The Escape—The Pursuit—The Capture.
The Escape—The Pursuit—The Capture.
Charge—charge, boys, for "God and for liberty!" See!Their traitorous banner is hurled to the ground.And up go our colors, the "Flag of the Free,"While our bands strike "Columbia," oh! glorious sound.Col. Weeks.
Charge—charge, boys, for "God and for liberty!" See!Their traitorous banner is hurled to the ground.And up go our colors, the "Flag of the Free,"While our bands strike "Columbia," oh! glorious sound.Col. Weeks.
Charge—charge, boys, for "God and for liberty!" See!Their traitorous banner is hurled to the ground.And up go our colors, the "Flag of the Free,"While our bands strike "Columbia," oh! glorious sound.Col. Weeks.
Charge—charge, boys, for "God and for liberty!" See!
Their traitorous banner is hurled to the ground.
And up go our colors, the "Flag of the Free,"
While our bands strike "Columbia," oh! glorious sound.
Col. Weeks.
"Darn my buttons if the captain ain't got back all safe!" shouted Nettleton, as he fairly danced with delight.
"Yes, all safe," replied Hayward "But how have you passed the day, Adjutant Hinton?"
"Not at all pleasantly!" replied the adjutant. "We have had serious anxiety on your account, and I suppose we came very near being discovered!"
"Indeed! Why so?"
"You had been absent just long enough to reach camp, when we heard the firing of guns. In a short time a party of horsemen rode past at a furious rate, cursing and speaking of a spy. We feared you had been discovered, were making your escape, and that they were in pursuit."
"What did you do?"
"Of course I advised our friends to remain quiet. I thought if we were to appear and fight, you would reach us in some way, or give us some signal. But it was very difficult to restrain Nettleton. He determined to rush upon the pursuers, and once had his gun raised tofire upon them, but I prevented him from doing so."
"I am very much obliged to you for your good feeling, and admire your courage. But, you must not be rash. If you had fired a gun, it would have brought certain destruction upon us all."
"Well, captain, you see I wouldn't have done it, but I was feared that black rascal there would expose us all. The curse began tocryjust as soon as he heerd the guns shootin', and when they let off that volley up at that rock there, the darned sneak's bones rattled so, I was sure they would hear them."
"But, how have you succeeded, captain?" asked the adjutant.
"Oh! admirably. That party you saw was led by Price himself. He was in pursuit of an Indian. He left camp just as I arrived at his tent, and this gave me just the opportunity I desired. There was no person at the general's tent but an orderly, who became very familiar and communicative. He gave me the exact plan of their encampment, but it will be of little use, as Price takes up his line of march for Cassville to-morrow. But the most important document I possess is the plan of our own camp, containing not only my own description, but I suppose that of yours, and of all the generals, and other principal officers in our army."
"How did you get possession of this document?"
"It was brought to the tent of Price by his spies while he was absent. I learned from the orderly that the general did not know the existence of the paper, or that his spies had returned. So I worked upon the fears of the orderly, got possession of the paper, and his promise not to let Price know anything about it, and then ordered the men who brought it to be put in the guard-house and gagged. Of course I accused them of playing false to Price, and of being in reality Union spies."
"Of course the trick will be discovered!"
"Oh! certainly—and I suppose it is by this time, as one of the prisoners sent for Price, and he was to meet him at ten o'clock. For a short time they will be puzzled. The question will be asked the orderly, what he did with the papers, and he will answer that he gave them to me. But, when Price learns that it was me who ordered his spies under arrest, and gagged so that they could not speak, that I have the papers, that my story to him and the orderly did not agree, and that I am nowhere to be found, he will sea at once that he has been terribly sold, and know that I was a spy. If he describes my person, I will be at once recognized by one of the men whom I had placed under arrest, as the very man Price longed to get in his grasp!"
"Why, what does Price know of you?" asked the adjutant.
"Do you remember our second day's march from Tipton, that about four o'clock in the afternoon, I was stopping at a log-house, near a well, at the right of the road, and that while the person who appeared to be master of the house was helping me to a cup of water, you rode up and gave me a letter?"
"Yes, I remember it perfectly well, and that you remarked the letter was from Mamie."
"Exactly. And do you recollect the words I used about Price, to the man who gave me the water?"
"I remember they were not very complimentary."
"Well, the man who handed me that cup of water was Price himself!"
"The devil! And did he not recognize you to-day?"
"No, for he spoke of Captain Hayward, and remarked that he had an account to settle with him, and had sent for his description, which he expected every moment. I had it in my pocket at the time, and those who took it were under arrest by my order. They would have recognized me in an instant if they had seen me. The reason that Price did not recognize me was, that when he saw me at the well, I was almost black with dust, and I took pains to-day to change the tone of my voice as much as possible."
