Newspapers / The Enterprise (Williamston, N.C.) / March 1, 1912, edition 1 / Page 3
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jSKfii ■ J u/y ■ w ■ SYNOPSIS. The etorv opens In * Confederate tent at a critical stage of the Civil War. Oer. M« Imparts to Capt. Wayne an Important WM«I« to Lonestroet. Accompanied by •"It Craig. an old artm' scout. Wayne btarts on hi* mission. They get within the Itaea of tho enemy and In the dark ■teas Wayne is taken for a Kederal of ficer and a young lady on horseback Is Mtvea In his charge. She Is r northern «frl. and attempts to escape. One of the bfraea succumbs and Craig goes through yltn the dispatches, while Wayne and My Lady of th« North are left alone. They ■eek shelter In a hut and entering It in *he dark a huge mastiff attacks Wayne Tbe girl shootß the brute Just In time. J»e owner of the hut. Jed Bungay. and r» wife appear and soon a party of hoi ■■men approuch. They are led by a loan rlalroln* to be Red Lowrle, but who Provee to be Ma). Brennan, a Federal MNT «ktm the Union girl recognises. He ardors the arrest of Wayne as a spy bo is brought before Sheridan, who Ilirnln» him with death unleos he re the secret message. Wayne telleve* Kttth Brennan to be the wife*of MaJ. Misnosn He Is rescued by Jed Bungay. J™ otarts to reach (Jen. L.ee. while waym In disguise penetrates to the ball yy". beneath which he had been Im ■oooooa. He is introduced to a Miss **aor and barely escapes being unmask ed, Edith Brennan. recognising Wayne, aajrs she will save him. Securing a pass i*"'* t" the lines, they are confronted by Jveennan. who Is knocked senseless. Then, bidding Edith adieu. Wayne makes a Sff liberty. He encounters Bungay; *?? reach the Lee camp and are sent w«B reinforcements to Join Early. In the sot tie of Shenandoah the regiment IS overwhelmed. CHAPTER XXIII. Field Hospital, Slxt-i Corps. My head ached so 'abominably vbea 1 first opened my eyes that I was compelled to close them again, mrely reallzihg dimly that I looked at something white above me, whlcfc appeared to sway as though Wow* rently by the wind. My grop ing hand, the only one I appeared •Me to move, tolu me I was lying upon a camp-cot, with soft sheets ■bout me, and that my head rested ■pon a pillow. Then I passed once aore into unconsciousness, but this time it was asleep. When 1 once more awakened the throbbing pain had largely left my bat temples, and I saw that the sway lag white canopy composed the roof of a large tent, upon which the goMen sunlight now lay In checkered Buses, telling mi the canvas had fcaaa erected among trees. A faint noaa caused me to move my head •lightly on the gratefully soft pillow, •ad I could perceive a long row of «ot», exactly similar to the one I occupied, each apparently filled, stretching away toward an opening that looked forth Into tho open air. A man was moving slowly down the aarrow aisle toward me, stopping here and there to bend over some cofferer with medicine or a cheery oror*. Ho wore a short white jacket, •ad was without a cap, his head of Isoavy red hair a most conspicuous abject As he approached 1 en deavored to speak, but for the moment *ay throat refused response to the ef fort. Then I managed to ask feebly: *"Wbero am I?" The Llue eyes in tho freckled, boy lab face danced good humoredly, and feo laid a big red hand gently upon ■ty forehead. "Field hospital, Sixth Corps," he ■aid. with a strong Hibernian ac cent "An' how de ye lolke it, John ayr v "Better than some others I've seen," 1 managed to articulate faintly. "Who woo?" "Dtril a wan of us knows," he ad- Bitted frankly, "but your fellows did Ike retratln'." It was an old. old story to all of us hy that time, and I closed my eyes wearily, content to ask no more. 1 have CJ way of knowing how long 1 rested there motionless although ■wake, my eyes closed to keep out the vatnfnl glare. my sad thoughts busied with memory of those men whom I had seen reel and fall upon that stricken field wo had battled so ralnly to tare. Once I wondered, with sud den start of fear, if I had lost a limb, If 1 was to be crippled for life, the •ne thing I dreaded above all else. Feeling feebly beneath my bed-cloth ing I tested, as best 1 could, each link All wore apparently intact, at though my left arm deemed useless •ad devoid of feeling, broken no doubt, and I heaved a sigh of genuine relief. Then 1 became partially •nmed to my surroundings by a voice spotting from the cot next "Ton lazy Irish ma rice!" It cried petulantly, "that beef stew was to fcave been given me an hour ago." "Sure, sor," was tbe soothing reply. "It wasn't to be given yer bonor till twe o'clock." "Well, It's all of