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

Wdtch was tneft. AlG there TOO were
the letters sealed for his mother ready
for delivery II he were picked up dead
! by friend or foe. No line for her. the
woman who loved him once-,oved him
a. SHE had known him. Upon the inner
case of his watch was his own name
and address; and still no line for her,
the woman who held him so dear. But
in the locket dangling from the chain
there were two lines cut into the vir-
gin gold:
Frances. my wife
Richmond, April 18th. Icl"
How roseate then grew life for the
girl. He remembered He had kept
her words with him night and cay.
He loved her; he had told no false
hood for the value of her fathers
wealth. AS she stood by the wounded
soldier, his eyes resting in sympathy on
her, her own seeing nothing but the
face in that half-lit room where her
shrine was raised. all that was left
Of resentment vanished out OF her
heart. WHEN afterwSrd she realized
iris she was amazsf and troubled
One federal soldier at least in all the
hosts that fell into confederate hands
had no cause TO complain of his nurs-
ing. hospital stretcher bore him to
the home Of Frances Brookin and into
her room. II was her whim, and the
stepmother was INDUCING her whims
in those days. There Frances and
nanny, with William as helper and
Brodnar as an occasional adviser, Law
ished on him such care and attention as
he bad never dreamed was possible, for
he Was one OF those homeless waits TO
whom war had promised nothing hut
excitement ard change. II was ali a
mystery 70 him, out he questioned not.
He accepted the girls simple statement
as 10 Somers, and was content 10 let
the sun Of his prosperity shine on,
One day when the soldier was able
70 limp about the garden upon his
crutches and sit in the shade by the
FLASHING fountain 10 read in the Dis
patch Of the great battles being fought
around the endangered capital Of the
confederacy, Frances, bearing the
highest testimonials from surgeons and
hospital officials as 10 the conspicuous
and devoted service she had rendered,
went to the executive mansion and se-
cured admission TO the presence Of its
great chief Mr. Davis courteously
read her papers. and, looking into the
earnest face OF the fair girl sitting be-
side him, gave graceful expression &c
his appreciation Of her patriotism.
ASK what you Will, my child" he
said, land if may consistently grant
ii your wishes shall be gratifed."
at is the parole Of private soldier. I
she said. "and a safe-conduct through
our lines. lie Is wounded but has re-
covered sufficiently % travel. lie will
not enter the service again, sir; his in
juries incapacitate him.
"And IS that all?n .a.ssrs
"All!"
MAY ask why this extraordinary
interest in private soldier?r The
I presidentwas smiling, his sad, kind face
questioning her closer than his lips
alone. She described the scene OF her
friends heroism, the quick interest OF
her nearer revealing the kindly heart
within him.
Grand" he said. briefly. II should
be glad 10 see him-but noi-and he
turned slightly towards the mass Of
1 papers-"the crowd waits"
The man that this soldier saved, =
she said. simply, was a-kinsman Of
mine-one 10 Whom l am greatly in
debted"
And Is that allq"
THAT is all" she answered. But I'M
der the playful, hooking gaze Of the
president she felt her face grow Grim
son. He smiled and bowed gravely from
his chair when he noticed the tell-tale
blush
THAT Is all" he said. One line upon
a sheet OF official paper and the touch
Of handbell. and Frances found her
self under the guidance of a messen-
ger on her way 10 the war department.
Al the door Of the department she met
Raymond Holbin in a new and glitter
ing uniform. lie was coming out. but,
seeing her, stopped IN surprise.
you here" he exclaimed.
why not?r She gave him but n
glance. sarcastic smile playing about
her lips.
at Is no place Tor women; you
should be az home"
IT Is no place for men; you should
not be az home, Capt. Holbn." An
angry reply arose TO his lips, but he
checked H.
You know why am not" he said;
81 have been unfairly treated; but
say the word. and ! will 60 even as
private soldier-if you will prom
isc--"
!