"It was a terrible risk!"
"By gracious, captain, if you ain't a trump," said Nettleton, as he opened wide his green eyes.
"But they have discovered all by this time, and we have not a moment to lose. It is eleven o'clock now, and you are expected at yonder rock!"
"You have seen Alibamo?"
"Yes, and kissed her!"
"She knew you, then?"
"No—she didn't—I told her before a large crowd that I was Harry Hinton. She understood me, and said I might kiss her. I did so—on the ear!"
"And whispered at the same time. Thank you, my best friend."
"Well, don't stop for thanks now. That rock is outside the picket guard, but she will be attended by ten or twelve soldiers. Go to her at once. I will see our horses placed in a position where we can easily mount. The negro shall ride behind Nettleton, and Alibamo shall have White Surry."
"We must fight, of course."
"I think it will not be necessary—that is, only you and I!"
"What do you mean, captain?"
"Why, her guard have all seen you, and by your own story, they think you a lover, although not altogether a favored one. I have met the beauty to-day—they have all seen me. They saw me kiss her, and think, that for a short acquaintance, I am a remarkably favored lover. You are a private, and I am an officer, and in that particular, of course, have the advantage. I will come upon you, after you have conversed a few moments, and take the lady under my protection. Her guard will be much more likely to permit me to walk with the lady alone than you, as I am an officer in favor with the general. Once near our horses, we have nothing to fear, and none of her guard are mounted. Now go Harry. If we must fight, all right."
As Adjutant Hinton started for the rock, Captain Hayward directed that the horses be brought into the main pathway. It was done, and all was in readiness.
As Harry reached the rock, Alibamo sprang forward to receive him.
"Let your action be constrained—do not embrace me—and speak low, dear Alibamo. The reason for this, you will discover presently."
"I know you have good cause for this request, my own Harry, but I must tell you how I love you!" replied Alibamo, as she bowed her head upon the breast of her lover. "But I have been here an hour—and I sang, in the hope you would hear my voice."
Some words of tenderness passed between the lovers, when Alibamo cried:
"What is that?"
It was at this moment that the brother of Alibamo, as narrated in the second chapter, creeping near the rock, had overheard her words, and had cried, "Then you are not my sister!"
"It is my brother! my own brother's voice. He has been near—has heard all!" shrieked Alibamo. Then checking herself, she said, in a low tone: "He thinks you a rebel, Harry! He forswears me! How can I undeceive him?"
"The guard has fired upon him. The camp is aroused—they are beating the long-roll. It is a desperate hazard now!"
"But my brother?"
"Quick—give me your apron—I will wave it—he may see its colors—and sing—sing, Alibamo—sing the Star-spangled Banner!"
Harry seized the apron, and commenced waving it, and Alibamo began to sing.
"Silence!" cried Hayward, who came up at that moment. "Silence that traitorous song. And give me that ensign of abolitionism. For shame, young man. Love has made you blind. Don't you see that the lady's apron which you are waving is a federal flag? It may be very romantic to meet young ladies at midnight on a moonlit-rock, and whisper love-tales; butyou, sir, must not wave such things as this, merely to conciliate angry brothers. Now, go to camp, sir, and if I catch you at such tricks again, I shall order your arrest. I will take charge of the lady."
"Here are her guard sir," said Harry, in a subdued tone.
"Ah! yes. Are you mounted, boys?"
"No, captain."
"Then get within the lines as soon as possible. The federal army are advancing, and are within a few miles of us, and their scouts are but a short distance from this point. I have a horse, and will make my servant dismount and give the lady his horse!"
"All right, captain," replied the sergeant in command of the squad He had seen Hayward that day several times, and had no doubt he was just what he appeared.
Hayward had brought his own horse and that rode by Nettleton, within a few feet of the spot where he was then standing. The adjutant had already disappeared, as the captain handed the lady into the saddle and mounted his own horse. As he turned into the main road, a mounted orderly from the camp rode up to the squad and asked:
"Have you seen that fellow who was around camp to-day and pretended to be from McIntosh—the one that kissed Alibamo?"
"Yes, there he is, just—why he is goingfromthe camp instead of toward it!"
"It is Captain Harry Hayward, of the federal army, and a spy. Fire upon him!"
A discharge of musketry rang through the woods, but the captain and his charge were too well covered by the trees and the darkness to be injured by it.
Captain Hayward heard the question, and striking his horse with the spur, he dashed forward at a rapid rate, followed by the whole party.
