The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-06-28
w1,rTw yun THE SUNDAY aErupL1c.

A warmer place than Harrison's Landing
on midsummer day would be hard to find.
30 thought Loyal Benham. Lieutenant in
the Federal navy. as he stecred the dirgy
alongside the green, barnacle-incrusted
spiles Of the little wharf. His ship the
gunboat Maenad. OF ths James River fotil-
Ia, was riding to the current only quarter
OF q mile away, yet the pioneered fore
heads OF the dingy's crew were moist with
sweat beads, In spite Of the long service that
had made even the sweeping man-of-war
stroke child's play to their willing arms.
bennam left the boat and went up the
wharf toward the big house, once the home
OF wealthy planter. 1t was the usual
many-w1ndowed type Of Southern mansion,
with long. low, roomy wings on each side,
It's facade graced by q veranda supported
py noble Ionic columns. The house faced
the James River. The lawn had once sloped
GOWN unincumbered to the waters edge
but now the grilling sun and the trampling
OF many feet had yellowed the turf
win the house for q nucleus had M
sprung That mushroom growth of war-a
camp. Tents slave quarters and outbuiId-
ings were swarming with wearers of the
FEDERAL blue, lying in the shade or bustliny
10 nnish some work that the fates had de-
creed should be completed that scorchinr
morning Benham heard the medley or
familiar sounds-the clatter of acco,i,er-
menus the neighing OF horses, LAUGHTER
1ests, curses, and wound through II ali ike
silver thread in a somber-hued scarf the
mellow. detached notes of bugle call
robbed by distance OF its persistent com
Ihaho. ne caught a Whit Of the dinner in
course OF preparation at the cornn.py.s
Kitchens, but walked sturdily along throneb
me neat waves crinkling around him toward
inc main door OF the house Paseipv ,ha
sreat nag. which was hanging dejected,v
asans. the staff In the MINDLESS heat he
iaiseo MS cap In salute TO it's brilliant folds
ana then accosted by a sentry presidinr oyor
the entrance. Il want TO see Gen. AZ
Cielian. I have messag e for hin, g..
Captain Crane" i''iii
me sentry brought with a bang bIo mus
ket to present and let Benham mass ".
crossed the broad veranda, entering fhrorg,,
~. ms hospitality wide doorway the gloom az
me nan. Everything went green. then darl.
before his eyes. accustomed to the 49,
outsioe' but gradually he became used 10
lhe change. The hall was broad and high
: Wainscoted with mahogany. the hardwood
noor still slippery and refectant as mir
TOT. IN the middle of the hall a graceful
spiral staircase its carved banister dentcd
and Clipped by yandals, wound IFS wsv
70 the second story. Overhead was the re-
mains OF splendid chandelier, Judging nv
,he iew prisms that still broke the light
INTO score of variable hues. Near the door
hung the portrait of an old man of the
features and disdainful eyes seemed to
throw from beneath their glowering brovs
glances Of scornful hate and defiance ar the
unbidden Northern guests The painting
fascinated Benham. and he was stiIl under
Its spell, needless of the orderly vainly try
ing TO attract his attention without speak
ing. when the humping ciatter of a saber
on the stairs succeeded in accomplishing
that in which the orderly had failed
Major Graham!" exclaimed Benham,
turning.
Hello. Loyal!' cried the newcomer
Come to see the General?"
Yes, sir; but only to bring my Captains
acceptance of the Generals invitation to
ride with Rim and his staff tomorrow
afternoon answered Benham
The Generals ridden out to General
Keyess division and won't be back until re-
treat, hut I'll give him the message myseif.
Come W to my room while. won't your"
And behind the orderlys back the Major
went through the expressive pantomime of
hiling a glass and draining its iregs-
Benham accepted, and as they went up
etairl the Major said, You're coming over
70 r1ds with US tomorrow. aren't yours