Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1907-08-08
sHEPHERDsTOWN, w. va. THURSDAY. AUGUST s. 1907

Mentally the leader was singing the
rhythmic song and his blood surged in
a spiritual drunkenness through his
veins.
A brief instant of hesitation then
there was the faintest signal of ringing
steel on the night air as the officers
sword was drawn. Catching up the
impeding scabbard the leader moved
toward the edge Of the wood. The lit
tie band, deploying. came out OF the
deeper shadows in long line, ranged
against the whole face of the opposing
force. Not word was spoken there
was not cheer, not sound but the
sudden. whistling swish of the ssssil-
ing line. In the silent advance the
outposts of the enemy were half de-
moralized by the sense of an unreck-
| oned and unestimated danger.
A preliminary, resisting shot of hap
hazard defence broughta volley in re-
turn. Then. with muskets dubbed on
double quick, the assailants deter
mined the nature of the fight.
At that instant just one thrilling
"Charge r. was ordered. Itcame from
the lieutenant, and it was keyed in the
sharp, enthrslling harmony Of the
song.
1t was over soon. The charge itself
became wild pursuit. The lieutenant
still led the way until-ths sword slip
ped from his fingers and he'sank head
long into the soft mud and lay stills
while his men hurried on.
1t was hours after, and another day.
when the lieutsnant's eyes opened with
intelligence. For few minutes his
glance ranged about a sunny room in
questioning way. From the couch
where he lay he could see but part of
the room; and ss he stroYe to turn
himself quiet figure came quickly to
his side. Then his eyes looked straight
up into those Of a woman. There came
another wondering question into his
glance and great, glad astonishment
to find her there. But his lips formed
different query.
H"The 6ght2" he asked, weakly, and
with the brevity Of spent strength.
"Your colonel lie here, she said,
with smile, as she drew little near.
er, land he bids me say that this day
surely makes you captain and
hero"
"And the men-my men ?" he
begged.
1.-TWO wounded-and yourself
nothing worse" she replied. softly.
at was the song we heard in the
rain and che night" he told her, in
whisper. "Sing it-sing it again for
me-"
His eyes were closed as the song
ceased and she came back to bend over
him. Suddenly he looked at her and'
with passionate gesture, took her
hand in his.
"Lnst night" he said, "it thrilled
me to conquer an army, if need be;
and now it makes me bold for myself.
Last night l cursed the fates that took
me from you before l could tell you
how l card for you. / would have
lost that fght-heavsn forgive me !
/ would have murdered my men in
my weakness and homesick longing
1t was your song, that wonderful song.
which gave me strength; and it gives
me courage now to brave your verdict
to tell you that love you better
than anything in all this world. Are
you glad2 Say you are"
II am glad" she murmured. with a
world of earnest ness. "The song was
ell for you. I was thirking Of you
through it all"
She looked at him with great-eye
pride for an instant. Then she laid
her cheek on his pillow. One cool,
soft hand stole to his face and the
white fingers rested on his lips.
Il was trying to bring you back,
she whispered, "to tell me-that-
Won Up red