"The story I told the guard of the advancing army," said Hayward, "will prevent an immediate pursuit. But Price will know it is not true, and in an hour we shall be hotly followed. We must make the best of our time!"
The company did not pause for more than five hours, as it was daylight when the first halt was made. They had scarcely dismounted when the echoes of horses' feet were heard in the distance.
"We are pursued, but we must press forward. Those sounds cannot be more than a mile in the rear. They must have ridden very rapidly. But we will escape them without difficulty. We cannot be more than ten miles from our outposts, and they will not dare pursue us much farther." They had scarcely prepared to set off again, when Nettleton said:
"There come the skunks that went after the powder!"
It was true. In the opposite direction came the party of twenty. Behind, they were followed by they knew not how large a force, and before, twenty rebels were approaching. Whether they could be so easily misled this time, was a matter of considerable doubt.
"Quick—ride for the wood, Miss Alibamo. You may save yourself—we must fight. Stay! They see you. It will be too late; besides, we met this party once before, and they may not interrupt us at all. That which I fear most is, that they will detain us so long in conversation that the rear party will overtake us. But we must venture."
"They will know me, captain," said Alibamo.
"If a fight is inevitable, Alibamo, do you start for the river. White Surry can swim—he is accustomed to it. Plunge in—give him a loose rein, and he will bear you safely to the opposite shore. Then ride rapidly for camp. They are upon us."
"Well, captain, the army is moving, is it not?" asked Hayward.
"What army?" was the sullen question.
"Why,ourarmy moves to-day—or at least the general so informed me; but I speak of the federal army. The general received information last night that Fremont would cross the river to-day at four o'clock. And I was sent to ascertain if this was so!"
"Indeed! And do you usually take women with you when you act as spies?"
"Not usually. But I thoughtmy wifecould gain admittance to the camp much more easily than a man!"
"Your wife. Bah! Very likely the general would let her go, when he knows she passes half her time singing the Star-spangled Banner, and wears the federal flag as an apron! She would betray us all, and never return."
"Look you, sir!" said Hayward sternly, "I don't intend to hold any argument with you, and I will not listen to any insults or insinuations. I married Alibamo last evening. She was an old friend, and will hereafter adhere Strictly to my cause and adopt my principles. You see, she no longer wears the flag as an apron!"
"I see it!"
"And when approaching the federal camp, do you suppose she would take it off, unless it was of her own accord?"
"I don't know. But Idowant to know about that powder. When we got there, we found the powder gone, and a squad ready to receive us. We had to swim the river to get away, and, as it was, two of our own party were killed. Hello! There comes another party, headed by Branch. It may be all right, but d——n me if I don't hold you till they come up, because I believe you are nothing more nor less than abolition spies, and that the man you sent back after your revolver, went direct to Fremont and informed about the powder!"
He had scarcely finished these words, when Nettleton's gun came crashing on his head, and the brains flew in every direction. He fell from his horse, dead. The attack now commenced in earnest, but it had been so sudden on the part of the attacking party, that eleven of the rebels bit the dust before the party had sufficiently recovered from surprise to make any effective defence.
"Quick, Alibamo; to the river—save yourself—they are upon us!" shouted Hayward.
The first attacking party had been entirely scattered by the lightning blows dealt by the little Union band, but, as they saw the approach of at least fifty other horsemen, they rallied for another charge. The horses of Hayward and his party were worn and jaded—so were those of his pursuers, while those of the fallen foe were fresh.
"Spring into the saddles of those fresh horses—ride for your lives—quick!"
It was accomplished in an instant. The approaching party were now only a few yards from the devoted band, when a shot was fired, and with a groan Captain Hayward fell to the ground. In an instant, Adjutant Hinton was by his side.
"Captain—O God!—captain-speak!" he cried. "Are you hurt?"
"Here—these papers—take them—go—go—save yourself!"
"Never—never!" he cried. "Come on, ye fiends—I will sell my life dearly—I will die with my captain!"
"No—no! Alibamo—save her—those papers—go, I command—I am mortally hurt—save yourselves—you cannot benefit me!"
"You may live!"
"Then go, and return torescue me—oh!" And Hayward spoke no more.
"Or to avenge your death!" cried Hinton, as he sprang into his saddle and darted from the spot, amid a shower of bullets, bearing the papers with him.
In an instant Hayward was surrounded, but they could not overtake the flying party, who had the advantage of fresh horses.
The Brother—The War Scout—The Union Camp—The Trail.
The Brother—The War Scout—The Union Camp—The Trail.
Find them—bring them back—then ask for millions.Old Play.
