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42
OLIVE BUDS.
said. It was the voice of Frank Ludlow. Permission was given, and he spoke something of warning against desertion, and something, in deep bitterness, against the spirit of war. But his tones were so hurried and agitated, that their import could scarcely be gathered. The eye of the commanding officer, was fixed on the watch which he held in his hand. "The time has come," he said. "Kneel upon your coffin."
The cap was drawn over the eyes of the miserable man. He murmured, with a stifled sob, "God, I thank thee, that my dear ones cannot see this." Then from the bottom of his soul, burst forth a cry,
"O mother! mother! had I but believed"—
