Iowa County democrat. [volume] (Mineral Point, Wis.) 1877-1938, 1900-05-31

hastily donned his uniform, huckled on
sabre and revolver, ami emerged
from the tent pulling on his gaunuetS
as Jennings LED up their horses.
They rode at hreak-neCk speed, but
the twilight was already falling when
they came in sight Of the spot de-
scrjbed by Jennings, They drew rein
several rods distant. and Henry, leap
ing 10 the ground. drew of his gloves,
carefully examined his revolver and
started forward, saying; You wait
here, Jennings. If I call or shoot,
you come, and if We never meet again,
thank YOU for offering this chance
of vengeance" He pressed his sub
ordinates hand warmly, gratefully,
and fastened away.
As he approached the hut he saw a
tall man. wearing the uniform Of a
Confederate officer, his hand grasp
ing the hilt of his sabre, his wide
cavalry hat completely hiding his
features, standing in the doorway
With the rapidly of lightning, Henry
sprang forward, crying, If you move,
fret" Slowly the man raised his
head and looked searchingly into his
opponents pale set face.
The revolver he had raised fell
from Henry's trembling fingers as
simultaneously tie cry of recognition
broke from the two men facing each
other; "Brother!" anu Henry more
overcome than ever before, looked
again upon the living features of the
brother Lester whom they had all
mourned as dead.
With an effort, Henry regained
enough self-control to demand of his
brother: Where have you been all
this time? For what do you wear
such colors? How long have you
been in this neighborhood?"
oh, brother, be morcitul," cried
Lester. Il will explain, then you shall
judge me- 1t is true have taken
arms against the north, but that is
not beyond the pardon of a brothers
heart"
u listen" answered Henry, coldly,
speak quickly and truthfully."
With great effort Lester began.
You heard, of course, of my being
wounded, and hearing nothing more,
probably considered me dead. To be
brief | was very severely wounded
and was nursCi back to life, strength
and health by a southern girl in
years, but woman in heart. She
watched owe. me for months, at
tended, nay anticipated my every
need and wish. OF course, | loved
her and she in turn loved me- con-
fessed my love to her, she conhded
her heart to me, Her version of her
peoples wrongs had a vastly different
sound from the northern stories. |
could not resist her arguments-I-l
adopted the southern cause. Her
father, General Manning, who stands
very high in the favor of President
Davis, obtained a lieutenancy for me
in the southern army. | accepted,
blinded by love for Ethel. We were
married that week and ten days later
took the field with my regiment. Oh,
brother. do not look so cruel and I'M
forgiving-many man has thought
the world well lost for love"
Traitor, worse than traitor"
Kissed Henry.
NO, brother not that. l have
never harmed the hair of northern
head, l swear it."
Now, you, in your turn, listen to
me. You have turned traitor to our
cause You have allowed father and
brothers to mourn you as dead and
oh, infinitely worse, oh pray heaven
what fear may not be true. Answer
me: did you four days ago ride with
few of your men near here?"
Yes" answered Lester. with slow
deliberaton, that house yonder is
my wifes home. Longing to see he,,
l took the risk and rode within a few
miles OF Sherman's lines. We werC
pursued by a small party. fred -
warning shot, which scared them off,
and | have been here in safety ever
since then, l am about to return
now"
"Wretched murderer cried Henry,
choking with emotion, that shot
killed our brother George, riding at
my side. We were among your pur.
suers, accurscd man"
"Oh, God forbid" cried Lester, fall
ing upon his knees before his brother
Take back those dreadful words
Henry, brother; forgive, speak to
met" But Henry, turning from him
coldly, without a woru of pardon, left
his brother kneeling where at his ac-
cusation, he had thrown himself.
Lester drew himself along the path,
crying, Henry, brother, forgive. /
viii die to expiate my crimes!" but
receiving no answer, rose in the en-
deayor to follow and force his forgive
ness, but the shock had been too
great. He staggered few steps for
ward. then with piercing cry, fell
faInting to the ground.
Did you finish him, sir?" asked
Jennings, as Henry slowly climbed
hack into his saddle "ypg he is for