The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1912-01-27
CHAPTER l.
A Dispatch for Lonsstreet.


beside the closed entrance, anxious
TO anticipate his slightest need,
lie will abide in my memory for
ever as | 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 live
shall love and revere him as can love
and revere no other man.
General Lee" said one of the aides.
as passed the single sentry and
drew aside the flap TO step within,
this is Captain Wayne
He deliberately pushed away tho
mass of papers which had been en-
gaging him, and for an embarrassing
moment fixed upon me glance that
seemed to read me through and
through. Then. with simple dignity.
far more impressive than ! can pic
ture It In words, he arose slowly and
extended his hand.
Captain Wayne" he said grayely,
yet retaining his grasp, and with his
eyes full upon mine, you are a much
younger man than ! expected TO see,
yet have selected you upon the spe-
cial 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 10 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 It's nature"
said, hastily, Il freely offer myself
volunteer for any service which may
be required either by the army or
yourself.
The kindly face frightened instant
ly, almost into a smile, and new
look OF confidence swept into the keen
gray eyes.
II felt, even as | 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
rifice From our first day OF battle
until now the south has never once
called upon them In vain. You are
from the ranks, believer
Il was corporal at Manassas"
All! then you have won your grade
by hard service. You take with you
ono MANI"
sergeant Craig OF my troop, sir, a
good soldier, who knows the country
well"
He lowered his eyes TO the numer
| Gus papers littering the table, and
then, leaning over, traced lightly with
a colorod pencil line across an out
j 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 IL was your de
sire 10 reestablish communication
with General Longstreet."
THAT ~ true; but do you know
where Longstreet is?"
only that we OF the line suppose
him 10 be somewhere west Of thu
mountains, sir. IL is camp gossip tina
his present base Of supplies is a
Minersville."
Your conjecture is partly correct
although I have more reason TO be
lieve that the head Of his column ha
reached Bear Fork. or will by tomoI
row morning Kindly step this way
Captain Wayne, and make note of tn
blue lines have traced across thi
map. Here. you will observe. is Nj
nersville. directly beyond the higl
ridge. You will notice that the Fed
eral lines extend north and south d
rcctly between us. with their heavie
bodies OF infantry along the Wharto
pike. and SO disposed as to shat o.
all communication between ms and on
! left wing. Now. the message ! mus
get into Longstrcet's hands is inpcr'
tive: indeed. will say 20 you, tn
very safety OF this army depends al
: on IT'S reaching him before his as
, vance passes Bear Fork. There r.
! mains. therefore, no time for any Ion
detour: the messenger who bears
. must take his life in his hands nm
ride straight westward through tn
: very lines OF the enemy"
Z He spoke these words rapid,
!. earnestly, then suddenly ne lifted h
I eyes 20 mine. and said firmly; II al
: perfectly frank with you. Are va
: the man.
!: felt the hot blood leap into m
Z face. but met his stern gaze witho'
. fiinching
: III I live. General lee. | shall me-
: his advance at Bear Fork by da
{ break
God guide you: I believe you will
His words seemed uttered unco
sciously lie turned slightly. M
glanced toward the door. "MajI
| Holmes will you kindly hand me u