The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1912-11-15
cnAersR /.
a Dispatch for Lonossrsss.

Il was q bare. plain interior-the
low table at which he sat an unplaned
board, his seat box, made softer By
Z folded blanket. His only compan-
ions were two aides. standing silent
beaIde the closed entrance, anxious
70 anticipate his slightest need.
He will abide In my memory, for
ever - I saw him then--aithough We
we're 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.
stanfly thinning lines Of defense. To
me the history OF war has never con-
tained his equal. and while live l
shall love aud revere him as can love
and revere no other man.
General Lee" said one OF the aides,
a. ! passed the single sentry and
drew aside the flap to step within.
this 10 Captain Wayne"
He deliberately pushed away the
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
lure II in words. he arose slowly and
extended his hand
captain Wayne" he said gravely.
ret retaining his grasp. and with his
eyes full upon mine, you are much
younger man than expected to see.
yet have selected you upon the spe-
cinl 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 to order you
TO the performance OF this duty.
which. besides being beyond the regu.
lar requirements OF the service, In
wolves unusual risks"
Without inquIrlng its 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.
~, almost Into smile. and q new
look OF confidence swept into tho keen
gray eyes.
Il felt. even as spoke" he said.
with dignified courtesy have never
marked in any one else, that ! must
DO doing wrong TO question the will.
ingness OF an ofilcer OF your regiment.
Captain Wayne. to make personal sac
rifco. 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"
"Ahl 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-
.ous papers littering the table, and
then. leaning over. traced lightly with
. oolorod pencil line across an out.
spread map.
"You speak Of his knowing the coun-
try we'll; are you aware. then, OF your
l0LMlAMLlAouE
4 merely inferred from what Col
,onel Carter said that II was your de-
sire to reestablish communication
with General Longstreet."
THAT 70 true: but do you know
where Longstreet isY"
"Only that We Of the line suppose
him TO be somewhere west Of the
mountaina. SIR. Il 10 camp gossip that
mis- present base OF supplies 10 at
Ninersviile."
"Your conjecture 10 partly correct.
although l have moro reason to be-
iieve TINT tho head OF his column has
reached Bear Fork. or will by tomor- /
row morning. Kindly step this way,
Captain Wayne. and make note OF the |
blue lines have traced across this
map. Here. you will observe. is MI
nersville. directly beyond the high |
ridge. You viii notice that the Fed
.eral lines extend north and south d.
roctly between us, with their heavier
bodies OF infantry along the Wharton
pike, and 80 disposed as to shut on
all communication between US and our
left wing Now, tho message must
get into Longstreet,s hands is impera-
tive; indeed. win say to you. the
very safety OF this army depends up
on its reaching him before his ad-
vance passes Bear Fork. There re-
mains, therefore, no time for any long
'detour; the messenger who bears It
must take his life In his hands and
ride straight westward through the
very lines OF the enemy"
He spoke these words rapidly.
earnestly; then suddenly he lifted his
eyes to mine, and said firmly: Il am
perfectly frank with you. Are you
the mani"
I felt the hot blood leap into my
faoo. but met his stern gaze without
ninohing.
III Hive. General Lee. shall meet
his advance At Bear Fork by day
break"
"ood guide you: I believe You VIM
HIS words seemed uttered unoon-
|soiouely. He turned slightly. and
|SInnoed howard tho door. Major
zclmes will you kindly hand Ne ths