The Holly chieftain., 1915-12-24
II CCpEHiCHT
200
CHAPTER |.
On Special Service.

On Special Service.
1t was already growing dusk when
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 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 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 wyatti" he inquired
briefly.
l 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 I 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. ! was an hour reaching
the Coulter house, a double log cabin.
some fifty feet or more back from the
road. II was with some difficulty that
made my way through the obstruct-
ing guard to the steps. where an officer
took my name at the closed door, dis
appeared in sudden blaze Of light
and ! stood there silently In the
shadows waiting.
Ten minutes must have elapsed be-
fore the door opened again and
heard my named called. It was
rough appearing. commonplace IN
terror. A sturdy fire burned in the
fireplace. and three lamps illumined
the scene. revealing the presence Of
fve men, among whom 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
fringe Of gray whiskers. Jackson.
seated behind table Uttered with
papers and maps, glanced up at the
announcement Of the orderly. and I
came instantly to attention, my hand
lifted in salute. The generals stern
blue eyes surveyed me intently.
Sergeant Wyatt, Staunton artil.
lery?"
Eyes, SIR"
"How long, may I ask. have you
been in the service?"
"since May. 81. sir"
"Ah! indeed. And your ager'
"Twenty-four, sir"
He made some remark aside to the
aide, who nodded back, and pointed to
q map before them.
you are younger man in appear.
ance than had expected to see, ser.
geant," jackson said slowly. "Yet
have learned within the last year to
have confidence in young men. War
fs 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 section3"
very well. indeed, general"
Jackson sat motionless and in 81.
lence for what seemed long while,
his grave eyes on my face, but his
mind evidently elsewhere. one hand
unconsciously crumpling a folded pa.
per. Ashby moved his chair, causing
It to crunch noisily on the floor, and
the commander aroused at the un.
usual sound.
"By any possibility are you related
20 Judge Joel Wyatt7" he questioned
slowly.
"He was my father. sir. He has
been dead two years"
II regret 70 hear it. Your mother.
unless ! am mistaken, was FarQu.
har, of North Carolina?"
Eyes, 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 ont of Green Brisf