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diff --git a/.gitattributes b/.gitattributes new file mode 100644 index 0000000..d7b82bc --- /dev/null +++ b/.gitattributes @@ -0,0 +1,4 @@ +*.txt text eol=lf +*.htm text eol=lf +*.html text eol=lf +*.md text eol=lf diff --git a/LICENSE.txt b/LICENSE.txt new file mode 100644 index 0000000..6312041 --- /dev/null +++ b/LICENSE.txt @@ -0,0 +1,11 @@ +This eBook, including all associated images, markup, improvements, +metadata, and any other content or labor, has been confirmed to be +in the PUBLIC DOMAIN IN THE UNITED STATES. + +Procedures for determining public domain status are described in +the "Copyright How-To" at https://www.gutenberg.org. + +No investigation has been made concerning possible copyrights in +jurisdictions other than the United States. Anyone seeking to utilize +this eBook outside of the United States should confirm copyright +status under the laws that apply to them. diff --git a/README.md b/README.md new file mode 100644 index 0000000..62d3723 --- /dev/null +++ b/README.md @@ -0,0 +1,2 @@ +Project Gutenberg (https://www.gutenberg.org) public repository for +eBook #51318 (https://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/51318) diff --git a/old/51318-0.txt b/old/51318-0.txt deleted file mode 100644 index cbaec4d..0000000 --- a/old/51318-0.txt +++ /dev/null @@ -1,4678 +0,0 @@ -The Project Gutenberg eBook, Prisoner of the Mill, by Harry Hazelton - - -This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere in the United States and most -other parts of the world at no cost and with almost no restrictions -whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or re-use it under the terms of -the Project Gutenberg License included with this eBook or online at -www.gutenberg.org. If you are not located in the United States, you'll have -to check the laws of the country where you are located before using this ebook. - - - - -Title: Prisoner of the Mill - or, Captain Hayward's "Body Guard" - - -Author: Harry Hazelton - - - -Release Date: February 28, 2016 [eBook #51318] - -Language: English - -Character set encoding: UTF-8 - - -***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRISONER OF THE MILL*** - - -E-text prepared by David Edwards, readbueno, and the Online Distributed -Proofreading Team (http://www.pgdp.net) from page images generously made -available by Internet Archive (https://archive.org) - - - -Note: Images of the original pages are available through - Internet Archive. See - https://archive.org/details/prisonerofmillor00haze - - -Transcriber's note: - - Text enclosed by underscores is in italics (_italics_). - - - - - -THE PRISONER OF THE MILL; - -Or, - -Captain Hayward’S “Body Guard.” - -by - -LIEUTENANT-COLONEL HAZELTINE. - -Author of “The Border Spy.” - - - - - - - -New York: -The American News Co., Publishers’ Agent, -No. 121 Nassau Street. - -Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1864, -by Sinclair Tousey, Publishers’ Agent, in the -Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United -States for the Southern District of New York. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - THE - - PRISONER OF THE MILL. - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - - CHAPTER I. - - _Brother and Sister—Forebodings—Nettleton._ - - -WAR! Oh! how much of misery is expressed in that one word! It tells its -own tale of woe, of blood, of broken hearts and desolated homes, of -hopes blighted, of poverty and crime, of plunder, peculation and -official tyranny, of murder and sudden death. In short, it develops all -the baser passions of the human heart, changing a peaceful world to a -world of woe, over which the destroying angel well might weep. - -Come, oh, thou angel, PEACE! - -The “Army of the Mississippi,” as it was termed, had been unsuccessful -in their pursuit of the rebel General Price. A portion of it, or rather -the division commanded by General Sigel, had advanced from Springfield, -Missouri, upon the Wilson creek road, as far as the famous battle-ground -rendered immortal by the death of General Lyon, but finding no enemy, it -had encamped upon Grand Prairie, a few miles to the west of the bloody -field. All in camp was upon the “tip-toe of expectation.” The lovely -scene spread out before the view, was sufficient to inspire the heart of -man to great and glorious deeds. The broad, rolling prairie lay there, -like heaven’s great carpet. The long grass waved in the breeze, -presenting the appearance of a deep-green sea, undulating in low swells -as if Queen Mab’s wand were wafting over it; the autumn’s frost had -changed thousands of the delicate emerald blades to purple, yellow, and -scarlet, while, intermixed with these, was the white prairie flower, -lending to the scene an almost fairy-like aspect. The large “Fremont” -tents were arranged in rows, in a tasty manner; flags were flying; bands -were discoursing sweet strains which echoed far and wide; squads of -soldiers in vari-colored uniforms were lounging lazily on the grass, -while those detailed for mess or guard duty, were busily prosecuting -their assigned tasks. To the east of the camp appeared a wall of -forest-kings, their verdure, also, touched by the frost, presenting a -variety of colors, and glistening in the sunlight. - -Few in that small army had witnessed the horrors of the battle-field; -but, like all “green” troops, conceiving that there was much of romance -connected with the deadly field, and that heroes were created by a -single brave deed, the mass of Sigel’s men were eager to meet the foe. -It had been given out that the entire army was to join this division on -the prairies, and that an advance was to be made at once against Price, -who was then at Cassville, some forty miles distant, to the southward. - -“I think we can safely count upon a desperate battle by the day after -to-morrow,” exclaimed one of a party of five, seated within a captain’s -tent—four of whom were at a table, with cups and wine before them. The -fifth person was making himself generally useful, acting in the capacity -of a servant. - -“You have fleshed your maiden sword at Springfield, and I did not -suppose you would be anxious for another fight. I confess I can