Smyrna times., 1912-04-03


bare, and it was in these scattered
places that the big mare gathered
all her strength to plow through the
drifts. She tried not to think of the
trip back and when she pictured the
unhappy man she had left sitting in
the small comfortless room waiting
for her return, she felt less tired
and whispered cheerful words to
the faithful horse.
1t was not until Camp Ray was
but a short way off that she won
dered what she would say; whether
she would disclose the unwillingness
of the men, and how she could
avoid doing so. At a long blast
! from the camp trumpter she gave
the salute peculiar to her father
and in a few seconds the soldiers
hurried out to greet the messenger.
Margaret averted her head until
she was close to them, and then
laughingly she pulled off the fur
hat and the snow fell on the tousled
golden head.
A hearty cheer went up for the
Colonel's daugter. She let them
help her into the camp. and after
warm drink she insisted that she
must start back before the storm
grew too wild.
All imploring to the contrary was
useless, for she hao delivered her
Captains orders and he was waiting
for her. Every man at Camp Ray
wondered why she had come. but
none dared to ask this girl, who
was so roguish, but at the same
time most reserved.
The first touch of fear for her
own safety and that of her horse
came when she could no longer hear
the cheers of the men from the
camp. On and on the strong mare
made her way through the heavy
snow.
The girl did not realize how cold
she was growing until she urged
and cheered her horse, and in a
short while the horse felt her weight
on her neck, but only for a second.
Free of the burden which haC
hindered her the mare hurried or
to the camp, leaving the fair mas.
cot of the army to the mercy of the
. storm.
Word was brought to Captain
Cotter of the horse returning alone
In moments time he was starting
{ out to find the man who he believed
: had gone. The message had beer
= delivered he knew, but had it cost
! life? His horse reared and stopped
Cotter looked down, and there, yes
there was his man AS he jumpet
from his horse and moved the bundl,
:, of fur and blankets he muttered
= name and drew back.
After he was himself once NOR
he gently lifted the girl, and plac
ing her on her horse, walked slowl
back beside her, anxiously studyinI
the smiling face; smiling unde
j., such torture as she had experienced
No one saw him as he hurrie
:, into the dreary little room with tn
; unconscious girl. He unfastened tn
tight gloves and warmed her hands
. The heat of the room slOwl
brought her back to consciousness
y and as she opened her eyes the
seemed blacker than ever as sh
looked through the light curls abou
= her rosy cheeks. She moaned
4 little and Cotter started to speak t
her but instead drummed his fee
. heavily on the floor.
Her hand touched his, and q
!, though with great effort he gaze
= searchingly into her eyes. H
7 caught his breath quickly, and h
= could only whisper, Peggy" g
I, he dropped on his knees beside he
!, and pressed his lips to her.
Margaret Hayden had delivere
- Captain Cotter's orders to Cam
- Ray, but the storm had brought hi
- a message of love that he value
more than his Office. Boston Pos