The Southern herald., 1911-11-17
CHAPTER l.


beside the closed entrance. anxious
- anticipate his slightest need.
He win abide IN my memory for
sszr As I saw him then-aithough We
were destined TO meet often after
wAnds-that old gray hero, whose mas
tsrly strategy held at bay for SO long
these mighty forces hurled on our con-
stzntly thinning lines of defense. To
me- the history Of war has never con
tAtned his equal, and while live |
shall love and revere him as can love
and revere no other man
General Lee" said one Of the aides,
- I passed the single sentry and
arsW aside the flap to step within.
"this Is Captain Wayne"
He deliberately pushed away the
mass Of papers which had been en-
Eaging him. and for an embarrassing
moment fixed upon me a glance that
seemed 70 read me through and
through. Then. with simple dignity.
far more impressive than | can pic
tHFe 1t in words, he arose slowly and
extsnded his hand.
Captain Wayne" he said gravely,
yst retaining his grasp, and with his'
yes full upon mins you are q much
younger man than expected to see,
jet have selected you upon the spe-
eial recommendation OF your brigade
commander for sesvices Of the utmost
importance. certainly do not hold
your youth to be against your sue
cess. but feel unwilling to OrdeS you
10 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
volunteer for any service which may
be required either by the army or
yourself"
The kindly face brightsned instant
", almost into a smile, and new
look of confidence swept into the keen
gray eyes.
Il felt. even as | spoke" he said.
with a dignified courtesy have never
marked in any one else, that must
ba doing wrong to questions the will
ingness Of an officer Of your regiment,
Captain Wayne, to make personal sac
Eifce. From our first day of battle
until now the south has never once
called upon them in vain. You are
from the ranks, believer"
Il was a corporal at Manassas"
-Ahl then you have won your grade
BY hard service. You take with you
one mani"
Sergeant Craig of my troop, sir. a
good soldier, who knows the country
well"
He lowered his eyes to the numer-
Gus papers littering the table, and
then, leaning over, traced lightly with
. colored pencil line across an out.
spread map.
~You speak of his knowing the coun-
aTy well; are you aware, then. of your
estimation"
Il merely inferred from what Col
Unel Carter said that 1t was your de-
mre to reestablish communication
With General Longstreet."
"That is true; but do you know
where Longstreet ISL"
'Only that we of the line suppose
him to bo somewhere west Of the
mountains, sir. 1t is camp gossip that
his present base Of supplies is at
Minersville"
"Your conjecture is partly correct,
although have more reason to be-
MsVe that the head Of his column has
reached Bear Fork, or will by tomor-
row morning. Kindly step this way,
Captain Wayne, and make note Of the
blue lines | have traced across this
map. Here, you will observe, Is MI
DersVille, directly beyond the high
Eldge. You will notice that the Fed
bRsl lines extend north and south d.
Feetly between us, with their heavier
bodies OF infantry along the Wharton
pike. and so disposed as to shut of
an communication between us and our
1eft wing. Now, the message | must
ret into Longstreets hands is impera-
dive; indeed, | will say to you, the
very safety of this army depends up
IN its reaching him before his ad-
vance passes Bear Fork. There re-
mains, therefore, no time for any long
0etour; the messenger who bears 1t
must take his life in his hands and
1tde straight westward through the
very lines of the enemy
He spoke these words rapidly,
Earnestly; then suddenly he lifted his
eyes to mine, and said firmly: 81 am
perfectly frank with you. Are you
ne MANI"
felt the hot blood leap into my
lace, but met his stern gaze without
1inehing.
IF live, General Lee, shall meet
Ms advance at Bear Fork by day
1geak."
God guide you; | believe you will.
His words seemed uttered uncon'
ssiously. He turned slightly, and
glanced toward the door. Major
holmes, will you kindly hand me the
kraIt Of that dispatch?"
He took the paper from the out.
stretched hand Of the aide, read IT
Eer sowiy aad with great care,