Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1911-12-22

All through those long, weary win
ter weeks I had been lowering be
tween life and death In an obscure
hospital at Richmond The momen,
The door was opsned to permit OF my
passing forth Into the world again,
sought eagerly 10 discover the present
station of my Old comrades In arms,
get could learn only that the cavalry
brigade with which had formerly
served was In camp somewhere near
Appomattox Court House. On foot
and moneyless. set of alone, my sole
anxiety to be onoe more with friends;
and now. at the beginning OF the SEQ
ond day, was already beyond Peters
burg, and sturdily pushing westward.
As the road swerved slightly to the
lett, passing through q grove Of hand
some trees, came suddenly opposite
large house OF imposing aspect. A
group Of Confederate officers stood n
converse beside the gate leading int
the open driveway. and as I paused a
moment, gazing at them and wonder
Ing whom | had better address--for I
recognized none Of the faces fronting
income among the group turned sud
denly, and took a hurried step In my
direction, as though despatched upon
Rp errand of Importance. He was a
tail, slender man, wearing a long gray
moustache, and | no sooner viewed
his face than | recognized him a.
having been one Of those officers pres
ent in General Lees tent the day |
was sent out with dispatches. He
glanced at me curiously. yet with no
sign of recognition, but before he
could pass | accosted him.
Colonel Maitland | said, you
doubtless remember me. I am seek
ing my old command; would you kind
ay inform me where 1t 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 is
Pill this? Who are you, sir? What
masquerade puts you into that parody
Of a captains uniform"
/ turned and looked into the flush
Cd, indignant face Of General Lee.
ut is no masquerade, sir" l an
swered. instantly removing my hat;
lit is the rightful uniform OF my rank.
greatly AZ regret its present condi.
ton" =
Where are you from?"
Il was discharged from St. Mary's
Hospital In Richmond day before yes.
terday, and am now seeking to rejoin
my regiment"
Surely" he said gravely. 81 have
seen your face before. To what reg1.
mont were you attached"
THE til Virginia Cavalry"
The buxEing Of voices about me in
stantly ceased. and General Lee took
. step nearer
The tn Virginia? You were a
captain? Surely this Is not Philip
Wayne7"
So deeply surprised was his Tone 80
uncertain his recognition, scarcely
knew what TO answer, Had lost my
very identity! was this all dream?
81 am Captain Wayne, Troop 9TH
Virginia"
He grasped my hand warmly be-
tween both his own, and his kindly
face lit UP instantly with rare smile.
Captain Wayne, l cannot tell you
how greatly l 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. l doubt not Colo
mel Maitland truly believed he looked
upon ghost when you first accosted
him.
For the moment l was unable to
speak, SO deeply did his words affect
me
Il fear, Captain Wayne" he con-
tinued gravely, yet retaining my hand
within his own. that I must bring
you sad news"
Sad news" Instantly there came
to me the thought Of my widowed
mother. Not from home. trust.
sir?"
NO" with great tenderness. your
mother. believe, remains WE'LL yet
the words I must speak are neverthe-