The Big Sandy news. [volume] (Louisa, Ky.) 1885-1929, 1913-01-10
Continued from page Z.
MY LADY OF THE NORTH.

lessness, yet wary as a fox, counting
opposing numbers nothing when
weighed against the advantage OF sur
prise, tireless in saddle, audacious in
resource, quick to plan and equally
quick to execute. he was always
where least expected, and it was
seldom he failed to win reward for
those who rode at his back. Pos
sessing regular rank in the Confed-
crate Army, making repob of his op:
erations to the commander-in-chief.h his
peculiar. talent as partisan leader
had won him what was practically an
independent command. Knowing him
as did, / was not surprised that he
should now have swept suddenly out
Of the black night upon the very verge
of the battle to drive his Irritating
sting into the har6earned Federal vic
tory.
An empty army wagon, the 70. s.
A." yet conspicuous upon Its canvas
cover. had been overturned and fired
in front of the hospital tent to give
light to the raiders. Grouped about
beneath the trees, and within the glow
OF the flames. was picturesque squad
Of horsemen. hardy, tough-looking fell
lows the most Of them. their clothing
an odd mixture Of uniforms, but ev-
cry man heavily armed and admirably
equipped for service. Some remained
mounted. lounging carelessly in their
1oAHlnn hut 20 Il har
were on foot, their bridle-reins wound
about their wrists. An alike appeared
alert and ready for any emergency.
How many composed the party was
unable to Judge with accuracy, as they
constantly came and went from out
the shadows beycsd the circumference
Of the fire. AZ all sounds Of firing
had ceased. concluded that the work
Planned had been already accom-
plished. Undoubtedly. surprised as
they were, the small Federal force
left to guard this point had been quick,
" overwhelmed and scattered w
The excitement attendant upon my
release had left me for the time being
utterly forgetful as to the pain or my
wounds, 20 that weakness alone held
mo to the blanket upon which l had
been left The night was decidely
chilly, yet ! had scarcely begun to
feel its discomfort, when man strobe
forward from out OF the nearer group
and stood looking down upon me-. he
,nd day, I was already beyond Peters
burg, and sturdiiy pushing westward.
As the road swerved slightly to the
eft, passing through grove OF hand
some trees, came suddenly opposite
a large house Of imposing aspect. A
group Of Confederate officers stood in
converse beside the gate leading into
the open driveway, and as paused a
gazing at them and wonder
Ing whom had better address-for !
none Of the faces fronting
me-one among the group turned sud
denly. and took hurried step in my
as though despatched upon
an errand Of importance. He was a
tall, slender man, wearing long gray
anu III oOOhOi NiCWOu
his face than recognized him as
having been one Of those officers pres
emit In General Lees tent the day !
was sent out with dispatches. He
glanced at me curiously, yet with no
sign of recognition, but before he
could pass | accosted him.
Colonel Maitland" said. you
doubtless remember me. | am seek
Ing my old command; would you kind
ly inform me where 1t may be found?'
He stopped instantly at sound of my
voice. and stared at me In odd be-
but my words had al
ready reached the ears OF the others.
and before he had found an answer
another voice spoke sternly What is
all this? Who are you, sir? What
puts YOU into that parody
Of captains uniform"
turned and looked into the flush
ed. indignant face Of General Lee.
1T Is no masquerade, SIR" l an
swered, instantly removing my hat;
1T is the rightful uniform OF my rank.
greatly as regret its present condi-
ton"
Where are you from?"
Il was discharged from St Mary's
in Richmond day before yes
terday, and am now seeking to rejoin
my regiment"
Surely" he said graveiy. II have
seen your face before. To what regi
nent were you attached"
The til Virginia Cavalry"
The buzzing OF voices about mo In
,tantly ceased. and General Leo took
/ step nearer
The -th virginiaf You were a
captain! Surely this is not Philip
Wayner"
SO deeply surprised was his tone, so
his recognition. scarcely
new what to answer. Had lost my
,ery Identity? was this all dream?
Il am Captain Wayne, Troop 9TH
Virginia"
He grasped my hand warmly be-
-wsen both his own, and his kindly |
ace lit up instantly with rare smile.
Captain Wayne, cannot tell you
,pw greatly l rejoice at your safe 10
urn. We certainly owe you an apol
,gy for this poor reception. but you
we're reported 90 killed in action