Perrysburg journal. (Perrysburg, Wood Co., O. [Ohio]) 186?-1965, 1894-12-01
MABEL SANK BEsIDE'HIAt.

set. She was in her twentieth year,
modest and gentle. She had entered
the southern army as nurse. Many
poor sufferer, union and confed-
crate, had been cheered and COM
forted by her. Could she stand
by and hear a poor union soldier,
far away from home and friends, cry
out with pain and beg for drink of
water and she not help him? She
could not do it and still be woman,
even if they were enemies. She did
not find the boys in blue such mon
sters as they had been pictured. When
Hoods army returned to Tennessee
Mabel accompanied it, and when Gen.
Thomas met it before Nashville and
utterly destroyed it, Mabel was among
the prisoners of war. She offered her
services as a nurse and they were ac-
cepted. Now ensued period of hard
work for the nurses, the hospital being
crowded with wounded soldiers. 1t
was here that she made the acquaint-
ance of Albert Bray Although kept
very busy, she managed to give the
lieutenant little more attention than
some of the others, and when the hos
pital became less crowded she used to
sit and read to him, and many were
the debates they had over the war.
Sometimes these discussions would be-
come heated, and she would leave in
rage, but she always came back the
next day and made up with Bert.
Mabel had not been home for eight
cen months, and she was given leave
to go home on a three weeks visit.
After she had gone the lieutenant felt
very lonely without her. One day, as
the doctor was about to leave Bert, he
said to the lieutenant, his eyes full of
mischief: "It seems to me that you
and Miss Myrtle are becoming quite
intimate eh, lieutenant?"
1T is true, love her. but l don't
think l can ever win her, she's such
little rebel"
"Well, did not know that it had
come to that, but I'll admit she would
make a capital prize and believe she
saved your life, too, and what's more,
believe she cares for you, and bet
can prove it."
"How?"
Not too fast, my boy. This is my
plan. When she returns, if she ever
does, she will ask after you and / am
going to tell her that you are dead. I"
'Oh, that would not be right" said
Bert.
"Never you mind; everything is fair
in love and war, and if you play your
part well, ali will come right. Will
you do it?'
Bert hesitated moment, and then
said: II will try it.
Afcer few other arrangements had
been made, the doctor left. Great
gunsl won't she be mad? She never
will forgive me-" said the doctor to
himself
Mabel had pleasant visit under the
circumstances but she found her once
beautiful home laid waste and her
parents looked mnch older than when
she last saw them. Itseemed as if the
three weeks would never end. 1t NAV
seem strang4, but she longed to get
back to the hospital. Why did she
wish to be back among those awful
scenes again? She knew, but did not
like to own it. AT last the day came
when she was to leave home. She
made the journey In safety, and once
more she was in the doctors Office.
After the7 had talked some time and
she had inquired after several of her
patients, she asked after Lieut. BRAY.
''The poor fellow died very suddenly
this morning." said the doctor.
1t was an awful blow to the pool
girl. She turned pale and trembled
violently The doctor became alarmed
and blurted out: Would you like te
see hint"
YES" sobbed Mabel.
The doctor led the way TO Bert
toOm. Bert was lying on his cot pal,