The Blackfoot optimist. [volume] (Blackfoot, Idaho) 1907-1918, 1912-07-08

lazy Irish scamp would only give me
tAlf enough to eat BY the way,
Wayne, Of course l never got the
straight of it, for there are half-a-
dozen stories about the affair flying
around, and those most interested will
not talk. but one Of your special
friends, ind to my notion most
charming young woman. will be in
mere to see me sometime this after
noon. She will be delighted to meet
you again, I'm sure"
One of my friends?" l questioned
ircredulously. yet instantly thinking
Ing OF Edith Brennan. "A young wo-
MANI"
Sure; at least she he's confessed
enough to me regarding that nights
work to make me strongly suspicious
that Captain Wayne. of the Confed-
crate Army. and Colonel Curran, late
OF MajorGeneral Halleck's staff, are
one and the same person. A mighty
neat trick, by Jove. and It would have
done you good to see Sheridans face
when they told him. But about the
young lady-she claims great friend
ship with the gallant Colonel of light
artillery and her description of his APP
pearance a. the ball is assuredly a
Masterpiece Of romantic fiction. Come,
Captain. surely you are not the kind
OF man to forget pretty face like
that! l can assure you. you made
deep impression. There are times
when am almost jealous Of you"
But" l protested. my heart beat
Ing rapidly. II met several that eve
ming. and you have mentioned no
name"
We'll. to me 1t chances there is
but one worthy of MENTION" he said
earnestly. land that ono is Celia
Minor"
Miss Minor!" felt strange sense
of disappointment Does she come
alone?"
Most certainly; do you suppose she
would expose me in my present weak
state to the destinations of any one
else?"
"Oh. so the wind lies in that quar-
ter, does it. old fellow? congratu-
late you., I'm sure"
My recollection Of Miss Minor was
certainly most pleasant one and |
recalled to memory the attractive pic
ture of her glossy black hair and
flashing brown eyes. yet felt ex.
ceedingly small interest in again meet
ms her. Indeed l was asleep when
she finally entered, and it was the
sound of Cations voice that aroused
me and made me conscious of the
presence of others.
II shall share these grapes with my
cot-mate over yonder." he said laugh.
ingly. by the way. Celia. his voice
sounded strangely familiar to me a
short time ago. Just glance over
there and see If he is any one you
know
heard the soft rustic of skirts.
and. without smile, looked up into
her dark eyes. There was sudden
start of pleased surprise.
Why" she exclaimed eagerly. at
is Colonel Curran! Edith, dear, here
is the Rebel who pretended to be
Myrtle Currans brother"
How the hot blood leaped within nv
reins at mention of that name: but
before could lifs my head she had |
swept across the harrow aisle, and |
was standing beside me. Wife. or
what, there vas that within her eyes
which told me wondrous story. For
he instant. in her surprise and agita-
ion. she forgot herself. and lost that
marvellous self-restraint which had
leld us SO far apart.
Captain Wayne!" she cried. and
Ter loved hands fell instantly upon
ny own. where it rested without the
,overlet. You here, and wounded? ?"
l smiled up at her. feeling now that
ny injuries were indeed trivial
Somewhat weakened by loss Of
blood, Mrs. Brennan. bat not danger.
'usly hurt" Then l could not for.
'ear asking softly. rs 1t possible you
an feel regret over injuries inflicted
lpon a Rebel?"
Her cheeks famed. and the audacf.
'us words served to recall her to our
Even although l love my country.
nd sincerely hope for the downfall Of
er enemies" she answered soberly.
do not delight in suffering. We're
GU IN that terrible cavalry charge?
hey tell me scarcely a mai among
Fem survived"
Il rode with my regiment"
i knew It, was your regiment-the
anne was upon every lip. and even
ur own men unite in declaring It a
magnificent sacrifice. a most gallant
eed. You must know l thought In
family OF you when was told 1t was
10 act OF the -th Virginia"
There were tears in my eyes, /
now. as listened to her. and my
cart warmed at this frank confess
lon OF her remembrance.
i am glad you cared sufficiently
'r me-. ! said gravely. ito hold me
your thought at such a time. Our
ommand merely performed the work
lven 1t. but the necessity has cost ,
8 dearly You are vet at General