not gaze -upon such scenes without a shudder, and, if duty would permit, I would -willingly sheathe my sword forever.” - -“Captain Hayward, you are low-spirited to-day,” answered the first -speaker. - -“I am, indeed, Lieutenant Wells. And can you wonder? My sister is here!” - -“I only wish mine was!” - -“That is a rash wish, my friend. She would be exposed to much danger, -and I never want mine to gaze upon a battle-field. No! where _men_ cut -each other’s throats, delicate, sensitive women should not be near!” - -“Could you find no way in which to send her from Springfield to St. -Louis?” asked Wells. - -“I could have done so by the mail coach but, you know, the entire -distance of one hundred and thirty miles, from Springfield to Rolla, or -to Tipton upon the other route, is infested with guerrillas, and I -feared to send her. I preferred she should brave the dangers of the camp -or even the battle-field with me.” - -Captain Hayward bent his head upon his hands and was silent. It was some -moments before any one ventured to speak. All appeared to be oppressed -with a strange sadness. At length one of the party, Captain Gilbert, -slapping him familiarly upon the shoulder, and endeavoring to speak -gayly, said: - -“Come, come, Harry, this won’t do! you must shake off every vestige of -blues. You are suffering still from the wound you received in the Warsaw -skirmish, and it makes you low-spirited. No doubt your sister will be -perfectly safe, and I know she had much rather be with you, to assist -you should you need her aid, than to be safe in St. Louis, enduring the -tortures of suspense.” - -Hayward made no reply. At this moment, a female, delicate and fair, came -tripping lightly into the tent, her face wreathed in smiles, and her -eyes sparkling with delight; but, as she caught sight of Hayward, she -paused, and gazed upon him for a moment, exhibiting the most intense -interest; then advancing, and placing her hand upon his shoulder, she -spoke: - -“Brother!” - -Hayward started, and clasping her in his arms, he pressed her close to -his heart for a moment. But, gazing into his eyes, she asked: - -“What is the matter, dear Harry, you appear ill?” - -The countenance of Hayward underwent an instant change, as he replied: - -“Not ill, but somewhat depressed in spirits, perhaps, in view of what a -day may bring forth.” - -“Oh! Harry,” she said, “I hear there is going to be another fight. Will -_you_ have to go into it and leave me?” - -“Should there be a battle, I shall endeavor to protect you, dear -sister.” - -“But, you will be in danger; perhaps wounded—perhaps killed! Oh! what -_would_ I do, then? Don’t go, Harry!” and the gentle girl threw her arms -around her brother’s neck and wept. After a moment, he raised her, and -pressing his lips to her forehead, said: - -“I wish to speak with these gentlemen a moment. Go to your friend -Alibamo’s tent. I will come for you, soon!” The sister cast back a look -of fond solicitude, and left the tent. - -Hayward gazed after her a moment, muttering audibly: - -“Poor child, what _would_ you do if I should fall. You would indeed be -alone!” - -“Now, captain, I don’t think that’s half fair,” exclaimed the one spoken -of as being the servant. “Do you think I am such a darn skunk as to—if -you was killed—the darn—not to fight for my capt’n’s sister—the -skunk—no, I mean, if you die—if she—darn me, if I don’t—I—I—” and the -speaker, as if unable to express what he _did_ mean, suddenly left the -tent. All present smiled broadly, and good-humor was thus, for the -moment, infused in all hearts. - -“Nettleton had a sudden call!” said one. - -“He has gone to the sutler for a dictionary!” added another. - -“His heart is in the right place,” remarked Hayward. - -“That’s so!” responded all, with emphasis. - -“You are safe, with such a ‘darn skunk’ for your body-guard, Captain -Hayward,” Gilbert declared, with comic seriousness. - -William Nettleton was in height about six feet. His general appearance -was very singular. His hair was nearly white—naturally so; his eyes of a -light green and large; his carriage very loose—indeed, when he walked, -one would almost expect to see him fall in pieces. His feet were huge in -dimensions. He had the appearance of a half-witted, illy-formed person; -but he was, withal, neither one nor the other. Having been detached from -the company to which he belonged, to act as servant to Captain Hayward, -he soon became so greatly attached and devoted to the captain, as to be -styled his “body-guard.” This attachment was not fictitious, nor did it -proceed from a spirit of military sycophancy or subserviency; it was -felt. Nettleton had evinced more than ordinary courage on several -occasions, and had, also, displayed so much judgment with his -intrepidity, that he had received offers of advancement; but these he -declined, preferring, as he expressed himself, “to stay with my capt’n, -the first what promoted me.” - -It will also be well to explain the presence of ladies in the camp. Miss -Mamie Hayward was the sister of Captain Hayward, who, having received -intelligence that her brother was wounded, had visited Springfield for -the purpose of ministering to his wants. At the time of her arrival -Fremont’s “Army of the Mississippi” was marching upon that place, and -the journey from Rolla or Tipton was safe. But soon, those roads were -infested with guerrillas, and, as they were poorly guarded, it was not -thought prudent that the ladies who had reached Springfield should -attempt a return. Miss Hayward, therefore, remained with her brother. -This same reason will apply to all the ladies in camp, of which there -were several—conspicuous among whom was the wife of Adjutant Hinton, one -of the officers of the well-known “Benton Cadets.” She was usually -addressed as “Alibamo”—her name when a captive in Price’s hands. She was -very beautiful, and of that daring, determined nature which has -immortalized so many women of the West. In company with Alibamo, was a -young lady who acted in the capacity of waiting-maid, but who really -appeared more like a companion. This female possessed the not -particularly euphonious name of Sally Long. - -“I must join with Nettleton in my reproaches, Captain