Barton County democrat. [volume] (Great Bend, Kan.) 1885-1915, 1893-01-19

~ ~ II frost-crisped under
RI brush here, there
str ct thing into
long, straight reaches. under bare
armed trees that seemed to point warn
ing fingers to the steely-cold sky over
head.
For IL was midwinter of 1S63-that
cEme-imposed rest in the grapple for
life. or death, of the blue and gray
giants, still watching in eager crouch on
either side of that world-noted river
n H1oony haze that was not light, vet
loomed up objects of near distance in
glgantesque dimness, lay over the land;
and the east wind. sweeping across the
broad Potomac, paused an instant to
touch its lips TO her cold waves, then
mounted the southern bank with new
chilled breath from the caress, to swirl
about the riders pressing onward in
seeming defiance OF it's efforts.
An cddly-mated pair these We're, for
time and place like this: A tall, 1.-THE
female form, clad in heavy riding habit
and cape of coarse gray cloth, soldiers
soft slouched hat drawn close over the
brow, long gauntlets covering hands
that had firm, practiced grasp on the
reins that checked 4 powerful roam
horse; her companion a sturdy soldier,
seemingly, in the wrap of his gray over
coat. his slouched hat trailing a long
black plume, and high thigh boots, rest
ing lightly in long stirrups that swayed
to each stride of his black horse.
Had the light been stronger, and had
curious observer been a possibility on
such 4 night, on that lonely trail of the
neutral ground in time OF fragrant war
y II
closer scrutiny. The clear-cut, high
bred features were lit by large gray
eyes. that glinted out watchful and res
olute; and the firm-set lips were full
curved, denoting constituencies as well
as character. Such curious observer,
too. might have noted that the rough
habit chung about figure not too full.
but of most syrnmetric curves; that the
gauntlets covered hands as long and
taper as they seemed firm and nervous;
that the heavy coils of ruddy-gold hair,
beneath the seIni-1nilitary hat, shone
smooth and glossy, even in that wind.
For Carolyn Clay was one of those
women developed only b. ''storm-and-
stress eras, such as the brothers war;
a beauty and petted belle, tickle, glib of
tongue, and light in dance; u very mis-
at need. rise to heights of heroisrn and
even do deeds to shame a soldier!
Good blood and proud straight
coursed from veins of lordly settler on
virgin soil, named for the queen-was
that the night wind brought to Miss
Clay's cheek; and her Hssome figure
could, upon occasion, straighten into e
hauteur as rigid as that becoming the
daughter of = hundred eariS''
Washington and Baltimore, equally
with Virginia'S capital and her noted
summer resorts of ante bellum, had
fung with the name of the brilliant
young girl, who had stood the social
campaigns of two preceding seasons
with never one reported repulse, far
less capitalization, yet had tied to her
chariot scores of noted captives, rescue
OF 10 rescue" Nor had the two years
of. war known her less well, in the
gayeties of the capital, when winter s
mud and snow babe even BellOna stay
her dreadful work; in the hospitals,
Understanding the path of summer S
battle; even, it was said. in more than
one bold foray and perilous, in quest of
information or of much-needed medi-
cines, across the division river between
the warning sections.
Less marked in outer seeming, while
no less q type, was her companion;
young. vigorous and gallant of mien
above his rough gray coat and coarse
brown shirt. For Evan Fauntleroy,
like many another, had left the LUXURY
of the old homestead, to cast his lot as
Il private soldier under the guidon of
the BLACK Horse" Goodness in peril.
punctuated by two bad wounds before
his nineteenth birthday, had gained the
boy no higher promotion than favorite
scout to that blond-bearded cavalier
who was his idol, Jeb Stuart.
1T is going to snow, Evan the girl
said. abruptly. II have felt three stray
flakes strike my nose already. If it
should"
IF it should, I'll order q camp, Cousin
Caro-" the boy broke in, with laugh.
s-You stan't get your little feet wet,
even: for / promised Gen. Jeb I'd see
you safe at the Ferry or never claim a
chevron! But it can't snow! U-ugh!
it's too deuced cold!' the youngster add
ed, throwing his cape higher about his
ears. Don't you mind it, Cousin Caro?''
Not bitr" the girl responded, cheer
ily but we seem to go so slowly! Oh,
Evan, if daybreak catch us before we
make the landing, what will l do?
They expect me, over there; and if
miss this trip, there's no knowing ache7l
I can get back. And poor little Fair
fax so needs morphia and quinine; and
many another, too. Capt. Charlton
warned me"
Capt Charlton! He's a fine mentor,
toor' F'auntleroy broke in, with a vicious
dig of spurs that sent the black ahead
with a great bound. And he asked
the general for the honor of escorting
YOU to the feray'!'' he added, pulling
the horse down to even stride again.
.sA nice escort he'd be! Don't know a
foot of the road; and if a Yank popped
a cap he'd be-"
.sYour superior officer still, Private
Fa;untleroy.' Carolyn Clay's voice cut
in, coldly. Discipline seems lax about
cavalry headquarters, to judge by the
way your tongue ways"
Eyes; he's my superior officer" he
sneered ''Um! woods full of such-su-
periors. .
eff discipline cannot, pray let court
esv curb your tongue. Capt. Charlton is
nv friend" Miss Clay retorted, quietly.
i.All righ'. coz; I'm dumb" Evan