Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1905-01-04

a cavalryman who would follow his leader
into the very jaws of he'll. but whose NOR
ais were those of the camp, and whose face
revealed audacious deyjltry such as no man
would care to in one to whom he in
trusted the welfare of sister or wife Re
calling to mind certain idle stories that cir
culated through the camp from time to
time. in which his name had figured l
glanced backward to where the woman sat
her horse with silence and loneliness. and
made my resolve: l would risk the CEN
sure: IL there must be sacrifice it should be
mine.
Sergeant" asked, fiinging aside the i'm
provised brush, how far do you suppose
we are from Longstreet's picket line?
Ten miles at the very best sir he an
swered promptly AN 1 reckon with an
other Yankee outpost atween."
with fair luck and good riding ii might
be made by daylight
Il reckon as how / might captain. If we
only he'd sum fresh hosses,' he said glum-
ly: but it's bin mighty hard on my nag:
I've looked fer him to roll over like yer
sorrel did fer the las two mile"
Well Craig, you shall have both horses.
Ride the woman's. it is the fresher of the
two; but you are to get through if you kill
them both and then walk"
His face frightened, and he raised his
hand in salute
And you?" he asked wonderingly
Il remain with the woman; there is no
other way. Wait here a moment while |
speak with her"
1 left him standing there. and moved
back to where she waited. AS / came up
she faced me. and for the first time (for
the night had lightened somewhat) / could
see her eyes and discern some faint out
line of her face where the night wind flung
back the upturned cape. 1t was a win
some sight TO soldier vision, but with
certain semblance of pride and reserve
about it that caused a hesitancy In my
speech strange enough to me. I felt odd
ly ike bashful boy, and involuntarily
lifted my hat l approa ched to cover
my CONFUSION Some trick of the dancing
moon shadows made me imagine that she
smiled and the sight nerved me instantly
10 speak bluntly the words | came to say
Madam i rested my hand upon her
horses name and looked up at her with a
glance as proud as her own-"it might be
as well for you to draw the cape closer
about your face at present. There are
rough men in all armies who would con-
slder your beauty lawful prize. The life
we lead is not conducive to gentleness:
virtue is not born in camps. and it would
be better not to provoke danger which
may be so easily avoided"
a wave of sudden color swept her cheeks
at my plain speech, and her hand sought
the collar of the cloak. yet paused there
irresolute.
You claimed. I believe. to be an officer
and gentleman she said coldy.
l smiled, even / felt the full chill of
her words, and my purpose stiffened with
in me.
Even as yet claim. and trust to be able
to prove TO your satisfacton'-my eyes
looked unfalteringly into hers-"but unfor-
tunately, have one with me tonight who IS
neither. | would that he were for my own
sake. However. madam, let that pass The
fact is here, and we have no time to argue
or quarrel. | have already told you that
we ride with dispatches for Longstreet.
These must go forward at all hazards for
thousands of human lives depend upon
them; yet l dare not leave you here alone
and unprotected to the mercies of the
wolves who haunt these hills.
You are exceedingly kind"
he w he
sarcastic
Il thank you for your Appreciation and
l bowed again; but l venture to tell you
this merely because / have already fully de-
termined to dispatch the sergeant forward
with the message remain behind my
self to render you every protection posst-
BILE
do you mean that we are to remain here
alone?"
There is no other way"
She made nc reply, but her proud unbe-
lieving eyes were longer upon my face.
Il beg you to believe, madam" l plead
ed gently, for. I confess my interest in her
good opinion was growing stronger, that /
do this only because | believe ii to be
duty and not that L desire in any way TO
distress you with my presence
She swept my upturned face suddenly
with questioning eyes
LAS your prisoner | presume | have no
choice in the matter.
Il should prefer that you took dinerent
view. but in a measure you are right
Very well, sir, L SIMPLY ylelu 10 WHdI
am poWerless to avoid, and will obey your
orders however distasteful they may be.
What is your first commando
That you dismount. The sergeant must
ride your horse as he is the more fit of the
two
Greatly to my surprise and relief
she placed her gauntleted hand in
mine. and without so much a word of
protest permitted me to swing her lightly
from the saddle to the ground.
Craig" | called, come here; and turn
ing to her, added quietly, kindly draw up
YOUR cape for Il moment
l noticed her hands faSten the clasps.
which had become loosencd. and that she
turned partially as to look backward up
the road as the sergeant drew near.
You know your work, l said to him
briefly And now the sooner you are at
IL the better. Ride this horse and lead your
own AS soon as you deliver Lees mes
sage at headquarters hunt up the cavalry
brigade commander and report to him my
position. Get detail, insist upon one,
and be back here by tomorrow without
fail That is ALL
He saluted, wheeled about, swung lightly
into saddle and rode off at a rapid trot,
grasping. as he passed down the hill. the
rein of his own mount, and leading ii, lag
cling. behind him. until the night swallowed
the figures and even the sound of the hoof-
beats could be no longer heard. We were
alone
CTo be continued tomorrow)