Richmond planet. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1883-1938, 1899-10-28
ri.
THROUGH TIE LINES.

THROUGH THE LINES.
Having obeyed the generals order,
set about persuading him to give me
command of the expedition. / found
him more ready to do so than had ex-
pected, for the reason that he could
not help himself. ] was in the secret of
Margaret's act to greater extent
than anyone else, and he did not wish
TO confide an expedition guided by her
TO any other officer. AS soon as he had
consented hastened away to inform
Margaret, and then returned for my
instructions
Take with you," said the general,
Corporal PUNK and four priyates, and
go through under cover of the night.
Keep n sharp lookout ahead. Let the
men do any fighting that cannot be
avoided, while you stay with Miss
Beach Here is a map covering the
territory through which you will pass.
have had Walter put it together from
rough pencil drawings furnished by
union citizens. Whatever happens, hold
onto it," He paused moment, and then
added: you are very poorly equipped
by nature and experience for such
work. 1 have supplemented the quail
tiles you lack by giving you Corporal
PUNK, who possesses them ALL"
Corporal PUNK! The blood rose to
my cheeks at this want of confidence In
me- The time came when I thought
differently.
when you return here-if you ever
do-yOu will find either me, some
one TO represent me, or the enemy. If
the enemy is here, get your report at all
hazards directly to the commanding
general at Chattanooga" With that he
dismissed me.
AS soon as it was dark went out TO
inspect the men / was to take with me,
and found them waiting in the yard.
All were in uniform except Corporal
PUNK, who wore the clothes in which
he had last secuted. The privates were
armed with carbines, pistols and sa-
bers; one was a country boy with rosy
checks. another q German, the third an
1rishman; the fourth had chalky face
thin, red eyebrows, closely-cropped
hair Of the same hue, eyes more green
than any other color, and his face wore
perpetual grin.
What are you laughing at?'' said
In no mild tone. do you think we are
going on a picnic?"
The fellows face gradually resumed
nm ordinary expression, as the ripples
arising from disturbed water viii slow
" subside.
What's your name?"
"Enoch."
"Enoch what?"
"Enoch Mellodew."
"Give that man the mess-I1it," I said
He will never 10 to fight; the rebs will
knock his teeth out while he is grin
ming" And the pannier obtaining IN,
kit and provisions was slung over Pri
vate Mellodew's horse.
1t was not night favorable for oul
journey, for the moon was more thar
half full, and gave more light than w,
desired. / sent Corporal PUNK to scou
ahead and warn us Of the proximity o
the enemy's cavalry. Margaret and
rode together. Above us the constel
lations were gIittering, Orion rising II
the east; the Great Bear was swingin.
around the pole; Mars, which, when tn
war was opened, was at its brightest
was now waning and easily recognize
from its red hue. Near by the noun
tains stood out black and hold agains
the bright heavens. Something move
me to cast my eyes to the zenith-a fit
ting thought of the general. perhaps
and there blazed his favorite star Alpl
Lyra-
az the general were here" T
marked TO Margaret, "he would
looking upward all the while"
-Why sO7"
That star Is sort of presiding del