three now." "Waa-tbirty, on mo sowl, sor." That first voice souaded oddly familiar, and I turned my face that way, but waa unable to perceive tbe speaker. "Ir that Lieutenant Catcn?" I csked ionltfully. "Moat Lssuredly it is." quickly. "And who are you?" "Captain Wayne of the Confederate Amy." "Oh. Af.yae? Glad you spoke, but extremely sorry to have you here. • i Ktf hart?" "Mot seriously. I think. No limbs ■tsslag, anyhow, but exceedingly «r«ak. Where did tboy get your ■« hrJEAjmA4& PA/zxAs/r S 1 KINGVK ILLUSTRATIONS BMRIfIURT. WILLIAMSON* CL' traded. I would be all right If that lazy Irish scamp would only give me t«;lf enough to* eat By the way, Wayne, of course I never got the straight of it, for there are half-a dozen stories about the affair flying around, and those most interested will not talk, but one of your special friends, ;.nd to my notion a most charming young woman, will be in here to see me sometime this after noon. She will be delighted to meet you again, I'm sure." "One of my friends?" 1 questioned incredulously, yet Instantly thinking ing of Edith Brennan. "A young wo man ?" "Sure; at least she has confessed enough to me regarding that night's work to me strongly suspicious that Captain Wayne, of the Confed erate Army, and Colonel Curran, late of Major-Oeneral Halleck's staff, are one and the same person. A mighty neat trick, by Jove, and »t would have done you good to see Sheridan's face when they told him. put about the young lady—she claims great friend ship with the gallant Colonel of light artillery and hen description of his ap pearance at the ball Is assuredly a masterpiece of romantic fiction. Come, Captain, surely you are- not the kind of man to forget a pretty face like that? 1 can assure you, you made a deep Impression. There are times when I am almost Jealous of you." "But," 1 protested, my heart beat ing rapidly, "I met several that eve ning, and you have mentioned no name." "Well, to me It chances there is but one worthy of mention," he said earnestly, "and that onj la Cella Minor." "Miss Minor!" 1 felt a strange sense of disappointment "Docs she come alone T" "Most certainly; do you suppose she «ould expose m« In my present weak state to the lucinatlons of any una else?" "Oh, ao the wind lies In that quar ter, does it, old fellow? I congratu late you, I'm sure." My recollection of Miss Minor was certainly a most pleasa.it one, and 1 recalled to memory the attractive pic ture of her glossy black hair and ilashlng brown eyes, yet I felt'ex ceedingly small interest in again meet ing her. Indeed I was asleep when she finally entered, and it was the sound of Caton's voice that aroused me and made me conscious of the presence of others. "I shall share these grapes with my cot mate over yonder," he said laugh ingly. "By the way, Cella. his voice sounded sTangely familiar to me a short time ago. Just glance over there and Bee If he Is any one you know." 1 heard the soft rustle of skirts, and, without a smile, looked up Into her dark eyes. There was a sudden start of pleased surprise. "Why," she exclaimed eagerly, "It is Colonel Curran! Edith, dear, here is the Rebel who pretended to be Myrtle Curran's brother." How tbo hot blood leaped within my veins at mention of tliat name; but before I could lift my head she had swept across the tiarrow alslo, and was standing beside me. Wife, or what, there vas that within her eyes which told me' a wondrous story. For the Instant, In her surprise and aglta tion, she forgot herself, and lost that marvellous self-restraint which bad held us so far apart "Captain Wayne!" she cried, and her laved bands fell instantly upon my own, where It rested without the coverlet "You here, and wounded?" I smiled up at her, feeling now that my Injuries were indeed trivial. "Somewhat weakened by loos of blood, Mrs. Brennan, but not danger ously hurt." Then 1 could not for bear asking softly, "Is It possible you can feel regret over injuries inflicted upen a Rebel?" Her cheeks flamed, and tlft audaci ous words served to recall her to our surroundings. "Even although I love my country, and slncerelykope for the downfall of her enemies," she unswered soberly, do not delight in suffering. Were you in that terrible cavalry charge? They tell me scarcely a mat among them survived." "I rode with my regiment." "I knew it was regiment—the name waa upon every lip, and even our own men unite in declaring It a magnificent sacrifice, a most gallant deed. You must know I thought In stantly of 70U wben I was told it waa the act of the —th Virginia." Tbere were tears In my eyes, I know, as I listened to ber, and my heart warmed at this frank confes sion