Find them—bring them back—then ask for millions.Old Play.
Find them—bring them back—then ask for millions.Old Play.
Find them—bring them back—then ask for millions.
Old Play.
When William Margrave, the brother of Alibamo, had been discovered, and fired upon by the guard, after having seen his sister, and heard her voice, he knew that his assistance would be of no avail. He at once started for the cabin where were his friends Johnson and Fall-leaf, but not until he had seen Alibamo mount her horse, and, with her friend, dash forward from the camp. He saw the soldiers as they fired after the retreating form of his sister and her friend, and also saw that they were unhurt.
"It is a rescue; still, I cannot understand it—I cannot conceive how she came to meet friends from the Union army, or how they became aware of her presence in the rebel camp."
He pursued his course to the river, and crossing, soon reached the cabin. As he entered, Johnson rose to receive him.
"Your return is sudden. What has happened?" he asked.
"All for the best!"
"Explain."
"Itwasmy sister's voice that I heard I saw her—I spoke to her."
"Could you not save her?"
"I would have done so, or died by her side. But she had other friends with her. I saw her with two men, one of them disguised as a rebel officer. Or, at least, so I suppose, for he led her to a horse, helped her to mount, and rode rapidly away, while the guard who had just come up, fired after them. She is on her way to the Union camp, and will reach it in a short time, if nothing happens."
"Are you sure those who rescued her were Union soldiers?"
"I can only judge by what I saw."
"What do you intend doing?"
"How is Fall-leaf?" asked Margrave.
"Me well—well!" answered the Indian.
"Why, how is this? I thought Fall-leaf was badly wounded."
"No! his wounds are slight. That in his breast or side, is merely a flesh-wound. The shot struck a rib, and glanced off. A second shot struck him near the temple, and stunned him. But he is not seriously injured."
"Can he walk?"
"Me walk—well!" replied Fall-leaf, as he arose and strode across the room.
"Then we must go at once to the federal camp. Can you walk so far, Fall-leaf?"
"Me go down—horse—there!"
"He has a horse concealed among the trees, but a short distance down the river, and on this side," replied Johnson.
"Have you never entertained any suspicion that my sister was with Price?"
"Oh, yes. But Price has never placed any confidence in me, and never, except at this last visit, have I been permitted to enter, or leave camp, without the presence of a guard."
"Well, let us be off. We must keep on this side of the river to avoid scouts."
The party walked down to the bank of the Osage, and striking a narrow path, took their course toward Warsaw. The Indian secured his horse, and mounting, rode by the side of his friends.
It was late in the afternoon when they reached the Union camp. The first thing Margrave did upon his arrival was to acquaint the general with all the particulars, and requested to be shown those officers or soldiers who had that day returned from the rebel camp, in the hope of finding his sister. He was directed to Adjutant Hinton, and with a beating heart he sought his presence. He found the adjutant in deep grief, but he arose to receive him.
"Why, you are the officer whom I saw standing upon the rock with my sister," said Margrave.
"Then you are the brother of Alibamo?"
"I am."
"Do you know where she is?"
"Where she is?" echoed Margrave, with surprise. "Why, I came here to learn where she is!"
"Ah! yes. Well, my friend, I am deeply distressed with regard to your sister. She should have been here before this."
"Why, did she not leave with you?"
"She started with myself and friends, but we were met by overwhelming numbers about ten miles from this place, and a terrible fight ensued. Our captain was killed, or very badly wounded, and our party scattered. I saw Alibamo riding for the river, intending to swim her horse across it. The captain fell, and I turned to rescue him. He was nearly gone, but told me to save myself and Alibamo. That name acted like a magic, and, coward that I was, I left my captain, and sought her. But, I could not find her—neither any of my friends. I returned to camp alone! Oh! my God, if I had only remained, and died with them!"
George, the negro, now entered the tent. His countenance was the very index of terror.
"George, are they alive?" almost shrieked the adjutant.
"Oh! yes—yes—Gor a mighty, massa adjutump—day's fifty ob em!"
The adjutant saw the negro was too much frightened to give any correct account, and he tried to reassure him.
"You are safe now. Nothing can harm you here."
"Sartin shuah ob dat, massa adjutump?"
"Sure, George. But now tell me what you know of our friends."
"Oh! golly massa adjutump, dis chile neber was so skeered. Dar was fifty."
"Where is Captain Hayward!"
"Killed—dead—shuah pop—oh! golly!"
"Where is Captain Young?"
"He's here, massa adjutump."
Captain Young entered the tent.
"You are alive; but where are our friends?" asked the adjutant.
