Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1903-02-10

| ITO HI with the ID traitor!" shrieked
| man in the outskirts of the crowd lifting
| his fist in wrath. and, catching his example,
the yard rang with cries and shouts.
| Down with him!
| Mob him.
| Lets ride him on a rail"
| Curse the niger lover!'
Down with the black republican,.
| Gentlemen" said the old colonel, gal
vanized into life by this awful display Of
| passion, mo more of this. l beg you, no
violence. This-that was-my son has made
| his choice. Leave him. Leave us, beg Of
| you. Let him go forth alone. The con-
I tempt OF friends, the hatred Of acquaint-
ances. reputation by his father and mother
and by those who loved him will be punish
/ ment enough"
Peyton's mother bowed her head upon her
| daughters shoulder. and her body shook
! with sobs. Mary Amman still stared as II
| fascinated at the immobile face of Peyton.
| Why, why-even In that awful moment the
! query flashed into the girls mind-had she
ever called him dreamer?
He stood looking neither to the right nor
| left. staring ahead at the company of light'
| infantry with a face as set as hard, as
| cold as If carved out of marble.
| At his side stood Darrow,- shudders rum
| ming over his body. One touch. one spark.
and he would have struck down his whilom
| friend. Peyton realized this. He was sick
with horror at the thought. He shuddered,
i too. Was 1t fear. What was it? Was he
coward, indeed? By the living God, he
would stand there upon that porch and face
them all if the next heartbeat were to be
his last.
1--WE came for captain" said the first
sergeant, suddenly. as the tumult and the
shoutings died away land we are going to
have one. By your leave, lieutenant. Com
rades, l nominate for our captain Sergt.
Bob barrow Of the cavalry, IL he'll take it,
barrow! Let's have Darrow!" shouted
the others.
Those who are in favor Of the election
Of Sergt. Robert Darrow will say Aye"
sold ho tong n
great shout Of approval burst from the
| company
ly. IT appreciate the honor. After the
trea cherry We have heard here I can only do
my part a loyal son of the state. ac-
cept the Office, and. please God, II the bat
tie come may we be found together In the
front ranks.
The old coloners face. no less white than
that of his son. turned with stately calm
ness to the young soldier standing like
demigod on the steps of the porch. No won
der the physical nature OF Mary Amman ana
of many another woman rejoiced in the
splendid perfection of the young man.
my boy" cried the colonel. seizing OAR
row by the hand, you are true son OF
the south. We are all proud Of YOU"
And Mary AMMAN fed to the new cap
tain's side and took his hand again ana
would have kissed it in the excitement OF
that moment but he would not permit her.
II wished you godspeed last night, sne
said. II do 1t again now. with more heart
than before"
'Gentlemen." said the colonel as the
cheering died away, you will pardon me X
I say I cannot ask you to partake or my
hospitality under the present circu"-
stances"
I'VE await your commands. Captain DAT
row." said Lieutenant tombstone -
March your men to the armory, 3aso
barrow ssI will be there in half an hour.
you will understand me. friends ana
neighbors I am sure" said the colonel to
the others. IF now beg you to leave VI
alone :
The group waited. silent and motionless.
on the porch until the last straggier had
departed from the gate. i
(To be continued tomorroW)