Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1911-12-15
CHAPTER XIII.
Field Hospital, Sixth Corps.

TioI0 f1oSP'taI, oiNtH NoTpSs
My head ached so abominably
when | first opened my eyes that
was compelled to close them again,
merely realizing dimly that | looked
up at something white above me,
which appeared to sway as though
blown gently by the wind. My crop
ing hand, the only one l appeared
able to move, told me l was lying
upon camp-eot, with soft sheets
about me, and that my head rested
upon a pillow. Then l passed once
more into Inconsistencies, but this
time it was asleep.
When | once more awakened the
throbbing pain had largely left my
hot temples, and saw that the sway
ing white canopy composed the roof
of large tent, upon which the
golden sunlight now lay in checkered
masses. telling me the canvas had
been erected among trees. A faint
moan caused me to move my head
slightly on the gratefully soft pillow,
and | could perceive long row of
cots. exactly similar to the one l
occupied, each apparently filled.
stretching away toward an opening
that looked forth into the open air.
A man was moving slowly down the
narrow aisle toward me, stopping
here and there to bend over some
sufferer with medicine or a CHEEKY
word He wore short white jacket,
and was without cap, his head of
heavy red hair most conspicuous
object AS he approached l en-.
deavored to speak. but for the moment
ms throat refused response to the eff.
fort. Then l managed to ask feebly:
where am I?'
The blue eyes in the freckled. boy.
ish face danced good-humoredly, and
he laid big red hand gently upon
my forehead.
'Pield hospital, Sixth Corps" he
said, with strong Hibernian &C
/ cent An how de We loike it, John
{ ny?"
Better than some others I've seem"
/ managed to articulate family. Who
/ won?"
"Divil a wan of us knows" he adj
mftted frankly, but your fellows did
tho retratin'."
1t was an old old story to all of us
by that time, and | closed my eyes
wsar1ly, content to ask no more.
have no way of knowing how long
! rested there motionless although
awake, my eyes closed to keep out the
pai0ful glare. my sad thoughts busted
with memory of those men whom
had seen reel and fall upon that
stricken field we had battled so vainIy
70 save. Once I wondered, with sud-
den start of fear, if had lost limb,
If | was to be crippled for life, the
one thing | dreaded above all else.
Feeling feebly beneath my bed-cloth.
ing | tested, as best l could, each
limb. All were apparently intact al,
though my left arm seemed useless
and devoid of feeling, broken no
doubt and | heaved sigh of genuine
relief. Then l became partially
aroused to my surroundings by
voice speaking from the cot next
mine.
You lazy Irish marinel" it cried
petulantly, that beef stew was to
have been given me an hour SOD"
Sure, sor," was the SOOTHING replv,
1t wasn't to be given yer honor till
two o'clock"
We'll, it's all of three now"
'Wan-thirty, on me sowl, sor"
That first voice sounded oddly
familiar, and l turned my face that
way, but was unable to perceive the
speaker.
is that Lieutenant Caton?" l asked
doubtfully
Most assuredly it is" quickly.
And who are your"
"Coptain Wayne, of the Confederate
Army"
"Oh, Wayne? Glad you spoke. but
extremely sorry to have you here.
Eadly hurt?"
Not seriously, l think No limbs
missing, anyhow, but exceedingly
weak. Where did they get your"
in the side. a musket ball, but ex.
! tracted. l would be all right if that