Martinsburg statesman-democrat. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1906-1921, 1912-02-16

moment his lowered head prevented
recognition. but rs he cleared the
ditch and came up smiling. / saw 1t
was Cation
by Jove, Wayne, but this IL
lucky" he exclaimed. springing to
the ground beside me. i've actually
been praying for week past that l
might see you. Holmes, of your serv.
ice, told me you had pulled through.
but everything is in such confusion
that to hunt for yeu would have been
the proverbial guest after a needle
IN a haystack. You have been
paroled them"
Yes, I'm completely out Of II at
last" | answered. feeling to the fun
the deep sympathy expressed by his
face. ut was a bitter pill, but one
which had to be taken
81 know it, old fellow and his
hand-grasp on mine frightened warm
ly. IF you have been beaten there
is no disgrace in it, for no other ma
ton in this world could ever have
accomplished 1t. But this was case
Of Greek meeting Greek, and we had
the money, the resources, and the
men. But, Wayne. l tell you, / do
not believe there is today spark Of
bitterness in the heart of a fighting
Federal soldier"
II know, Cation" / said--and the
words came hard-"your fighting men
respect us, even as we do them. It
has been sheer game Of which could
stand the most punishment, and the
weaker had to 60 down. l know all
that, but, nevertheless, 1t is terrible
ending to so much of hope, suffering,
and sacrifice"
YES" he admitted soberly, you
have given your all. But those who
survive have wonderful work be-
fore them. They must lay anew the
foundations; they are to be the re-
builders Of states. You were going
homer"
1 smiled bitterly at this designation
of my journeys end.
yes, IL you can so name a few
weed-grown fields and a vacant negro
cabin. I certainly shall have to lay
the foundation anew most literally"
VIII you not let me aid your" he
questioned eagerly. II possess some
means, and surely our friendship Is
sufficiently established to warrant me
in making the offer You will not re-
fuse?"
Il must" answered firmly. yet
do not value the offer the less.
t~.I -
it, but now I prefer to dig, as the
others must shall be the stronger
for It, and shall thus sooner forget the
total wreck"
For few moments we walked on
together in silence, each leading his
horse.
Wayne" he asked at length, CLAN.
cling furtively at me, as If to mark
the effect Of his words, did you know
that Mrs. Brennan was again with
us?"
Il was not even aware she had been
away"
"Oh, yes; she returned North immo.
diately after your last parting, and
came back only last week So many
wives and relatives of the officers
have come down Of late, knowing the
war to be practically at an end, that
our camp has become like huge pic
mic pavilion. 1t is quite the fashion
able fad just now to visit the front
Mrs. Brennan accompanied the wife
OF one of the division commanders
from her State Connecticut, you
know"
There was much / longed to ask
regarding her, but would not venture
to fan his suspicious In hope that
might turn his thought / asked, And
you; are you yet married."
He laughed good-humoredly. mo,
that happy day will not occur until
after We are mustered out Miss
Minor is far too loyal virginian ever
to become my wife while / continue
to wear this uniform. By the way,
Mrs. Brennan was asking Celia only
yesterday Ii she had heard anything
OF you since the surrender"
"She is at Appomattox, them?
NO, at the headquarters Of the
Sixth Corps. only q few miles north
from here"
"And tho Majorr'
Cation glanced ut me, a peculiar
look In his face. but answered simply:
Naturally I have had small init.
macy with him after what occurred
at Mountain View. but he is still 70
tained upon General Sheridan's stan.
At Mrs. Brennan's request we break.
tasted together yesterday morning. but
believe he Is at the other end OF the
lines today"
We sat down upon a bank, and for
the time forgot disaster while list.
ening to his story of love and his
plans for the future. His one thought
OF Celia and the Northern home SO
soon now to be made ready for her
coming. The sun sank lower into the
western sky. causing Cation to draw
down his fatigue cap until its glazed
visor almost completely hid his eyes
With buoyant enthusiasm he talked