The Hope pioneer. [volume] (Hope, N.D.) 1882-1964, 1912-01-11

tracted. would be all right II that
lazy Irish scamp would only give me
Ealf enough to eat. By the way,
Wayne, of course l never got the
straight Of it, for there are half-a-
dozen stories about the affair flying
around, and those most interested will
not talk, but n of your special
friends, ind to my notion a most
charming young woman, will be in
here to see me sometime this after
noon. She will be delighted to meet
you again, I'm sure"
"One of my friends?" l questioned
ircredulously, yet instantly thinking
ing Of Edith Brennan. "a young wo-
MANI"
Sure; at least she has confessed
enough to me regarding that nights
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 a
Masterpiece of romantic fiction. Come,
Captain. surely you are not the kind
of man to forget a pretty face like
that? can 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 M 1t chances there is
but n worthy of mention" he said
earnestly. land that ono is Celia
Minor"
Miss Minor!" l felt a strange sense
of disappointment. Does she come
alone?"
Most certainly; do you suppose she
uould expose me in my present weak
state to the destinations of any one
else?"
ooh, so the wind lies in that quar-
ter, does it, old fellow? l congratu-
late you. I'm sure"
My recollection Of Miss Minor was
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 it 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
ingly. "By the way, Celia, his voice
sounded strangely familiar to me a
short time ago. Just glance over
there and see if 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 nv
veins at mention of that name; but
before l could lift my head she had
swept across the narrow aisle, and
was standing beside me. Wife, or
what, there a 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 loved 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, "Is it possible you
can feel regret owe 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,
do not delight in suffering. Were
you in that terrible cavalry charge?
They tell me scarcely a mai among
them survived"
Il rode with my regiment"
Il knew it was your regiment-the
name was upon every lip, and even
u own men unite in declaring it a
magnificent sacrifice, a most gallant
deed. You must know / thought in.
stantly of you when l was told it was
the act of the til Virginia"
There were tears in my eyes. l
know, as I 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
i: your thought at such a time. Our
command merely performed the work
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