Under Fire: A Tale of the Shenandoah Valley — page 60: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

BURN AND DESTROY. 53 send the Federals back to the Rotomac faster than they come. “Ah, my child, you are over enthusiastic. There is etave danger to the Southern cause in Virginia. Sheridan now leads the Yankees; a most desperate fighter indeed, and merciless as well,”’ ‘*Sheridan, the Union cavalry commander? I have heard of him. ButI have faith to believe that our brave Early will put his army to flight.’ ‘IT hope so; but I fear the worst.’’ It was a serious face, one actually white with al that Bertha McVane looked into then. “Uncle Orvin, don’t worry. Even if the Yankees should happen to defeat our brave men, no harm will come to you—a non-combatant.’’ ‘*Perhaps not.’’ This was all that Orvin Clymore would say then. Of what use to burden the young mind of his pretty niece with his worst fears. ‘Took! some one comes, uncle.’? A cloud of dust appeared to the north, then the sound of clattering hoofs fell on their ears. : “Come in, Bertha; they are Yankees.”’ A squad of Union cavalry dashed forward into view, their accoutrements jingling as they rode. **No, Uncle Orvin,’’ she cried. ‘‘T have a curlosity to look upon a live Yankee.’ And Bertha McVane afte to move from her position at the fence. A minute later the troop—a score of well-mounted ‘men—drew rein in front of the farm-house. A lieutenant, with an incipient mustache, was in command of the party. ‘Hello, old man! How’s your health?” “My health i is good,’’ answered the Virginian, who was anxious to avoid all seeming offense. ‘Vou do look fat; in good condition, I vow—tat enough to kill; eh, Ue > comicbooks