"I know not, I lost sight of them, and supposed them all killed but myself."
"George, where is Nettleton?"
"I dun know. De las time dis chile see Cap'n Nettletum he jump his hos in the riber after de gal, O Lord!"
"What became of the lady, George?"
"Oh! golly! massa adjutump, she's safe wid de rebels!"
"What do you mean?"
"Why, ye see, massa adjutump, when dis chile see de cap'n fall down dead, he was so skeered he tumble rite off his horse. So I creep into de bushes, and just as de gal she got to de riber, a big black debil he cotch hold on her an say, 'Ha! ha! now I got hold on you, my booty,' and den he tuck her off an dis chile didn't see her no more."
"She is again in the hands of the rebels, and we must again rescue her, even if it costs a thousand lives. Oh! wretch—wretch that I am—I have murdered my captain, and have not saved her!"
"Please don't, massa adjutump!"
"Don't what?"
"Why, don't take dis chile wid you any more. He get killed, shuah."
"Don't be alarmed. I don't want you."
"Me go see—me follow," said the Indian.
"Go where?"
"After pale-face!"
"How can you ascertain which way they have taken her?"
The Indian made the motion of creeping on the ground. Then he stamped it with his foot, and pointed to the mark. Johnson said:
"He means he will go to the river where Alibamo was seized, take the measure of the horse's shoe, from its impression in the sand, and follow the trail. We will go with him—that is myself and Alibamo's brother."
"Imust go. But stay. Nettleton has not yet returned, I have great confidence in that fellow. He may bring us intelligence."
"You had better remain here in the event of his return," said Margrave. "We will follow the trail, and when we have gained the information we require, we will let you know, and you may be able to assist us."
"We are to march to-morrow for Springfield. Price moves to-day for Cassville, and if Alibamo is again in the hands of that wretch, Branch, she will probably be removed to that place. But go, and success attend you."
The two friends, together with Fall-leaf, left the camp, and proceeded in the direction of the place where the skirmish occurred. In the course of two hours they reached the spot. Several of the dead still were upon the field, unburied, but no sign of any human being was visible, excepting these. The Indian sought for traces upon the river's bank, and discovering a spot where an evident struggle had taken place—wheretwohorses had been turned around, and had proceeded on their wayfromthe river at a much slower pace thantowardit, judging from the length of the steps. These tracks were closely followed, and it was observed that they soon merged into others, and could no longer be distinguished. The course of the entire squadron of cavalry wastowardthe camp of Price, and it was decided, that the reason the first discovered marks of the horse's shoe could no longer be seen was, that they were in the lead, and those which followed obliterated the impression. And it was reasonable to suppose that Branch and Alibamo would ride at the head of the column.
The friends followed the trail until it turned to the left, and took its direction across the mountain. Upon the other side it was lost to view in the main road, among the thousand tracks which appeared in the mud. But they had seen sufficient to satisfy them that not only this squad, but the entire army under Price were on their retreat. They determined to follow on, and, if possible, to rescue Alibamo, and if this could not be done, to get exact information as to where she was kept, and then to return for assistance.
The Prisoners—Brutality—The Attendant—The Letter—Discovery.
The Prisoners—Brutality—The Attendant—The Letter—Discovery.
What bloody man is that? He can reportAs seemeth by his plight, of the revoltThe newest state.—Shakespeare.
What bloody man is that? He can reportAs seemeth by his plight, of the revoltThe newest state.—Shakespeare.
What bloody man is that? He can reportAs seemeth by his plight, of the revoltThe newest state.—Shakespeare.
What bloody man is that? He can report
As seemeth by his plight, of the revolt
The newest state.—Shakespeare.
As Branch saw the prostrate form of Hayward upon the ground, he cried:
"By heavens, it is the very man we want—it is Captain Hayward!"
"Ride over his body—trample him into the earth!" shouted one of the infuriated soldiers.
"No! no!" shrieked Branch. "If he yet lives he must be reserved for torture! It is our general's command. Let no one dare to disobey it. Ah! the fiends befriend me! There is Alibamo, and her horse has fallen!"
This was indeed true. In her haste as she dashed down the steep toward the river, the horse of Alibamo had missed his footing, and fallen, throwing its fair rider violently to the ground. It was but an instant before he was again upon his feet, but before Alibamo could regain her seat, her persecutor had seized her.
"Ah! my fair beauty," he cried, "I have you once more in my grasp. And now revenge will be a thousand times sweeter. Look there!" he cried, as he dragged the helpless girl forward. "Look upon your would-be rescuer! It is a glorious spectacle, is it not?"
"Dead! dead!" sobbed the maiden.
