The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1899-11-23
Kill.
THE REAL SENTRY.

~>~~>As~S~
the cave into the sunlight and stood
looking down the valley. ss'~@
"How long before our watching will
prove effective or useless?" asked Mar
garet. .'.
IF what we expect does not occur
soon, fear it will not occur at ALL"
"And must return to my fate"
I did not reply, but looked gloomily
out upon the valley. Turning my eyes
to the south, my attention was attract
ed by what appeared to be small white
dot.
"What's that?" I:asked.
"A wagon, an army wagon. I've seen
so many of them that would know one
anywhere
And there's another" 1 exclaimed,
as second emerged from behind hill.
Its a wagon train.' :
Slowly wagon after wagon came into
view, till a whole train could be seen
like white-linked worm crawling up
the valley.
II don't see what that's for" I NUT
tered; "they have the railroad for any
transportation they may need.'
1T looks as if they were going to use
both wagons and railroad,' said Mar
garet.
"You have quite a head for guessing
things" remarked, surprised at her
foresight. This was the first evidence
had encountered of Margaret's think
ing ability; was to have plenty of it
soon after.
During the day we noticed stray
squadrons of rebel cavalry passing
northward. A small drove Of cattle
made it's appearance in the south,
logged along over the road, and passed
out of sight. Another wagon train ap-
peared, toiled slowly past, and disap-
peared. Then larger body of cavalry
went by, perhaps 500 men. watched
expectantly for bigger game, but was
disappointed. Nothing more of impor
lance appeared, and I gave UP my ex-
pectation of some momentous occur
renee. 4.a
When we began our watch fer the
night, Margaret insisted on taking part.
Nonsense said.
II mean it,
DO you suppose two able-bodied
men would permit weak woman to d.
stal]ked away without deigning another
word. .'-~1
PUNK, as before, had the first watch.
At 10 o'clock was awakened andwalked
to the edge of the declivity to begin my
vigil. The weather was splendid, and
was regaled with another view lighted
by the moon. I made up my mind to
pace beat like sentinel, that might
be sure to keep awake. I chose two
trees between which to walk, and con-
tinued to do SO for an hour without rest.
Then I took ten minutes off. After
that 1 walked again till three o'clock,
when the absurdity of walking an i'm
aginary beat to watch for something
that had only remote possibility of
occurring struck me with. such force
that sat down on rock, put'my ell
bows on my knees, and rested my head
in my hands. The last thing I remem-
Der was congratulating myself that if
any remarkable event should take place
Twas in exactly the position to see it.
"Lieutenant."
1.-THE DEVIL"
A second time had been caught
sleeping on post. I looked up, and saw
Margaret standing beside me. Tt was
broad day. s,'.. .j.-
II beg your pardon; thought 1
stammered.
Look"
Five thousand cavalry were march
ing northward through the valley.
Whoever has seen such sight can
never forget it.. Five thousand men
and 5000 horses. First rode thin line
deployed across the road, it's wings ex-
tending to the right and to the left.
Then came knot of men, the COM
manding general and his. staff. They
were followed at some. distance by a
smaller knot, doubtless the commander
OF the advance brigade. Then came the
line by regiments, squadrons. com
panles, platoons, the men in the ranks,
the officers in their respective posi-
tons. The rising sun lit up their bat
tie flags, their guidons,2 glistened on
their side arms, even tinted with asrosy
hue the dust that envelopeda them.
They were moving steadily, but horses
will not have the same gait, and here
and there a squadron that had fallen
behind was pushing along at q brisk
trot or gallop to overtake the corps
to which it belonged. z144:
"Margaret!" / exclaimed II sn,; !, rim
up; "you have won. There are the cav.
airy; the infantry will go by. the rail.
road. 49, fs s.ss. al, : I0..s +
AS l spoke, we heard a whistle to the
u SOY SOUTH rumbling, g putting, and along
came 9 train. n T was loaded with
troops. They Allied ll' the cars, the plat.
forms; they swarmed on the roofs
with q screech from the locomotive
Fir -. g. }5s@s.5 .s i5 e8l 1 II il t