The circle banner. [volume] (Circle, Mont.) 1914-1939, 1915-12-31
CHAPTER 1.
On Special Service.

lery returned YEARLY 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 smile.
The winter quarters Of the Staunton
artillery were slightly off 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 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
AS' i'i' oii INC VII PihC. iOa VIII iiuC
your own horse"
Five minutes later l was guiding
my own horse down the dark road.
bending low in the saddle. obsessed
with a feeling that this mission,
whatever it might turn out to be,
promised change in my fortunes.
1t was an ugly path, rutted deep by
artillery wheels. and dangerous for
the horse. / was an hour reaching
the Coulter house. double log cabin.
some fifty feet or more back from the
road. 1t 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 a sudden blaze of light
and | stood there silently in the
shadows waiting.
Ten minutes must have elapsed be-
fore the door opened again and l
heard my named called. 1t was
rough appearing, commonplace in
terror, A sturdy fire burned in the
fireplace, and three lamps illumined
the scene. revealing the presence of
five 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
q fringe of gray whiskers. Jackson.
seated behind a table Uttered 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 I ask. have you
been in the service?"
"Since May. 81. SIR
"Ah! indeed. And your age?"
''Twenty-four. sir"
He made some remark aside to the
aide. who nodded back, and pointed to
A map before them.
you ere younger man in appear
ance than | had expected to see, SER
,eant," jackson said slowly. Yet |
nave learned within the last year to
nave confidence in young men. War
s a swift developer of manhood Your
colonel speaks of you in the highest
erms and informs me that you are
/ 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 ST.
ence for what seemed long while.
lis grave eyes on my face, but his
mind evidently elsewhere, one hand
nconsciously crumpling folded pa
er. Ashby moved his chair. causing
to crunch noisily on the floor. and
he commander aroused at the un- 9
sual sound. J
..By any possibility are you related t
, Judge Joel Wyatt?" he questioned
lowly
"He was my father. sir. He has a
cen dead two years. @
81 regret to hear it. Your mother. Il
HESS 4 dill IllStdhOh, "ec - "a NJ |
ar. of North Carolina?" II
Eyes, sir-she has returned to her c
d home" a
1.-THE best of southern blood. gentle s.
en-" he said smilingly, glancing to-
ard the others, but with watchful g
res instantly returning to scan me.
Vas she driven out of Green Briar CT
, the state of unrest in that Sec al
1n?'
IN a measure-yes." | replied Il
omptly. 1T was hardly safe for her b
remain there alone. The county is W
led With Union sympathizers, and lie
AIMED over by bands of guerrilas.
aiming allegiance with both sides, dl
t sparing no one. At present, &C
derstand. Federal troops have been w
Mt there from Charleston and are st
control" pa
n our information is partially cor w
It: but in order to perfect plans tn
v contemplated ] require still su
IRE definite knowledge OF existing
pditions. need to know accurate. gr
the number and distribution OF the pc