The Washington times., 1913-09-11

petenCy or cOntumacy. he knew tnat ne
was severely blamed for this mistaken
| mercy, and in this instance he really
| wished some encouragement to be kind
and overlook Grafton's breach. Hence
his sudden reference Of the matter to
| Stuart From one point Of view Lee
could not have appealed to worse man
! that the impulsive gallant chief Of cav
| airy. From another point of view there
| was no better to whom to leave the de-
cision:
give him for his wife's sake sir"
Il do not wish to be forgiven for my
wife's sake" said Grafton haughtily. 7
| know what 1 have done, and that !
merit punishment"
Grafton said General Lee suddenly.
| were the thing to be done over again.
would you heed such an appeal from
Grafton answered without hesitation.
God forgive me, sir. I couldn't resist
TT may be all wrong from a military
point of view, general" said Stuart.
quickly. but IL I had man in my d.
vision who wouldn't have done the same
thing to prevent his wife from being
outraged by those ruffians I'd have him
cashiered and driven out"
Lee put up. his hand.
There speaks the cavalier" he said,
reprovingly, yet fully understanding the
others feelings. Its not in that way
battles are won and causes established.
Grafton was wrong, but the temptation
was terrible The appeal was a fearful
one. / grant and l."
General, one moment, please. Did
you know that Captain Grafton finally
reached me and that slngled-handed he
fought a section of artillery alone?"
What do you mean. General Stuart?''
Il put his wife in a little cottage be-
yond Alsops. She was in no condition
to move. and ] had to leave her there
under the care OF negro woman. When
Grafton did join me on the morning af-
ter his wife delivered the message he
wanted to know where she was. 1 told
him of to the left of our line. He rode
down there to see her. The Yanks rush.
ed section of artillery to enfilade the
line. They would have smashed in Gen.
eral Fitz Lees right with terrible loss
IL II hadn't been for Grafton He had a
repeating rife that he got from some
Yankees when he was recaptured, and
he stood out there in the open and
fought that gun alone until Breatheds s
artillery came up. ] saw him, sir. They
just got there in the nick Of time, too,
for Warren's corps broke into the clear
ing. and If II hadn't been for the delay
that Grafton caused Breathed's battery
would not have been there to hold back
his charge. They would have got Fitz
pieces in spite of all We could do. In
that case. general you wouldn't be
where you are today"
why didn't you tell me of this, Cap
tain Grafeon?' asked Lee
1T had no bearing on my previous
action, sir" said Grafton simply.
Il see.'
And must admit that 1 was fight
ing as much for my wife as for the
cause. i was afraid shot from that
gun would strike the house and kill
her."
That's not all. General" continued
Stuart. He fought like a tiger with
the guns. Major Breathed told me
himself. and | was a witness to 1t.
They drove Warren's division back,
and forced me to retire to a second
line. That open space was swept by
a torrent of bullets. He wanted to 20
out in that fire and get his wife, or at
least die with her. I told him he was
too good a man to lose and that it was
his duty to stay with us, and he re-
NAMED
Where is Mrs. Grafton now?" asked
Lee.
Stuart shook his head, but did not
answer.
Il suppose she's killed. sir sad
Grafton. choking back sob. 81 could
stand her death. but He stopped,
unable to go on.
II pray God she has escaped" said
Lee. He stretched out his hand to the
young captain come, II was "TOnS,
| must say that. But you atoned amp
L. by your gallantry in this action. I
pardon you freely. Your wifes ride
has saved your honor and your rank.
Let us say no more about 1t. You will
not discuss this conversation with any
one, General Stuart?'
Never
And / shall be equally reticent"
said Lee, kindly. He was always hap
pv to do a kind act, and he only want
ed an excuse to pardon Grafton. The
young officer could have gone on his
knees to his adored chieftain. He only
shook his hand and turned away.
stuart grasped his great commander by
the hand and shook 1t vigorously:
.Ry heavens he exclaimed. Cen
eral. it's no wonder the whole army;
from the highest down. would be glad
to die for you,'
Lee smiled. and the smile was rare
one n those days Of trouble, and turned
e. Grafton again.
Don't give up he said; 81 have
feeling tina: Mrs. Grafton Will be re-
stored to you. She has done much Tor
her country. and we may hope and pray
that God has her In His keeping.
II hope So sir" Grafton answered;
land, General Stuart, / want 10 thank
you for your kindness TO her and TO
me-"
Now. Stuart. what next?" said Lee.
as Grafton shook Stuart's hand in turn. |
with your permission. sir. now that
I've got my rough riders mounted and
together again. I'd like to go after Sher-
idan. who is heading for Richmond. L.
!
Go. and may God go with you." an
swered the general, solemnly.
The two generals shook hands once
more. Stuart nodded 10 Grafton and /
left the tent. They heard him hum.
ming as he left headquarters his favor
tie air, Zine the Cavalry" They both
thouefk Of his gay. ardent nature. his
brilliant bearing. when three DAYS later
The news came that he had died. as he
ca aved, at the head of his men In the
bloody battle with Sheridan at Yellow
rsSssn. !