Santa Fe daily New Mexican. [volume] (Santa Fe, N.M.) 1885-1897, 1895-02-18

sea-
u u X
Twenty years after the furling of the
flags the battlefield of Jonesboro was
oornfield, and the rustling rows of the
crested corn hid from view the almost
obliterated traces Of strife. Peace and
plenty reigned, and the one armed vet
eran of the north was hobnobbing with
the peg legged veteran of the south as
they laughingly recounted the expert
ences Of the war.
Asheville had become great resort for
summer visitors from all sections on ac-
count of its quietude, it's healthful air
and water and its splendid scenic sur
roundings
As the train slowed up at the little
station man. apparently blessed with
all the activity Of youth, but bearing
about him that unmistakable air OF ma
turity that indicates intimate knowl-
edge Of and rough experience with life
stepped Oh the platform and strolled up
the hill toward the hotel.
The dusky twilight of the dying sum-
mer day softened the rugged outlines Of
the gloomy mountains, and the tinkle of
crystal stream made music in the
thiokets below.
Suddenly the stranger was startled by
wild cry, and around turn of the
road came horse at full speed, and in
the buggy, swaying to and fro at his
heels, there was a flutter of white
Springing forward and dropping his
belongings, the stranger clutched the
reins Of the frightened animal and ar
rested his mad career, but the shock was
SO sudden that the occupant of the buggy
was tossed into the bushes by the road
side.
Releasing the horse, which stood
trembling with fear and excitement, the
stranger gently lifted the PROSTATE form,
and as the crowd from the hotel came
rushing to the spot she opened her eyes
in dazed and startled way.
"Are you hurt much?" asked the
stranger.
"No, thank you, was only fright
ened. I had just got into the buggy
and was going for ride when he be-
came frightened and ran away. Oh,
how can I ever thank you?'
''Best by not mentioning it again."
said the stranger brusquely, handing
her his card as he resigned her to her
friends and walked away.
On the following morning the stran-
ger arose late after his fatiguing jour
ney, and when he went down to break
fast beside his plate was little per-
fumed note, and he opened it and read
it, half amused and half in wonder:
MR.. OTTo BARDEN-Permit me to thank you
and to convey to you the grateful feelings Of
my friends for your brave action in rescuing
me from my perilous position yesterday. AS
partial recognition Of your kindness, wish
to extend to you an invitation to enjoy pic
mic excursion with us today. 1t is my birth
cay. Please do not fail to come. Gratefully, |
ANNIE FoNTAINE.
On blank leaf from his notebook
Barden wrote line accepting the invi-
tation and then leisurely finished his
breakfast.
The day was perfect, and as the spe-
cial guest of the heroine of tho day he
thought he had never felt quite so near
at peace with himself and all mankind
as he did while lounging on the green
grass beneath the shadow of the tall
hemlocks at the foot Of the mountain
with pretty Annie Fontaine.
Chatting in desultory way, Barden
suddenly recalled the day and the
drama Of 20 years ago.
do you know" said he, "that I was
one Of those Yanks that marched with
Sherman to the sea?'
Indeed? Why, you must have been
a very youthful SOLDIER
II was drummer boy, and this day
20 years ago was in the battle OF
Jonesboro.
And SO was l." said she, with
saucy smile, "for that was my birthday
and the place of my nativity"
What" he cried, springing to his
feet excitedly. "Then you are, you must
be-
.'shell Annie" she replied:
There are some stories that ought to
be concluded before they are begun, but
this, which is as true as--yes, truer than
most history, reached it's natural con-
clusion then and there, and the Penn
sylvania drummer boy now owns one of
the finest fruit farms around Jonesboro,
and the mistress Of that southern home
is Shell Annie. Atlanta Journal.
A "Sa ling" Dog.