Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1911-09-01
CHAPTER I.
nisnstch for Lonqstreet.

vas A bare, plain interior-the
,sble at which he sat an unplaned
a his seat a box, made softer by
,ded blanket His only compan-
we're two aides, standing silent
Je the closed entrance, anxious
,nticipate his slightest need.
Ia will abide in my memory for.
as saw him then-although we
70 destined to meet often after.
,ds-that old gray hero, whose mas
IN strategy held at bay for SO long
90 mighty forces hurled on our con.
ntly thinning lines of defense. TO
the history of war has never con.
nod his equal, and while | live |
an love and revere him as | can love
revere no other man.
General Lee" said one of the aides,
I passed the single sentry and
CIV aside the flap to step within,
his is Captain Wayne"
He deliberately pushed away the
ass of papers which had been en-.
giDg him, and for an embarrassing
oment fixed upon nue. a glance that
Eemed to read me through and
rough. Then, with simple dignity,
more impressive than can pic
ire it in words, he arose slowly and
tended his hand.
Captain Wayne" he said gravely,
n retaining his grasp, and with his
Yes full upon mine, you are a much
hunger man than | expected to see,
et have selected you upon the spe-
Eal recommendation of your brigade
kmmander for services of the utmost
hportance. l certainly do not hold
our youth to be against your sue
ess but feel unwilling to order you
the performance OF this duty,
|hch, besides being beyond the regu-
Fr requirements of the service, in.
Dives unusual risks"
without inquiring its nature" l
aid hastily, Il freely offer myself
olunteer for any service which may
De required either by the army or
Yourself"
The kindly face frightened instant
h. almost into a smile, and new
pok Of confidence swept into the keen
ray eyes.
Il fell, even as / spoke" he said,
With dignified courtesy l have never
hlrkad in IL
be doing wrong to question the will
|ngness OF an officer of your regiment,
captain Wayne, to make personal sac
fifce. From our first day of battle
until now the south has never once
,alled upon them in vain. You are
rom the ranks. l believer"
Il was corporal at Manassas"
All! then you have won your grade
BY hard service. You take with you
NE man."
Sergeant Craig of my troop, sir, a
good soldier, who knows the country
YELL
He lowered his eyes to the numer-
JUS papers littering the table, and
hen leaning over, traced lightly with
colored pencil line across an out
spread map.
You speak of his knowing the coun-
try well; are you aware, then, of your
I merely inferred from what Col
mel Carter said that it was your de-
IRE to reestablish communication
With General Longstreet."
That is true; but do you know
Where Longstreet is?"
Only that we of the line suppose
I'm to be somewhere west of the
sir. 1t is camp gossip that
lis present base of supplies is at
Your conjecture is partly correct,
Though | have more reason to be-
leve that the head of his column has
cached Bear Fork, or will by tomor-
oW morning. Kindly step this way.
-aptain Wayne, and make note of the
'ue lines l have traced across this
nap Here, you will observe, is MI
lefsyille, directly beyond the high
Iase' You will notice that the Fed
raj lines extend north and south di-
eVliy between us, with their heavier
'oules OF infantry along the Wharton
IKE and so disposed as to shut off
III communication between us and our
CIT wing. Now, the message l must
'eV into Longstreet's hands is impera-
we indeed, | will say to you, the
cry safety of this army depends up
u us reaching him before his adj
'nce passes Bear Fork. There re-
4aiuS' therefore, no time for any long
'e'our the messenger who bears it
lgs1 take his life in his hands and
'ue straight westward through the
Ty lines of the enemy"
no spoke these words rapidly,
"a, al Hestly; then suddenly he lifted his
.es 10 mine, and said firmly: 81 am
! sl'ec'iy frank with you. Are you
=. lett the hot blood leap into my
Wv, I've, nut | met his stern gaze without
Il, IL ! live, General Lee. I shall meet
w. w. au'ance at Bear Fork by day
God guide you.I ba1;oro ro,, will ),