The Crossed Sabres Read Free

him with a strong arm. “Tom’s my best friend—but not where you’re concerned!”
    They arrived at Richmond to find the city packed. Spence parked the buggy at a livery stable and they had to practically push their way through the throngs to get to the center of the city. When they got to the square, Spence said, “Let’s go up on the balcony of that hotel. This is too uncomfortable.”
    He led her through the lobby, bribed a grinning bellboy to let them use the balcony, and stood there looking down on the square. It was late afternoon, and the air was hot, but that in no way discouraged the crowds below. There was a holiday atmosphere about the affair, as though beginning a war were no more than beginning a hunting season.
    They arrived just in time to witness the presentation of a battle flag to a new company that was being formed. This was a common practice, the flag usually being made by one having a heart interest in one of the volunteers. When the flag wascompleted, there was a presentation, usually at a dress parade, a banquet, a religious assembly, or a mass meeting especially for the ceremony. In most instances oratory flew high, and as Miss Idelea Collens offered the colors on a bunting-draped stand, Spence and Marlene got a full sampling of it:
    “Receive then, from your mothers and sisters, from those whose affections greet you, these colors woven by our feeble but reliant hands; and when this bright flag shall float before you on the battlefield, let it not only inspire you with brave and patriotic ambition of a soldier aspiring to his own and his country’s honor and glory, but also may it be a sign that cherished loves appeal to you to save them from a fanatical and heartless foe!”
    Spence laughed softly, saying in Marlene’s ear, “What nonsense!”
    “Oh, Spence, be quiet! She means it!” Marlene allowed herself to lean against him, saying, “Look, that sergeant is going to receive the flag.”
    A color-sergeant had advanced with his corporals to receive the flag, and his response was high-flying indeed: “Ladies, with high-beating hearts and pulses throbbing with emotion, we receive from your hands this beautiful flag, the proud emblem of our young republic. To those who may return from the field of battle bearing this flag in triumph, though perhaps tattered and torn, this incident will always prove a cheering recollection. And to him whose fate it may be to die a soldier’s death, this moment brought before his fading view will recall your kind and sympathetic word, he will bless you as his spirit takes its aerial flight. May the God of battles look down upon us as we register a soldier’s vow that no stain will ever be found upon thy sacred folds, save the blood of those who attack thee or those who fall in thy defense. Comrades you have heard the pledge, may it ever guide and guard you on the tented field! Let its bright folds inspire you with new strength, nerve your arms, and steel your hearts to deeds of strength and valor!”
    A wild yell of exultation rose from the crowd, and since every eye was on the platform, Spence took the occasion to draw Marlene close. She protested, “Oh, Spence—!” but when he released her, she was flustered, and pushed him away, saying, “You’re awful, Spencer Grayson!”
    “No, I’m just in love with you,” he said, and tried to embrace her again, but she pulled away, an arch look in her dark eyes.
    “I didn’t come here to be kissed by you in full view of all Richmond,” she pouted.
    “Well, we’ll just have to find a better place,” he answered, and then they left the balcony and went to supper. He had made reservations at the Elliot, the finest hotel in Richmond, and it was well he did, for every table was taken. During the meal he kept her entertained—something he did well, for he had made a study of pleasing women. He was one of the finest-looking men in the room, his handsome features and tall stature drawing admiring glances