Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1896-07-22

was the general who had commanded
the brigade the day before-the man
who leaped with one bound into the
forward rank of military leaders. II
was his invincible spirit that had led
the advance, held back defeat against
overwhelming numbers, sustained the
rally, impressed his subordinate officers
with his own undertaking purpose. and
even impressed among them an almost
superstitious belief in his destiny of
success. II was this man who had dome
what was deemed impossible TO do
what even ut this time il was thoupht
unwise and unstrategic to do-who had
heid weak position, of apparently no
Importance, under the mandate of an
incomprehensible order from his supe-
rior-which at best only asked for n
sacrifice and was rewarded with VIC
tory. He hid decimated his brigade.
but the wounded and dying had cheered
him as he passed, and the survivors
had pursued the enemy until the buele
called them back. For such record he
looked still too young and even effen,i-
nate albeit his handsome face was
uark and serious and his manner tact
turn.
His quick eye had already caught
sight of the rified body of the officer and
contracted. AS the captain of the de-
tai saluted him he seid CURLY:
thought the orders were to 1re
upon anyone desecrating the dead?"
they are, general, but the hyenas
don't give us n chance. That's ali yon-
der poor fellow saved from their claws"
replied the officer as he held up the
sealed packet 1T has no address,"
The general took it, examined the en-
velope, thrust il into his belt and said:
Il VIII take charge of it,"
The sound of horses hoofs came
from the rocky roadside beyond the
push. Both men turned. A number
OF held officers were approaching.
The division staff" said the captain
in a lower voice, falling back.
They came slowly forward, n central
Inquire on gray horse leading here, as
In history. "A short, thick-set man
with grizzled beard closely cropped
around an inscrutable mouth, and the
serious formality of respectable coun-
try deacon in his aspect, which even the
single star on the shoulder-strap of his
loose tunic and his soldierly seat i'm the
saddle could not entirely obliterate
He had evidently perceived the general
OF the brigade and quickened his horse
rs the latter drew up. The staff fol-
lowed more leisurely, but still with some
curiosity to witness the meeting of the
hrst general of the army with the latest.
The division general saluted, but al
most instantly withdrew his leather
gauntlet, and offered his barred hand to
the brigadier. The words of the heroes
are scant. The drawn-up detail. the
waiting staff listened. This was all
they heard.
bullock tells me you're from Cali
formal"
Yes, general"
"Ah! 1 lived there too in the carly
days. Wonderful country. Developed
greatly since my time, 1 suppose"
Great resources. Finest wheat
growing country in the world, sir. You
don't happen to know what the actual
crop was this year?"
Hardly, general, but something
enormous"
Yes, | always said it would be. Have
a cigar?"
He handed his cigar case to the brig
adler. Then he took one himself. light
ed 1T at the smouldering end of the one
he had taken from his mouth. was
about to throw the stump carelesslv
down, but suddenly recollecting him
self leaned over his horse and dropped
1t carefully n few Inches from the face
OF dead soldier. Then strengthening
himself in the saddle he showed his
horse against the brigadier; moving
him It little farther on, while a slight
movement of his hand kept the staff
from following.
"a heavy loss herei"
I'm afraid so, general"
1T couldn't be helped. We had TO
rush in your brigade to gain time. and
occupy the enemy until we could
change front"
The young general looked at the
shrewd, cold eyes of his chief. Change
'front.'" he echoed.
Eyes. Before gun was fired il APP
peared that the enemy was in com