The people's journal. (Pickens, S.C.) 1891-1903, 1901-09-19


"In the first place you would like his
name?'
1T might be we'll to begin with that"
"Then l can't begin, for don't know
his name."
mot know his nameT'
"No."
What is he likeT"
"Tall. well built; square shoulders,
which he throws back like an officer In
the regular army Of the United States"
paused. She waited for me to con-
tinue.
You would also like to know wheth-
er his death would bereave any one-a
father, mother, sister, some woman
who hangs upon every word he says
when he Is with her and dreams of him
constantly when he is away?" spoke
the words bitterly. l was thinking of
my loss.
Eyes. would like to know that too"
II can't satisfy you. l have seen nsh
only once and then Mt distance"
Does he wish to kill your"
mo; I don't believe he is aware Of
my existence"
"Sinrular." she murmured Thought
fully. Then she turned and looked me
In the face. HE has occasioned you
some great sorrow-done you some
mighty wrongT"
"You promised to ask me no more
questions"
True. l beg your pardon"
Another woman would have pouted,
conNcd. done everything but asked
openly to have her curiosity gratified
Helen Stnnforth was made Of sterner
stuff. She stood looking out Of the
window without another word. wait
ed till l was satisfied that she was too
proud to ask for favor, then started In
again with the purpose Of watching the
development Of some other mood.
"You are heart and soul Confeder.
ate?"
Il am"
"And you Will not excuse those south
ern men and women who differ with
your
eyes. IL they do 1t openly"
This was cut mt me which did not
care to notice. "IIave you ever secn."
l asked, "mcn forced at the point OF the
bayonet to enter the Confederate army?
Have you ever seen families trying to
|
whom they affiliated shot down IN
their trncks?"
| You are Union man, or you would
never talk that way" she interrupted.
II was born and bred In Tennessee"
Eyes. In east Tennessee"
MAY l not have seen great wrong
done and yet given my heart and soul
to the southern cause?"
you may. but have not.'
She was getting too near the truth.
must throw her Off the trail.
II will lmpart one more piece Of in
formation with regard to myself. You
have promised to ask no more Ques-
tons and nave kept your promise.
You deserve n reward"
l took from my pocket a letter and
held 1t up to her. 1t was addressed to
MAJOR JOHN BRANDERsrANE,
| -th Tennessee Cavalry,
| Murfreesboro. Tenn.
Her face lighted. She did not know
there were Tennessee regiments In the
Union service. II knew you were a
soldier, and now know you are q
Confederate" She put out her hand.
but did not take 1t.
mo. no." said, II will not take an
unfair advantage Of you. That evi-
dence Is not conclusive. I have shown
1t to you to prove that l may be what
I will. could offer as good proof that
I am a Yankee"
II don't care who you are, you are an
honorable man."
II see no reason fer you to assume
that"
You have said 1t would be easy for
you to prove to me that you are what
wish you to be?"
"Granted."
But you will not. You have reason
to remain unknown; you have a great
purpose; you have been robbed Of some
one you love; you have suffered from
some Of those outrages in east Ten
nessee that papa has told US about
There has been a cowardly murder
You Will be revenged. know It: I
feel It,"
She was splendid In her Indignation,
her sympathy. protested against this
burst Of confidence. but to no purpose.
were the veriest demon in Molochs
train no one could convince her of II.
l was not learned in the ways Of won.
en-, but ! had gained an insight into
this girls nature. Though 1t smol-
dered. 1t was emotional. No light kin
ding could set It afIame. There must
be some strong underlying impulse
The purpose that had revealed to her
had taken hold Of her Imagination.
But 1t troubled her that | should
withhold my secret from her. She
gave me an appealing look.
why do you not trust mef"
i 90 trust you. Am I not at your
mercyf Should you inform the author.
tiles that you have an unaccounted FOR
man under your roof ] should be ar.
rested at once"
II would never do that"
mo. but will you aid me in remain.
Ing incognltoW
She was silent. There was evident.
ly question which ahe woa &ryi,o +o