The Portland daily press., 1892-09-15
A FAIR BLOCKADE BREAKER.
BY T. G. De Leon.


Ing time" Bessie turned her pack aD-
ruptly on her handsome cdr. Fell"
covering her wonder if he had caught
her signals to Evan by directions to the
bearers of the coffee-tins.
There was general movement by the
women, as news of the merciful order
spread, Mrs. Gray and Miss Westminster
already near the line.
Poor young devil! He looks so
deuced cold," he said, distinctly.
''stop, Miss Bessie. Here, give hum
this"
AS she turned in surprise, Bessie
Westchester saw his tall figure CLAD in
a light walking-suit, his hand extend
ing to her the warm ulster, as he added,
meaningly: 'Not from me, of course;
from yourself. He will prize it more,
that way, and be more careful of it
than Of his life and liberty"
Strangely enough, the graceful man
was SO awkward that he dropped the
heavy coat, as the girl hesitated; but
when he raised it her quick ear caught,
from lips that scarce moved, the hurried
whisper:
'Tnside pocket-warn him-danger-
GUS paper-extreme cautioni"
With brain whirhng from excitement
and conjecture, with no time TO think,
the girltook the coat. And ere she could
form one word of query-not direct
enough for exposure If overheard-Fitz
hugh had moved rapidly away.
A moment later, matron and maid,
rebel sympathizer and union loyalist
alike, were close at the long line Of
captives, eager for warm drink and
food-more eager still for kindly word
and touch Of gentle hand; and bring back
-homel
Strong food and stean1fng coffee, det-
icacies and warm wraps, were urged
upon the needymen, their guards stand
ing grim but not unsympathetic, as they.
warned back those pressing too far be-
yond their line.
''Thanlz you, miss. from my heartl"
Evan Fauntleroy said, cheerily, as he
drained his second cup Of coffee and
munched rapidly ON third buttermilk
biscuit. "I'll never forget your face
your goodness to astranger."
"E1attering, that. I owe you one,
Mr.. Evan Fauntleroyi IT'S not often
hatgentlemen who have danced with
Bessie Westchester forget her COM
pleteIy," the girl retorted with
bright smile and q mock courtesy
that brought "a grin to the stohd
face Of the sentry at her elbow. But
the meaning in the eyes she fixed on the
youths belied her levity, and again the
dark arched eyebrows spoke almost as
plainly as words had done quick eau
ton to his sense trained In peril Of the
border. He knew some meaning would
underlie her words, and his brain grew
alert to unrsvel it.
"Your pretty cousin Carolyn ts 50 close
friend to me, Mr.. Fauntleruy, that she
shall send you q message to mend your
memory Bessie ran on, glibly enough,
but with heart in her very throat, lest
she might say too much. 1--WE were
talking of+you, ess1y this morning. She
is looking so we1l-so co,atented-now.
would not let her come out; there was
too much risk-from the cold. But,
had she dreamed you were here. she
would have sent-indeed, you maysvas2y
accepther messages Of love and cheer
through me. She leaves for the north,
psy soon, to visit her mother and broth
er. has been very sick, hut is better
now. know that you are glad that
she took no4risk-from the weather.
even if you miss seeing her. Perhaps
again She girFs glance emphasized
her wordsa Strongly and her brows
moved slightly-'tshe may be looking
at youifrom some window, now"
EaunHleroFs glance answered that he
tally understood her. His heart hut-
tered under his rouRh shfrts but hekept
his face calm, though the pleasant sur
prise would send the color TO his FROST
npped cheek.
s.1.aan so grate4ul to YOU" he an
swered, jauntily enough, though tho
feeling in his voice made it vibrant.
ssTell her, please, that I thank her and
cannot be too glad that she did not risk
1.-The cold"
elbow thoughtless have beeni Here,
put this on. quickly" the girl suddenly
cried, handing him the ulster. It is for
you, from-o fssend."
"Stand back, therel Only women al
lowed" the sentry called. grufay, turn
ing from BessieAs side and advancing q
step.
Peyton Fitzhugh had iounged away
from the siaewalk and was approaching
the linz.
nke-a fash, she seized the opportuni-
ty, never pausing to note its cause. and
the rapid whisper went straight to
Evans brain:
"She's well-safe, Ifyou escapes come
to usl Be very cautious; breast pocket
"a paper"
The sentry was beside her again; and
she was saying aloud:
''Bo glad you remember mo ut last!
Yes. liam the same little Bessie West
chester. Oh! yes, we live at the same
old brown house yonder"-she pointed
him TO it-"end the old number is I'M.
changed-462 Saint IS street. You
remember mamma married again-Mr.
Gilmor Gray. Everybody in Baltimore
yes, anywhere In observation-disclosures
Gilmor Gray" With an effort she
again gulped down the rebellious heart,
humping SO loud in her throat, adding,
carci1v. .l'.