Waterbury Democrat., 1901-04-01

h "LoUIsE" HE SAID. SADLY. STAND
 ING BY HEIR SIDE. Cody and drew the beautiful mouth into a thin line of scarlet.
 How may I help you? I would help you2--Louise, if night
 "Ten me--npen your souls honor ss--is--it--death?
 He covered his eyes and stood si- lent. She waited in agony; he did not answer her.
 .sDeath!" she said, in horror. "He1p mel help me, Richard!" Sobs shook her, and she stretched out her hand to him as one who is drowning. A cry burst from the lips of the manly soldier, Q cry no less agonized than hers.
 Louise! Louise!--I would give my life to help you. Don't speak, don't look at me that way!"
 You must help me--you musti Quick--let me whisperl He will come--7he won't refuse nowi He was ito come -sneni x The marriage must--must-Tbe fulfilled! Bring him bring him-zto mel Bring my child!D
 Impossible, Louise,' he cried. "You do not know what you are say ing. He is beyond the enemy's lines!"
 "Ah--but--but he is--coming! Wa ter-water!n---he placed the drink quickly to her lips coming, Rich r1 DYrs,, 1,3v 2r,;., Al him-T am dying--I-Louise-dyingl Nanon! Nanon!'
 T am a soidier,'' he said, "sworn in my country's defense. My life be- longs to my country-not to myself. No one would give me permission to go on such an errand. And if were captured I should die as the spy dies!"
 Richard and I--are-in Gods presence!"
 ''Yes; in the presence of God!''
 "Would l lie--oh, would--I lie- now?"
 "No." t1stt
 "Kneel here--I shall tell you--now! I swear in His presence-I have loved no man in life-but you-but you!'' "Hush!" he whispered, chilled and shocked, seeking to release his hand.
 "Believe, oh, believe mel"
 sI cannot!"
 <'Believe!" "I cannot--I would if--''
 "BelieHe-beieve me-Richard.S Her hands tore feebly at slender chain that had slipped down into her bos- om, and drew little locket into view. He recognized it. !
 T believe you" he said, gently, at length. And he did; he had never doubted it in his heart.
 Tt is the last prayer of the wom- en-who in all these years-of suf- feringt loved you! Go to himi He will come--my child's life--save the child for-her mothers sake! Let me see a1er!''
 The soldier had faced every danger of the battlefield without a tremor In the presence of this wonan's awful agony his heart failed him. 'sThe lost papers-duplicate ates--duplicates! Rich mond is yours-Lee's army--de- stroyed!" He stood up then, and was cool. his eyes reading her pale face as an open book. He turned to she door.
 .'Surgeon,' he said, "come to this poor girl: Lonise,s l will return" He rode to headquarters and laid before his chief all the facts. A long dis cussion followed.
 Ut is a desperate venture, general, and if I fail--deathi know that. But if I succeed it may mean life for many man in this army. Still, let me be frank; shall go not for that alone.''
 .'The decision is with you, colonel My advice IS against your plan. And yet--if that information opened the road to Richmond-7it would mean Gen. Somers.''
 II have your permission?" There was no answer. T shall start in 30 minutes, then,' said Somers. The general gave his hand in silence and turned away.
 Avoid capture" he said, sadly. Day by day famlliar faces were pass ing from him
 T shall not be captured. If ii comes, it will be soldiers death,' was the reply. He reentered the pres~ ence of Louise clad in the uniform o1 a confederate captain. The old ne- gress was with her, and, hat in hand, a young man, her son, was delivering message to her. Somers caught enough of the words to gather that he came from Richmond.
 How did you pass through the Iines?', he asked, abruptly. The ne- gro grinned and was silent. .Can you guide me throughquick, man,