Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1892-04-29
DAPPLE'S MISTRESS.


pony.
The sun was dropping out of sight behind
the green hills, and far away down he Sill
yer bend Of the Accoceek came the tramp of
retreating troops, with now and then the
mUffl ID roll Of a drum or tne shrill bray Of
bugle.
Old Virginia, the queen mother Of the
sunny south, was oveTrun with soldiers,
devastated with fire and sword, shaken to
her very foundation by the thunderr Of civil
war.
Colonel Moreton was far away from
his p easant home, IN the front ranks of
Death and danger; but Irene, his only
daughter, braVed the errors Of Invasion
and remained at the farmhouse with
her invalid mother and a few faithful SER
wants.
Gathering across the ground an hour after
the retreat of the invading troops, some
thing attracted the young lady's notice-a
PROSTATE figure under the shade of the
great cottonwood tree.
stop, Dlpple; we must see to this -
Dapple stopped, and Miss Irene leaped
lightly from her saddle, and throwing the
sDkeu reins over the pony 5 neck she went
tripping across the grounds to the spot
where the figure lay
1t was a tall, soldierly figure, clad in
army blue, with pale, worn face; and an
abundance of curling chestnut hair.
Colonel M0reton s daughter looked down
upon the senseless soldier with all her
woman 8 divine compassion, STIRRING
within her bosom.
Poor fellow" she murmured, LAYING
her soft hand up N his brow; 81 wish |
coul help him
The sofr voice and the softer touch
called back the veteran 8 wandering senses.
lie opened his eyes and looked up in the
young lady's face. GreaS, luminous, hand
some eyes they were, that somewhat re-
minded irene of her brother TOMS eyes;
and Tom was down In the trenches In
front of Richmond. The compassion in
her heart stirred afresE; she smoothed
back the tangled curls from the soldiers
brow.
Ny poor fellow" she said, ''can l do
anything for your
He struggled up to his elbow with
stifed groan.
My horse threw me" be explained,
land they left me behind. think | must
have tainted from the pain. ! thank you
very much, but can t see how you can
hel p me. | suppose must lie here till
they take me prisoner, and | would almost
as soon be shot "
Irene smiled, smile that lighted her
dark bright face into positive beauty.
Il am In the enemy 8 country" she said,
but If you can trust me | think | can
help you; at least will see that you are re-
freshed and made comfortable"
She put her hand to her bosom ard draw
ing forth tiny whistle she out it 10 her
lips and blew a sharp blast.
Dapple prlcked up his gray ears and came
Cantering to her side, followed instantly by
a coIored man -servant.
you see, smiled Miss Irene, flashing
beaming glance on the soldier, -
hold my reserve forces at moment 8 warn
ing"
Here James help this gentleman 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 #
sight the Union soldier, refreshed and
made comfortable, lay asleep in the best
chamber of the pleasant old southern man
sion.
Meanwhile, on the long veranda, Irene
kept watch, heraslight, wiIowy form wrap
ped IN a scarlet mantle, her raven tresses
floating on the wind.
BY and by as the midnight stars came
out and giittered overhead, above the
dreamy flow of the river. ABOVE the murmur
and rustic of the forest leaves arose the
clash and clan, the roar and tramp of ad-
vancing troops.
Irene's dark face flushed and her lust
rous eyes dilated. She crossed the
veranda with a swift step and tapped
lightly at the door of her guests cham
Der.
They a:e coming the whispered,
they vii take you prisoner If you re
main You must co.
The soldier started to his feet and made
his way out, but he reeled against the
door, faint and gasping for breath.
Il can't walk! he cried; there's 40
hope of escape"
But irene held out her little young arm.
Yes there is, she said cheerfuly.
Lean on me. can help you down and
YOU can ride on D1pple. He knows the
river road and you Will overtake your COM
rades by dawn. Hurry there is no time
10 lose.
The soldier leaned upon the brave, help
fui young arm and succeeded in reaching
rae lawn below.
"Dappie!" the young girl called, in her
clear, silver notes, come here"
In a breath DApple was at her side. The
girl stood and looked at the gentle creature,
and then she threw her arms around his
neck.
oh, Dapple, pretty Dapple,' she
sobbed: 1T breaks my heart TO part with
Yen. Good-by, Dapple."
In the next breath she stood erect, her
eyes flashing through the mis-. of tears.
Come, SIR, she said, "allow me to
help you mount. D4pple, take this gen
tleman down the river road, and at your
u. most speed
Dappe uttered a ssgacious whinny,
but tie soldier hesitated.
Why don't you mount, sir?" cried
the grl impatlently. Will you remain
here ana ruin both yourself and me?''
he vaulted into the saddle without a
word
AWAY, Dapple, like The wind" cried
Irene, ard the little mountain rony shot
off like an arrow.
The war was over, and once more over
the blasted and des olate homes of Virginia
peace and freedom reIgned.
Captain Ruthel ford made ii his business
10 go back to the Potomac bills and to
Colonel Moreton S farmhouse the moment
be was discharged from service; but where
the sta ey old homestead stood he found
10 b ng but mass of ruins, and of Dap
pies mistress not the slightest tidings
could be obtained.