Iron County register. [volume] (Ironton, Iron County, Mo.) 1867-1965, 1912-03-07

work to make me strongly suspicious
that Captain Wayne, of the Confed-
crate Army. and Colonel Curran, late
of Major-General Halleck's staff. are
one and the same person. A mighty
neat trick, by Jove, and It would have
done you good to see Sheridan's 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 ap-
pearance al the ball is assuredly q
masterpiece of romantic fiction. Come,
Captain, surely you are not the kind
of man to forget a pretty face like
that? | a assure you, you made a
deep impression. There are times
when | am almost jealous Of you"
But" l protested, my heart beat
ing rapidly, Il 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. "and that ono is Celia
Minor"
Miss Minor!" l felt a 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 mi
else?"
"Oh, so the wind lies in that quar-
ter, does 1t, old fellow? congratu-
late you, I'm sure"
My recollection of Miss Minor vas
certainly a most pleasant one, and l
recalled to memory the attractive pic
ture Of her glossy black hair and
flashing brown eyes, yet l felt ex-
ceedingly small interest in again meet
inG her. Indeed l was asleep when
she finally entered, and 1t was the
sound of Cations voice that aroused
me and made me conscious of the
presence Of others.
Il shall share these grapes with my
cot-mate over yonder," he said laugh
iEgly. by the way, Celia, his voice
sounded strangely familiar to me a
short time ago. Just glance over
there and see II he is any one you
know"
l heard the soft rustic of skirts,
and, without a smile, looked up into
her dark eyes. There was a sudden
start of pleased surprise,
Why" she exclaimed eagerly, cit
is Colonel Curran! Edith, dear, here
is the Rebel who pretended to be
Myrtle Curran's brother"
How the hot blood leaped within my
veins at mention Of that name; but
before l could lift 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 a wondrous story. For
the instant, in her surprise and agita-
ton, she forgot herself, and lost that
marvellous self-restraint which had
held us so far apart.
Captain Wayne!" she cried, and
her gloved hands fell Instantly upon
my own, where it rested without the
coverlet. You here, and wounded?"
1 smiled up at her, feeling now that
my injuries were indeed trivial.
Somewhat weakened by loss Of
blood, Mrs. Brennan, but not danger
ously hurt" Then l could not for.
bear asking softly, rs it possible you
can feel regret over injuries inflicted
upon a Rebel?"
Her cheeks famed, and the audaci-
GUS words served to recall her to our
surroundings.
Even although | love my country,
and sincerely hope for the downfall of
her enemies" she answered soberly,
81 do not delight in suffering. Were
you in that terrible cavalry charge?
They tell me scarcely a mar among
them survived"
Il rode with my regiment"
Il knew it was your regiment-the
name was upon every lip, and even
our own men unite In declaring it a
magnificent sacrifice. a most gallant
deed. You must know / thought in
stantly Of you when | was told 1t was
the act of the til Virginia"
There were tears in my eyes, l
know, as l listened to her, and my
heart warmed at this frank confes-
sion Of her remembrance.
Il am glad you cared sufficiently
for me-" | said gravely, ito hold me
In your thought at such a time. Our
command merely performed the work
given it, but the necessity has cost
US dearly. You are yet at General
Sheridan's headquarters?"
only temporarily. and simply be-
cause there has been no opportunity
to get away, the movements Of the
army have been so hurried and I'm.
certain. Since the battle Miss Minor
has desired to remain until assured
Of Lieutenant Cations permanent re-
covery. He was most severely
founded, and Of course | could not
well leave her here alone. Indeed
| am her guest, as we depart tomor.
row for her home, to remain indefi-
nitely."
But Miss Minor Is, l understand, O
native of this Slater?
Her home is in the foothills of the
Blue Ridge, along the valley of the
Cowskin,-a most delightful old South.
ern mansion. ! passed the summer
there when a mere girl, previous to
the war"
But win it prove safe for you
nowg
!. "0h, indeed, yes; everybody says
so. 1t is entirely out Of the track Of
both armies, and has completely es
capped despoliation. But you, Captain
Wayne; surely you have already
risked enough2"