"Ah! you weep for him, do you? No doubt you love him very dearly! But he isnotdead, and I would not have him dead for millions! It was a game well played, and worthy of your lover, the gallant Captain Hayward. But he did not win the game.Iheld the trump card, and I will show him how I won, andwhyI won, when he recovers!"
"What would you do?"
"What would I do?Youshall see. First I will let him return to consciousness, and then I'll tear him limb from limb—hack him to pieces—tear out that heart you love so much, and give it to you still beating with life, and dripping with his blood. You shall wear it ever before you, and it will be a reminder of my generosity!"
"Oh! fiend! fiend!" groaned Alibamo.
"Oh! yes! You have called me fiend a hundred times, and now you shall learn that I am one, indeed. Shout, boys! shout! We are victorious! Dance—dance—hold your revels over that form! But do not harm it more now. I would have himallto myself. And I'll pray that he may have a thousand lives!"
The rebels readily obeyed the command of Branch, and commenced their howlings.
"Hark to that music, Alibamo. It is our notes of victory. Do you not love those sounds?"
"They become only such as you. The most barbarous savage would scorn to exult thus over a single fallen foe!" said Alibamo, her eyes flashing with indignation.
"Oh! taunt! I love to hear it. It makes my hatred for your captain deeper. And for every word of insult you have spoken, or do speak to me, I'll revenge myself on him. And you shall see it all. See, he moves—he opens his eyes! Let him gaze around."
"Harry! Harry!" called Hayward in a faint voice.
"Oh! my beauty, he does not speak your name first! But perhaps he hopes for assistance. He shall have it soon!"
"Mamie—Mamie—sister—closer to my heart. I'm cold—co——" The sound died upon his lips.
"And hark, yours is not the second name he speaks. He has a sister whom he loves. And I will havehertoo!Sheshall be in my power—oh! I will wring his heart. Oh! I cannot speak my exultant joy. My very heart is burning within me as I see before me this glorious prospect for revenge."
"You are foiled in that, villain that you are. His sister is far beyond your reach, in the bosom of her Northern home."
"But I'll find her—I'll have her in my power merely to torture him if it costs ma millions. Don't let him die. Tear open his vest—see where he is wounded, and wash it with liquor—it will prolong his life."
Some of the soldiers did as they were bid.
"There is a letter. Give it me. Ah! by the Eternal! 'tis signed, 'your loving sister, Mamie!' And here is the name of her home. Now, Alibamo, what say you? Is she not in my power? And not only she, but all his family shall suffer. I hate the tribe. You said I could not find her. I'll write to-night and tell her that her brother is wounded and wishes her presence at once. She will come, and she shall see me torture him!"
"What benefit or gratification will that afford you, Branch?" asked Alibamo.
"Why, this is a tender epistle. This Hayward loves his sister, and if she is gazing upon his pangs, it will be doubly keen to him, knowing she sees it. He will feel all her sufferings and his own. Ah! Hayward speaks again!"
"Alibamo! Alibamo!"
"Stop his mouth—tear his tongue out. He shall not speak your name."
Branch struck the fallen man across his face with his heavy iron scabbard. The blood spirted from his mouth and nostrils, but he moved not. As the soldiers applied the fluid to his wounds, Hayward showed evidence of pain, but did not speak.
"The ball has passed directly under the right arm, and must have entered the lungs. He will not live," said one of the soldiers.
"He shall live!" cried Branch. "Hemustlive. Tie him on one of the horses and let us be off."
This order was obeyed promptly. It seemed as if the fiend which urged on the actions of that bad man, had, from very shame, left his breast, and he silently took the lead, and with Alibamo by his side, the squadron set off at a rapid rate.
For many miles they kept on their course toward the camp of the rebels. At length they turned their direction across the mountain. As they ascended to the summit, Alibamo asked:
"Whither are you going, Branch?"
"Look yonder. Don't you see the army moving. It is our army. We are going to Springfield."
"You are retreating like cowards as you are!" replied Alibamo, with a sneer.
The only reply from Branch was a blow upon the head of the senseless captain.
"Thus will I revenge every word of insult you speak to me!"
"You will revenge but little more, for he is nearly gone. But you are mistaken if you deem him my lover. I never saw him until to-day."
"I do not believe you," replied Branch.
"Did you not hear him speak the name of Harry Hinton?"
"I did."
"Harry is the one I love. Captain Hayward spoke that name that I might recognize him as a friend. Harry was with the captain, and has escaped, and wo to you, Branch, when he returns!"
"Bah! Think you that I can be frightened from my purpose? No! Besides, I do not believe one word you have said. Has Hayward spoken recently?" asked Branch.
