The Atlanta constitution. [volume] (Atlanta, Ga.) 1885-19??, 1893-09-19

ton to the north having been cut off, that
the redskins were about to attack 4 post
just northwest of us. Preparations for an
immediate departure were begun. The post
was in Il turmoil of excitement during the
rest of the day; the men were in Il stir and
the women eX"usably excited and nervous,
some hysterical
Colonel darlington divided his men. he
taking half to the relief of the menaced
post and leaving me at our post, in charge
of the remainder. | was instructed to be
on the alert and ready for an attack
at was an inspiring sight as, the men
rode away: There off to one side, astrlde
his magnificent horse. sat Meriwether. l
was talking TO him just before the men
moved off Miss darlington had been
standing for some time by her father, and
now she came over to Deane. For man
who is going to war she said to him. witt!
It's not very pleasant business. he re,
piled. but hope we will get back all right
i trust that YOU will she said. offering
him her hand. Before he could reply X the the
rode to his place. tipping his cap in grace
The days that followed seemed longer
and hotter than days usually are, and we
were AL in suspense.
II was kcenly disappointed at being left
behind. rs this was the only opportunity !
had ever had for active service; but an army
man must obey without questioning the Wis
dom of his supcrior's action. so | kept my
disappointment to myself. ] found myself
Occupying very prominent position. Prac-
ticaIlv. 7 was in command OF the post.
Every hour I was besieged with anxious, in
ouircs from wives whose husbands had
gone out. It was not Tor news that lHey
osked-thev knew our facilities for getting
il. except by courier, had been DESTROYED
but for my opinion on the possible outcome
of the clash,
"AIthoueh ! could not forgive the colo.ncl
rortance was some recomDense for my de
fcated hopes | kept on the qu Hs'c Out
posts would have informed me IN time TO
make an Immediate defense, but neither my
self or the women at the post telt any merry
BUSINESS on this score; the whole OF the anX-
cty was concerning the fate OF the men
that had already gone to the Tray
II made it y point during the three DAYS
that passed after the departure OF Deahe.
to watch the coloncIs daughter. She was
apprchcnsiye of fearful consequences ana
could not conceal her feelings from me me-
Two DAYS after the troops had been leo
out by the colonel she called me to her.
~ ieutenant,' she asked, do you MINK II
night No was my answer. l THINK not.
We are dependent upon courlers ana IT. II rs Is
n GOOD distance If | hear anything later
on added, i will let YOU know al once,
4 shall wait up, she. replied ! can neA,
the couricrs horse, if a message comes
As / started away she said: 'lieqtenaht,
We women of the army should be very
brave. Such terrible things are poSSlo1e
that we should be strong enough TO met
thcm. I thought | was brave until now;
| thnuobt | could send some one cared
very mach for--a father or Il brother. OF i
husband. if should have onc~~t0 H&nt' WIN
4 strong heart but this, my hrSt actual
experience. has taught me tlaI am Ho'
Your father. ] rePIied. has . seen 9
great deal Of service. Yes. she answered.
but a battle is always SO hor'lnsS. SUM
are certain to get killed. 1T may n pc Il tSl.
voice was trcmulous in its deep Anxiety
Srddenlv her manner changed. coulu Se9
th9t She wished me to believe mat she naa mao
changed the current OF her 'houE io1 no, ~u'
her words convinced me that SIt i; ;1 n afn,
This is a fine opportunity, she Salu; loI
t}, ,,,litinns young officers. Some OF them
mist feel certain of their promotions; LEU Lieu,
tenant NIeriwether viii get his. ieel sure re-
Late that night. couner ana re'Ci! 'iio
most, and brought tldinsS OF
D sa@. from Colonel darlington. saying that
he had arrived Just IN time and mao sue
coded in driving the Indians pack VIZ p ~,
Ittln injury to his men. lheE "Ie y; Il"
means satisfied as yet. he WROTE ' anu ',lo
In,;j4 are plotting mischief Ihey nave
falln,' hack and will gather their forces and
make 4 move in day or two. of course
We CONT tell what that will be. Having
learned that we are here, they may at
tack YOU. BE ready for such an emefgeIl-
cy.' NIeriwcthcr sent me short note. re
had led a most Ingenious movement Wnich
had scattered the Indians III great disorder
He thought his promotion was assured.
# cai.ried the news to the colonel S dau2n-
Ter. and ON my way back to the olhce.
Aileen Murphy stopped me. She asked me
very calmly what news had heard. loid
her. and added: But | guess what You
want to know is about MoriWcther. lie $
all safe. Have you been waiting up, too
Afterwards ! regretted that ! had made
reference to Deaues little Irritation with
her.
~ week of inaction passed without news.
t was 4 week Of suspense, of course. One
day Miss Harrington came to me in high
spirits She held an official paper i'll her
hand. II stated that Colonel Farlingt0n's
recommendation of Meriwethcr's promotion
had been received, and that the promotion
would be forwarded at the earliest possible
moment Tt means that Lieutenant Mer-
iWcther will be acaptain. she said,
almost ioyously. | thought. 1T has been
just received by mail
THAT afternoon ii courier came gallop-
ing into camp, his horse white with foam
ing sweat. lie brought unpleasant news
to us. The men from Our post had left the
other fort, having abandoned all apprehen-
sion o. an attack, and had been themselves
set upon by the Indians. This unexpected
onslaught proved disastrous to our men,
although they repulscd thcr assailants. Sew
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