The Montgomery advertiser., 1901-05-31
THE GENERALS MUsKET
BY aAzELLE p.uNcER.

I wonder why am left all alone in this dingy corner. I know I am rusty and worm-eaten and unfit for use, yet I do believe there is little life in that trigger yet. A good many years nave passed since my brave young master grasped me in his war m hand ana started for the drill hall where other young men stood In straight line ana carried arms. and shouldered arms ana diligently went through the manual or tactics. It was not long before the summers came and the boys marched out in their beautiful new uniforms to the music of the village band.
 How they cheered us az we went marching down to fight, and the air was full of fluttering handkerchiets, damp with tears, but dried in the sort, warm wind of that May morning. Ihe trees were full of pink and white 9ios- soms, and the sweet. warm earth sent its fragrance like 8 benediction on this little company, whose hearts grew faint as they thought of unknown ter TOTS, but whose eyes and lips looked and whispered brave words or .ove, duty. patriotism.
 In the midst of the waiting throng at the station was Miss Mamie Craw- ford, who stood like the great White bbdtNC tudt SuaiQS thC scAAA" mother. She had waited evidently some time in the motley throng, but she appeared quiet and nerveless, al- though a slight twitching of the eyes and lips showed deep emotion
 On came the sons of Father Abraham to swell the vast army to vas:er pro- portions. swinging along in even step. with the rhythm of the band. led by gallant Colonel Dillingham;. As they neared this point. mothers. sisters and friends pressed forward to thrust flow CTS, packages. letters and lunch boxes, little last tokens Of their love and af- lection. The bright glitter of the offi- cer's swords flashed in the sun, but the soldiers muskets made as brave a showing.
 Heavily the lines advanced and pass ed Nancy, who clutched at her breast as if to stifle the moans she knew she must not utter until my young master swung into line before her.
 Thrusting tiny packet toward Tim. she replied:
 God bless you, Ned. I will pray for you every hour!"
 Through Gods mercy, the order to halt was then given as those in front crowded into the waiting cars. Mus kets were at rest and grand on- oAoA9ht "aS thdoC by AIiCtuS anu ACld- tives fer one more farewell.
 Nan. darling Nan. It is your pie ture-so like you and so beautiful. It shall be my talisman!
 "No. no, Ned! Remember your God and read your mothers Bible"
 Dear mother! You are right!" and he pulled out the worn Testament and kissed it reverently.
 Med! It Is so hard!' and Mamie flung her arms about the young sol dier's. neck and wept bitterly.
 Nan! In Gods name. be brave! need all my strength now. We are orphans and the God of the Fatherless will watch over me. Be brave, darl- ing! Be brave!'
 A tear fell on me and I don't think my aim would have been a good one at that minute. Miss Mamie lifted her beautiful head and replied:
 You are right, dear! We win not be forgotten. I would not make very brave wife for a soldier. but remem- Der this. send for me if ever am needed"
 that will, dearest. God bless you! The order to march is being given now goodbye. and write often. Tell me all the news and if Tom Meredith is among you-well, no use to spoil
  bye! One last embrace"
 Promptly the order came and my master shouldered me and marched to the siSi. Iii st few ffours we were at our destination and then knew what war meant.
 One night my master was alone in his tert and he talked aloud to him. self. and re-read one of the numerous letters that came almost daily.
 Tom Meredith has enlisted and l hear hs will be in Virginia-his post has been assigned him-he wears a uniform, but he doesn't compare with my Ned" So! Meredith was unsuc- cessful-he has learned that his wealth cannot buy love. I must be wary of him-he is a dangerous boy and wouldn't hesitate to commit any deed through jealousy"
 My young master was visibly dis turbed.
 A few days later, sure enough, here came MT Meredith, whom I remem- bered as handling me quite contempt uously when he called on my master
 Saturday. "A RED DEVIL" by Sop