The Calhoun chronicle. [volume] (Grantsville, W. Va.) 1883-1984, 1898-06-07

cured, orwe are lost. 1t is periious
undertaking and, in all probilitv
whoever makes the attempt will lose
his life. and so I will detail no one TO
the duty-but ii there is any one here
brave enangb I'd volunteer; l. will as
oept Ills services; aud if he falls, and
we escape, we will remember his name
and do it honor; aud if he saves us,
and is saved with us. our blessings
Shall be Upon him through life: IL
there any one present who will volun-
toer to go into the very jaws of death ?"
Four young men instantly spring
forward, and, almost in the same
breath, each exclaims:
81 will gor'
But we can spare but one of you.
my noble lads!' said the Colonel.
while his features flush, and his dark
eyes sparkle with pride, at the self
sacrificing bravery of his young com
rades, Which shall it be?"
III spoke first" cries one.
mo no, John-I was ahead of
you"
"No, Abe-no such thing"
II will leave it to the Colonel, if he
didn't hear my voice first of anyr"
cries third.
81 was before you, Joe; call all
here to witnessp exclaims the fourth.
"Hol listen to Robert was first,
1 tell your cries Joe.
mo, [ was first!' cries John. "you
know / was, Colonelr'
''But tell you I am goine-for T
can run the fastest, and therefore will
stapi the best chance of getting back
aliyel" cries Abe.
81 can run rs fast as the best. and
LIN much stronger than either Abe.
Joe or Robert" says John, laying his
hand on the Colonels arm. "Let
me go-do Aud besides, I've got no
mother or sister to mourn for me if I
fall"
"Therei" cries one of the others
che talks as if he might fall and I'm
sure 1 could get back safely"
Look ut their flushed faces, and
eager, sparkling eyes, as thus they
wrangle for the privilege of being
permitted to go forth to almost certain
death! For tho chances are that he
who leaves the fort for the village will
never return alive. And listen to the
murmurs of appreciation which come
from the surrounding circle of femalesl
A mother looks fondly on her soma
sister looks proudly on her brother
and maiden's heart swells with emo
tons unspeakable as she hears him
who is the light and life of her world
boldly contend for the right of being
allowed to go forth into a peril from
which most men would shrink aghast.
Comet comel" chides the Colonel,
at length, speaking almost sternly to
the now angry disputants ''you will
rum all, unless some of You yield
for the Indians may renew hostiIities
at any moment, and then we are lost.
indeed. You are all brave, noble fell
lows; and if L could spare four. Won
should all go; but as it is, three of
you must give way to the fourth: and
pray you do so speedily, for time is
precious"
~ will never yield'' cries one.
Nor T. exclaims second.
81 will so, if L have to scale the
walls to get Quit" said third.
Colonel, I am the strongest and
heetest, and was the first to accent
FOUR offer; and I demand. therefore,,
that You settle the dispute by sending
mer' o
Look! In the circle of men. women
and children that are now promiscu.
ousIy gathered around these hot
eager, passionate youths, do Won oh.
serve one human face that wears n
very singular cxpression-that seems
to be animated by some strange and
powerful emotions? IT is tho face of
a young girl, about whom there ia an
air of reinement-seen in the grace
OF attitude, dress and general de-
meanor-which contrasts rather for
chilly with many of her coarse-featnred
rustic companions. But | wish Won
to observe that face particularly. not
alone for its beauty, but to mark the
expression of noble, lofty. heroic
resolve which is settling upon i'll Do
you see the head gradually straiebten.
ing back, as IF with pride? Do Won
see those dark, bright eyes kindle
with Che almost fanatical enthusiasm
OF. daring solf-sacrifce? Do Won see
the warm blood spring upward TO the
temples, and broad, white forehead.
and finally settle in a bright, red SPOT
upon either soft, downy cheek. rs il
the passion-fires of a mighty soul were
already burning within? Do Won see
the thin nostrils of slightly aouiline
nose gradually dilate, aud the thin.
determined lips gradually close over
those white, even teeth?
Therel she moves; and mark the
proud step, rs she advances into the
center Of the circle. and catches ALI
eyes, and sweeps the whole proup of
curious aud anxious spectators with q
lightning glancel Aud now her thin
lips part, and she speaks in clear.
silvery tones. There is no ouiverino,
no tremulousness, in her voice
and every other voice is hughed
Listenl
"Holdl' she exclaims; cease this
wrangling! cease this contention for
the privilege Of being allowed 10
throw away n life that cannot be
sparedl You arc all brave-almost
too brave-since you 80 eagerly court
death for the honor il will confer ON
the name Of him who may die in the
noble attempt to save the rest But
not another heroic defender OF tbia
fortress must bo loatf AIrc,I,. t1..t