Omaha daily bee., 1900-12-30

before, and the deliberate choice Of the
word "ofiicer." There were men high and
low In regimental rank who thought 1t in
appropriate. to say the least, that Lieu
tenant Malloy should be selected to con-
duct the prisoners to corps headquarters,
full five miles away. There were rough
fellows who clustered about Corporal Con-
nellys little tent when the Emmets broke
ranks, and talked sympathetically and in
low tones to him and Brennan who stood
guard at the closed flaps that Norman
might hide and think-alone. Poor lad!
He lay there, head buried in his arms. and
God alone knew the depth OF his trouble.
II was good and great to be loyal to the
old flag in those stern days. 1t called
for the best and bravest OF every state
In the wide northland. 1t involved leaving
home and loved ones to take up arms and
pledge ones life to the cause. But home
and loved ones were left in safe hands.
Prayers and blessings followed the soldier
on his way. Honor and favor rewarded his
deeds OF valor and devotion, or tears and
laurels sprinkled and decked his grave.
But 1t was all different In the borderland.
1t might we'll be that he who stood fast by
the stars and stripes must needs abandon
all else. for here lay a soldier scorned
Of his kith and kin and shut out from
hearth and home forever. The night ia i'd
on Belleview had rent the last vestige of
tie. stricken his name from the family
bible and the fathers will. Not once. but
twice now, had he been called upon to
guide tho column that aimed at the life or
liberty Of his very own.
1t was Gods mercy that brought old Gaff-
ney limping back to the front about this
time, or the boys heart might have broken.
He had begged permission to see his brother
before the latter was sent north. 1t was
the brother himself who refused. He had
written letter, which his colonel read
and forwarded, asking only tidings of his
fathers health and whereabouts. and
Henry's cold reply was that that father
would never forgive him should he hold
communication with his traitor son. Calf
ney. In his crude but hearty way went
sturdily to work to bring comfort to the
lad. The brave Irishman had won the
praise OF fighting division commander at
Shiloh and their dandy" colonel, who had
hitherto seen little to like in the Emmets
leader warmed to the fellow who could so
spiendidly handle his company in battle
even IL he couldn't on battalion drill. In
plain words Gaffney said II was time a
bye" that had lost so much through his
reward. "Twicet now" said Gaffney.
Hollis had to do dewty the divil himself
might dodge. with divil thanks, but kicks
from both sides. Ye wouldn't even make
him sergeant, bedad!"
II couldn't" said the colonel against
the recommendation of the company's
commander.
His name was furrst on the list" said
Ganney. "an' that slick wan, Malloy. cut
1t off and sticks in Thrott Is 1t me or
Malloy commands the Emmets, sorr?"
You. when you're here, captain"
answered the chief, with all patience and
toleration, for he respected the mans
bravery and, despite all innuendoes and
warnings was beginning to believe his
Still, 1t wouldn't do to fly in the face OF
Providence and the governor and adjutant
general and Senator Malloy all OF whom
would have it, apparently. that young
Holt was little better than a spy. There
was no vacancy now among the nom
commissioned Offices OF Company &C." and
even Gaffney couldn't expect him to revoke
the warrants given In his absence
"Remmeber," said the colonel, I'VE
feared 1t might be months before you
could rejoin, and meantime the law made
Mr.. Malloy the commander. I'm sorry, but
don't see what can be done. Colonel
Sheridan Is the man to help him now."
Full OF worldly wisdom was the colonel
Well he knew that any recognition