The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1892-07-14

,,% Mi though at last they
NSl| | had been forced to
y ~. II flight, leaving one
third their force on the field,
had thnned the numbers OF their con-
luerors.
To Roland Pearse, monotonousiy
tramping on sentry duty along the
track worn by his own feet in the
snow at tantalizing distance from
the nearest OF the small watch-tires
which cleaned around the central
one, where the officers were sunk in
sleep, it seemed as if the dawn would
never come. A years hard campaig-
ing had toughened him to all acct
dents OF war, and the coolest and
longest nights watch after the hard
est days fighting or marching came
to him, as rule, naturally enough.
But he had been wounded in the fight,
though not seriously, yet painfully,
and between the consequent loss of
blood and the bitter cold was weary
we'll nigh to death. In the dead still
ness of the night the monotonous
chant of the river near at hand COM
bined with weakness and WEAKNESS to
.stupefy his senses, and for minutes
together he shufled along the
track he had worn in
the snow with quite un.
conscious persistence, awakening at
the end Of his beat with nerveshat-
tering start, and falling asleep again
ere he had we'll turned to retrace his
steps. At last, g. deeper doze was
terminated by his falling at full
length in the snow. He gathered his
stiff, cold limbs together, and limped
along shivering. swearing at the snow
which had penetrated different loop
hools OF his ragged uniform, and slow
fly melting by contact with his scarce
warmer skin served at least to keep
him awake. He drew from his pocket
a flask containing a. modicum OF
whisky. 1t was little enough-he
could have gratefully drunk twice the
amount; but with a self-denial taught
10y many bitter experiences, he took
only mouthful and reserved the
'rest for future use
With vague idea that g. new beat
would somewhat relieve the monotOny
OF his watch, he struck into another
track and trudged resolutely at right
angles with his former course, the two
ZINES OF footsteps making gigantic
cross upon the snow. His former las
sltude was again beginning to conquer
him, when it was suddenly dissipated
10y a voice which rang out on the
stiffness with startling suddenness, in
'stlnct with anguish:
your breast, for Gods sake help mel"
Twenty feet from where he stood
Roland beheld the figure OF man
raised feebly on one elbow above the
! level OF the snow. There was only
just light enough to distinguish it, He
approached it cautiously, with his
rifle advanced and shooting rapid
glances from the PROSTATE figure to
every clump OF snow-covered heritage
or inequality OF ground which might
afford shelter for an ambuscade.
II am alone" the man said.
bespoke each word upon separate
sob OF pain and weakness. He wore
the Southern uniform, and Roland
saw that one arm and ane leg dragged
from his body, helpless and distorted.
An old sabre cut traversed his face
from the cheek bone to the temple.
He looked the very genius of defeat.
II am dyingn' lie painted to Roland.
The young man pulled his beard as
he looked down at him, and shrugged
his shoulders with a scarce perceptible
gesture.
II know said the Southerner. 81
don't growl at that. I've let dav
hight in a few OF your fellows in my
time, and would again i'll got the
chance. Now it's my turn, and Tn
going to take it quiet. But I want
to say something-to write somethin!
to my wife in Charleston. Will yol
do that for me? 1t isn't much for 6
man to ask OF another. don't wan
to die and rot in this cursed wilder
ness without saying goodbye to her.
"You must look sharp. then,' sait
Roland, kneeling beside him, 'sfor
shall be called into camp in a few min
futes"
He took an old letter from hi
pocket, and with numbed fingers be
began to write, at the wounded man
~dictation, on it's blank side.
"My darling Rose" he began.
Roland started as if stung by
snake, and bent q sudden look Of uues
tioning anger on his companions fact
The Southernerlooked back at him 10
a moment with a look OF surpris,
Then his face changed.
"Jim Vickersn' said Roland.
"Roland Pearsen cried the othe
and for q moment there was silent
tbetween them.