The herald., 1893-02-19
En- avant, messisurs,, and away we

JalnF / asked. He wasn't with the Others
No indeed, general. It's quite story,
and wish for one that it hadn't happened
Last evening, just after sunset as we were
winding our way through theswaInp, some
times sinking waist deep, as you may judge
from the appearance of my men, we came
unexpectedly upon solid ground and a clear
ing. Before us stretched evident signs of civ
ilization. We cautiously advanced through
what had once been a well ordered planta-
tion and neared an old fashioned, wide
spread mansion, comfortable with the out
houses about it, like hen with her brood.
The house was aglow with light and
the air waited from it fragrant with flow
ers At the rear Il lot Of negroes were peer
ing so intently' through the blinds as not to
notice us. led a file of my men stealthily
along the broad veranda and stationed them
by the open windows on the front and side
gazed into the parlor. There was an af,
fecting sight. The company was gathered
together, mostly of women, and aged ones
too. Every head was bowed
Opposite to me stood gray haired claH-
gymall, his trembling hands spread in ben
ediction over the heads of young couple
kneeling before him-a Confederate ofhca2
in full rig and as fair girl as / have evSs
seen. The prayer ended The happy pail
arose and embraced. Friends fiocked around
them in congratulation. lstepped forward
with revolver in hand, and as did so a sol
dier advanced through each window and
stood as motionless as a statue of fate.
"You must surrenderr' 1 cried as l
covered Maerane.
There was an agonizing scream. The
gweet faced bride sank senseess in her hus-
bands arms, restraining him through her
clinging from any rash resistance. All, it
was ptiable, but what could | do, and
what could he dor Despite The wailing, the
entreaty, the awful malediction, led him
away. He never spoke. heard his voice
for the first time just now, when he gave
his parole. And, general, have been sorry
ever since. Though Pm proud of our sue
cess, wish that this raid had never oc-
cured
Tut, tut, man. demonstrated you
are nipped and tagged out, and no wonder
Get good nights rest and you'll be far
less morbid Warfare at best is an un-
speakable horror, but we must keep CUR
eyes fixed on the glorious goal of peace and
not heed the specters that throng the path
way
1.-THE captain saluted and withdrew to
his post, but / could see that he was de-
ever tender one. On we rode Our way
led us past a crossroad which sprang from,
wood. There was a slight elevation to ;ts
left and this presented startling spectacle
TO u.s. A young woman, clad in white, With
long veil floating in disorder about k.ir,
and with orange blossoms still clinging to
her dark tresses, all disheveled, was watch
ing our approach intently, with hand shad-
ing her eyes.
by her side, supporting her and SEEM
ingly dissuading her stay, was an aged
man, whose venerable locks strayed from
his shoulders like another veil AS our
captive brigadier general and staff pranced
by they exchanged anxious glances and gal
lantly doffed their caps. By no look Oh
gesture did the young woman heed their
courtesy But when Macrane appeared by
the side of Captain Brown, with bowed
head and melancholy bearing, then a clear,
thrilling note penetrated the air:
Ralph, Ralph Oh, my husbandp
"Quick struck the spurs and away to her
side dashed the young officer. l saw him
bend tenderly over her. saw her face light
with hope, with rapture. Their lips met
and fingered, and then Macrane joined us
trausfgured, for his cheeks were glowing
and his eyes were a-sparkle. His bride,
yielding to tho urgency of her companion
and upheld by him, disappeared within the
windings Of the wood" rass
My friend, the general, paused and puffed
thoughtfully on his cigar "a. st
Il suppose you anticipate the sequel and
wonder why didn't suspect" he observed.
Naturally"
''Well, am looking back, and the light
now is very clear. The lamp of the future
has its forward slide closed, you know, and
even what we see we do not comprehend
Besides, Macrane had given his parole, and
its sancity was shield from shameful con.
lecture. 1 thought he had whispered sone
cheer Of speedy exchange, which would
have been realized, too, had but had a
chance for intercessiop But to continue.
When we reached our camp the paroles
were reduced to writing by the adjutant
and signed by the respective prisoners, and
after this formality was concluded we con
sidered them our guests.
''The different members of the staff were
allotted to different ones Of my officers for
entertainment, Macrane continuing with
Captain Brown, syhile l made the brigadier
my especial charge And well they all
Jared, youmay be sure. knew their leader
did, for after an elaborate dinner, of which
my colored boy never thereafter ceased to
boast, as he toasted better days in glass
of champagne he gravely remarked that il
was the first time he had dined since the
outbreak of the war.
HE meant it, too, poor fellow; even the
most distinguished southern officers were
forced to content themselves with IA Spartan
fare, and scanty at that-a fact which should
mitigate our Indignation over the privar
tions which our captured soldiers endured.
st was early the next morning that Cap
tain Etown came to my quarters pale and
anxious.
General he said, Lieutenant Macrane
is missing. He has escaped
"'Escapedl 1mpossible Why, he gave
his parole
"'EIe has broken it, sir; there can be no
doubt about it. The black stallion is also
gone
1.-THE famous black stallion which had
ordered picketed apart, and ON which | had
hoped to witch the world with my noble
horsemanshipl How vexatiousl For mo-
ment my vanity made me oblivious of what
had really happened; but for moment
only.
".When did you miss Macraner asked
sharply.
Last evening, SIR
"'Then why didn't you report his absencs
ct once to mef'
81 didn't have the heart, sir. p
"'Stop, Captain Brown. Not another
word or / shall be compelled to demand
your sword, sir. I understand-that is,
would understand were l not bound to ig'