Hayward,” answered -Lieutenant Wells, in a subdued tone. “You forget my conversation with -you last night!” - -“No, Wells. You informed me of your affection for my sister, but you -have never addressed her as a lover. How do you know that she will -return your love? If she could return it, I confess, lieutenant, I do -not know any one to whom I would more willingly see her united; but, if -she can not, how could you assume to become her protector?” - -“If such should be the case, and the fortunes of war should deprive her -of a brother, rest assured that, not only myself, but every man in camp -would willingly shed his blood in her defense, and care for her as a -sister!” - -“Thank you. I _do_ feel a foreboding of evil. I believe I shall be -killed in the coming battle. If this should be the case, I commend her -to your care. But, my nerves are excited. I will walk into the open air. -No! I would be alone!” he added, as one of the officers arose as if to -accompany him. - -As he left the tent one of the party, a Captain Walker, exclaimed: - -“Well, I hope things are all right, but I have my doubts!” - -“Your doubts of what?” asked Wells. - -“Humph! well, no matter. _You_ are too directly interested to listen to -the explanation. But, perhaps you will find out some day.” - -“Do you intend, sir, to cast any slur upon Captain Hayward?” - -Captain Walker did not reply, but left the tent. An hour or more had -passed, and Hayward did not return. It was now quite dark, when suddenly -the assembly was sounded, and, all anxious, the troops fell in. The -order was read: - -“Pack knapsacks, and have every thing in readiness for a move at -daylight.” - -All was excitement, and every preparation was made for a forward -movement. But soon it began to be whispered that the orders were to -return. In a short time it was officially announced that the movement -was, in reality, _back to Springfield_, and from thence to Rolla and St. -Louis. Many were the expressions of disappointment and regret, and some -even ventured to denounce the policy. Fremont had been superseded in the -field, and General Hunter, his successor, had abandoned the campaign, -then on the very eve of its final consummation. - - - - - CHAPTER II. - - _The Tragedy of the Stream. Who was Guilty?_ - - -WHEN Captain Hayward left the tent, he proceeded to the stream which -skirted the woods. Bending over it, he bathed his fevered brow. Then he -seated himself upon the bank of the river, and, resting his head upon -his hands, was, for a long time, absorbed in his thoughts. A human form -flitted lightly past. Hayward raised his head and listened, but all was -quiet again, and, in the darkness of the night he could distinguish -nothing. - -“I was mistaken!” he said to himself. “If I was not, and a human being -is around, I will wager it was Nettleton, who, anxious for my safety, -has followed me.” - -The captain was again silent for a moment, when the breaking of a twig -betrayed the presence of some person. Hayward raised his head and -called: - -“William! William Nettleton!” - -“Sir!” answered a voice but a few feet from the captain. - -“Why did you follow me, William?” - -“Cos I’m a darn skunk,” drawled the person addressed, as he emerged out -of the darkness. “And——_Curse you_!” - -The person speaking was before him. In an instant Hayward sprung to his -feet, but, with a cry of agony exclaimed: “Great God, Nettleton—why have -you—oh God, save me—you’ve killed me—I die!” And, falling heavily -forward, the words died upon his tongue. - -The murderer bent over the murdered for a moment; then, with some haste, -rolled the body into the water, and turned from the spot. He paused -under the shade of a tree, and listened for the tread of a sentry, that -he might enter the camp unobserved. With a half-suppressed laugh he -uttered his thoughts: - -“I have done it, sure; and now that it is done, I must progress—no -retreating now. I think I’ll win. Good-by, captain, and give my respects -to my friends as you float downstream.” - -He proceeded with caution toward the camp, and was soon lost in the city -of canvas. - -The tattoo soon sounded. Lights were extinguished, and all was quiet, -save in a few tents, which appeared to be those of officers. Yet, there -were aching hearts within that camp, and, as the night progressed, many -were the anxious inquiries as to why Captain Hayward did not return. - -In a large tent, near that occupied by Captain Hayward, were seated -three ladies. One was Miss Hayward; another was Alibamo, or, as she is -now a wife, she should be called Mrs. Adjutant Hinton; the other was -Miss Sally Long, the waiting-maid of Alibamo. Before this tent paced a -special guard; beside it was a tent of much smaller dimensions, occupied -by Nettleton and _his_ servant, black George, or, as Nettleton used to -call him, “Swasey’s nigger.” - -“I fear something has befallen my brother. He does not return, and it is -now twelve o’clock!” - -“Don’t be alarmed,” said Alibamo, in a soothing voice; “your brother is -most likely at the head-quarters of General Sigel. He may be detained on -business. Come, let us retire.” - -“No, not while my brother is absent.” - -At this moment the guard came to the tent entrance and said: - -“Ladies, if you have not yet retired Captain Walker requests the -pleasure of a few words with Miss Hayward.” - -“Oh, Alibamo, I fear that man; he looks at me so strangely. But perhaps -he brings news of my brother. I will see him. Bid the captain enter.” - -As Walker entered he appeared agitated, but controlling his emotions, he -said: - -“Ladies, you will pray excuse me. I feel that I _must_ speak now, as it -may be my last opportunity. We—or, I should say the army—will be -separated at Springfield, and I shall see you no more.” - -“Do you bring news of my brother?” asked Miss Hayward. - -“No! His disappearance is very strange. But I came to speak of myself.” - -“What would you say?” - -“This, Miss Hayward. I have loved you long and dearly. To-morrow we may -be parted, and I would ask you, should the fortunes, or rather the -misfortunes, of war deprive you of a brother’s love and protection, will -you not permit me to seek you out and become your future protector?” - -“Captain