The National tribune., 1903-12-03

and it would be we'll to wait until his homes
knit more firmly, say two or three weeks
''Well, Doc, you needn't fear to stay
BY all means tell West if your conscience
needs relief. And now We must be go
ing. Lieutenant. it is clear that that
brother of yours is a character. He grants
truces. and accepts paroles, ard goes
through Maryland alone when he de.
ceives Gen. Meade's staff, is captured
and escapes. and he bobs up over here in
near us now. Good-by, and don't let Lacy
talk you to death. If we get any more
mail for you. we'll send it over"
| There was shuffling of feet; West
slipped back and remained in shadow until
he had heard them strike the main road
and turn eastward; Then he went to his
sisters window. She was bending over
hnr work. in the dim light of tallow
candle, her face toward him. His father
sat with his back to the light, reading.
| his arms wide-stretched, holding news
paper which doubtless one of the Federal
officers had brought to Lacy. Jennie's
stitches were regular and rapid. Usher
| fancied that she was in serious thought
her sewing seemed automatic.
| 4 face showed at the doOr-Lacy'S. The
doctor came in and stood before Mr.. West.
Here is the Herald, sir, three days old.
and the Chronicle of yesterday
THANK you, Doctor; your friends have
gomez
"Yes."
| Jennie had not ceased her work. neither
iihad she otherwise changed. except that
her eyes for one instant had turned toward
the door. To Usher she looked very pale.
The Doctor Withdrew; relations with the
family seemed to have become quite fa-
miliar
Usher came nearer and stood at the
| window. his face in the full light, unob-
served for q moment: then he c0ughcd.
oh she exclaimed, greatly startled:
but at once she knew, and threw down
her work. springing forward. Mr.. West
was deep in his paper.
+ "Oh, Usher, I'm so glad!'
Mr.. West turned and saw, but he kept
his seat. He waved his hand peculiarly.
put his finger to his lips, and shook his
head
Jennie retreated, and Usher went into
the back yard. She seized his hands and
kissed him.
You are not safe here. Two officers
have just gone.'
II know. Jennie. and can't sleep here;
but I'm coming to breakfast
Where have You been 50 long!'
Over the river, Jennie; I've got some
of the boys hidden out. and / must get
back. Guess who are with me-" he said,
patting her cheek.
"Oh, can't guess. Tell me-
Have You heard that Charley Arm
strong was hurt?'
mo, we haven't heard word of any
thing, except that Gen. Lee is in the
Valley. Was Charley wounded badly p
Her voice had not changed.
"You are a cool girl. No. knocked on
the head with saber, that's all. He is
with me, and is fretting to see you. but
we don't dare let him come up. And Dan
Morgan is with me, too"
"oh, what a story! Now, Usher, you're
not in earnest."
Yes, it's no time to be Joking. He's
here"
Does he know his brother is here:'
she asked.
'Oh, yes, and may try to see him; but
he may be satisfied when tell him he's
getting along all right. I've been here an
hour. and heard the talk in my room"
How could you be SO rash? Usher, I'm
50 afraid for you to come to breakfast
and she caught his hand again.
I'm coming all the same; haven't had
a thing to eat in two weeks. There's not
a Yankee nearer than Aldie.'
But they are passing all the time.
Please don't come to the house. I'll bring
a basket for you down to the spring
Eouse."
mo. I'm coming; and want your
basket. too. My gangs got to be fed.
Say. Jennie, do You have any help?'
Nobody but father" she sighed.
''Well. Armstrong; got old Squire
along. and l don't see why he shouldn't
come up. We've got to be fed and the old
man. too. and I'm going to send him up
But I'd hate to take him, Usher; don't
do it,
.'Why?"
Ills master will need him." she said.
in strained voice.
You little cheat. you know Charley will
Jump for joy to send old Squire up here
to help you; and I'm going to do it."
She gave no reply. and her silence
struck West as very singular.
I'm going to send him up, Jennie"
Not at my request" she said weakly
But the more / think of it the more it
seems necessary. You see We don't know
hsw long we are going to be compelled to
hang around here. and old Squire can be
more help to us all up here than he can
anywhere else. Well make him bring
you lots o things. and he'll be lots o help
to you and to MS. so don't you say another
word: I'll fix it"
WHO else is with your
You know George Sency and Joe
Lewis?' ..c~
NO: I've heard the names, though, from
Mr.. Armstrong"
Mister Armstrong;! Well. / won't tell
Charley Jennie, Dams brother will go
away soon. / heard that much from DIR.
Lacy. Then l hope you'll get along. l
know you are having hard time. but it
won't last long now-two or three weeks.
Lacy says. Good-by; look for me at
breakfast
ITO be continued)