The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1901-06-15
CHAPTER XII.

I NOuik men lOslUt lIOHIt uIilOIk
the first 10 seek a commission was
| Raymond Holbin. This was in the
I days when most people believed that
the military feature of secession
would prove little more than a grand
| spectacular demonstration Gradu-
ates OF West Point were at once in
great demand, and backed by the
/ Brookin influence Holbin was APP
pointed a captain of infantry among
the state troops, no search of his rec
ord being at the time possible; but
when the state transferred her troops
10 the confederate government, and
Holbin sought colonelcy. advancing
in support of his application the fdct
that he had been an officer in the reg
ular army. the matchless memory OF
the southern president recalled his
4 history. jefferson Davis had been sec
rotary Of war at the time the Holbin
court-martial was held, and the rec
ord coming before him for review, he
7 had promptly approved the sentence
Of the court. long struggle 20 Sc
cure a modification Of the sentence
had followedt-and in this struggle
4 many IpAAAi1AAAN iANA Ht'll tA ny
Holbin's mother, but in vain. The
sentence stood; and these people new
er forgot the issues involved; the
Holhins hated Jefferson Davis. The
name "Holbin" had chung to the mem
DRY OF the hero Of Buena Vista; he
declined to appoint Raymond Holbin
or TO commission him in any way 10
command honorable men. The deci-
sion was in harmony with his devo-
ton 10 his principles, a devotion that
was destined 10 make him ia the end
The most unfortunate Of American
statesmen.
This new ruE@c reflection upon Hol-
bin illed him with Ga prgGylruri le
rage. Had safe opportunity offered,
he would not have hesitated 10 send
bullet through the heart of the man
who was responsible for II. Indeed,
he armed himself ana for many
months was convinced that he might
al any moment be dedicated 10 the
discharge OF patriotic duty. The
president of the confederacy walked
daily in the presence of death, for
fanaticism and desperate men sur
rounded him. His safety lay in the
fact that he walked in the sunlight,
whore the results Of an attack prom
ised never Jess than life for life And
Raymond HolDn was not The man
10 barter his away; he hiced bis time
a far more dangerous enemy was his
mother who numbered official ac-
quaintances in Washington by the
scores. and who knew when and
where 20 plant the deadliest blow
\ This woman, secure in her social posi-
ton. displaying by her own efforts
and the efforts of her stepdaughter
in hospital work devotion TO the
southern cause, was In secret fast bal
ancing accounts with Jefferson Davis
Friends OF Raymond Holbin, for he
still had few, with the aid of his
mother, secured him bomb-proof po-
sition with rank of captain; and
there he stuck, with al the time for
plotting that might be demanded.
What seemed TO Holbin an oppor-
tunity for n sweeping revenge came
very Unexpectedly. Up 10 then he had
been but an Instrument in the hands
Of his mother and that large circle
OF invisibles known TO him who
sapped the strength Of the confoder-
acy. Their many interests preceded
his. The opportunity came through
Louise. He did not dare 10 disregard
her card and responded instantly to
her implied command, armed with
his old secret and n vlrtuous indig-
nation. He had almost forgotten her.
A year before, when she had suffi-
GENTLY recovered from her illness 10
permit il, he had sent her north, de-
ceved by sacred" pledges, to q new
hiding-place. The immediate opening
Of hostilities had seemed 10 fix the
separation. II had never occurred TO
him that she would make an effort
TO cross the lines.
The new meeting between Louise and
Holbin was marked by great display
Of passion on his part; she was calm
and collected, a suggestion Of reckless
ness, however, in her eyes and every
movement; her face relentless and
white with despair Of an abandoned
life. For the first time Holbin failed
10 move her 10 anger or 10 tears.
II came" said she, when his rage had
spent itself and in answer TO his de-
spairiug offer OF money II she would
( depart, mot because / need your as
sistance-that is, your money. for do
not; am now well supplied" She
could not have touched him IN a more
delicate spot. a swift jealousy, a curl
Gus Indignation. filed him.
Whose money!" he asked, breath
lessly
He Is very rich, and gives with lib
eral hand when TIE woman is smart,
is able is fearless. and willing 20 risk
her life al his bidding" II was not the
speech, but the cautious glance which
involuntarily she gave to her surround
ings that awoke a suspicion in his
breast.
Louise, you are a."
Hush! am a mother robbed Of
I her child: that ia exclamation enough