The National tribune. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1877-1917, 1903-01-29
BAYARD'S COURIER.
tCeasis.sA from arss Psgs.,

Morgan said nothing; Lewis moved
about uneasily.
1t was the night of October Is. The
moon had not yet risen. Once Morgan
had passed this veranda with Lucy on his
arm-it seemed n long time ago. Then the
house vas alight. Lucy was happy, her
parents safe; where were they now
Then the first Bull Run victory had
cleared the land of the enemy: now the re-
verse in Maryland threatened to deliver
Ieudoun War! War!War.
Armstrong came back; he did not speak:
he sat down on the steps and bowed his
heal in his hands.
go dawn to the road and stand guard for
us till I whistle"
Joe went without word.
Now, Charlee," said Morgan, you
ought to look i'll the house
Armstrong sprang up ut once.
Better work at the back door, said
Dan.
They led the horses into the back yard;
Dan held them ready white Armstrong
worked at the deor, using his saber and ii
heavy stone; at length it yielded, and he
entered. Morgan now saw light, dim
light made by match, which soon went
out. Then he heard cropping and saw an
other light, DINNER, but more prolonged;
it also went out, and then Armstrong
came "Everything's all right in there!
His tones revealed the struggle OF fear
and hope.
..Then, Charley, you ought to know
where they would be most likely 10 go al
such time"
"Yes, Dan: I've got it! We must ride
over to Mr.. Beverly's-not more'n mile;
you see, they must have got scared at
something; likely enough the Yankees rode
by west, and the folks didn't know what
they might do when they came back, and
SO give 'em the slip. Where's JoeE asked
this loquacious fellow; and then, what
become of Squirrel
81 think he's gone down to the quarter,
He ought to be able to learn something
if there's anybody there"
"Old Judy'll be there, unless mother
took her with her. Here he comes now.
What did you find out, Squire!'
'All done GAVIN, sab; all done GAVIN;
not soul ief' to tell de tale. My Gawd,
Mahs Challey, de's ben some onrighteous
gwyin's on heah. ! know Judy amt
RUINED away; somebody's tuck heh.'
I'VE are going to find everybody at
BeyerIy's," said Armstrong.
"Bless dc Lawd fO' dat! An | spec
you's right; dat's dess whah dey'd go Ell
dey go anywhah."
Lewis was recalled, and the little party
threaded their way over field and through
wood toward the north. 1t was . O'Clock.
and the moon was just rising. They had
marched but few minutes when Morgan
ordered a halt. Noises were heard IN the
rear The turnpike was yet in view, and
there could be seen an indistinct black
ness moving along it eastward, accom-
panied by the sounds of marching cavalry.
The movement was steady; the column
passed on eastward, having taken two
full minutes to pass. Morgan and his men
had disInounted. through fear of being
seen against the sky. They rode on again,
Squire, who had not halted, now far IN
the lead. They were on narrow planta-
ton road, and in the woods nearing their
destination, when hOresman galloped to-
ward them, creating 4 momentary alarm
but before he reached them he cried out:
'AIl right, Mahs Chahley; dey's all dab,
an all right.'
There were no words in response. Nor.
gan took off his hat; Joe felt for his hand
kerchief, and found that he didn't have
one.
The Armstrong; were on the porch; the
Beverlys were on the porch; there were
greetings - heartfelt, informal - kisses
sobs, embraces. Joe Lewis. was not
mere spectator; Aunt Judy blubbered, and
old Squire preached.
And when faces could be seen indoors
tears and smiles disputed ascendency.
Lucy was very quiet, yet it needed no IN
SEPARATION to enable one to tell that she was
full of suppressed emotion. Her mother
had Rugged Dan, and Joe, too; now she
was stupidity crying in corner, with
Charley sitting on the floor, his head in
her lap The Beverlys had disappeared,
intent, publicly, on hospitality for the late
guests. Mr.. Armstrong paced the fioor,
his hands behind his back, impossible to
keep still.
"Dan," says Joe, I'm a-thinkin' some,
body ought to keep a lookout, and l reckon
I'll take first turn"
can right, old fellow; I'll be much
obliged"
Lucy knew that her lover had come for
her; she had given him welcOme-such
welcome as in less somber conditions she
would have been reluctant to give; she
wished no delay, rather she wished the
marriage over and the home parting over
On this day she had seen her father in,
suited, almost maltreated, by insolent enc.
mics. Beyond her love for her lover was
gratitude that he had delicately offered
once.
Dan sat by Lucy. Lucy, have YOU
been greatly frightened?"
"Oh, yes; but / did not wish to leave
home. You came that way, of course, and
found we were hereg"
1--WE guessed You were here.
sob, what shock it must have been
when you found no one there"
''Yes, it was not n pleasant feeling:
think heard Joe Lewis swear little
81 don't blame him! If l were q
mani"
But you are my dear little woman, and
Have come to get you.
Don't you think it will look like flu
neral, at such time?"
"Oh, no; it will be serious. no Doubt
ought to be; but shall feel that l am get
ting what l want most in all the world
and really, but for the fact that you viii
be distressed in going away from home,
should greatly prefer this kind of mar
riage; and. after all, it is not the mar
RAG that brings the trouble, is it. dearF
try. the condition of my father and
mother, brought on by our enemies
Please don't think me ungrateful or unre-
spOnsive; know how to regard you. I'm
afraid these troubles must make you think
me lacking in my duty toward YOU"
"Duty? Oh, Lucy, don't talk about
duty toward me. If you love me, that is
all l want"
She looked up ut him and saw that he
were in the room, she placed her hand in
his and said: ''Then you ought to be con-
tent" and went out.
Mr.. Armstrong yet paced the floor.
Charley and his mother were sitting to-
gether on sofa. Supper was announced
for the three COnfederates. and Squire was
ordered to relieve Joe. Morgan saw no
more of Lucy for the night-a night spent
in alternate watch and sleep. The
house of the Beverlys had not, on this
day, been visited by the Federals. who had
1,a1 IN, fbo in, dc Stah al ho.1