Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1893-10-17

or had not distinguished the little noise
he made from the stamping and restless
ness Of so many weary and unfed horses
around him, but leaving the swamp
where they were tied and passing. as he
must, the tents guard sprang forward,
presenting his musket. and demanded the
countersign. Not daring to use his pis-
tol lest no should too soon rouse the
sleepers within. the only answer he no
turned was o well directed blow. which
staggered the inan, giving Prince free
dom to rush forward. The sentinel 70
covered himself Immediately and fred,
but with an unsteady hand. II assault
cient, however. to rouse the men, and In
q few minutes he could hear the con-
fused and fierce call to arms. Many
random shots were fred. but the good
steed carried tho bravo boy gallantly
and he was soon beyond their pursuit.
EARLY In the morning after this dark
and perilous ride RaSph once ventured
to halt at u house by the wayside and
ask for piece Of bread and cup Of
milk. which were given him, whether out
Of respect for his borrowed uniform or
from kindly heart he could not Judge,
and twice ho stopped to give the faithful
Prince u good fetd Of grass and draft
Of pure water. When at last the camp
with Eustace's regimental colors flying
opened on his sight. II was the happicst
moment of his life.
Twice had Dunbar In the midst OF a
furious assault been brought face to face
with Grenville. The first was but q
passing glance as in the rush OF battle
they swept past each other. The last
was only q few moments before Eustace's
fall. A rebel aimed full ut him while
giving an order, but In u moment cav
airy officer dashed to the soldiers side,
threw up his arm by quick movement
Of his sword. as II by accident. and with
q sad look raised his cap to Eustace and
wheeled of In an opposite direction
That officer was Jasper Grenville.
Ralph had also seen him, and burning
with indignation. guided only by the
impulse Of the moment. endeavored to
reach him and In that rash attempt was
surrounded and taken prisoner.
Mr.. Newton and his daughter returned
to the farm. and time sped on, bringing
weekly reports from absent ones and
netting out full measures OF quiet enjoy.
ment for those ut home. crowning their
toll with great success and more than
the hoped for remuneration. The har.
vest had been carefully garnered, and
the sales were rapid. The family were
beginning to look forward to the winter
as period Of less severe toll, bringing
leisure for much reading. and. Of more
value than oil else. reasonable hope
that their children might DO able to 60
cure q few days for homo, a. the slow
and seemingly sluggish efforts OF the
various corps and divisions TO recruit
would indicate there was little expecta-
tion Of active service during the winter
One cold and snowy evening the fam.
lily were gathered around the cheerful
Gre, when without word OF warning
Rose and Ralph walked In and were
clasped In their parents arms. Some
minutes Of joyful greeting and glad sur
prise passed before Lillian could gain an
answer to her inquiries after her hus
band. Then she learned that neither
Eustace nor George could be spared. rs
their regiment was ordered to Join the
army at vicksburg. with 10 days for
preparation. The brothers had urged
Ralph to obtain o short furlough and &C.
company bis sister on this visit, bearing
their loving greetings. while they tarried
behind to expedite arrangements
A real homo supper was prepared for
the beloved guests, and while seated at
the familiar board all care and anxiety
was dismissed from their minds. II Lii
lians heart yearned for her husbands
presence and the parents missed Georges
thoughtful attentions. Il was carefully
concealed during this meal Once more
gathered In the cheerful parlors. ques-
lions flowed continually. but not 90 alb
sorbingly a. to prevent the parents from
giving Roses looks and words careful
attention. They were soon satisfied that
no corroding sorrow was preying upon
their darling's peace. True. she was In
many respects greatly changed. The
strange, sad experience Of her hospital
life had given o maturity Of thought
and expression that was singularly con-
trasted with her bright. girlish face and
figure. Years Of homo life could never
have developed the strength and enthusi-
asm Of her character a. the last two
months had dona
The bond between herself and twin
brother was even stronger than when In
their home life. No shadow Of conceal
ment ever came between them. and
without words they seemed to under
stand each Others hearts instinctively.
When II was time TO retire, Rose said.
Stay . moment longer. please. have .
few words 70 say before retiring.
n know. my dear parents. you have
had much anxisty ON my account and
many fears that I might not b able to
riss above tho cruel disappointment that
came 70 suddenly upon me- do not
pretend that I have not suffered very
bitterly. Bat Il IVES the pain Of mis-
placed oonhdsnos. the knowledge that
what I had thought prioeless treasure
was worss than dross, . thing 70 losths
and scorn. Il takss time 10 banish 70
| ysts for such impovsrishmsnt, but the
Iovs % unuttsrsbly squandrsd can
ssvsr b renewed From TIE hour that
laspsr Qrsnviils joinsd hinssx 70 ~.