Gilpin observer., 1915-05-27
(Copyright.)


of just such partings, alike in North
and South. Jasper Wells, on the day
before his company left Pleasanton,
Mass, for southern battlefields, stood
beneath the big oak tree in Jane
Marshs garden. The lovers hands
were clasped and they looked into
each others eyes to keep their memo
ries imperishable.
IF you return alive, dear, you will
find me waiting for you here. under
this tree" said Jane.
Jasper remembered those words on
many bivouac beneath the stars.
He did not fight the less bravely, but
he did fight more hopefully. 1t seemed
impossible that, with that love singing
in his heart, an enemy's bullet could
kill him.
For a while he was engaged only
in skirmishes, but soon the word ran
through the company that the regi-
ment was only one Of thousands,
strung out along the ridge to repel
the attack of the Confederates. The
southern forces were smaller. but
more advantageously placed. The
genius of Jackson dominated the stu
alton. One of his deadly and secret
marches had placed the Union lines
in peril.
in anticipation of capturing your
camp tomorrow. / intend to use your
standard as table-cloth," the Confed-
crate general, who opposed that part
of the line where Jasper's regiment
was posted, wrote to the Union com
mander.
1t was such a grim pleasantly as
formed part of the amenities of war.
The Confederate leader meant that
the Union commander would hoist the
white flag or surrender. The federal
commander took the Jest in the prop
er spirit. but it troubled him, for he
knew that strategically he was his en-
emy's inferior.
Keep an eye on the flag, Wells" he
said to Jasper, who was the standard
bearer
III guard it with my life." an
swered Jasper.
The boy could not resist the temp
tation to tell the men of his COM
pany of the honor which had been
accorded him. He took 1t more Sc
riously than any of them They
planned to hide the flag, to give the
young fellow scare. Jasper over
heard them, and resolved to outwit
them.
On the night before the battle he
prose while his comrades were sleep
Ing, and took the flag with him. He
Erept through the trees, searching for
suitable place in which to hide it
until the lines forced up for battle He
ehuckled at the thought of the jest
hat he was playing on his comrades
In arms
He went on and on till he was far
from the lines of the camp. He had
evaded the sentries. who could not
detect him as he lurked in the forest
Presently he caught light of hol-
low oak tree. The very place Tor the
flag. In moment Jasper had wrapped
the silken folds about the staff and de-
posted it in the hollow tree. out of
sight
Although he thought he was unob.
served, nevertheless he mad been seen.
Another man was lurking in the re-
cesses of the forest-a Confederate
spy. seeking the opportunity to break
through the Federal lines
Mobray was Just the same sort of
young fellow as Jasper. 1t was odd
that thing called war should have
converted two inoffensive. kindly lads
into desperate enemies. Mobray.
crouching among the trees, did not see
Jasper conceal the flag, but he saw the
federal uniform and it was the one
thing that he needed. the one miracu-
lous chance that would carry him upon
his mission in safety.
AS Jasper turned his back the spy
sprang from among the trees.
Instinct. born of the bivouac
warned the young Northerner OF the
enemy behind him. He turned in
the nick Of time and caught the up
lifted revolver butt. Together they
wrestled furiously. each putting forth
all his strength. They were SO evenly
matched that the issue was a doubt
full one.
Slowly Jasper's superior strength
began to make itself manifest. His
hands were about his enemys throat;
Mobray left himself grow faint With
last effort he freed his right arm.
and raising his revolver brought the
butt down with all his force upon his
enemy's head.
Jasper sank unconscious upon the
ground. For an instant Mobray was
tempted to finish him; then, as clear
consciousness came back to him
again. he raised the body In his arms.
stripped il of its uniform, and nut II
on. He left the unconscious man.
placed his own Confederate gray
among the bushes. and made his way
through the trees in the direction OF
the Union lines.
Halt Who goes there?"