of ber remembrance. "I am glad you cared sufficiently for me," I said gravely, "to bold roe lr your thought at sucb a time Our command merely performed tbe work given It, but tbe necessity has cost us dearly. You are yet at General Sheridan's headquarters T" "Only temporarily/ and almply be cause tbere baa been no opportunity to get away, the movements of the army have* been so harried and un certain. Since tbe battle Minor htm desired to rssssla until assured of Lieutenant Caton's permanent re covery. He was most severely Vfounded, and of course I could not well leave her here alone. Indeed I am her guest, as we depart tomor row for her home, to remain indefi nitely." , "But Miss Minor Is, 1 understand, a native of this State?" "Her home is in the foot-hills of the Blue Ridge, along the valley of the Cowskln, —a most delightful old South ern mansion. I passed the summer there when a mere girl, previous to the war." "But will it prove v safe for you now?" i "Oh, Indeed, yes; everybody says so. It is entirely out of the track of both armies, and has completely es caped despoliation. But you. Captain Wayne: surely you have already risked enough?" "There Is much suffering upon both sides, but surely even you would not Wi3h me to be other than true to what I look upon as a duty?" "No; I—l tLink I—l respect you the more." I clasped her hand close within my own. "Your words encourage me greatly," I said earnestly. "I have done so much to bring you trouble'and sorrow that I have been fearful lest It had cost me what I value more highly than you can ever know." These words wera uniortunate, and Instantly brought back to her a mem ory which seemed a barrier between us. 1 read the change In her averted face. "That can never be. Captain Wayne," she returned calmly, yet rls Ing even as she spoko. "you have come into my life under circumstances so peculiar as to make me always your friend. Cella," and she turned toward the others, "is it not time wo were going? I am very sure the doc tor said you were to remain with Lieutenant Caton but a brief time." "Why, Edith," retorted the other, gayly, "I have been ready for half an hour—haven't I, Arthur?—but you were so deeply engrossed with your Rebel I hadn't the heart to Interrupt." I could see the quick color as It mounted over Mrs. Drennan's throat "Nonsense," she answered; "we have not been here that length of time." "Did the Major emerge, trot out the lata entanglement unhurt?" It was Ca ton's voice that spoke. "Much to bis regret, I believe, he was not even under fire." Tbe tone was cool and collected again. "T will say good-bye. Lieutenant; doubtless we shall see you at Mountain View so soon as you are able to take the jour ney. And, Capt.iin Wayne, I trust I shall soon learn of your complete re covery." My eyes followed them down tbe long aisle. At the entrance sbe i,'.&nced back, and I lifted my hand. Whether she marked tbe gesture I do not kno", for tne next Instant both ladies had disappeared without The night Jrew alowly down, and as it darkened, only e miserable .amp sbed Its dim days throughout the great tent; nurses moved nolslessly from cot to cot, and I learned some thing of the nature of my own In juries from the gruff old surgeon who dressed the wound In my chost and re fastened the apliots along my arm. It must hare been midnight, pos slbly even later *hen a number of rapid shots fired outside the tent aroused me, and I heard many voices shouting, mingled with the tread of horses' feet. The night-watch had al ready disappeared, and the startled In mates of the tent were In a state of intense confusion. As I lifted myself ■lightly, dazed by the sudden uproar and eager to learn Its cause, the tent flap, which had been lowered to ex clude the cold night air, was hastily Jerked aside, and a man stepped with in, casting one rapid glance about that dim Interior. The flaring lamp o* jrhead revealed to -ue a short, heavy-set figure, clad in a gray uni form. 