The Princeton union. [volume] (Princeton, Minn.) 1876-1976, 1901-05-09

pody and drew the beautiful mouth
into thin line of scarlet.
How may I help you? 1 would
help you?-Louise, if l might
Tell me-upon your souls honor
is-is-it-death?
He covered his eyes and stood 81
lent. She waited in agony; he did
not answer her.
DEATH" she said, in horror ''Help
me! help me, Richard!' Sobs shook
her, and she stretched out her hand
to him as one who is drowning. A
cry burst from the lips of the manly
soldier, a cry no less agonized than
hers.
'Louise! Louise!-I would give my
life to help you! Don't speak, don't
look at me that way!"
''You must help me-you must!
Quicl-let me whisper! He will
come-he won't refuse now! He was
to come-soon The marriage
must-must-be fulfilled! Bring him
bring hinl-to me! Bring my
child!'
impossible, Louise" he cried.
"1ou do not know what you are say
ing. He is beyond the enemy's lines!"
"Ah-but--but he is--coming! Wa
ter-water!' placed the drink
quickly to her coming, Rich
ard! Bring him-I am dying-teu
him--l am dying--I-Louise-dying!
Nanon! Nanon!"
II am a SOLDIER" he said, "sworn
in my country's defense. My life be-
longs to my country-not to myself
No one would give me permission to
go on such an errand. And if I were
captured should die as the spy dies!"
Richard-vou and I-are-in Gods
presence"
Yes; in the presence of God!"
'WOuld lie-oh. wOuld-I lie
now?"
NO."
''Kneel here-I shall tell you-now!
I swear in His presence-I have loved
no man in life-but you-but you'll"
''Hush!" he whispered, chilled, and
shocked, seeking to release his hand.
believe, oh, believe mel"
Il cannOt!'
'Believe."
~ HlloI-l "OuIu IL
"Believe-believe me-Rchard.' Her
hands tore feebly at slender chain
that had slipped down into her bos-
ON. and drew little locket into view
He recognized it.
Il believe you,' he said, gently, at
length And he did; he had never
doubted it in his heart
ut is the last prayer of the wom-
an-who in all these years-of suf-
fering- shame-has loved you! Go
to him! He will come-my child's
ife-save the child for-her mothers
sake! Let me see herr"
The soldier had faced every danger
of the battlefield without a tremor.
In the presence of this woman's awful
agony his heart failed him. The lost
papers-duplicates- duplicates! Rich
mond is yours-Lee's army-de.
stroyed!' He stood up then, and was
cool, his eyes reSSing her pale face
as an open book. He turned to the
door
Sturgeon" he said, 'come to this
poor girl. Louise. I will RETURN He
rode to headquarters and laid before
his chief all the facts. long dis
cussion followed.
1T is a desperate venture, general,
and if I fail--death. I know that.
But # I succeed. it may mean life
for many man in this army. Still,
let me be frank: I shall go not for
that alone"
"The decision is with you, colonel.
My advice is against your plan And
yet-if that information opened the
road to Richmond--it would mean
Gen. Somers.'
Il have your permission?" There
minutes, then" said Somers. The
general gave his hand in silence and
turned away.
"Avoid capture" he said, sadly.
Day by day familiar faces were pass
ing from him.
Il shall not be captured If it
comes. it will be soldiers DEATH"
was the reply. He reentered the pres
ence Of Louise clad in the uniform of
confederate captain. The old ne
gress was with her, and, hat in hand,
young man, her son, was delivering
message to her. Somers caught
enough of the words to gather that
he came from Richmond.
How did you pass through the
lines?" he asked, abruptly. The ne
gro gcinned and was silent. Can YOU
guide me through-quick, man,
speak" The negro looked at the
uniform.
Yes, sab. But it's er long ways
now-an' through the swamp, too
"Louise, for your sake and the
child's | shall try. If I return no
more-it will be because I-have
failed!'
'Come-to me, Richard-kneel And
now, God-bless you. It's sinful
woman's prayer-but He will hear
even me. a murderess!"
'Murderess! Louise!"