Ceredo advance. [volume] (Ceredo, W. Va.) 1885-1939, 1901-06-12
CHAPTER XIII.-CoNrrNUEp.


Holbin had heard of Frances latest
whim, the union soldier. He had not
interested himself in the latter's well
fare, but lie made his appearance in
the wingro,sn on the day after Louise
had been pacified, and, finding only
NANNY there with the wounded man.
he entered a7d engaged him in cheer
full conversation. He gave him the
latest news from the front, and sup
Piled him with cigars. sponding TO
these attentions, the soldier readily
told his story. When the name of Rich
ard Somers, his former enemy, was
reached, Holbin was visibly excited
Still, not for one instant did il occur
TO him 10 connect the presence of the
wounded man in that room with the
fact that Somers was his captain; and
the soldier himself naturally took it
for granted that the cause of his pres
ence was well understood by all.
Frances found Holbin there. and
stood silently resentful upon the
threshold until he had explained his
visit.
Il am told by the clerk in the de-
partment." he said, that you had
secured pass for your protegc, and l
was repentant that you had been
forced to e. there in person | have
called now 10 offer my assistance.
There is something else to be done for
a wounded man besides getting him
a pass. He must have transportation
and assistance generally"
Il have been thinking of that" she
admitted, troubled.
IF may be allowed to do a wound
ed enemy a service" said Holbin. II
shall take him in my buggy to our
Outposts'
Il am sure that he will be greatly
obliged" The soldier expressed him
self grateful, and Holbin went away.
making light of the service and with
out further effort to trespass upon the
girls rare mood. On the inner stair
ne paused in deep thought, his dark
&ace savagely triumphant. His moth
or met him 10 the hall above and
'sead excitement in his every move.
:hent.
what is 1t, Raymond" He hest.
tated and smiled wickedly.
81 am afraid even you would be
shocked. mother mine. But trust me
when do tell you about it. you will
not be ashamed of your cub"
Raymond, how dare you?" The
woman face grew crimson. and theU
white as from a sudden terror. He
showed his teeth and disappeared be
fore she could stop him. Angry and
uneasy. she sought her own room.
The wounded soldier rode next day
with Raymond Holbin, his pale face
rejecting the light of iberty's sun
not get risen for him, his blue uni.
form busted and cleaned until every
button was as Of gold.
"Good-by. miss" ne said: ''IT de
liver your message, an know the
eapn II be "A proud man TO see m,
back He offered NANNY his last
Ereenback, but IL was Indignantly re-
fused witnesses being present.
Dat green money amt no gooc
down here nohDw"
1T will be-" said the soldier. sim
ply.
Holbin returned next day and CAV,
vivid account Of his parting ,yaF
che happy prisoner: and then he inn
Wedjately sought his own room: btr
not before Frances, lite ashame,
Of herself had thanked him warrnI,
for bis Kindness to her soldier.
Upon the same day the coufederat,
relief picket found a federal soldte,
lying dead within their lines. III,
had been shot from behind with
pistol held 80 close 10 bis coat tia.
a. was breed 10y the powder. Tn,
anal Afforded but "a fcw minutes
discussion, for the explosion Of fire
arms vas Almost inccssaut ~ times
and dead men IN June. 1862. wcr,
plentiful around Richmond The onl,
part of the mystery worth consider
sing from the military standpoint wal
bow the man got through tho lines a