Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1912-06-20

this in the loom-house, which would eX-
cite no comment, since the weaver often
prepared her own meals on the wide
hearth, where she kept pots and skillets
handy. So the choicest viands ofsmoke-
house and pantry were secretly conveyed
thither, and Candacy had an appetizing
breakfast ready by the time that Priscilla
had finished her own meal.
"Ain't you gwine take de pistol. mis-
sy ?" she inquired, anxiouSly, as Pris-
ella made her appearance without that
formidable weapon.
''No, reckon we won't need any pis-
tol this time" said Priscilla. owe
brought some soap and towels. When
unlock the door, you take these and a
pail of water, and tub, so he can wash. "
There were small cedar tub, pail oi
fresh water and drinking gourd in the
room. Candacy, armed with these and
the towels and soap, entered the room,
4 quaking.
''Lawsy, missy, you just oughter see
him in de daytime 70 she exclaimed, as
she came out with the tray. "His foots
is tied up in rags, and all cracked and
bleedin', and he looks powerful peakedy
in de face !"
Priscilla did not reply. Covering the
tray with fresh napkin, she set on il the
breakfast of broied smoked sausages,
scrambled eggs, hot buttered hoecake,
and pitcher OF milk then she motioned
to Candacy to take the tray while she
opened the door.
The light showed plainly the deplora-
bic condition Of the prisoner-a condition
that she had been too much excited TO
notice the day before. His hair and beard
were long and matted, his clothes filthy
and tattered; but PriSciIla'S heart turned
sick with pity when she beheld his feet.
Cracked and raw and swollen, it seemed
impossible that he could have walked at
all.
He smiled as Priscilla entered. at
was good TO bathe my face and hands in
such cold, sweet water, and have soap
and towels" he said. in voice that was
gentler even than his soft brown eyes.
"You are very kind to me I"
He gdzed at the tray with longing, but
not with the starved look OF the night be-
fore. Priscilla placed the tray on the
stool at his side. "You may 60, Can
dacy," she said. "Stay in the other
room, and wait for me-"
Left alone with her captive, Priscilla
watched him in silence as he ate his
breakfast, which he did with keen ap-
petite, but in perfectly well-bred man
ner.
When he had quite finished, she asked,
"Where did you come from =? And where
were you going when found you 2"
81 came from AndersonviIle prison,
where have been for three months. |
escaped three days ago, and as had no
shoes, the long walk through burning sand
and brierS and underbrush has been very
hard. And had nothing TO eat but black
berries, and not too many of them. |
shall never forget how good that broiled
chicken tasted And was going North
to rejoin our army"
"My father" said Priscilla, "is in a
hospital, wounded by some of your men;
he may never come home again. Mother
is with him; there is nobody left on the
plantation but just the servants and me. I"
The soldiers face was expressive Of
sincere sympathy. 81 am so sorry, my
child" he said, "for your mother and
you. |, TOO, have been wounded, besides
being in prison. And ! have wife and
a dear daughter, who do not know where
am, or even that am alive. War is a
cruel thing for both Sides"
He sighed heavily, and look of hope
less resignation came into his eyes. How
Priscillas heart ached at that look
81 am going to get some OF mothers
healing Salve to put on your feet" she
announced, as she left the room.
In all Southern plantation houses there
used to be room corresponding to the
"still room" of old English country
houses. Here were kept dried and pow
dered herbs, "bitters," syrups and oint-
ments compounded by the mistress for
the use OF her family and the numerous
families of the slaves. From this room
Priscilla brought the salye and some strips
of soft old linen; and when the prisoner
had bathed and cleansed his ieet with
cold water and soft cloth, she spread
the ointment on the linen, and bandaged
them with her own hands.
He thanked her gratefully. "My own
child has skilful hands, but she could not
have done more for me-" he said, when
she had finished.
Priscilla flushed with embarrassment.
He had compared her TO his daughter,
when she was curing him only to send
him back to prison Oh, it was hard to
know which was greater-her duty to
her country or her duty TO her fellow
mani
Hesitating, she spoke: "You will be
quite safe here till your feet are well; none
Of the servants know about you except
Candacy, and she won't tell. I'll bring
some Of fathers clothes tonight, when !
can do if safely. And-and hope you
won't be lonesome. Would you like
something 10 read2 Wehave a great many
books in our library"
The prisoner drew from his ragged
blouse worn little Bible. This is all !
need, my dear. viii sleep little-it
has been so long since | slept on mat
tress, and If seems so long since have