Walker, these words surprise me, and I think propriety demanded -that they should have been spoken in the presence of my brother.” - -“Pardon me, dear lady. I have waited until this hour for your brother’s -return, and at last, fearing I should have no other opportunity, I -ventured to visit you now. You have a friend and sister in Alibamo, and -surely you will not fear to speak before her.” - -“I can not answer your question—it refers to the future.” - -“Then for the _present_. Let me speak plainly, and I beg you will do the -same. Can you not at least regard me _now_ as your friend and protector, -and give me a friend’s privileges?” - -The timid girl turned toward Alibamo, and in an inaudible voice, spoke a -word. - -“She answers promptly, _no_!” replied Alibamo, somewhat sterner than was -her usual manner. - -“You _love_ another, then?” asked Walker. - -Miss Hayward did not reply. - -“Is the favored one Lieutenant Wells?” again asked Walker. - -“You are impertinent, Captain Walker,” replied Alibamo. “I must request -you to retire. How can you thus, in her brother’s absence, address her -in this manner?” - -At this moment there was a commotion in the tent of Nettleton. The voice -of the negro was heard, exclaiming: - -“I he’rd you, massa Nettleton. There ain’t no use in you denyin’ it. I -he’rd massa cap’n say, ‘Oh, Nettleton, ye kill me!’ Oh Lord, if eber I -get out ob _dis_ scrape, ye’ll neber catch dis chile in such another -one.” - -“Is the nigger crazy? What is the darn skunk talking about?” - -“Oh, you needn’t make b’lieve ignoramus on dis ’ere question. I he’rd -ye.” - -“Now, look a here, you unconscionable dark; if you have got any thing to -say, spit it out. Don’t make a darn skunk of yourself.” - -“Oh! won’t I fotch ye up in de morning? Yes, sah!” - -“Are you going to speak, and say what you mean?” - -“Oh, golly! You go back on de cap’n dat way!” - -“What cap’n? Out with it, or I’ll break your head and every bone in your -body,” exclaimed Nettleton, in a state of undisguised excitement. - -“Serve dis nigger as ye did de cap’n, and den put his body in de riber!” - -The negro had scarcely uttered these words when Nettleton seized him. He -set up a terrible howl, which brought Captain Walker to their tent. - -“What is all this fuss about?” asked Walker. - -The negro went on to explain as follows: - -“Why, ye see, massa cap’n, I went ober to dat yar house across de riber, -to see Miss Julia, a col’d gal dat used to be my sweetheart. Well, I -see’d de Johnnies comin’, and I ran down to de riber to come on dis -side, but dey come so close to me dat dis chile hid behind a big log. -Den dey stop right by me, and say, ‘Golly, we can’t cotch nobody.’ Den I -he’rd some one on de oder side ob de riber say, “Oh, Nettleton, you—” - -“Silence this stuff! You have been drunk. If you speak upon this subject -again, I’ll cut your black throat.” - -“I’se dumb, massa cap’n.” - -Quiet had now been restored, and all parties retired for the few hours -that intervened before morning. But it was evident all were not asleep. -Several times a stealthy step was heard, and a shadow flitted past the -white canvas tent, dimly seen by the pale starlight. - -Morning came at last, and all was astir. Captain Hayward had not yet -returned. The inquiry was made if any one had seen him. - -“I have not seen him since last evening at twilight,” replied Walker, -“at which time he acted very strangely, and talked about the injustice -of war. I am inclined to think he has deserted and joined the enemy.” - -“Oh, you darn skunk!” yelled Nettleton, as he sprang forward, and was -about to strike the speaker. But, checking himself, he added: “It’s well -you wear them gilt things on your shoulders, or I’d teach you to call -_my_ cap’n such names.” - -“If you would save yourself trouble you had better remain quiet, -Nettleton,” replied Walker, as he fixed his eyes significantly upon him. - -“_I_ knows where Cap’n Hayward am,” said the negro, stepping forward. - -“Where is he?” sobbed Miss Hayward, pressing forward, in her eagerness. - -“He is—” - -“Silence!” yelled Walker. - -“Let him speak,” said the colonel. “Go on, George. Where is the -captain?” - -“Down dar!” The negro trembled violently, and glanced at Nettleton. - -“What do you mean?” - -“He’s in de riber—killed dead, sure!” - -A wild shriek rose upon the air as Miss Hayward fell back into the arms -of Alibamo, insensible. - -“By whom was he killed?” - -“By massa Nettleton dar, _sure_. I he’rd across de riber, jis as plain -as day.” - -Nettleton started back in horror, his eyes extending widely, and his -frame trembling. A general murmur of disbelief ran through the crowd. - -“Did you _see_ him do the deed?” asked the colonel. - -“Golly, I couldn’t see much, it war so dark. But I hear massa cap’n say, -‘Oh, Nettleton, you kill me!’ Golly, see how massa Nettleton shake!” - -“Where was this?” - -“Rite down by dat tree. His blood is all ober de ground; I jest see it.” - -In an instant Nettleton had dashed off for the spot indicated. In -accordance with an order from the colonel he was pursued. Reaching the -locality named, he gazed upon the ground. It was red with blood—fresh -blood. He threw himself upon the earth, and wept and moaned, and called -upon his captain to return. His grief was terrible to behold. By this -time the officers and many of the men had arrived. They gazed upon the -grief-stricken servant with respect, and more than one expression of -sympathy was heard. - -“If Captain Hayward has been murdered, it was not by that boy. Nettleton -loved his captain too much to harm him,” said Lieutenant Wells. “I am -inclined to think the deed has been done by skulking guerrillas.” - -“I incline to your opinion, Lieutenant Wells, as to the innocence of -Nettleton. But, as to the deed having been done by guerrillas, it is not -likely. It is much too near camp.” - -“But Hayward certainly had no enemy in our camp who would have done this -deed.” - -“We do not know the secret motives which animate the human heart,” -replied Walker, in a tone and manner not devoid of meaning. - -“Let instant search be made for the body,” commanded the colonel. It was -done, but no trace of it could be found, although the water was too -shallow