'No one here nead feel -larm," he said quietly. "We are not making war upon the wounded. Are there any Confederates present able to travel?" A dozen eager voices answered him, and men began to crawl out of their cots onto the floor. "We can be burdened with no help less or badly wounded men," he said sternly. "Only those able to ride. No, '■r.y man, you are in too bad shape to travel. Very sorry, my boy, but It can't be done. Only your left arm, you say? Very well, move out In front there. No, lad, it would be the death of you, for we must ride fast and hard." He came to a pause a bulf-dozcn cots away from me. and seemed about to retrace his steps. Dim as the light was, 1 felt convinced I had for merly seen that short figure and stern face with Its closely cropped beard. "Mosby," I called out, resolved to risk his remembrance. "Colonel Mos by, isn" it possible to take me?" "Captain Waynel" She Cried. "Who are you?" he questioned sharply, turning In the direction- of my voice. "Wayne," I answered eagerly,. "Wayne, of the Virginia." In an Instant he was standing be side my cot, his eyes filled with anxious Interest. Phil Wayne, of Charlottesville? You here? Not badly hurt, my boy?" "Shot and bruised, Colonel, but I'd stand a good deal to get out of this." "And, by the Eternal, you shall; that Is, If you can travel In a wagon. Here, Sims, Thomas; two of you carry this officer out. Take her clothes and all— easy now." The fellowa picked me up tenderly, and bore me slowly down the central u!sle. Mosby walked beside us as far as the outer opening. "Put liim down there by the fire," he ordered, "until I look over the rest of these chaps and divide the wheat the chaff." CHAPTER XXIV. A Night Ride of the Wounded. It was & wild, rude scene without, yet In its way typical of a little-un derstood chapter of Civil War. More over It was one with which I was not entirely unacquainted. Years of cav alry scontlng, bearing me beyond the patrol lines of the two great armies, had frequently brought me into con tact with those various Independent. Irregular forces which, cooperating with us, often rendered mobi efficient service by preying on the scattered Federal camps and piercing their lines of communication. Seldom risking an engagement i tit* open, their policy ' aate >*&&&&*&&& Ssis&uitiii*. WES rather to dash down upon some outpost or poorly guarded wagou train, and retreat with a rapidity ren dering pursuit hopeless. It was parti san warfare, and appealed to many Ul-adapted -to üblde i'ic stricter dis cipline of regular service. These bor dr • rangers would rendezvous under Bome chosen leader, strike an unex pected blow where weakness hid been discovered, then disappear as quickly at they came, oftentimes rcatterlng widely until the call went loru for some fresh assault. It was service not dissimilar to that performed dur ing the Revolutionary struggle by Sumter and Marion in the Carolinas, and added In the aggregate many a day to the contest of tb~ Confederacy. Among these wild, rough riders be twcon the lines no leauer was more favorably known of our army, nor more dreaded by the enemy, than Mosby. Daring to the point of reck leanness, yet wary as a fox, counting opposing numbers nothing when weighed against the advantage of sur prise, tireless In saddle, audacious In resource, quick to plan and equally quick to execute, he was alwayß where least expected, and It was seldom he failed to win reward for those who rodo at his back. Pos sessing regular rank In the Confed erate Army, making report of his op erations to the commander In-cUlef, his peculiar talent as a partisan leader had won him what was practically an independent command. Knowing him as 1 did, I was not surprised that he should now have swept suddenly out of the black night upon tbe very verge of the jattle to drive his Irritating stlng Into the hard-earned Federal vic tory. An empty army wagon, the "U. 3. A." yet conspicuous upon its canvas cover, had been overturned and fired in front of the hospital tent to give light to the raiders. Grouped about beneath the trees, and within the glow of the flames, was a picturesque squad of horsemen, hardy, tough-looking fel lows tlie hiost of them, their clothing an odd mixture of uniforms, but ev ery man heavily arjned nnd admirably equipped for service. Some remained mounted, lounging carelessly in their saddles, but far the larger number were on fcot, their bridle-reins wound about their wrists. All alike appeared alert and ready for any emergency. Mow many composed tbo party 1 waa unable tp judge with accuracy, as they constantly came and wont from out the shadows beyond the circumferenc« of the Are. As all sounds of firing had ceased,l concluded that the work planned had been already accom plished. Undoubtedly, surprised aa they were, the small Federal force left to guard this point had been quick ly overwhelmed and scattered. The excitement attendant upon ray release had left me for the time being utterly forgetful as to the pain or my wounds, so that weaknoss alono held me to the blanket upon which I had been left. The night was ajecidely chilly, yet I had scarcely begun to feel Its discomfort, when a man strode forward from out of tho nearer group and stood looking down upon me. 11c was a young follow, wearing a gray artillery Jacket, with high cavalry boots coming above the knees. 