The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1895-08-28

hauled it out, 1t knocked often against
the walls of the well and spilled some Of
its contents.
In running with filled bucket, a man
can adopt but one kind OF gait. So
through this terrible field over which
scream ed practical angels of death Col
Inns ran in the manner of farmer chased
out of dairy by a bull.
His face went staring white with anti
cipation-anticipaiton of blow that
would whirl him around and down. He
would fall as he had seen other men fall.
the life knocked of them so suddenly that
their knees were no more quick to touch
the ground than their heads He saw
the long blue line OF the regiment, but
his comrades were standing looking at
him from the edge Of an impossible star.
He was aware of some deep wheel ruts
and footprints in the sod beneath his
feet.
The artillery officer who had fallen in
this meadow had been making groans in
the teeth OF the tempest of sound. These
futile cries, wrenched from him by his
agony, were heard only by shells, bull
lets. When wild-eyed Collins came rum
ming, this officer raised himself. His face
contorted and blanched from pain, he
was about to utter some beseeching cfy.
But suddenly his face straightened and
he called: "Say young man, give me
drink of water, will you?p
Collins had no room amid his emotions
ior surprise. lie was mad from the
threats of destruction
81 can't" he screamed. and I'm this re.
foly was full description OF mis- ouakinp
apprehension. His cap was gone and his
hair was riotous His clothes made n
appear that he had been dragged over the
ground by the heels. He ran on.
Inc olhcer mead sank down and one
eipow crooked. tils foot in its brass
bound stirrup still stretched over the
body OF his horse, and the other leg was
under the steed.
But Collins turned. lie came dashing
back. His face had now turned gray and
in his eyes was all terror. Here il isl
Here il lsln
The ofiice'- was as a man gone in drink.
Ills arm oended Ike a twig. His head
dropped as IL his neck was of willow. lie
was sinking TO the ground. to lie face
downward. Collins grabbed him by the
shoulder. "Here II is Here's vour
drink. Turn overt Turn over, man, for
Gods sake!"
With Collins hauling at his shoulder. the
officer twisted his body and fell with his
lace turned toward that region were live
the unspeakable noises OF the swirling
missiles. There was the faintest shadow
OF smile on his lips as he looked at Col
lins. He gave a sigh, little primitive
breath like that from child.
Collins tried to hold the bucket steadi-
ly, but his shaking hands caused the
water TO splash all over the face of the
dying man. Then he ierked IL away and
ran on.
The regiment gave him a welcoming
roar. The grimed faces were wrinkled
in laughter.
His captain waved the bucket away.
"Give II to the menl"
The two genial, sky-larking young lieu
tenants were the first TO gain possession
OF II. They played over IL I'm their
fashion.
When one tried to drink the other
teasingly knocked his elbow. Don't,
Billiei You'll make me spill it.D said
the one. The other laughed.
Suddenly there was an oath, the thud
OF wood on the ground, aud swift muir
muir of astonsihment from the ranks The
two lieutenants glartd at each OF her.
The bucket lay on the ground empty.
-%uE ENDD