to have permitted it to float down the river. Attention was -again directed to Nettleton, who was sitting erect, gazing at a piece of -sharp, bloody steel which he held in his hand. Viewing it a moment, he -sprung to his feet, and fixed his eyes upon Lieutenant Wells. Then he -turned to the colonel and handed him the blade. That officer examined -it. Directing his gaze upon Lieutenant Wells, he asked: - -“Has any one among you a small Spanish dirk, with a highly-polished and -ornamented blade?” - -“I _had_ such a one,” replied Wells, “but I have missed it for several -days.” - -The colonel instantly turned toward the camp, commanding all to follow -him. He halted before the tent of Lieutenant Wells, and said: - -“You, Captain Walker, and you, Adjutant Hinton, enter this tent, and -tell me what you find.” - -The search lasted but a moment, during which time Wells had been -assisting Miss Hayward, but not without evincing much agitation. Walker -now appeared, holding in his hand a bowl of bloody water, and exhibiting -the broken stiletto, covered with blood, which had been found in the -overcoat pocket of Wells. A shirt, also, was found, which was stained -with blood. - -“What can you say to this damning proof of your guilt?” asked the -colonel. - -“I know nothing of it.” - -“Arrest the murderer of Captain Harry Hayward!” commanded the colonel, -in a loud voice. - -The guards instantly seized him. - -“Murderer! _He_ a murderer—and of my brother! No! no! This is some -dreadful dream. Oh, tell me my brother is not murdered; it will kill me. -Oh, see! Pity a friendless girl who kneels to you and begs you to tell -her that you have _not_ deprived her of a dear brother. Speak to me, -Edward. I did love you, and you would not harm him.” - -Wells could not speak. He had never spoken to Miss Hayward of his love -for her; but _now_, in the delirium of her grief, she had confessed her -love for him. Oh, what a moment! - -Walker advanced to raise Miss Hayward from her bended position before -Wells. - -“Paws off, ye darn skunk!” yelled Nettleton, as he hurled Walker to the -ground. “_I_ alone am her protector now.” - - - - - CHAPTER III. - - _The Proposal—The Interruption—The Indian - —The Rescue—The Wounded Man—The Mystery._ - - -NEAR the village of Ozark, at the base of a ridge of mountains of that -name, runs a most beautiful stream or river, which bears the name of the -village, and is one of the tributaries of the north fork of the -Gasconade. Its banks are high, and covered with a thick but small growth -of the “scrub” oak, peculiar to that portion of Missouri. The bed of the -river sparkles with brilliant white and yellow pebbles, polished by the -rush of waters for thousands of years. A fine bridge spans the stream -along the main road, that runs through the only opening in the forest -for miles around. After crossing this bridge, and ascending a sharp -hill, the village of Ozark is reached. This consists of about twenty -ordinary-looking dwellings, a court-house, and a rough building, -dignified by the name hotel. Beyond the village, and higher up the -mountain, is a line of rolling hills, which overlook the country for -miles around. On one of these, and near the edge of a grove, were to be -seen a cluster of tents, and, from the number of horses picketed but a -short distance away, it would at once be supposed, from a distance, to -be a cavalry camp, with, perhaps, a section of artillery. - -On a sloping point, extending from the side of the bridge to the stream, -and reclining upon the turf, were two persons. The one a young man of -marked appearance, and the other a female of much beauty, although her -dress bespoke her a native of that portion of the country. - -“Nettie, when do you expect your sister to return?” - -“It is difficult to answer, Charles, but I trust very soon.” - -“Have you not heard from her recently?” - -“No. There is no way in which she can communicate with me. The mails -have been discontinued, you are aware, from Rolla to Springfield.” - -“If you can _visit_ the army, I presume you can both dispatch and -receive letters. Are you not very anxious to learn how she is treated -among the Federals?” - -“I am most anxious; still I have no fears.” - -“I can not feel as you do upon that subject. I would not awaken useless -fears in your breast, but _I_ have not so much confidence in their -magnanimous natures.” - -“Charles, you told me to-day for the first time, that you loved me, and -asked me if I could not address you as _dear_ Charles. You have been -very kind to me, and, on one occasion, you rescued me from the hands of -a villain. I feel grateful—truly so. But, whatever my feelings may be, I -never can wed my country’s enemy. Look yonder. You see that white -cottage. Once it was beautifully adorned with creeping vines, and the -lawn before it bloomed with flowers and shrubbery. But, dearer than all, -within its walls lived my father and my sister. Look at it now! Its -beauty has departed—it is a _wreck_; father and sister have been driven -from it, while I have been detained here by _force_. You profess to love -me. If you do so, _prove it_! We are now more than a mile from the rebel -camp, and you can escape with me to Springfield.” - -“I will assist _you_ to escape; indeed, I will accompany you a portion -of the way to Springfield. But _I_ must return to my own people and -fight with them to the last. I _do_ love you, and I _would_ become your -husband, gladly, if I could be satisfied you loved me for myself alone. -But, I can not sacrifice one jot of honor or principle to win even you, -dear Nettie.” - -“And you will go with me, now?” - -“Yes—stay, what is that? Did you not hear a low, moaning sound?” - -“I heard nothing.” - -“Well, perhaps I am mistaken. But I fancied I heard such a sound. No -matter. I will go with you now to Springfield.” - -“To what purpose, young man?” - -The speaker was a powerful person, and had emerged from the bridge just -in time to hear the last sentence of Charles Campbell. - -“So, sir,” he continued, “you would desert us, and join the Yankees, and -all for your foolish regard for this vixen!” - -“Colonel Price, if you were not an officer I would make you _eat_ your -words. I have served you