The southern sentinel. (Winnfield, La.) 1883-1910, 1904-02-19

At last the fateful day arrived. The
orders to march had come. In few
hours the company Of brave young souls
would be on their way to the field Of
honor-and of death. ALI was hustle
and excitement in the camp on the
green. In the homes we're women's tears
and breaking hearts AZ from the be-
ginning, It was mems to do and work,
women's to wait and weep.
On the rose-clad porch Of pretty cot
tage stood . girl Of Is. Her eyes were
dim with unshed tears. the roses had de-
serted her cheekA The sharp com.
mands on the green and the shrill calls
OF the bugle smote upon her breast. The
time for the departure Of the company
was but half hour away.
A quick step resounded on the walk.
the gate was flung open and the young
lieutenant stood before her. hat In hand
and with = strange. pale dignity In his
face
The girl had known who 1t was the mo-
ment she heard his step. The color re-
turned to her cheek. She looked into
his eyes with smile.
Il thought you would not 60 away
without saying good-by. Robert" she
said.
Il intended to-" he replied. steadily.
IL am very human, Helen. and love
you more than you can understand. l
Thought 1t just and right that I should
have IN answer before vent-away. ]
II did not think 1t was quite fair to
string things along the same Is when
We all were hero on the same footing"
She threw up one hand In involuntary
protest-as II to ward blow.
Il beg your pardon" hs went on. Il
did not mean to chide you in any way.
| was only explaining myself. Ifelt hurt
because you would not choose, and
did = mean and cowardly thing"
She raised her hand. deprecatingly.
'Yes. did," he went on sturdily Il
said something about Ralph which
would have been inexcusable II 1t were
true-but It was false. and l knew It.
It was my hot blood that spoke, and
have been sorry ever since. could not
80 away without telling you"
Helen" he went on, Strengthening
and placing his left hand on the HIT Of
his sword, Ralph 10 Z drawer man to
stay 1t home than am to 90 to the war.
It nearly broke his heart the night W
formed the company. But there was mo-
body to care for his mother and grand
mother. and e he left the place they
would literally have become paupers.
He fairly gritted his teeth when he left
the room without signing the roll. Capt.
Chalmers said: There. boys, II man
who II showing higher courage than
4 win take to face bullets and bayonets.
Pray God that you all may - = true to
your duty = he u t. his.s knew It
Helen. when l made the cowardly ding
ct him In your presence for not enlist
Ing. have asked his pardon. ask
yours. md say to you that Ralph Il
Drawer man for staying 1t home than
an for going to the front. And-and-
he u worthy Of the love OF any GIRL"
The bugles sang Z sharp call, the drums
ratified. and the young soldier half
turned to 60.
@Cood-by." he said, With I half soh
God bless ron"
Robert" screamed the girl. q he
turned away. Come back one minute, =
He turned back Just in time to catch
her II his arms.
"Robert-Robert she whispered. g
she hung about his neck. 1T Is Won
want, and have wanted Ill the time
only-only-I thought you were unfair.
Oh. | am % happy.
A great Joy leaped into the youths
lace. He kissed the upturned lips rap-
turonsly.
The bugles shrieked again, the drums
Dat more sharply. sharp commando
rang nom across the way. The lieuten-
ant gave the sirl ono last passionate en-
brace and sprang lightly toward the
pate. In = moment his voice could Be
heard repeating the commands. Az the
Fetreefing sounds Of the marching men
were heard the giri stiIl stood on the
foee-ciad porch. and in her eyes shone
me sweetest light ever given to man to |