The Huttig news., 1915-09-18
CHAPTER |.
On SpecIaI SeryIcA.


 the Staunton Battery of Horse artil- lery returned wearily to camp after hours of hard field drill the men ever conscious that no evolution, however trivial, was being overlooked by "Stonewall" Jackson, sitting astride his sorrel on a little eminence to the left, his stern face unrelieved by even the semblance of a smile.
 The winter quarters of the Staunton artillery were slightly of the main road and I remained for some time overseeing the care of the horses be- fore approaching the hut where the noncommissioned officers had mess We were all of us still at the table, discussing the incidents of the drill, when lieutenant appeared suddenly in the doorway.
 Sergeant Wyatt?" he inquired briefly.
 arose to my feet.
 Here, sir." answered In some sur prise.
 You are requested to report to General Jackson at once; his head quarters for tonight are at Coulter's farm, on the dirt pike. You will ride your own horse.'
 Five minutes later was guiding my own horse down the dark road, bending low in the saddle. obsessed with feeling that this mission. whatever 1t might turn out to be. promised change in my fortunes. It was an ugly path, rutted deep by artillery wheels, and dangerous for the horse. T. was an hour reaching the Coulter house, double log cabin, some fifty feet or more back from the road. It was with some difficulty that l made my way through the obstruct- ing guard to the steps. where an officer took my name at the closed door. dis appeared in a sudden blaze of light and I stood there silently in the shadows waiting
 Ten minutes must have elapsed be- fore the door opened again and I heard my named called. It was a rough appearing, commonplace in- terior. A sturdy fire burned in the fireplace, and three lamps illumined the scene, revealing the presence of five men. among whom I instantly recognized Ewell. Ashby: together with Jackson, and his chief of staff. The fifth occupant of the room sat alone in one corner, his face partially concealed. revealing little other than a fringe of gray whiskers. Jackson, seated behind table filtered with papers and maps, glanced up at the announcement of the orderly, and came instantly to attention, my hand lifted in salute. The generals stern blue eyes surveyed me intently.
 Sergeant Wyatt. Staunton artil- lery?"
 "Yes. sir"
 "How long. may ask. have you been in the service?"
 Since May. '61, sir"
 "Ah! indeed. And your agef"
 "Twenty-four, sir"
 He made some remark aside to the aide, who nodded back, and pointed to Q map before them.
 You are a younger man in appear ance than I had expected to see. ser geant," Jackson said slowly. "Yet l have learned within the last year to have confidence in young men. War is a swift developer of manhood Your colonel speaks of you in the highest terms and informs me that you are Q native of Green Briar county"
 Our home was at Lewisburg sir" Then you are doubtless intimately acquainted with that section?"
 Very well. indeed. general"
 Jackson sat motionless and in si- fence for what seemed a long while, his grave eyes on my face, but his mind evidently elsewhere. one hand unconsciously crumpling folded pa- per. Ashby moved his chair, causing 1t to crunch noisily on the floor. and the commander aroused at the un- usual sound.
 By any possibility are you related to Judge Joel Wyatt?" he questioned slowly.
 He was my father. sir. He has been dead two years"
 q regret to hear 1t. Your mother, unless I am mistaken, was Farqu' har, of North CarOlinaI
 "Yes, sir-she has returned to her old home"
 "The best of southern blood, gentle men," he said smilingly, glancing to- ward the others, but with watchful eyes instantly returning to scan me Was she driven out of Green Briar by the state of unrest in that sec tion?"
 "In measure-yes," I replied promptly. "It was hardly safe for her to remain there alone. The county IS filled with Union sympathizers. and roamed over by bands of guerriias claiming allegiance with both sides but sparing no one. At present understand. Federal troops have oeen sent there from Charleston and are in control"
 Your information is partially cor rect; but in order to perfect plans now contemplated l require SUI more definite knowledge of existing
 s.<<txvsD sD