faithfully, and you have no right to question -my loyalty. I do _not_ intend to desert, neither is this lady a _vixen_ -any more than you are a _coward_.” - -Price started, bit his lips, and frowned fiercely. At length he asked: - -“Why did you propose visiting Springfield with this——lady?” - -“I intended to accompany her a portion of the way, and then to return to -my duty.” - -“Why does _she_ wish to visit Springfield?” - -“Because her father and sister are both in St. Louis, and she wishes to -rejoin them.” - -“Did not yonder cottage belong to her father?” - -“It did.” - -“He was one of the most bitter opposers in this section. And you love -his abolition daughter?” - -“I love his _daughter_, sir!” - -“Enough. You will return to camp this moment. I will take charge of this -young lady. When I rejoin you, I shall put your loyalty and your -_courage_ to the test. Do you see yonder boat?” - -He pointed up the river. A small boat was seen floating down the stream, -in which three men were sitting erect, and the form of a fourth, lying -prostrate. - -“How do you propose testing my loyalty, Colonel Price?” - -“That boat contains a Yankee officer. He is to be hung up by the neck. -You shall perform the job.” - -“Is not that man _wounded_, Colonel Price?” - -“Yes, very badly so, I am informed.” - -“_Then I will not perform the base thing you propose._” - -Price drew a revolver, and pointing it to the head of Campbell, -commanded him to start at once for camp. He had scarcely done so, when a -powerful Indian sprung from concealment, and snatched the weapon from -his hand. At the same time he seized Price, as if he had been a child, -and hurled him into the water below. Without waiting to watch the result -of this sudden immersion upon the chivalrous colonel, he caught the -maiden in his arms, and bounded off in the direction of Springfield. As -he started, he beckoned to the young man and muttered: - -“Come—follow—me save her!” - -Price floundered about in the water for a moment, and finally succeeded -in reaching the shore just as the boat came up. - -“Come—quick—join me in the pursuit!” yelled Price. - -The three men leaped upon the bank, and, at the command of Price, all -discharged their pieces after the retreating Indian, but without effect. -Pursuit was then ordered, but Price, observing that Campbell did not -follow, turned and asked: - -“Are _you_ not coming, sir?” - -“No!” was the prompt reply. - -Price felt for his revolver, but finding it gone, he only muttered, -“Curse you,” and then commenced the pursuit. For over a mile it was kept -up. The pursuers gained upon the Indian, who was considerably obstructed -in his flight by the weight of the female. At last Price exclaimed: - -“By the eternal, there come the Yankees!” - -Sure enough, just appearing in view upon an elevated point a little -beyond, was seen a squadron of cavalry, and a section of flying -artillery rapidly advancing. - -“To the hill! Give the signal for our guns—to the bridge—secure the -prisoner in the boat!” - -These commands were given by Price, as he commenced a rapid retreat -toward the bridge. Pausing on the hill just before reaching it, he -unfurled a small flag and made a signal. In an instant all was astir in -the rebel camp, and artillery and cavalry soon came dashing down the -hill. - -“Where is the prisoner?” yelled Price, as he came to the bridge. - -“Perhaps the young man you left here has taken him to camp.” - -“But the boat is gone! However, there is no time to be lost, now. They -are upon us! Quick!” - -Colonel Price started for the opposite end of the bridge, followed by -his three confederates. The rebel troops were still some distance from -that end of the bridge nearest their camp, which it was evident they -intended reaching, if possible, in order to sweep the narrow passage, if -the Union forces attempted to cross. The Federals, however, were the -first to gain that point. But, had a crossing been effected, as soon as -they reached the opposite side they would have been exposed to the most -galling fire of the enemy, as there was a large space of flat, swampy -ground in front; and then a sharp bluff, upon which the rebel artillery -would, in such a case, be planted. The commander of the Federals, -observing this situation at a glance, ordered a halt, and brought his -section of artillery into position. One piece was placed so as to -enfilade the bridge, and the other upon a little rise of ground, in a -position where it could sweep their lines beyond. The rebels observing -this, threw forward two guns, amid a deadly fire from the Unionists, and -succeeded in taking a position upon the opposite end of the bridge. -Several rounds of grape were hurled back and forth, but as the cover was -good, but little damage was done. The cavalry attempted a crossing, but -the thick growth of oaks prevented. A charge was about to be ordered -across the bridge, when an explosion took place, and it was shattered to -fragments. Taking advantage of this, the rebels made a rapid flight. As -pursuit was useless, the command was given to fall back to Springfield. - -The Indian we have spoken of now approached the commander, leading the -trembling woman, and said: - -“Me save—you save—white squaw!” - -“Do you require my protection?” asked the commander. - -Nettie told her story in an artless manner, of which the reader has -gleaned all necessary particulars. She was kindly provided for, and soon -reached Springfield in perfect safety. - -Soon after the arrival, a soldier came to the tent of the commanding -officer, presenting a bit of paper. - -“Colonel, I picked up this scrap near the bridge, but did not look at it -until this moment. It may be of importance.” - -The colonel took the paper and read aloud: - -“A suspicion of my fidelity to the Confederate cause has crossed the -mind of my commanding officer, Lieutenant-Colonel A. M. Price, simply -because I consented to assist Miss Nettie Morton to reach Springfield, -from which point she might be able to rejoin her friends, who formerly -resided in Ozark, but are now in St. Louis. I was condemned, in -consequence, to be the executioner of a _wounded_ Federal officer. At -this cowardly act my whole nature revolted. Chance has favored me, and I -have determined to save him. In what manner I can not here write, -fearing this paper should fall into Confederate hands, and my plans be -thus interrupted. I can not learn who he is. I asked his name, and I -have some reason to believe that Miss Morton may throw some light upon -the subject, as the only words he spoke were ‘Net—murdered—sister—.’ He -bore the rank of captain. - - CHARLES CAMPBELL.” - - -The colonel turned toward Miss Morton, who was seated in his tent, and -asked: - -“Do you feel any _especial_ interest in any Union officer now with us?” - -Miss Morton hung her head and blushed. - -“Do not fear to speak, and frankly, too, Miss Morton. Perhaps the -welfare of one you love—perhaps his safety, may depend upon your candid -confession.” - -“I—I—” - -“Have you ever _met_ one of our officers?” - -“But once. And then I only passed the evening in his society. He was -kind, but he has forgotten me!” - -“It is enough, you love him. But the short time he was with you could -scarcely have made an impression so deep that he would mutter your name -in his delirium. And yet, the wounded man was near your residence. And -he exclaimed ‘Net—’. Your name is Nettie, is it not?” - -“It is.” - -“And what is the name of him you refer to?” - -“Captain HARRY HAYWARD!” - -The officer was visibly affected. “‘Nettie.’ ‘Net—.’ ‘Nettleton!’ -‘_Murdered._’ ‘Sister.’ It is very strange. Harry Hayward’s body was not -found, but he was assassinated. Ah, I begin to fathom the mystery.” He -murmured all this in words not audible to the astonished Miss Morton, -and left the tent slowly, as if oppressed with the weight of a momentous -thought. - - - - - CHAPTER IV. - - _Nettleton’s Adventure in a Noose—Some Important Information._ - - -THE surprise of Walker was very great at the unexpected movement of -Nettleton. His sword flashed from its scabbard, and he made a half-pass -at his breast. But, checking himself, he said: - -“William, I can forgive you in consideration of your grief, and I spare -you, that you may assist in the care of Miss Hayward. Curse him!” he -muttered to himself, “I would strike the infernal dog dead at my feet, -but the act would only place a greater barrier between me and my prize. -Miss Hayward,” he added aloud, “you will always find me ready and most -anxious to serve you.” - -“Miss Hayward will not lack for friends, sir!” replied Alibamo, in a -tone of contempt. - -“Captain Walker, I shall place the prisoner in your charge. You will -forward at once.” These words were spoken by the colonel. - -Walker bit his lip, and was silent. He then commanded the guard to -forward, muttering as he did so: - -“The second most agreeable job. I’ll revenge myself upon him.” - -As the guard formed around Lieutenant Wells, he turned to Miss Hayward, -and said: - -“Oh! dear lady, you have inadvertently confessed that you had some -regard for me. This is not a time to speak of such things, but I will -now say to you, that which has never before passed my lips, excepting to -your brother. I love you, with a devotion, ardent as it is pure and -holy; and by that love I swear, and beg you to believe, that I have -never harmed your brother!” - -Miss Hayward turned toward him, and made a movement as if to reach his -side, but Walker held aloft the bloody knife, which met her gaze, and, -with a shudder, she turned to Alibamo. - -“Forward!” cried Walker, and Edward Wells, the once popular officer and -general favorite, was urged on, bound and guarded, charged with, and -generally believed guilty of, the foulest of crimes. But yesterday he -was on the road to honor and fame; now he was marching forward to a -disgraceful death. The entire division was soon in motion. - -Nettleton now approached Miss Hayward, and said: - -“Miss Mamie, I am going to do all for you such a darn sk— I mean such a -chap as me _can_ do; but, I’m feard that ain’t much. But you’re going -now where there ain’t no danger, and if you please, I’m a going to stay -behind and hunt for the captain.” - -“Oh! thank you, William,” sobbed Miss Hayward. “How can I ever repay -you, dear friend?” - -“Don’t—don’t!” said William. A choking sensation came over him, and, -unable to say more, he turned away, only to be comforted by Miss Sally -Long, who placed her hands upon his shoulders, and said: - -“William, if you will find the captain, I’ll _love you dearly_!” - -Nettleton started back, opened his eyes wide—so he did his mouth, as if -attempting to speak. His lower jaw wagged two or three times, but no -sound was heard. Then turning his eyes, he saw the gaze of all fixed -upon him, and started off suddenly upon a run, exclaiming as he did so: - -“Who ever thought it possible that _I_ should ever be loved by -Sally—such a darn skunk—a sweet gal, I mean!” - -Nettleton did not pause until he had overtaken the colonel, of whom he -requested permission to remain and make a more thorough search for his -captain. - -“No, William,” was the reply. “We will not be a mile distant before the -enemy’s scouts will be here, and you will be taken prisoner.” - -“No fear, they don’t notice such as me!” - -“But your uniform will be sufficient.” - -“Oh! I always go prepared. I have another suit _under_ this, one as I -got from the bushwhack I laid out the other night, as he came noseing -around Captain Hayward’s tramping ground, and I shall put that on top.” - -“Well, do as you like, but be careful!” - -Nettleton waited for no other words, but turning, proceeded at once to -the spot where Hayward received the fatal stab. He sat down for a time, -silent and mournful, gazing into the water. He then commenced a -scrutinizing search. He became satisfied that the body could not have -floated down the river, on account of the shallowness of the water. He -crossed the stream, searched upon the opposite bank, and there found the -footprints of a number of men. He followed the tracks, and found that -_two_ persons had descended _into_ the river, and out again, near the -same spot. He took the measurement of each impression in the mud, and -then exclaimed: - -“I’ll be darned if Lieutenant Wells’ boot made any of _them_ marks! I -know how it is. Captain must have come here last night to think, and -some of them