The Wilmington daily Republican. (Wilmington, Del.) 1890-1902, 1899-03-27

after awhile, but that, too, Is o nui-
sance. Consequently, as aforesaid, the
easiest way out is to take your parole. !"
Lieutenant Oakman nodded to signi-
fy he understood.
II presume you intend to leave me
at this housef''
Ackers in turn nodded.
"lt will be unpleasant to the inmates
to have an enemy. even if wounded,
thrust upon them as guest"
Don't give yourself any worriment
about that. That our part of the bust.
ness Now, let's have the parole"
There was not much formality about
it. Lieutenant Oakman merely gave
his word Of honor to consider himself
lawful prisoner Of war, and, il recap
tured by his own friends, he would not
take up arms against the Southern Con-
federacy until regularly exchanged.
While the simple proceedings were
under way, the negro boy Rastus was
observed standing near the end Of the
mansion some rods distant. attentively
watching them. When they were
through, he beckoned with great vigor,
and the party passed under the shade
trees, around the end of the long, low
structure and ascended the ample porch.
Mrs General Eldridge, calm, matron-
ly and still handsome, was prepared for
what was coming, for she had rightly
interpreted the astounding message Of
Rastus In her severely plain dress and
the silvery hair brushed away from her
smooth forehead, she was standing near
the steps, and at her side was her
daughter, a. calm and collected as her
parent. II the thunder of war had not
long been heard among these southern
homes, the years Of dread expectancy
and anguish had burned its woeful les-
son into every heart.
The young woman was barely out Of |
her teens, but neq mind had been ma
tured far beyond her years in the Bit
terest of all schools.
1t was too early for the silver to
show in the silken mass of hair that in
its midnight blackness rivaled the eyes
and the dark complexion glowed with
q health and strength that forbade the
shadow of wrinkle. She was of slight
stature, showing in feature the best
physical characteristics of each parent.
Jim Ackers, who did all the talking
for himself and comrade, presented the
prisoner to the ladies and explained his
wishes. At the moment of confronting
Them the lieutenant removed his cap
and stood with barred head blushing
leeply.
"This is wholly involuntary on my
part" he FASTENED to explain. ut
oains me inexpressibly to be forced thus
lpon you. If you have the slightest OBJ
ection, beg you to say SO and shall
lot cross your Threshold
''Mr. Ackers knew when he brought
'ou here that you would be received.
Ny husband was treated kindly when
prisoner. You belong to my enemies.
sut you are injured. 1t is poor comfort
70 can offer, but such as it is you are
Welcome. Please enter"
The graciousness of manner which
ccompanied these words was like a
emile benson. Lieutenant Oakman
ould hardly check his tears when, de-
lining the air offered by his captors,
9 passed up the steps, cap still in hand.
here was something in the sweet words
nat recalled his own mother as he last
aw her in the faraway New England
ONE when she kissed her soldier boy
oodby. In q choking voice he MUIR
lured, 'Thank youl' and, waving a
lrewell to the grizzled men still stand
lg at the foot Of the steps, he followed
,e ladies' into the broad, roomy apart
ent where they had been seated sew
70 and waiting, waiting, waiting,
hen Rastus burst upon them with the
artling news Of wounded "Linkum's
an" who would soon reach the door.
II feel meaner than I can express,
ought Lieutenant Oakman when he
cepted this typical southern hospital
y, ''for, in welcoming me to their
me, they have no suspicion of the
hole truth. The best man does not
low what a miserable scoundrel he
n become until he makes the honest
ort for himself