The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1892-01-27
DAPPLEs MISTRESS.


faced girl, gracefully mounted on small
gray pony.
The sun was dropping out Of sight be-
hind the green hills, and far away down
the river bend Of the Accoceek came the
tramp Of retreating troops, With now and
then the muffied roll Of drum or the
shrill blare Of q bugle.
Old Virginia, the queen mother OF the
sunny south, WAS overrun with soldiers,
devastated by fire and sword, shaken to
her very foundations by the thuEders OF
civil war.
Col. Moreton was far away from his
pleasant home, in tie front ranks oi
death and danger, but Irene, his only
child. still braved the terrors Of invasion
and remained at the farmhouse with her
invalid mother and few faithful old ser
wants
Cantering across the grounds an hour
after the retreat Of the invading troops.
something attracted the young iadys
notice. PROSTATE figure under the
shade ofthe great cottonwood tree.
@Stop, Dapplel We must look to
this~
Dapple stopped, and Miss Irene leaped
lightly from her saddle, and throwing the
siIken reins over the pony's neck went
tripping across the grounds TO the spot
where the figure lay.
1t was tall, sOldierly figure, clad IN
army blue, with pale, worn face and an
abundance Of curling, chestnut hair
Col. Moretons daughter looked down
upon the senseless soldier with all her
woman's divine compassion stirring with
in her bosom.
~Poor fellow" she murmured, laying
her soft hand upon his brow; i wish
could help him"
The soft voice and the softer touch
called back the veterans wandering
senses. He opened his eyes and looked
up in the young lady's face. Great lu'
minous. handsome eyes they were, thai
somehow reminded Irene Of her brother
Toms eyes; and Tom was down in the
trenches in front Of Richlnond. The
compassion in her heart stirred sfresh
she snoothed back the tangled curis from
the soldiers brow.
aMy poor fellow" she said, "can ] DC
anything for you -
He struggled up to his elbow with
stihed groan.
NV horse threw me-" he explained
and they left me behind. think
must have tainted from the pain. thanl
you very much, but don't see how yo
can help me. suppose I must lie her
till they take me prisoner, and I'd almos
as soon be shot"
Irene smiled a smiled that lighted he
dark, bright face into positive beauty.
q am in the enemy's country" sh
said. "but if you viii trust me think
can help you at least, will see that yol
are refreshed and made comfortable"
She put her hand to her bosom, an
drawing forth tiny whistle she put
TO her lips and blew a sharp little bias
Dapple pricked up his gray ears an
came eantering to her side, followed II
stantly by cOlored man-servant.
@You see" smiled Miss Irene, fashin
beaming glance on the soldier, Il hol
my reserve forces at q moments war;
ing. Here, James, help this gentlema
to the house, and then ride for DR.. Wer
er 10 dress his limb"
James obeyed without q word, and b
the time the sun was fairly out Of sigh
the Union soldier, refreshed and mad
comfortable, lay asleep in the best chan
Der ofthe pleasant old southern mansion
Meanwhile on the long veranda Irer
kept watch, her slight, willowy igul
wrapped in 5 scarlet mantle, her floss
raven tresses floating on the winds.
By and BY, as the midnight stars cam
out and glittered overhead, above Ii
dreamy flow OF the river, above the mu
mur and rustic Of the forest leaves, arc:
the clash and clsng, the roar and tram
of advancing troops.
Irenes dark face flushed and her In
trous eyes dilated. She crossed the We
snda with swift step and tapped ligh
ly at the door of her guests chamber
They are coming" she whispered
"they will take you prisoner if you n
main. You must 90
The soldier started to his feet and mad
his way out, but be reeled against til
dOOr-post, faint and gasping for breath.
81 can't walk" he cried: there's n
hope Of escapep'
But Irene held out her 1.-THE your
arm.
"Ies, there is" she said, cheefull,
"Lean on me. ! can help you down, an
you shall ride DApple. He knows th
river road, and you shall overtake you
comrades by dawn. Hurry there is n
time to lose ~
The soldier leaned upon the brzvl
helpful young arm, and succeeded i
reaching the lawn below.
"Dspple /" the young girl called, i
her clear, silver notes, come here ~
In breath Dapple was at her sid
The girl stood and looked al the gent
creature and then threw her arms sroun
his neck.
"0h, Dapple pretty Dapple~ sh
sobbed, ''it breaks my heart to part wit
you Good by, Dapple /"
In the next breath she stood erect, he
eyes flashing through a mist Of tears.
Come, sir" she said, "allow me {
help you to amount. Dapple take thi
gentleman down the river road, and q
your utmost speed"
Dapple uttered a sagacious whinn,
but the soldier hesitated.
"Why don't You mount, sir 81 cried tn
girl, impatiently "Will you renal
here and ruin both youself and meP"
He vaul.ed into the saddle without
word
Away, Dapple. like the wind~ erie
Irene, and the little mountain pony she
of like sn srrow.
The war was over, and once more owe
the blasted and desolate homes Of Vil
ginia peace and freedom reigned.