The Black Hills union. [volume] (Rapid City, Pennington County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1889-1904, 1892-04-22
MARIE'S REVENGE.

down was one which bore no remem
brance OF the carnage. The white
tents OF the camp were scattered here
n there upon the green sward;
swords were sheathed. muskets laid at
rest while tired men stretched them
selves at length. or quietly watched
the preparation of the evening meal.
In the center of one group OF soldiers
was q tiny figure on which every eye
rested in love, and whose little hand
had been pressed in turn by each of
the rough and hardened palms she
had honored by her touch. Baby
Marie, the regiments vivandiere-
Baby Marie, the regiments
adopted child. Sixteen years
before she had been born amongst
them; her father killed in a
sortie on the day of her birth; her
mother: unable to bear the cruel shock,
speedily followed him, leaving the lit
tie one an orphan ere three days had
passed over her unconscious head. 1t
was a strange trust for these rough,
uncouth men to adopt. but they kept
it royalty. Baby Marie she was to
them still in the dignity Of her sixteen
years; Baby Marie she would be when
the chestnut curls had faded into gray.
Yet she ruled them with a rod of iron.
She it was who s.lenced the voice of
complaint or mutiny; she who bade
the thief, shame-faced, restore his
plumber; who babe them bear punish
ment rightfully deserved like men.
But she it was who, in the midst of
shot and shell, held the cup OF water
to the thirsty lips, bound up the bleed
ing wounds, or bent her plying head
to catch the last whispered message to
mother or sweetheart from lips fast
growing cold.
did | not tell you we would win
the day." now rang out the clear
young voice, as the slight figure
sprang upon the bench beside her,
that she might better look into each
bronzed, rugged face.
My children, l am proud of you"
AS she spoke the words, two young
officers, arm in arm, sauntered by.
WHO is that child who calls these
men her c~hildren?" questioned one,
the younger Of the pair. whose pro-
motion had but recently transferred
him to the camp.
'''You do not know Baby Marie,
Gordon? Such ignorance is voted
here close upon treason. She is the
child of the regiment. Not a man be-
longs to it but would lay down his
life for her: They say her life is
charmed. and to see her vending her
way in the thick Of the battle. succor-
ing the wounded. one might readily
believe it.n
But what a life!" exclaimed Cor
don Graham. Hero in the midst of
the rough. untutored men. Think OF
her old g Clarence. Unloved! IN
sexed! Poor child! Is there no wom-
ans hand to lead her into other
paths?'
Hush! She will hear you"
But the admonition came too late.
A dull. dark flush mantled the girls
cheek, and two great, hot tears welled
in the deep gray eyes.
"Cnsexed, he calls me! Unsexed!
Why did not call upon some of nv
children to avenge the insult? Cap
tain Gordon Graham. beware. T.
Marie. will avengo myself. BY the
stars above. | swear it! Oh, mother.
mother" Ii a burst OF. bitter sobbine
the little figure. IN It's bright, fan
tastic dress, IL canteen slung about the
slende' waist, threw Itself upon the
ground.
Marie" The voice which breathed
her name was one whose music she
bod 1aor,nl tn lr,nYy l., 3h,-s --
weeks since she had made her VOW of
vengeance to herself and the stars.
'Marie!" he repeated. and turning
she found him at her side.
; II have had u letter from my sister
little me l wrote her about you.
lift" he hesitated. embarrassed,
you would like to fit yourself for
some life different to this. she would
aid you"
Lest l become further ~unsexed, l
suppose. Captain Graham, give your
sister Marie's thanks. but tell her a
child of the regiment dies at her post"
And, with q saucy laugh. she fitted
away in tho darkness.
His sister," The words. spoken to
herself came like 4 groan. He has
a sister! Would he let her take my
hand, l wonder? But could her hand
blind up my children's wounds as this
hard has done? 1t is brown and hard.
Hers must be white and soft, sparkling
with diamonds, bathed in cosmetics;
mine bathed in blood; her lips pressed
by his kisses. Oh, will my revenge
never comee:n
Have patience. Marie. 1t is close
at hand. In the early dawn the camp
is awakened by the drum beating to
arms. All day RACES the fierce strife
OF battle, and not until the stars are
lighting up the sky do they feel the
victory theirs. Everywte ere in the
thickes" OF the fray, has the child
v%ivandiere been, now uttering some
word OF encouragement or command.
or anon STOPPING with gentle haste to
wet the parched lips of one OF her
children. Like some ftful FREELY, with
the lantern buckled to her belt now
that the fight is ended. she treads her
way among the many forms with
which the ground is strewn, as though
seeking some one her watchful eyes
had missed. A groan arrests her
steps. At her very feet, helpless,
wounded, lies the mar on whom she
had sworn to be avenged. The fair
hair is streaked with blood, a heavy
look of pam rests on the handsome
face, the lips which called her I'M
sexed are white and STILL but as her
glance rests on him. her heart gives
one great throb, then seems TO cease
it's beat. Swiftly she stoops. and,
with rapid, skillful fingers. binds up
his wounds. her eyes fearless, but a
great sob in her throat.
My revenge must wait" she
murmurs, as if in excuse of the act.
He would not know it. Besides he
is II of my children, though I-Ihate
him"
Poor little girl! Even as the words
escaped her, she bent still lower the
Nainty head, cast n hasty glance