the
door OF her guests room.
"They are coming" she whispered.
they will take you prisoner if you re.
main. You must gO.p
The s9ldier started to his feet and
made his way out, hut he reeled /
against the door, faint and gasplng for
Il can't walk" he cried. "There's
no hope of escaped"
But Irene held out her 1.-the Young.
lrm.
Yes. there is" she said cheerfullv
Lean on ne. ! can help you down,
Ind you shall ride Dapple. He knows
he river road, and you will Overtake
'our comrades by dawn. Hurry
There is no time to lose"
The soldier loaned upon the brave,
helpful young arm, and succeeded In
eaehing the lawn below.
"Dapple |" the young girl called, in
Ter clear, silver notes, "come here =,
In breath Dapple was at her side.
The girl stood and looked at the gentle
'Featpre, and then she threw her arms
ironnd her neck.
oh, Dapple, pretty papple,n she
obbed, ut breaks my heart to mart
With you. Goodbye, Dapple,"
IN the next breath she stood erect,
Ter eyes flashing through a mist Of
ears.
"Come, sir" she said, "allow me to
ielp you mount. Dapple, take this
down the river road, and at
our utmost speed"
Dapple uttered a sagacious whlnny.
ut the soldier hesitated.
why don't you mount, sirY" cried
he girl impatiently. "Will you re.
pain and ruin both yourself and meY',
he vaulted into the saddle witbont