Washington standard. [volume] (Olympia, Wash. Territory) 1860-1921, 1903-06-26
into Kentucky.

One morning In September orders
came for US to break camp and march
northward. Bragg was advancing,
marching on Cincinnati or Louisville,
thus compelling the abandonment of
the territory we had acquired In the
spring and requiring us to hasten to
the protection Of the threatened cities.
After making my preparations for the
move left the command, intending to
join it on the march, and rode over to
the StanfOrths to take my leave. Jack
son announced me, and sat down in
the little library had occupied three
months before while my wound was
healing to await the appearance Of my
friends. was startled by the voice Of
Buck coming from above:
LIB, doggone 1t, whar's my swearin
book? I've lost that swearin book
what Major Brandystone tole me to
git"
A few minutes later he came into the
room. As he caught sight Of me his
face became radiant, and, jumping into
my arms, he Rugged me like a young
bear. The others soon entered. Mr.
Stanforth. who by this time had openly
avowed his affection for the Union,
parted from me with regret, not un-
mixed with apprehension lest upon the
return of the Confederates he might
suffer for his attentions to our troops.
Mrs. Stanforth babe me adieu with
mOtherly affection. Little Ethel put
her arms about my neck and wonder
ed. Buck for the moment in his affec-
ton for me forgot that he was a Con-
federate sympathizer and insisted on
going with me. Helen stood aloof and
at the last moment seemed more bitter
than ever. There was a flush upon her
cheek and bright spark in her eyes.
"GoOdby," l said. putting out my
hand to her.
Never to an enemy" she replied.
turning away.
There was a murmur Of disapproba-
ton at her act. but did not listen to
1t. Turning on my heel, left the room
and the house and In another moment
was gallOping away.
My regiment was moving on a road
leading northward and to the east of
the main pike. SO was obliged to ride
across country to rejoin. Large armies
necessarily move slowly, and, although
in this instance we had entered upon
forced marches. knew that I had
plenty Of time. was riding leisurely
through q lonely road when I heard
the sound Of horses hoofs behind me.
had become SO used to being hunted
by my old enemies that instinctively
drew rein and my revolver at the same
time and. facing about, awaited the
coming Of friend or foe. My pursuer
turned bend in the road but q short
distance from me and suddenly came
In sight
"Helen Stanforth! What in the
world brings you hereT
She drew rein and sat with flushed
cheeks. her eyes looking anywhere ex-
cept on me. Her horse was FESTIVE, the
two making picture by no means
Quiescent
II am not satisfied"
with whatY'
1.-The manner Of your leaving the
country"
do take with me what does not be-
long to meT
"You are going with our enemies."
was puzzled. She knew that I was
q Union officer and that my duty lay
with the departing army. Besides, to
remain in the country after its reoccu-
patton by Confederate troops would be
as much as my life was worth. was
more than puzzled: l was irritated,
smarting as l was under her recent
treatment
This Is not what dissatisfies you."
said.
Il spent my time rescuing q renegade"
II see no occasion for you to come
after me to hurl that taunt anew. We
parted half an hour ago, l supposed
never to meet again. Now you must
needs"-
She paused and bit her lip.
l had often noticed a great show of
picket firing on the part of an enemy
Just before abandoning his lines. Some
how the thought gave me an inkling
OF what was passing in Helen's mind.
! rode up close beside her and. laying
my hand on her horses neck, stroked
it for a moment till had quoted him.
Meanwhile my eyes were fixed on Hell.
ems. that were glancing about wildly,
as II endeavoring to find some means
of retreat. Bending forward without
a word. put my arms about her and
drew her to me. Her head sank slow
~. at last resting on the embroidered
leaves that denoted my rank.