The Helena independent. [volume] (Helena, Mont.) 1875-1943, 1893-04-24

md yellow arabosquos proolsimsd him q
run provoking pantHloon or 4 Rigoletto.
After tha laughter excited by his Rfotosqus
appearances had subsidized, he made himself
known to his former comrades ~ their own
special favorats Major r----, tho hand
somsst man on ths general'a stat, tho lady
killer who had posed ~ 'tho glass Of fash
ion. and the mold Of FORM" the major who
had slways sighed for new conqursts on tbs
deld OF wal and In my ladies' chamber.
terings by all tho beauties at whose shrinss
he worhippsd. and esteemed equally by
his follow soldiers for deeds Of daring.
"Life went Annoying
NTH nature, hGp, and poesy,
| When | was young!
All! woful whom!
Ali! for tho change, 'twixt now and them"
Knowing his spirit OF adventure. his gem
eral had confided TO him the important mis-.
sion of taking into Vicksburg some cars
peremptorily ordered by General Pemberton
At the time that city was invested By Grant,
From Natchez tho major had to be as wise
as the serpent and keep his wits on the
wers safely delivered. Misfortune in the
shape OF capture by the fedetals overlook
him on his return journey as he was re-
crossing the river near Natchez. He was
conveyed to GRANTS headquarters and from
thonce transported TO Johnson's island,
where the usual prison hardships had to
be encountered. an insuflioiency of food,
the hard floor for u bed; disease and un-
cleanliness ledueed him rapidly; after
some months OF this cruel prison exist
snce he was to be exchanged for Colonel
Louis Dent. the brother in-law of Grant.
Who WIS held as prisoner by Gen. +. q.
Herbert. The major gladly left those
scenes OF despair anu torture md felt q new
hope throb within him when embarked on
the stsnmboat sn route for his old canning
ground. How he loved to sit and watch the
tawny waters wenve themselves into snowy
spray about the steamers PROV. How
pleasant was tho sunshine and shadow fit
ting athwnrt the cl0anly washed decks: the
warm glow OF the sunbeam as il touched
his aching brow. the hum of the autumn
breezs fioating about like q refrain of swss.-
eat music set to the tune of Going Home"
how like incense smelt the board pennon
OF smoke waving backward from the hugo
chimney stacks. What strangely beautl-
full, yet eerie siIhouottes were formed
by the lines of willow trees shoteward.
How reaceful the lovely homes embow-
cred In groves of live oaks and trailing rose
vines. Everything 30 entirely depends
upon the point of view; in many OF those
seemingly pleasant homes want had come
to abide for many n long season. and the
cry OF "Raohel weeping for her children
went out who never did return. But these
melancholy %thoughts were not for the
major; he was rovelling in tho luxury of
contrast from his time of suffering on
johnson island, that abode of foul stenches
ana sizzling air, where he had suffered mn
~worry-now he was passing the blessed
border land of a rapid convalescenco from
a torture of fevered delirium; his prison
life lay behind him, liberty and home
in the ascendant. He WAS happy
and looked out lovingly upon
with only sweet and holy thoughts
within him as the boat nearsd her destina-
t1on. Vicksbnrg was reached in due time
and all the formalities gone through with
military precision and dispatch, when he
was informed he had to return to st. Louis
this amazing order, he sought out the prop
er authorities. asking why he had to 20 to
ST. Louis when he expected TO be
exchanged at once. While waiting in
the tent. the attention of tho official
IN charge WAS called off. and the
made use of his opportunities as usual anu
glanoinR towards the piles of red tape doc
uments strswn upon the table. he became
eleotrlaed and seeing his own name, above
II the significant words, Papers relating
to the hanging Of" No need of further
must contrivc his escape; no knew
him; there had been some myu.
terious lynching Of negro pris-
oners in some of the counties Of Texas, and
his name had been darkly coupled with the
him, he was full of ready tact and deter
mined to be free. Soon he was transported
TO the steamboat under Roadway for 81.
Louis; his shattered dreams drifted from
him AZ though they were farmed of the focs
and mists Of the morning. How changed
all nnfnrn novonN
with nothing. "rioh and strange" for our
nero. CHANGING into the saloon where the
lsdies veie chatting together, his plans
were formed. 10 one of the gentlest and
tairest he advanced with his most cour
bearing, making his plea simply: Madam.
n you knew that near you was IN unfor-
tunate man doomed to the gallows unjust
ly. would you assist him 2"
mi would, indeed" quickly she answered.
Thus his fate was placed in her tender
hands; she advised him to wait until the
steamer turned a certain point, then he was
TO make the leap from the stern and swim
for his life; he would probably DO undis-
covered. as this point of land hid the curve
OF the river for some distance. He placed
his watch and trinkets that he had saved
through his prison perils In her white
hands. acknowledging himself her most
grateful slave, then kissing her finger tips
in his most gallant manner he babe her
farewell; in q moment he had stripped him
self Of his clothing. and fastening the life
preserver provided for him by his gentle
lady, he took the leap for life and home and
liberty.
God bless the ladies'" is q toast ever
uron the lips of this man. who owed to
thom in the sunburst of his handsome
popularity as we'll as in the shade vcd days
of his advers,ty untold obligations for their
honeyed words and wreathed smiles to the
graceful carpet knight and gracious and
heroic help to the unfortunate confederate
soldier.
Yet the Major has never married.-E. s..
Gaines, in the New Orleans Pycaune.
What Is Money
Weighed against that health it 80 often
falls to buy? Dtoss. indeed. While We
can mono of us claim II total exem: ton
+, ON TINT greatest of all ills to which flesh
Is Observation-Disclosures may do much to
lossen the chances Of mourning il, and this