People's voice. [volume] (Wellington, Sumner County, Kansas) 1890-1917, 1893-05-05
CHAPTER XIV.
THE DEsyRTER's REWARD.

Its precious freight OF medicines and
stores removed, Pete hauled his boat
ashore and led the way through crisp
grass and frozen brush. None spoke
the negro taciturn by nature, Evan, for
once, thoughtful from his grave mission
to headquarters, and Carolyn Clay-the
light of new life shining on her face
keeping her firm, elastic tread easily up
to that of the men.
As they struck the rise to the near
plateau its long level was just touched
with rays of the rising sun, and a mile
beyond they reached cavalry picket.
The men were sitting close about a
roaring blaze or sleeping soundly on the
frozen ground, wrapped head and heel in
their blankets, like so many mummies
laid foot foremost to the heat TO thaw
the cold of centuries out Of them. For
the country was clear of any enemy for
many mile, and no fear of movement
came in such weather as this.
Surprise, quick query and rapid ex-
PLANTATION over, Evan turned to the lieu
tenant in command:
81 must get to headquarters the first
moment possible, Mr. Barron. And l
would ask the best horse you can
spare"
'Bads the best, so far as speed goes,
in this stage of forage" the officer an
swered. But you can take mine, if
he'll stand a rider with that marvellous
costume. My relief comes soon after
sunrise, Miss Clay, and l can carry you
in then"
SIS there no chance of my getting
horse?" the girl asked, pleadingly.
81 fear not, much as | would like to
oblige you," he answered 81 am dis
mounting myself to send Fauntleroy in;
but that is duty"
"'Tis only a few hours more, Cousin
Caro-" Evan said. Anyway, you could
only hold me back or be left on the
road"
Pardon my selfish impotence" the
girl replied, quietly. But, Evan, send
word to mamma by the very first courier
to Richmond"
The boy gulped some steaming coffee
from tin cup; the horse was brought
from screening woods and saddled, and
as he was about to mount Miss Clay
whispered, warningly:
Remember when you report to the
general, do not say too much. Tell him
prefer to report my own capture and
escape. You understand?"
81 suppose | do" the boy replied;
though comical look of bewilderinent
crossed his frank face, as he added:
"But I'll obey, all the same. Good-by,
Mr. Barron; and thank you heartily,
sir. Good-by, Pete. Here, shake hands.
You're a perfect paragon among boat
men,"
''Thank'ee, bossy, l is, sholy," the
black answered, gravely. 81 wor
fetched up dat way, from de nuss."
And the hard hand he withdrew from
the boys friendly grasp held one of
Peyton Fitzhugh's crisp greenbacks.
"Good-by, Caro-, you dear, brave grill
You ought to be man." The old vein
dominated the reckless boy even then;
for he bent from saddle to whisper low:
even though Capt. Charlton would not
think so."
He touched the spur, galloping
through the familiar woods towards
Stuart's camp, and the CHEEKY notes of
"dinner-call" were ringing from the
bugle as he halted at the guard-house.
Briefly reporting to the officer of the
day, the scout sought the generals
tent.
The great cavalry leader was pacing
to and fro in the sunshine, his pluned
felt hat drawn down over the high,
broad forehead. But the wavy brown
hair escaping beneath the hat, and the
huge curly brown beard, were jauntily
combed, the great mustache twisted
away from it in massive curves. Freez-
ing cold as was the day, Gen. Stuart
wore no overcoat; and his double
breasted jacket, though carefully but
toned back, swung wide open over the
brown shirt that covered his broad,
deep chest. Well-worn corduroy riding
breeches, ending in heavy knee-boots,
and long, strong gauntlets, completed
his simple attire.
From within the tent came the iocund
strumming Of well-managed banjo;
and the generals rich laugh rang out,
as he turned from some jest to the
player. 1t showed the strong white
teeth cleaning under the mustache;
and his merry, bluest eyes, filed with
sparkling fun, softened into kindly
warmth as he exclaimed:
! "Fs'mtleroyl or his ghost dressed for