The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-07-09
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CHAPTER XIV.


~ @osk Ho0fWonks
IL was q bright. sunshiny Gay In
early spring. Birds were swestly sing
ing In the trees lining the road I was
travelling. must have shown my late
Illness greatly. for the few I met, as
trampsd slowly onward mostly sol
diers. gaxed at me curiously, as IL they
mistook me for the ghost of some
dead eomrade: and doubt not my
pale face. Jet bearing the deep imprint
OF pain. with the long, untrtmmed hair
framing IL. and the blood stained.
ragged Uniform. the same wore that
nerce day OF battle. rendered me an
object OF wonder.
All through those long, weary win.
ter weeks I had been lowering be-
tween Hfs and death In an obscure
hospital at Richmond. The moment
the door was opened to permit of my
passing forth Into the world again, I
sought eagerly to discover the present
station Of my old comrades In arms,
Jet could learn only that the cavalry
brigade with which I had formerly
served was In camp somewhere near
Appomatrox Court Houss. On foot
anu moneyless. set OF alone, my sole
anxiety to be once more with friends;
and now, at the beginning Of the sec
ond day. was already beyond Peters
burg. and sturdily pushing westward.
A the road swerved slightly 10 the
LETT, passing through q grove OF hand.
some trees. | came suddenly opposite
Q large house OF imposing aspect. A
group OF Confederate officers stood In
converse beside the gate leading into
the oken driveway. Gnd as paused q
moment ssklrg a. them and wond or.
ms whom hsa better address--lor
recognized zone az tho faces fronting
lss &c amogg the group turGed suu.
deIly. and tuok q hurried step In my
direction. 40 though despatched upon
IN errand OF Importance. He was a
taii. slender man. wearing a long gray
moustache. and I no sooner viewed
his face than I recognized him as
having been one Of those officers pres.
ent 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" I said. You
doubtless remember me. am seek.
Ing my old command: would you kind.
~ Inform me where Il may be found ?"
He stopped instantly AZ sound of my
Voice. and stared at me In odd be.
wfiderment; 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
an thisy Who are you, sir? What
masquerade puts you into that parody
of q captains uniform7"
turned and looked into the fiush.
cd. indignant face OF General Lee.
1T is no masquerade. sir" l an.
swered. instantly removing my hat:
1T is the rightfuI uniform OF my rank.
greatly az regret its present condi
ton"
Where are you from?"
II was discharged from ST. Mary's
Hospital In Richmond day before yes
tsrday, and Am now seeking to rejoin
ny regiment"
Surely" he said gravely. II have
seen your face before. To what regi.
ment were you attachedf"
Tho -th Virginia Cavalry"
The buzxing Of voices about me In
Gfauflw $4,000 auS no,...I - .oot.
q stop nearer.
The -th virgiaiaf You were a
cAp<ainf Surely this is not Philip
Wayper'
80 deeply surprised was his tone. so
uncertain his recognition. I scarcely
knew what to answer. Had I lost my
very Identity? was this all a dream7
Il am Captain Wayne. Troop D.-th
Virginia"
He srasped my Land warmly be-
tween both his own. and his kindly
face lit up instantly with a rare smile.
Captain Wayne. cannot tell you
how greatly ! rejoice at your safe re.
turn. We certainly owe you an apol.
ogy for this poor reception, but you
were reported as killed IN action
many months ago doubt not Colo.
mel Maitland truly believed he looked
upon a ghost when you first accosted
him"
For the moment was unable 10
speak. so deeply did his words AFFECT
me-
Il fear. Captain Wayne" he con.
tinued giavely. yet retaining my hand
within his own. that must bring
you sad news"
sad news'" Instantly there came
TO me the thought OF my widowed
mother. mot from home. trust,
sirf"
No" with great tenderness. your
mother. I believe. remains we'll; yet
the words must speak are neysrthe-