The midland journal. (Rising Sun, Md.) 1885-1947, 1901-03-29
NO. 30

I camo to myself, and was sorry that
the dream T-;;s over. 1t had been pleas
ant, very pleasant, and l was willing to
dream on had headache, but when
put my hand to the spot which ached
knew that the wound was not serious
that it was nothing but trifle. A bull
let, clipping under the skin, had glanced
along my skull and passed on, inficting
slight conclusion, like a heavy blow
from mans fist, but that was all. !
had seen 20 men who had suffered SINH
lar wounds in battle and were as good
as ever the next day.
''You are not going to die, are you,
Mr.. Marcel?' tearfully asked the most
modest and demure of blond English
maidens, standing before me.
"My intentions are the precise oppo-
site, !" replied 81 have SO much to
live for"
1t is curious how rapidly the feelings
develop under the stress of great hard
ships and danger. The day and half
that had been with her were equal to
year and q half of ordinary time
''Would you bring me little of that
cool water to drink in your cap?" l
asked 81 see that the cap is wet al
ready, and it won't hurt it.
She brought the water, and drank
1t was as cold as ice and as refreshing
as nectar as it ran down my throat.
have seen men lying on the battlefield
begging for water as if it were the one
great gift of heaven to man.
felt twice the man that was a
minute before. The girl was strangely
quiet, even shy, and more than ever I
felt as if it were my chief duty to pro-
tect her.
"No, julia" l said; "this rebel
against the king means to live. So far
from dying, l haven't had anything
more than knockdown which has left
sore spot on my head and a little
ache inside it. but 1 can travel as we'll
as ever. Here, Old Put is waiting for
you. Get up and ride"
But she declined with indignation.
81 will not do that" she said. lyon
may be rebel-in fact, l know you
are-but you shall not walk while you
are wounded You must ride"
AS was still little dizzy yielded
at last, though did not like to do it,
and rode for couple of hours Then,
feeling as strong as ever, | dismounted
and made Julia take her turn on horse
back. But at the end of an hour she, too,
dismounted, and we walked on together,
as before. not talking much, but happy.
The sun was again retreating before the
night, and the western skies We're afame
The light fell full upon the girl s face
and her beauty, splendid and glowing
before, was tender and spiritual now.
''We shall be in Morgan S camp soon,
julia" | said, land I will have to re-
sign my prisoner.
~ shall consider myself your prisoner
until am retaken by the English, she
said
did not reply, but was willing to
accept my responsibilities.
Old Put, who was walking slowly
behind us after his custom, raised his
head and neighed. 1t was not whinny,
but loud, sonorous neigh that could be
heard affair." 1t was full of meaning too.
And quarter of a mile ahead of us on
one of the open ridges saw the cause-a
troop of dozen horsemen riding toward
us at half gallop. Old Put neighed
again, long loud and promptly.
'Ought we not to escape into this
wood?'' exclaimed Julia in alarm.
,"There is time yet. Those troopers may
be English" "
She did not seem to notice the strange
ness of suggestion from her that she
hide from the English, but | was con-
fident
''They are not English, l said.
"They are Americans. Old Put
knows his friends. Trust him. -
In truth, the horse uttered his loud
had not the slightest apprehension, for
it was impossible to deceive Old Put
when he was wide awake.
The horsemen 0aw us and quickened
their pace to gallop. AS they ap-
preached l could recognize the Conti
mental buff and blue, and, telling Julia
that it was all right, we walked grave
ly on to meet them. Old Put, his dem
onstrations of joy made, followed after
with equal sobriety.
They were dashing riders, those men,
and their curiosity must have been
aroused by the sight of the girl, for they
came on at the long, swinging gallop of
the good cavalryman and quickly in
tlosed us.
Good evening, colonel" said to
the leader saluting. 81 am happy to
see you again and to join your COM
mand"
1t was Colonel William Washington,
the distant cousin of our great COM
mander in chief, one of the finest cav
airy commanders of our time, fine,
open faced man of about 80.
"Why, Marcel-Phil Marcelp" he
cried in surprise. "Is it you?"
"Yes, it is l, colonel"
"And the lady?"
"The lady is my prisoner, colonel,
an English spy!'
"Did she give you that wound on
your head?"
81 said lady, colonel"
Every hat came off, and there was
admiration as we'll as respect in the bow
that each trooper made.
"The lady carried the news of our
most important movements" l said,
land l was compelled to hold her a
prisoner. "
"You have done we'll, Mr.. Marcel"
said my colonel
| thought so too Perhaps had done
better than | thought
IL 4 Ia -.