The diamond drill. (Crystal Falls, Iron County, Mich.) 1887-1996, 1912-03-16


before this. l believer"
He left word that II he had not
returned by twelve l was TO wait for
him no longer. as he should go directly
TO his quarters. I find the life OF q
soldier to be extremely uncertain"
We are our country's servants,
madam" he replied proudly, and then
taking out pad OF blanks from his
pocket. turned TO me.
May l ask your full name and
rank, Colonel?"
Patrick L. Curran. Colonel. Sixth
Ohio Light Artillery"
lie write II down rapidly. tore off
the paper, and handed II TO me.
That will take you safely through
our inner guard lines" he said grave.
ly, that being as far as my jurisdic.
ton extends. Goodnight, Colonel;
goodnight. Mrs. Brennan"
We bowed tremendously, and the
next moment Mrs. Brennan and l
were out upon the steps. breathing
the cool night air. l glanced curious
ly at her face as the CLEAN of light
fell upon it-how calm and reserved
she appeared, and yet her eyes were
aglow with intense excitement At
the foot of the steps she glanced up
at the dark. projecting roof far above
US.
DO you suppose he can possibly be
up there yet?r she asked, in tone
SO low as 10 be inaudible 10 the ears
OF the sentry.
Who? Bungay?" | questioned In
surprise. for my thoughts were else.
where. "Oh, he was like cat, and
there are trees al the rear. Prob
ably he is safe long ago, OF else
a prisoner once more"
Beyond the CLEAN OF the uncovered
windows all was wrapped in complete
darkness. save that here and there
We could distinguish the dull red
glare Of camp-fires where the company
cooks were yet at work. or some
sentry post had been established We
turned sharply TO the left, and pro
ceeded down comparatively smooth
road which seemed TO me 10 possess
the position OF the stars judged our
course TO be eastward. but the night
was sufficiently obscured 10 shroud
all objects more than few yards dis
tant Except for the varied camp
noises on either side of us the eve
ming Was oppressively still. and the
air had the late chill OF high attitudes.
Mrs Brennan pressed more closely 20
me as We passed beyond the narrow
zone OF light. and unconsciously we
fell into step together,
A few hundred yards farther fire
burned redly against pile OF logs,
The forms OF several men lay out
stretched beside IT, while sentry
paced back and forth, In and out OF
the range OF light, We were almost
upon him before he noted our ap.
proach, and in his haste he swung his
musket down from his shoulder until
the point OF its bayonet nearly
touched my breast
Halt" he cried sternly, peering at
us in evident surprise. Halt this
road is closed
Valley Forge" whispered the girl,
and | noticed how white her face APP
peared in the flaming OF the fire.
The word is all right, Miss re
turned the fellow, stoutly, yet with
out lowering his obstructing gun. But
we cannot pass any one out on the
alone. II you was going
the other way IL would answer"
But we are returning from the Off
GERS ball. she urged anxiously. and
are one our way 10 Major Brennans
quarters. We have passes"
As she drew the paper from out her
glove one of the men at the fire
sprang to his feet and strobe across
the narrow road toward us. He was
smooth OF face and boyish looking. !
but wore corporals stripes
What is It, Mapes?" he asked !
sharply
Without waiting an answer he took (
he paper she held out and scanned |
L rapidly.
This is all right" he said, handing
t back, and lifting his cap In salute.
You may pass, madam. You must /
pardon us. but the orders are exceed
ngly strict tonight. Have you pass
also. Colonel" handed II 10 him, and /
after single glance 1t was returned.
Pass them. guard" he said curt
" standing aside.
Beyond the radiance OF the fire she
,roke the silence.
II shall only be able to 20 with you
10 far as the summit OF the Hill yon-
Ter. for our quarters are just to the
light. and could furnish no excuse
or being found beyond that point"
he said. DO you know enough OF
he country to make the lines of your
lrmy?"
"If this Is the Kendallyille pike we
ire ON" | answered, Il have a pretty
lear conception OF what lies ahead.
tut I should be very glad TO know
where / am TO look for the outer
picket"