The Lamar register., 1911-11-29
CHAPTER XIV.


A Lost Regiment.
1t was a bright. sunshiny Gay in
early spring. Birds were sweetly sing
ing In the trees lining the road / was
travelling. l must have shown my late
illness greatly. for the few I met. as
tramped slowly onward. mostly sol
diers. sazed at me curiously, as II they
mistook me for the ghost of some
dead comrade: and | doubt not my
pale face. yet bearing the deep imprint
of pain, with the long. untrimmed hair
framing II. and the blood-stained.
ragged uniform. the same ! wore that
fierce day of battle. rendered me an
object OF wonder.
All through those long. weary win
ter weeks | had been lowering be
tween life and death In an obscure
hospital at Richmond. The moment
the door was opened TO permit of my
passing forth into the world again.
sought eagerly to discover the present
station OF my old comrades In arms.
yet could learn only that the cavalry
brigade with which I had formerly
served was in camp somewhere near
APR omattox Court House. On foot
and moneyless. I set on alone. my sole
anxiety to be once more with friends;
and now, at the beginning Of the sec
md day, I was already beyond Peters
burg, and sturdily pushing westward.
A. the road swerved slightly to the
eft, passing through . grove OF hand
some trees. I came suddenly opposite
. large house Of imposing aspect
group of Confederate onicers stood in
converse beside the gate leading into
the open driveway. and as l paused
moment. casing At them and wonder
Ing whom had better address-for I
recognized none Of the faces fronting
ms-one among the group turned sud
Aenly, and took . hurried step In my
direction. - though despatched upon
an srrand Of importance. He was .
tall. slender man. wearing . long gray
moustache. and l no sooner viewed
his face than recognized him as
having been one Of those Officers pres
emit In General Lees tent the day l
was sent out with dispatches. He
glanced at me curiousiy. yet with NO
sign Of recognition. but before he
could pass I accosted him.
Colonel Maitland" said. you
doubtless remember me. I am seek
ing my old command: would you kind
ly inform me where It may be found!"
He stopped instantly at sound of my
voice. and stared at me In odd be-
wilderment; but my words had al
ready reached the ears of the others.
and before he had found an answer
another voice spoke sternly What IL
masquerade puts you into that parody
of q captains uniform?"
turned and looked into the flush
ed. indignant face of General Lee.
sit IL no masquerade. SIR" / an
swered. instantly removing my hat:
1T is the rightful uniform of my rank.
greatly a. regret Its present condi-
ton"
Where are you fromf"
81 was discharged from st. Mary's
Hospital in Richmond day before yes
terday. and am now seeking to reJoin
my regiment"
Surely" he said sravely. II have
seen your face before. To what regf-
ment were you attachedr
The til Virginia Cavalry"
The buxxing of voices about me In
stantly ceased, and General Lee took
q step nearer.
The til virginia. You were .
captain? Surely this 10 not Philip
wayne?"
80 deeply surprised was his tone. 80
uncertain his recognition. ! scarcely
knew what to answer. Had lost my
very Identity? was this all q dream?
II am Captain Wayne. Troop D.-th
Virginia"
He grasped my hand warmly be-
tween both his own. and his kindly
face lit up instantly with q rare smile.
Captain Wayne. I cannot tell you
how greatly I rejoice at your safe re-
turn. We certainly owe you an apol-
ogy for this poor reception. but you
were reported as killed in action
many months ago. I doubt not Colo
mel Maitland truly believed he looked
upon q ghost when you hrst accosted