"Yes, several times. But he is evidently suffering great pain from riding in this manner, and he faints in an instant after the return of his reason," replied one of the soldiers.
"O Branch! in mercy do not torture this poor man in this manner," said Alibamo, imploringly.
"We will overtake an ambulance in an hour, and then I will transfer him to one of them."
"May I be permitted to attend upon him?" asked Alibamo.
"Would it be a great gratification to you?"
"Oh! yes; very great!"
"Then you shan't. Now speak of him no more."
In a short time an ambulance was overtaken, and Branch said:
"Place Hayward in that ambulance. If he is carried on horseback, he will die, and I shall lose my revenge!"
"Let me handle thedarn skunk!" said one of the party, as he advanced through the crowd. "I'm used to handlin' just such darned skunks as he is!"
"Be careful!" said Branch, as this peculiar looking object lifted Hayward from the horse.
"Oh! guess there's no occasion to be too careful. Such dam skunks as him ain't so easy killed."
Hayward was placed in the ambulance.
"Who will volunteer to remain with him?" asked Branch.
No one replied.
"Will you?" asked Branch, turning to the person who had volunteered to assist Hayward from his horse.
"Well, yes—that is if nobody else won't. But I don't like such work very much."
"And let six mounted guard march behind. I will go forward and report to the general. Here, Peters, take charge of Alibamo until I return."
Matters thus arranged, Branch rode forward. The army proceeded but a few miles farther. In a short time after the halt, Branch returned and riding up to the ambulance, he asked of the attendant:
"How is the captain?"
"He is asleep, and seems to breathe much easier, the darn skunk!"
"Has he spoken at all?"
"No; I did not wake him!"
"Take him around to the tent of the general," said Branch, addressing the driver.
"Ay, ay, sir!"
"Shall I go along?" asked the attendant.
"Yes, you may attend upon him for the present. Treat him well, as I wish him to recover."
"Oh! I'm a kind o' doctor, and I'll do the best I can by him," was the reply.
In a short time Hayward was brought to the tent of Price.
"Is he conscious?" asked the general.
"No!"
"Place him in that vacant tent, and let a surgeon attend him. It is highly important that he should live. Have you searched him for papers?"
"Not yet!"
"Let him be searched, and bring me whatever you find!" said Price.
The search was made, but nothing of the character desired by Price was found upon his person.
Hayward was removed to the tent indicated by Price. A surgeon was soon in attendance, and after dressing his wounds, announced that with the proper attention, Hayward would recover.
"If he becomes thoroughly conscious before morning, and is able to converse, let me know it. I wish to question him," said Price, as he left the wounded captain in charge of the guard.
As Price was entering his tent, an orderly presented him with a letter. The general tore it open, and glanced over its contents. He said:
"The lady asks the privilege of attending upon the wounded captain. Let her do so, but give instructions that if Hayward returns to consciousness, not one word is to pass between him and the lady, except in presence of the guard. And to prevent any conversation which may be understood by themselves, and not by the guard, let every word spoken by them be noted. Place four sentinels outside the tent, and one will remain within."
"Your orders shall be strictly carried out, general."
"If he again escape, those guarding him shall answer for it with their lives."
"I will answer for his safety with mine," replied the orderly, as he departed.
He proceeded at once to the tent of Alibamo, and informed her that she was at liberty to attend upon Hayward for the present, but thatevery word spoken between them was to be reported. Branch was with her, and when he heard this, he tore his hair from very rage.
"This general is too soft-hearted!" muttered Branch to himself. "But come, Alibamo, I will go with you to Hayward's tent!"
"I prefer to go without you, sir!" was the reply.
"No doubt—and for that very reason I am going with you!"
They soon reached the tent, and Alibamo seated herself beside the wounded man. Branch took his seat opposite.
"Do you intend to remain here?" asked Alibamo.
"I am not welcome, I suppose?" replied Branch with sarcasm.
"I would prefer the tent should be filled with serpents?"
Branch frowned terribly, and bit his lips, but did not reply.
"Why don't you strike this senseless man, and thus revenge that honest, truthful answer?" asked Alibamo.
"If you speak thus again, I will do so!"
"Not while I am here. Soldier, hand me that knife!" But before she had finished the sentence, she had snatched the knife alluded to, from the belt of the attendant.
"You know, Branch, I used a weapon of this sort to some purpose, once, and if you dare approach me, or this helpless officer, I will drive it to your heart."
"Recover your knife!" cried Branch, who was now fairly foaming with rage, to the attendant.
