Rock Island Argus. (Rock Island, Ill.) 1893-1920, 1904-01-06
DAILY SHORT STORY
Unofficial information.
IOriginal.l


after u nard winter the army was or
dered very suddenly TO break camp and
move southwark General Tomlinson
stood waiting for all TO be in readiness
for him to mount and ride away with
his staff. For the want of something bet
ter 10 do he WAS watching the strikers
carry the headquarters appurtenances
from the tents 10 the wagons. Sudden
~ lie noticed Il trunk outside of which
hung IA bit of embroidery that looked
as if it belonged to a wOman'S under
skirt.
Captain Murdoch" said the general
to his aid, since when have the officers
of my staff taken To such refined ap-
parel as that" pointing to the embroid-
cred garment.
The captain glanced in the direction
indicated and bit his lip.
Il think. general" he replied. scratch
ing his head meditatively. that is some
stuff sent Inc by my mother To turn
over to the surgeons 10 be cut up for
hospital supplies
Very WE'LL replied the commander
Turn it over You should have done
SO earlier"
At lut tIlu VI Inc HLSl ddN
the general went into camp opposite
the only house there was i'll the Vicini-
ty Ii had been reported To him that
it had been deserted on the approach of
his army. He was therefore very much
surprised Ou the morning after camp
ing near il. while dicta1ing dispatches
10 Captain Murdoch. 10 see emerge
from it very pretty and tastefully
dressed boy. who, OH seeing the two Of
hcerS, set up IL glad cry and WAS
about 10 cross the road when Il young
and comedy woman came out. caught
him and dragged him back.
Il thought that house was vacant"
said the general.
Il thought so. too," stammered his
aid.
They look like nice people, cOntin-
ued the general Il must go over and
ask them if they walk anything"
I'm sure it is unnecessary, general"
said the aid quickly. Il have given or
ders that He hesitated.
You seem TO be interested in them.
captain. Some of these southern wom-
en- are very pretty. I'll pay my re-
Spects, which is no more than my duty
under the circumstances. We must do
what we can to placate the southern
people. | think I'll go now
do you desire me To attend you,
SIR" asked the aid, vainly endeavor-
ing to conceal IL look of agony.
You: Yes. certainly"
The two walked across the road and
entered the house. Captain Murdoch
called aloud:
''Mrs.-Bates:
"Well:" asked Il soft voice.
General TomlinsOn desires to pay
his respects To you
Il will he down directly"
There was an anxious look on Mrs.
Bates face when she entered which the
general, naturally attributing to fear
of the Yankees, endeavOred to diSpel
10y offers of safeguard, supplies from
the cOmmissary stores and other IA
vOrs. You have a very pretty boy,
Mrs. Bates" he said. thinking to win
the mothers confidence by praising her
child Il should like very much to see
him
Certainly. general" The mother
cast a glance ut the aid. who seemed
to be unable to sit still and was walk
ing nervously back and forth.
Isn't lie asleep at this time?' asked
the captain.
Asleep" said the general. Didn't
we just see him start across the road
to make us a viSit?'
All. yes, | remember. We should
like TO see him very much, Mrs. Bates"
The lady went upstairs and in Il few
minutes came down. leading her boy. |
his eyes shining with a bright expec-
fancy.
We'll. my little man." said the gen
eral. taking him on his lap. are you
II Union or a Confederate boy?'
I'm a Union boy"
That's good. Why are you Union
boy?"
Because papa's Union
Papa Union:" asked the general |
surprised. Where is papa?"
The boy turned and looked at Muir
dock as If for instructions.
Il fancy your papa has gone on with |
the retreating sOutherners." said Muir
dock.
The boy looked a strong protest to
this statement. then jumped down from |
the generals lap and rushed with open |
arms to Murdoch. The general looked |
on with Il singular expression.
Mrs. Bates" he said. unless you'll |
give me your word you're not a widow /
| shall have TO send you through the |
lines. My aid has. l fancy, already /
made some Roadway in your good
graces. and | should not be surprised |
to hear your boy call him papa. Good /
Mrs, Bates. Call on me for
anything you require"
The general and his aid walked back
in silence 10 camp. Before resuming
their labOrs the general remarked:
The presence OF women and children
IN camp is demoralizing. even though
left 10y the enemy. | feel their infiu-
ence myself | trust / shall never
have official information that any of
my officers has disobeyed my instruc-
tions in this respect" And he began