The daily telegram. [volume] (Clarksburg, W. Va.) 1901-1926, 1911-09-08
CHAPTER !.
IA pLapateh fer Lenastreet.

-
1t was a bare, plain ipterfor-the
low table at which he sat an unplaned
board, his seat box, made softer by
a folded blanket. His only compan-
ions were two aides, standing silent
beside the closed entrance, anxious
to anticipate his slightest need.
He will abide in my memory for
ever as I saw him then-although we
were destined to meet often after
wards-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. TO
me the history of war has never con-
tanned his equal, and while E=live
shall love and revere him az can love
and revere no other n1apts '.' 1,
'"General Lee" said one,of the aides,
as I 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-
gaging him. and for an embarrassing
moment fixed upon me q glance that
seemed to read me through and
through. Then, with simple. dignity,
far more impressive than can pic
ture 1t in words, he arose slowly and
extended his hand.
r Captain Wayne" he said gravely'
yet retaining his grasp, and with his
ewes full upon mine, you are much
younger man than expected to see'
yet I have selected you upon the spe-
ciaI recommendation of your brigade
commander for 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, Fl freely offer myself
volunteer for any service which may
be required either by the army or
yourself"
The kindly face frightened instant
Iy, almost into a smile, and a new
look of confidence swept into the keen
gray eyes.
II felt. even as 1 spoke" he said
with a dignified courtesy have never
marked in any one else, that must
be doing wrong to question the Will
Ingness of an officer of your regiment
Captain Wayne, to make personal sac
rifce. From our first day of battle
until now the south has never once
called upon them in vain. You are
from the ranks, 1 believer?
IT was a corporal at Manassas.
'.Ah! then you have won your grade
by hard service. You take with you
one man.
Sergeant Craig of my troop, sir,
good soldier, who knows the country
we'll"
He lowered his eyes to the numer.
GUS papers littertng the table. and
then, leaning over, traced lightly with
colored pencil a line across an out
spread map.
you speak OF his knowing the coun-
try we'll; are you aware, then, OF your
destination"
II merely inferred from what Col
onel Carter said that it was your de-
sire to reestabllsh communication
With General Longstreet." -.
"That is true; but do you know
where Longstreet is?"
"Only that we of the line suppose
him to be somewhere west OF the
mountains, sir. It is camp gossip that
his present base of supplies Is at
Minersville."
"Your conjecture Is partly correct
although have more reason to pc
ueve that the head of his column has
reached Bear Fork, or win by tomor-
row morning. Kindly step this way
Captain Wayne. and make note OF tn'