The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-05-31
THE ADVERTISERS .s s W
 = .e DAILY SHORT STORMY
Copy right. 1900. by Daily Story pusl,shias C.,

l III AuTord. ue ioOkeu very nanoSOme | In his regimentals, but his eyes were cruel and hard under his gold-Iac cap.
 An engagement, fierce and hot. took place as the sun fell on that long, hot day in July and 1t resulted in a more | serious attack, in the morning. The slain and wounded were left on the field as one gallant regiment moved forward, and my dear master was one of the wouned. With me calsped in his hand. he murmured in his deli rum. Mamie, Nannie!" In the confusion incidental to a bat tie. Lieutenant Meredith had managed to slip back and hurriedly glanced on the poor fellows who were lately so full of life and action. At last he saw my master. Such a look of hatred as came over his face may I never again see.
 "Ah. there you are! Die! you villain, and then your pretty Nan will be more likely to come to my terms!" With these words he plunged a knife in the flesh of my master How I cursed myself for my inanimate condition! Flinging the knife from him he stole among the dead like the coward he was!
 My master was dead, knew, as he became quiet after that one shriek of agony.
 When the ambulance corps came, his body was taken to the dead house, but some signs of life were observable and he was removed to the hospital.
 Where's my faithful gun-it has my name on it on silver platter" he fec ply inquired.
 I was brought and laid beside him and he seemed contented and fell asleep.
 On awakening he he met the pretty, limpid eyes of Miss Mamie, who had been sent for as instructions were found on his person. The knife thrust was not fatal, as it had been diverted by the miniature of my sweet young mistress.
 Yes, she became my mistress after the war and my brave young master rose to be a general in the army. Lieu tenant Meredith met his death, and confessed all before the fatal moment.
 Each Decoration Day the general and his wife take a carriage down to the generals post and from there a mass of blossoms and vines are taken to the cemetery, where the body of the traitor lies. An! here comes the general and he takes me up in his firm, strong hands. His hair is grow ing white and his voice is not so strong as in those days when he bade Miss Nan to be brave.
 Mamie, dearest, here is my old gun! Faithful freind!"
 He turns me from side to side. as he says:
 Nan! If this old friend could speak it would tell romantic history. That scamp-don't look 50. darling. I for give him-but bit of righteous indig- nation overcomes me when I think of him stealing over me and trying to finish me. He met his fate as all such natures do. and-but I forgive him. To prove to you that l am as progress sive as the world, will order the pig gest emblem can for his grave to- morrow and you must place it."
 What a dear. good husband. I al- ways felt sorry for the miserable crea- ture and I suppose it is because am a woman and they are more forgiv- ing when former lover comes to a sad end. What emblem will you choose?" asked my mistress.
 "I think a fitting one will be a heart-shaped design like this precious miniature. Time softens all hearts and tomorrow will be a day when anil mostly should be laid aside. This dear face" and the general lnoked upon the lovely face of Miss Nan as when in the eos she had tripped down to the station and gave him the ralisman that had preserved his life. this dear face. darling has been' my Inspiration and my salvation. Meredith was not to blame for loving ynu. hut the means he took to secure you were rerrehen- sible. It is curious thing that should find old 'trusty on this day of all days. I have neglected the old piece and we will do so no more Have his barrel brightened and put him in my den. dear tomorrow. although I've half mind to have him in the pro- cession. Cad! I will turn him over to Comrade Jenks and s,e will be proud to carry his generals first musket"
 So. on the great Decoration Day I was taken through the streets and out to the cemetery. where the comrades laid in their dreamless sleep. On a tiny mound. sweet mistress Nan placed the heart-shaped wreath of violets and no one but she, the general and I rn- derstood why the poor creature, whose miserable life was a lesson to all, the brave. beautiful wife of the command CT singled out that particular grave for so signal an honor. hie Hammond. Gl