Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1901-01-26

party without a hope of rescue. knew what
terror it would bring to that weaking,
what misery to those who despite ms
frailties loved him-What miseries it would
bring to her. The mothers letter had
made no mention of the hayward, thought
less brainless boy. Possibly the news that
he was a deserter had not yet reached the
family, though bad news travels fast.
Heaven forbid II should fall to Norman
lot to have to tell the tidings-to be brought
in contact with the case in any way! AS a
private soldier he possibly. might not nave
been called upon 10 arrest or even TO repor.
the deserter. As a commissioned officer II
would be his bounden duty. God forbid
that the reckless. wretched lad should cross
his path, Nowhere within the limits of the
United States would he be safe from arrest,
and trial. conviction and sentence must
surely follow. The sudden pallor, the deep
concern in Norman's fine young face caught
instantly the eye of the captain OF the
guard.
You know him. see. Did you know he
was a deserter?" was the quick sudden
1--WE were IN THE same company. and his
captain wrote me few days since" was
the guarded answer.
Have you seen him.
81 have not
Across the crowded cabin a sergeant and
a private soldier stood hammering at
state room door. From within a weak
voice was uttering querulous protest. and
the sergeant, after brief glance WITHIN,
came over to them.
"A sick mans in there. captain. He's in
his berth, and his hospital attendants
ashore to get some medicine that was for
gotten. He's an officer
No 29?-Yes. Major Payne, wounded In
cavalry fight. Cumberland Forge" answer
ed the captain consulting the list handed
him a few minutes previous by the steam
er's clerk. En- route to Cincinnati. At
tendant, Private Maurice Turpin, Company
b til Ohio. convalescent from general
hospital, Louisville. They're all right
Don't disturb the major, but hurry up the
attendant. Boat leaves in ten minutes.
Five minutes six, seven passed without
sign Of the attendant The guard at the
gangplank reported that no such man had
come aboard since o'clock. at which hour
Major Payne had been carried in by four
men on a stretcher. DIR. Wren came down
with them and helped to get the major to
bed. Three OF the men went back 10 nos
pital, one was to go with the major TO
Cincinnati. He might have gone ashore.
They only examined those coming aboard.
Sentries posted along the wharf boat de-
clared no man had got on or off the steamer
save by the stage plank, the main entrance:
Wen have to search that ROOM" said
the officer and again No % was invaded.
With anxious heart Norman saw the door
opened saw the captain enter, barring his
head and uttering apology. In a moment
the major, and he says he don't care
d-n IL the attendant doesn't come-no
good anyhow. All he wants is to be let
alone" quoth the captain. and Norman
on the hurricane deck. The huge pad lie
wheels were slowly churning the muddy
waters as the hawsers were being cast OF
The provost guard scrambled ashore ard
collided with a young soldier bundle laden,
who created a commotion by declaring he
was Major Payne's nurse, with Major
Payne's bundles. and he mustn't be left
behind. A relentless officer demanded his
pass. and the soldier jerked his head over
his left shoulder. Hes got en-" said he,
and strove to push ahead.
Its all right. lieutenant" called the ser
geant Here you-here's yer orders. Shove
ahead now" The soldier took the paper in
his teeth. both arms being full, and aided
by deck hands. pushed across the plank
just trembling on the rise forced way
through the crowd on the lower deck
climbed the brass-bound stairs to the
brightly lighted cabin. and, still burdened
with the big official envelope still held in
his teeth bored passage through the
throng until he came to the door of No. %
There he glanced about him as though to
ask some one to aid him by opening the
door. His eyes fell on Norman Holt, -vho
was at that moment unfolding and spread
ing newspaper. Down went the bundles
with a sudden crash. Down dove the SOL
der after them, and, never Strengthening
up or looking back. he thrust open the door,
sill. darted into the dimly lighted state
room and kicked shut the door behind
him.
1t was early morn when the steamer tied
up at the foot Of the long. sloping levee
at Cincinnati. Early as It was Norman was
awake and dressed eager to get ashore.
The air was crisp and keen. the sun Just
peering over the eastward hills and CLINT
landing. Even here the provost guard was
in evidence. An officer and certain men
were aboard before the wheels had fairly
ceased revolving. and darted up the stair