Los Angeles herald., 1892-09-25


with arepulsive face; naturally pompous
in bearing, but now thoroughly cowed.
Yet as he saw me he assumed certain
uneasy bravado.
"'Captair Johnson, at your service,
SIR he ann61nced as he saluted.
"'What does this mean?' | asked.
They are fiends incarnate, generalv
he exclaimed as he glanced over his
shoulder. They will murder us all
and ravage the town. Oh, what shall
you do?'
:" 4 shall form the men,
{" Impossible. Why, that's just what
I've been trying, but
-" Silence, SIR
"As reached the mob noticed one
face alone which expressed respect or
sympathy. All others bore look of
malevolence. A young soldier, well set
up and scrupulously neat, seemed to be
attempting to dissuade his comrades
from some mad project. He was a fine
looking fellow with long, light mus
tache and bright, blue eyes from which,
as say, caught fash Of admiration.
II drew my sword and stood upright
and motionless before the men.
Attention, men! Fall inr l com
manded
"There was hesitation, momen-
tary huddling together, and then they
arrayed themselves.
Present armsl Carry arms! Order
arms! Parade restp ordered and they
obeyed.
"Behind mo stood knot of wonder
ing officers.
"'How do you dare? began. Then
arose growl from the ranks we
want our rights. Well get them too.
We demand. our pay. We won't stand
such treatment Our wives, our chill
dren are starving
'Silence! warned them. Not an
other word. If you have grievances
if you have complaints, send them
through the proper channel, and
they shall be heard and allayed,
promise you. Men, Pm ashamed of
you. While your comrades are in the
field facing privation and danger and
death for the glory of that old flag
w HUI yOu bdfO why Joop SWIM w bO-
fend, you, for a trifing delay which the
throes of our government should ex-
cuse, dare to murmur and revolt. Out
upon such soldiersl Do you know what
you risk? Do you appreciate that l
have but to step to that telegraph and
the regulars will surround you and
rake your camp with an enflading fire?
Do you long to serve your country at
the Dry Tortugas? Have care, or there
you shall be sent, weighted with the
contempt of all loyal men. Officers, 70
your postsl There will be a review pres
entity
"'Three cheers for the generalr shout
cruit as turned away, and they were
given with will
$50 went through that camp, speak
ing as l never had spoken, inwardly
overwrought with excitement, but out
wardly the cold, distant personifcation
of discipline. Within two hours l had
that brigade formed in hollow square,
and from its center renewed my threats
and my promises. They were effective.
Reason returned to the men and with it
came shame. What had looked like a
dangerous outbreak was quelled by
moral force.
LAS l left the parade met Captain
johnson.
"'By the way, captain,' I asked, who
is that bright looking young soldier of
yours who seemed to be resisting the
madness of the menY The captain
scowled quite unnecessarily.
"'That's Thomas Browne he an
swered moodily. He doesn't amount to
much
"lm certain you don't. reflected as
I returned to the city.
"a month passed by. Discipline had
done its perfect work The mob had be-
come well drilled brigade. The men
had received their arrears, and were
eager to wire out disgrace and toachieve
renown in action. The order for their
advance was expected daily. l sat in
my quarters in the city, alone and idle,
for my duty had been fulfilled and was
about to report at Washington. The
door opened and tall, slender young
woman, neatly dressed, stood before me-
Her face was pallid; her large black eyes
shone intensely.
"'Oh, sir she exclaimed, save my
soldier! He said that you might and
she sank in chair by my side weeping
and moaning and wringing her fragile
hands in manner most pitiable to be-
hold
But, my dear madam expostu-
lated sternly, this won't do at all. If
you wish my aid you must be calm and
sensible. Tell me who you ARE, who
your soldier is, and what you want
"My severity succeeded, as / intended
it should. She was stout hearted little
thing, and she gulped down her sobs,
and in a moment sat upright and tran
quill.
7" ] beg your pardon, she said gently,
and l felt like brute. My name is
Mary Graeme, and--and I'm engaged
to Thomas Browne. He's my soldier,
you know, and he's in the camp over in
New Jersey
"'Thomas Browner Obi remem-
bered. Yes, my DEAR / replied. "A
fine looking young fellow, with bright
blue eyes, l think?
"'Oh, such bonny eyes, so tender, so
true! And they speak his nature, be-
lieve me. know him so we'll; we were
little children together. He has been
placed under arrest, sir, and is to be
triad haf0ra tho co111t ma rti nj ,,oxu II,