1 no> tlced his firmly set Jaw, and a pearl handled revolver stuck carelessly In his belt, but observed no symbol oi rank about him. "Is this Captain Wayno?" he askod, j not unpleasantly. I answered by an Inclination of thfl | head, and he turned at once toward tho others., "Cass, bring three men over hero and carry this officer to the Karn« wagon you did the others;" he com manded briefly. "Fix him comfort ably, but be In a hurry about It" They lifted me In the blanket, ont holding tightly at either corner, and j bore me tenderly out Into the night \ Once one of them tripped over a pro j Jecting root, and the sudden Jar of hll i stumble shot a spasm of pain,through"! me, which caused me to cry out eve* j through my clinched teeth. "Pardon me, lads," I panted ashamed of the weakness, "but 11 slipped out before I could help It." "Don't be after a mentlonln' av It yer honor," returned a rich brogue "Sure an me feet got so mixed ouj I that I wondher I didn't drap ye en j tolreljt^ "If ye had, Clency," said t£e mai named Cass, grimly, "I reckon as ho* the Colonel would have drapped you." At the foot of a narrow ravine, lead Ing forth Into the broader valley. w« came to a covered army wagon. t( which four mules had been already at tached. The canvas was drawn aside ai)d I was lifted up and carefully do posited In the hay that thickly covered the bottom. It was so Intensely dark within I could see nothing of my tm mediate surroundings, but a low moai told me there must be at least on« other wounded man present. Outsldi 1 heard the tread of horses' hoofs, and then the sound of Mosby's voice. "Jake," he said, "drive rapidly, bu\ with as much care as possible. Takt the lower road after you cross tM bridge, and you will meet with no p» trols. We will ride beside you for ( couple of miles." i (TO am CONTINUUM The Sam and Substance of being a subscriber to this paper ia tbat you and your family become attached to it The paper becomea a member of the family aivt its coming each week will be as welcome as the ar rival of anyone that* s dear. It will keep you informed on the doing* of the community end the bargains of the merchants regularly advertised will enable you to sere many timee the coet of the subscription. j We're Opposed | Mail Order Concerns Because— They have never contributed e cent to furthering the inlrrests of out to we— Every cent received by them from thie community ii a direct lot* to our merchant!*— In elmost every cue their prices can be met ri|ht here, I without delay in receiving good* U and the possibility of mistakes ■ in tiling orders. But- The natural human trait li to buy where goodi are cheeped. Local pride it tuually second - ary in the game oil liie ee played today. Therefore Mr. Merchant and Business I Man, meet your competitors with their own weapon* — ■ advertising. Advertise! The local field ii your*. All you need do ia to avail your. • •elf of the opportunities ouered. An edvertiiement in this paper will carry your message into hundreds of home* in this com. munity. It is the surest medium of killing your greatest com peritor. A specs thia sue won't cost much. Coese b ■ sad see us about it fVoCU RED AND OEFCN QE o*'**| drfcwkof or pnuto. for •* i*ri m%i oh *nd tr— report. ■ to obuia paUibU. trad* m*rk*, ■ copyright* Me., IN ALt COUNTRIES. Wm« dlr* t wilh' Washington mm time, ■ money and often the latent. and Infrlnjtmint Practice Ers'uilvaly. I BU KUU Btrwt, Off. United gUtn frnteut 0Bc«,l KILL™' COUCH AND CURE THg LUWCB with Dr. King's New Diseetrery n»CBS!& H8 ,„s"Sk. IMP ALL THROAT AND UJHtiTROUBLES. H AT IS Y AOTOBT |osM(?yi:y Rrguux> KT>. DO YOU know of anyone who is old enough to read, who has not seen that sign at a railroad crossing? If everyone has aeen it at aomo time or other, then wby.deean't the railroad let the aign rot away? Whydoea the railroad company continue to kqep those s&na at every crossing t Maybe you think, Mr. Merest, I' Moat everybody knowa my etora, I don't have to advertise." Your atoro and your fooda need more advertising than the rail road* need do to warn people to "Look Out for the Care. - Nothing ia ever completed in tha advertising world. The Department Stores are a very i.ovd example—they are continually advertiaing—-and they sre cobtinuaSy doing a good business. If It pays to run a frw ads 'round about Christmas time, It cer tainly will ]My you to run Ad vertisements about all the tbA*. JL IfthptliMtini. bst'»>B,ts ADVERTISE in HnpxTHIS PAPER
The Enterprise (Williamston, N.C.)
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March 1, 1912, edition 1
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