The watchman and southron. [volume] (Sumter, S.C.) 1881-1930, 1913-05-10
cnpyrixhL by A. c. heCiary 4 Co
nnA<rcd r. skntoner's Nall I1nSoA
CHAPTER 4.
a Dispatch for lonasirset.

Ions were two aides, standing silent
beside the closed entrance. anxious
10 anticipate his slightest need.
He will abide In my memory for.
ever as l saw him then-although we
were destined TO meet often after.
wards--that old graz hero, whose mas
terly strategy held at bay for so long
tnose mighty forces hurled on our con.
etsntiy thinning lines of defense. To
mo TIE history of war has never con-
tsintd his equal. ant while live
shall love and revere him as can love
and revere av other man.
General Lee" said one of the aides.
~ passed the single sentry and
drew aside the nap 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 liked upon me q glance that
seemed 10 read me through and
through Then. with simple dignity.
Tar more impressive than I can pic
ture IL In words. he arose slowly and
extended nis hand.
Captain Wayne" he said grayely.
Jet retaining his grasp. and with his
eyes full uron mine. you are q much
younger man shan expected to see.
yet 1 have selected you upon the spe-
ciai 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 inquirins its nature" l
said. has'.iJss"f freely offer myself
.voiunteer Tor any service which may
% required either b. the army or
yourself"
The kindly face frightened Instant.
~. almost into smile. and a new
look OF confidence swept into the keen
srsy eyes.
Il felt. even as spoke" he said.
with dignined courtesy have never
marked In any one else. that must
DO doing wrong to question the will
ingness OF an oficer OF your regiment,
Captain Wayne. to make personal sac
rifioo. From our FIRST day OF battle
until now the south has never once
called upon them In vain. You are
from the ranks, I believer"
Il was q corporal at Manassas"
All! then you have won your grade
by hard service. You take with you
one NAM
Sergeant Craig OF my troop. sir. q
good soldier. who knows the country
we'll"
Ne lowered his eyes to the numer.
Gus papers littering the table. and
then. leaning over. traced lightly with
eolored pencil q line across an out.
spread map.
You speak OF his knowing the coun.
Try well; are you aware. then, Of your
destination"
Il merely inferred from what Col.
onei Carter said that II was your de-
sire TO reestablish communication
with General Longstreet."
That Is true: but do you know
where Longstreet is?"
only that we OF the line suppose
him TO be somewhere west OF the
mountains. sir. IL Is camp gossip that
his present base OF supplies IL at
Minersville."
Your conjecture In partly correct,
although | have more reason to be-
flieve that the 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 will notice that the Fed
ersl lines extend north and south d.
reetly between ue. with their heavier
bodies OF infantry along the Wharton
pike. and so disposed as TO shut or
all communication between us and our
left wing. Now. the message must
get into Longstreet's hands is impera.
tive; indeed. will 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 Tor any long
detour; the messenger who bears IL
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 ne lifted his
eyes TO mine. and said firmly: II am
perfectly frank with you. Are you
the man."
felt The hot blood leap into my
face, but met his stern gaze without
nlnchlng
If I live. General Lee. I shall meet
his advance at Bear Fork by day.
broak"