The St. Mary banner., 1911-12-09
cHAPTE Err I.
A oisoatch for Longstreet

A Dispatch for lonsstreet
n vas a bare, plain interior-the
,.v tsble at which he sat an unplaned
ho,,d his seat box. made softer by
. folded blanket His only compan'
.o,, we're two aides. standing silent
h.side the closed entrance. anxious
10 anticipate bis slightest need.
Ha will abide In my memory for
aver As | saw MIN then-although we
we're destined to meet often after
vards-that old gray hero. whose mas
terly strategy held at bay for so long
those mighty forces hurled on our con-
stantly thinning lines OF defense. 10
me the history OF war has never con-
tained his equal. and while live l
shaIl love and revere him as can love
and revere no other man.
General Lee" said one OF the aides.
A passed the single sentry and
drew aside the flap to step within.
this Is Captain Wayne"
He deliberately pushed away the
mass OF papers which had been en-
saging him. and for an embarrassing
moment fixed upon me a glance that
seemed to read me through and
through. Then. with simple dignity.
far more Impressive than | can pic
iure It in words. he arose slowly and
extended bis hand.
Captain Wayne" be said graveiy.
yet retaining his grasp. and with his
eyes full upon mine. you are a much
Younger man than expected to see,
YET 1 hare selected you upon the spe-
cial recommendation Of your brigade
commander tor services OF the utmost
importance. | certainly do not hold
your youth to be against your sue
cess, but feel unwilling to order you
to the performance OF this duty
which. besides being beyond the regu-
lar requirements Of the service. in
wolves unusual risks"
Without inQuiring its nature.
said, hastily. Il freely offer myself q
volunteer for any service which may
b required either by the army or
yourself"
The kindly face frightened instant
". almost into q smile. and a new
look Of confidence swept into the keen
gray eyes
Il felt. even as spoke" he said
With dignified courtesy have never
marked In any one else. that | must
b doing wrong to question the will
lnsness Of an officer OF your regiment
Captain Wayne. to make personal sac
rfnce. From our first day Of battle
until now the south has never once
called upon them in vain. You are
nom the ranks. beiieve?"
4 was q corporal at Manassas"
"Ah! then you have won your grade
~ hard service. You take with you
oae mani"
Sergeant Craig of my troop. sir. q
sood soldier. who knows the country
WE'LL
Hs lowered his eyes to the numer
- papers uttering the table. and
usn. leaning over. traced lightly with
colored pencil a line across an out
spread map.
You speak OF his knowing the coun
" well; are you aware. then. OF your
estimation.
I mercy inferred from what Col
mN Carter said that 1t was your de-
@ 70 reestablish communication
wa General Longstreet."
That Is true: but do you know
vsefs Longstreet Isl"
Vnly that we of the line suppose
. Be somewhere west OF the
oehtains. sir. 1t is camp gossip thai
~ present base Of supplies Is u
1nersville."
sour conjecture Is partly correct
aoosn have more reason to be
- mat the lead of his column has
easd Bear Fork. or will by tomOr
corning. Kindly step this way
0M Wayne. and make note OF the
hnes have traced across this
Here. you will observe. Is Nj
directly beyond the high
You will notice 'bat the Fed
mes extend north and south d.
eefN cen US. with their heavier
= Infantry along the Wharton
"a 90 disposed as to shut OF