My Lady of the North

seat a box, made softer by a folded blanket. His only companions were two aides, s

ose masterly strategy held at bay for so long those mighty forces hurled on our constantly thinning lines of defence. To me the

assed the single sentry and drew aside the f

ing moment fixed upon me a glance that seemed to read me through and through. Then, with simple d

d you upon the special recommendation of your brigade commander for services of the utmost importance. I certainly do not hold your youth to be against your succes

freely offer myself a volunteer for any service whi

lmost into a smile, and a new look of c

ng wrong to question the willingness of an officer of your regiment, Captain Wayne, to make personal sacrifice. From o

orporal at

r grade by hard service. Y

p, sir, a good soldier, wh

the table, and then, leaning over, traced lightly w

e country well; are you awar

r said that it was your desire to re-estab

t do you know whe

re west of the mountains, sir. It is camp gossip th

eyond the high ridge. You will notice that the Federal lines extend north and south directly between us, with their heavier bodies of infantry along the Wharton pike, and so disposed as to shut off all communication between us and our left wing. Now, the message I must get into Longstreet's hands is imper

denly he lifted his eyes to mine, and said firmly

nto my face, but I met his

I shall meet his advance

ou; I believ

ightly, and glanced toward the door. "Major Holmes,

read it over slowly and with great care, wrote a word of

ory; we must run no possible risk of it

ords here and there misused and corrected, the sentence scratched out, the heavy

s, Army Nort

ld, near Cu

. 22,

Gen'l Lo

ding Le

Sailor's Ford, and shall expect you to advance promptly at the first sound of our artillery. It is absolutely essential that we form prompt connection of forces, and to accomplish this result will require a quick, persistent attack upon your part. You are

, "Gen'l C

paper, and lifted

e memori

or word

t it t

s I did so, and at the close l

you must live long enough to reach Longstreet. I advise you to take the Langley road,-it is the most protected,-and not try to pass beyond the old Coul

gered, thinking he might h

aynes of Charlottesvi

rd Wayne was m

th a most tender smile. "We were together in Mexico. A Vi

sir, the first y

And your mother? If my memory is

d, sir, and the old pl

d to bear the brunt of it. What heroines they have proven! History records no equal to the

y the impulse of the moment,

ion. I am very glad to have been permitted to meet the son of my old friend, and trust you will remember me to your mother. But now

ror, but as I grasped the reins and swung up into saddle, I became conscious that he had followed me. Craig flung u

his voice, so different from the gentleness shown within,-"I am infor

th, sir, either

rm me whether the Big Hicko

but there is another ford two miles no

be at Brix

; the ot

is hand almost caressing

stand, Sergeant, how deeply I value the service you are about to render, and that I shall never pe

. The General was yet standing there in front of his tent, gazing