"Just you hand over that tool, you darn skunk, you!" said the soldier, as he arose, and advanced toward Alibamo.
"Stand back, sir. Stand back. I do not wish to harm you, soldier, but if you attempt to take this weapon from me, you will feel its point."
"Captain," said the soldier, "there ain't no use in trying to makewomenmind you. They're darn skunks any way—better let 'em alone."
"Hayward is awake!" said Branch. "Speak to him—see if he will reply."
"Captain, do you know me?" asked Alibamo.
A faint smile overspread the captain's face, but he did not reply.
"Can you not speak? Oh! let me hear your voice once more! Say at least, that you forgive me—for I have brought all this upon you!" Alibamo bent over the wounded man, weeping as if her heart would break. Hayward closed his eyes, and did not reply.
"What the devil areyoublubbering about?" growled Branch addressing himself to the attendant soldier.
"Cos I'm a darn skunk," sobbed the attendant, scarcely able to speak.
"My good friend, do you sympathize with this noble captain?"
"Yes—yes—ma'am," sobbed the soldier. "I don't believe he's half so much of a darn skunk as some other folks!"
"There, don't weep," said Alibamo, in a soothing manner, as she laid her hand gently upon his arm. "I am glad to meet one good heart here!"
"Don't—don't, Miss Alibamo. There's something inside of me that's swelling up, and if you talk that way, I know it will burst, and I shall bellow like a bull. Oh! I wish I wasn't such a darn skunk! But I ain't no account, no way, so don't call me a good heart, cos nobody ever said that to me afore, only cap—— only you, and I ain't nothing but a cowardly skunk!"
"Why have you so much sympathy for your enemy?" asked Branch.
"Because I don't think it's fair to strike a man when he's down!"
"I'll tell you, Branch," said Alibamo, "why he has so much sympathy for the captain—a feeling you cannot understand. God has given him a noble heart, and he can feel for the unfortunate, even though it be an enemy."
"Did you ever see Hayward before!" asked Branch of the soldier, eying him sharply.
"I seed him in the fight. Lord didn't he make his sword fly. More than a dozen sojers lay down when he hit 'em. It made my hair stand up, I tell you. By thunder,wasn'the brave! I'll bet if there had been six just like him, he'd licked our crowd. If he is a dam skunk of a federal, he is a trump card it'll do to go a big pile on."
"Give me—water!" said Hayward, in a feeble voice, opening his eyes.
"Quick, some water," said Alibamo. She placed the cup to his lips, and he drank.
"I have been dreaming!" said Hayward. "Oh! it was sweet!"
"Of what did you dream?" asked Alibamo.
"Of home—Mamie—Mamie!"
"He is conscious. His answer was direct," said Branch.
"Do you know me, captain?" asked Alibamo.
"Yes—where is Harry?"
"He is not here!"
"I want him—I feel sick! Call him. William Nettleton!" called Hayward, in a low tone.
"Here, captain!——Won't—won't I do just as well? I'll do anything I can for you," said the attendant, springing forward. Had the rebel officer been less absorbed in the prisoner's state he must surely have observed the agitation of the attendant.
"Do you know where you are?" asked Branch of Hayward.
The captain had closed his eyes, but upon hearing the voice of Branch, he opened them, and looked upon the speaker—a look so full of scorn and disgust as to betray the lion heart still beating in his breast.
"Why is that man in my tent?" he asked. "Take him away—his presence is hateful to me."
"It will be before I am through with you. What is that?"
"One of the sentinels in the rear of this tent has discharged his piece!"
"Some of your friends are after us, very likely, Alibamo. I will call upon them, perhaps I shall be able to bring you company." Branch left the tent, hurriedly and not without trepidation.
A gleam of light lit up the face of the attendant. He became at once uneasy. Then he sprang suddenly to the ground, exclaiming, but not loudly:
"There was a hand there. It held a bit of paper!"
Alibamo sprang forward, and seized the paper which was lying on the ground. She held it to the light, and then exclaimed aloud, as if unconscious of what she said:
"It is my brother's writing—friends are near!" Then, as if suddenly recollecting herself, she turned to the attendant and said:
"Oh! do not betray me, I beg—I implore!"
"I ain't no such darn skunk. Let me tell you something."
The attendant spoke in a whisper. Alibamo started, clasped his hand, kissed it convulsively. "Dear, good fellow!" she said through her tears.
"There—oh! don't—O Christopher!—I shall have to blubber, and then all will be up with us!" cried the fellow, as he twisted and hopped around the tent like one suffering pain.
The Friends—The Proposal—The Rejection—The Fate.
The Friends—The Proposal—The Rejection—The Fate.