The Irish standard. [volume] (Minneapolis, Minn. ;) 1886-1920, 1899-11-18
III.
THROUGH THE LINES.

THROUGH THE LINES.
Having obeyed the generals order, 1
set about persuading him to give me
command of the expedition. l found
him more ready to do so than had eN-
pccted, for the reason that he could
not help himself. I was in the secret of
Margaret's act to u greater extent
than anyone else, and he did not wish
to coniide an expedition guided by her
to any other officer. AS soon as he had
consented 1 fastened away to inform
Margaret, and then returned for my
instructions.
"Tallc with you," said the general,
Corporal Punk and four privates, and
go through under cover of the night.
Keep sharp lookout ahead. Let the
men do any fighting that cannot be
avoided, while you stay with Miss
Beach. Here is map covering the
territory through which you will pass.
I have had Walter put it together from
rough pencil drawings furnished by
union citizens. Whatever happens, hold
onto it," Tie paused moment, and then
added: "You are very poorly equipped
by nature and experience for such
work. have supplemented the quail
tiles you lack by giving you Corporal
Punk, who possesses them ALL"
Corporal Punk! The blood rose to
my checks at this want of confidence in
me. The time came when I thought
differently.
"Whcn you return hcre-if you ever
do-you will find either me, some
one to represent me, or the enemy. II
the enemy is here, get your report at al
hazards directly to the commanding
general at Chattanooga" With that he
dismissed me.
AS soon as it was dark I went out tc
inspect the men 1 was to take with nc
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 carbincs, pistols and sa
bers; one was country boy with rosy
checks, another German, the third al
1rishman; the fourth had challSy face
thin, red eyebrows, closely-croppcc
hair of the same hue, eyes more greer
| than any other color, and his face wore
a perpetual grin.
"What are you laughing at?" said
in no mild tone. "Do you think we arr
going on a picnic?"
The fellows face gradually resumed
an ordinary expression, as the ripplcs
arising from disturbed water will slow
ly subside.
"What's your name?"
"Enoch.''
"Enoch what?'
"Enoch Mellodew."
"Give that man the mess-l1it," I said
"He will never do to fight; the rebs will
knock his teeth out while he is grin
ming" And the pannier containing thu
kit and provisions was slung over Pri
vate Mellodew's horse.
1t was not night favorable for ou1
journey, for the moon was more thar
half full, and gave more light than we
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 constcl
lations were glittering, Orion rising IL
the east; the Great Bear was swinging
around the pole; Mars, which, when thu
war was opened, was at its brightest
was now waning and easily recognized
from it's red hue. Near by the noun
tains stood out black and bold agains
the bright heavens. Something moved
me to cast my eyes to the zenith--a fit
ting thought of the general, perhaps
and there blazed his favorite star Alph;
Lyra.
eff the general were here" re
marked to Margaret, che would b.
looking upward all the WHILE"
"Why SOP"
"That star is sort of presiding deit.
with him. When he is on one of hi
night rides he seems to be invoking i
continually"
I made this reference to the genera
purposely, expecting that it would leat