Willmar tribune. [volume] (Willmar, Minn.) 1895-1931, 1913-08-27
said the general quietly.

said the general quietly.
"Oh. my wound is a mere trifle. !
could not rest here. must be with
my men at this perhaps critical mo.
ment In the campaign. 5:2
Il have told you my wish is to the
contrary" repeated General Haverill.
kerchival knew only too well that
ominous, quiet reserve. He knew the
infiexibility Of that proud, intolerant
mood. He could not wholly fathom it's
cause. but troublesome recollection
suddenly occurred to him.
General" he said. with grieved
earnestness. after looking around to
see that Gertrude had silently with
drawn. II was unable to keep my ap-
pointment with you last night for an
unforeseen reason, which you know. /
am ready and willing to explain GER
tain matters. as you requested me to
do yesterday. But meanwhile q crisis
has developed, and whatever there
may be between us personally you are
now In the position Of interfering with
my duty and my privilege as soldier.
1t is my right to be at the head of my
regiment so long as am physically
able"
lyon have my positive order. siry'
'"Then protest!'
"You are under arrest. sir!'' said the
general without changing his tone.
Kerchival started as If he had been
shot. Then In deliberate, dazed way
he unclasped his belt and offered his
sword.
"N0; keep your sword. have no de-
sire to humiliate you," the general con-
tinued In a low voice. But you will
hold yourself subject to further orders
from me-"
With these memorable words he turn
ed away. while Kerchival, as if sud-
denly sick man again, started to re-
enter the house. He met Gertrude at
the door, all gentleness and commisera-
ton.
Ibid you hear what the general
Sdlu ( lie dSkeu leeDly.
mo matter what he said or what
any one says now, Kerchival." was her
impulsive response. "YOu have my
perfect faith-there! Now you must
20 to your room and rest until the sur
geon comes again."
He obeyed in silence. What words
could he find?
Looking out from her window few
minutes later, Gertrude was startled
to see number Of men emerging from
the woods by the path leading up from
the ford. Then she perceived that they
were Confederate soldiers under a flag
of truce. following an escort of Union
troops and carrying some burden. 1t
proved to be q stretcher, on which lay
the unconscious form Of a young man,
evidently a wounded Federal officer.
A surgeon walked beside the stretcher,
giving directions to the bearers, who
rested a short distance from the veran-
da steps. Gertrude ran to the door,
followed by Madeline West and Jenny
Buckthorn. Sergeant Barket also
stood, wonder struck, on sort Of i'm.
provised sentry guard.
II am Major Hardwick Of the Con.
federate service" said the surgeon, hat
in hand and losing no time. lis Gen.
eral Haverill here?"
HE left but moment ago.
Hes just after mounting his horse
put in Barket, IAN l can cut across
an stop him for yez."
"Please say to him that we come
from Colonel Robert Ellingham, who
instructed me to bring this young Off
Ger in exchange for himself, as agreed
upon between them last evening"
us he unconscious or sleeping, sir7
asked Gertrude. looking with tende,
solicitude upon the pallid face on the
rude rustic litter.
He is between life and death, fear
Vhe removal has been too much fol
him, yet it seemed for the best under
the circumstances. He was so anx
ious-ah, he is waking! Here we are
my boy" placing his canteen to the
lips Of poor Lieutenant Bedloe, for he
it was in such grievous plight. 1--WE
have reached the end of our Journey
my father gasped Frank.
HE is thinking Of his home," sale
Major Hardwick.
II have obeyed General Haverill's or
ders," murmured the young man faint
~, land | have a report to make"
HE will be here in a moment" an
swered Gertrude.
lis not this-Miss Gertrude Filing
ham," he asked. looking wistfully int
her face.
Eyes, yes! You have seen me be
fOreY
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