The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1900-11-10

Dy MS frienQE,s and there ne crOuoDeu
and watched the boys OF the Steentn
cheering, dying. He was now intently
Watching certain figure he had singled
out from the rsst-Capt. SilYerehorn lie
saw his sword flashing, and fancied he
could hear his words encouraging his
men.
Then with a gasp OF agony and terror
he shrank back behind the brea stworks.
lie was unhurt, but Ehe had seen bis cap
tain TALL. He 0rouched and groveled in
the earth as the bullets moaned over him
or struck the protecting earthworks and
threw earth over him, A realization OF
the horrors Of WAT had ooms to him.
But another thought came-perhaps his
captain was only wounded. III this was
the case a stray bullet might end his
life at any moment as he lay helpless on
the field He raised his head and psered
over the ridge that protected him. A
she'll burst close at hand and he WINGED,
but kept his position until he saw Whist
his eyes were searching Tor. Silvsrthorn
was lying where he had fallen, but as the
darkey was about to grovel in the earth
again he detected movement; tbs officer
was striving to rise, but sank back.
Taps s. mind was made up in an in
slant No more dread OF death, save the
fear that ne might be struck down before
saving his idol. Springing to his feet,
he bounded over the breastworks, ana
the captain, lowering his head as he
brayed the storm OF death He reached
the officer and found him conscious, but
helpless, STOPPING over he olasped the
captain In his arms, and, half carrying,
half dragging him, started for the rear,
protecting with his own body, as much
as possible that of his hero.
He had nearly reached the trench whsn
suddenly groan escaped him and he
sank on his knees; thsn, with mighty
effort he arose and staggered blinaIy for
ward with his burden. The trench was
reached at last, and, as the officer slipped
from his arms behind the wall Of earth,
he olutohed at the air ana fell headlong
across Silverthorn feet. And thus they
were found two hours later by the litter
bearers.
That night, when number OF the regi-
ment came back to the hospital TO inquire
concerning missing ones, they found thu
captain considerably revived, and able TO
whisper to them the story of his rescue
by 'paps." tioing in search OF the
darky, they found him on blanket un-
der tree-a rough bed, but the best that
bending over him, said there was no
hope; his wound was Mortal. With
hearts bowed with sorrow, the brawny
soldiers stood silently listening to him de-
liriously calling for the captain. He
grew quiet q moment; then his fingers
lirtum hs began TO sing:-
In the beauty of the lilies Christ was
born across the sea,
With glory in his bosom that transfig-
ures you and me:
As he died to make men holy let Us die
to make men free,
While God Ia marching on.
AS the words sweiied clear and sweet,
the groans OF the injured and the sohs OF
DIVING
silent again. Then he opened his eyes,
and the light of reason shone in them
"How's-how's tn o3p'n MP he ASKED
teebly. a2e
On being told that the captain would
probably recover, he tried to sInil9, but
spasm OF pain contracted his faa lures. e
He's going. said the surgeon, softly
and the soldiers pulled their battered
hats down low to hide the tears that stole
down their checks. -
The oyIng mans eyes opened again,
and he Whispered in voice that was
scarcely audible: "Dutehy, play the go-
to-sleep song, won't yer'
Clauser raised his bugle to his lips, but
choked with emotion, and his strong
frame shook with sobs. Once more he
raised the bugle. and, mastering himself
for q moment, the soft, sweet notes OF
taps were sounded. AS the last tone died
away the surgeon leaned forward His
life ended with the notes he loved, "
ne said husktly.
] He was buried near where he had fallen
and Capt (now Maj Silverthorn had
headboard erected, which will soon be re-
placed by one of granite. 1t bears the
inscription
"Taps.''
Born -.
Christ died to make men holy,
He died to make men free.
JulY q lSt)S,