darn rebel skunks come up behind him suddenly, and killed -him, and then two of them crossed over and got his body, and brought it -back, and that accounts for the tracks in and out of the water. But what -did they want with him if he was dead? Perhaps he wasn’t quite killed, -and they took him prisoner. I’ll follow these tracks, anyway.” - -Nettleton followed up the footmarks until they merged into the turnpike, -which was so cut up with travel as to prevent him tracing them further. -He now returned to the fatal spot. Bending down he examined the earth, -still red with blood. Something appeared to interest him, and creeping -on his knees, he followed a footprint to the edge of the stream. Here -was an impression of _two_ boots, side by side, in the mud. Nettleton -gazed upon them for a few moments. His breast heaved violently—he -clenched his hands, and at last said: - -“I’ve blacked _them_ boots. I know ’em well—there is the impression of -the _two hearts_ in the mud, and there ain’t but one pair of boots in -our camp as has _two hearts_ made with nails in the ball of each boot. -Oh, you darn—” - -Something caught the eye of Nettleton in the water. He sprung in and -secured it. It proved to be a handkerchief, which bore a name upon the -corner. He gazed upon it a moment, and said: - -“The man as had on _them_ boots stood in _them_ tracks, and washed -himself in that river. He wiped upon this hankercher and then threw it -into the water. Folks as washes the evidence of murder off their hands, -don’t wash in the river, throw away the wiper, and then take a tin pot -of bloody water to—” - -“What the devil are you doing here?” - -Nettleton turned to behold a party of six horsemen who had suddenly -approached him. In his anxiety he had forgotten to change his -clothing—that is, to cover his blue uniform with the rough gray suit he -wore underneath. - -“So, you are a Yankee soldier,” exclaimed one of the party. - -“No I ain’t; I’m a darn skunk.” - -This reply, and the ungainly appearance of Nettleton, caused a laugh -throughout the entire party. - -“You are not a Yankee soldier? Then what are you doing with that -uniform?” - -Nettleton looked at his dress, and for the first time became conscious -that he had not changed it. He, however, instantly replied: - -“I am a spy for the General.” - -“What General?” - -“General Price, to be sure.” - -This created another fit of merriment. - -“Just as if the likes of you would be employed as a spy! Why, you don’t -know enough to last you half a mile.” - -“That’s just the reason why I _am_ a spy. I am such a darn skunk no one -pays any attention to me.” - -“Have you been in the Yankee camp here?” - -“Yes.” - -“Have you a Confederate uniform under that blue?” - -“Yes,” replied Nettleton, throwing off his coat and exposing the gray. - -“To what company and regiment do you belong?” - -“No company. I go it on my own hook.” - -“You know General Price?” - -“Yes, very well.” - -“Have you ever been in his camp?” - -“Often.” - -“Describe him.” - -Nettleton had, on one occasion, accompanied a party of disguised Union -officers into the very camp of Price, while that General held possession -of the upper Osage. One of the officers being detected and wounded, was -borne along with the retreating rebel army from the Osage to -Springfield, and Nettleton had followed on for the purpose of rendering -assistance if possible. His apparent stupidity prevented suspicion, and -he had been one of the leading spirits in a rescue which afterward -occurred. He was, in consequence, not only known to General Price -himself, but to a large number of his officers and men, and hence it was -very desirable for him to avoid the main army. He supposed that he could -deceive his captors, or effect his escape. And the shadowy thought that -Captain Hayward might have been seized and borne toward the rebel -quarters at once decided his course. He gave an accurate description of -Price. - -“Good!” answered one of the party, “it is evident you _are_ a spy. I -find you on the spot the Yankees have just left. You have _their_ -uniform on and _ours_ under it. So far that _looks_ well. You know and -have perfectly described our General. That renders it certain you have -seen him. Now, one of two things is certain: you are a _Yankee_ spy, and -have been in our camps with that gray uniform _outside_, and then -communicated your information to _your_ General, or you are a -_Confederate_ spy, who, having just been in the Yankee camp, must have -important information for _our_ General. In either case we shall conduct -you to him. If you are his man, then all will be right. If you are -_not_, then you will be hung within half an hour after your arrival. You -understand?” - -“I first thought of going on to Springfield, but I think I have all the -information necessary, and I had made up my mind to return. I halted -here a moment to change my dress; and to look for a Yankee officer who -was supposed to be killed last night. But I think he was only badly -wounded, and may yet be found alive in the tall grass. Look for him.” -These words were spoken by Nettleton in an apparently cheerful tone. - -“Oh! you mean the captain who was stabbed last night.” - -“Yes, yes; do you know any thing of him?” - -“You appear especially anxious, Mr. What’s-your-name?” - -“I am anxious,” replied Nettleton, fiercely. “He insulted me, and I -would be revenged.” - -“Don’t trouble yourself. He’ll catch it soon enough. He was _not_ -killed, but was taken out of the water by us.” - -“Who struck the blow?” yelled Nettleton. - -“No one of our party. We were concealed upon the opposite bank. We could -not see the murderer strike, for it was too dark; but we saw the body -thrown in the stream, and saw the stabber wash himself in the river. We -would have fired upon him, but were afraid of rousing the Yanks. We -waited until he left the body, after throwing it into the stream, and -then we recovered it. The man was still alive. He had only fainted from -loss of blood. We dressed his wound as well as we could, and then -conveyed him to a house the other side of the pike. He will recover; but -Colonel Price has an especial spite against him. He met him once at -Springfield. So, _when_ he recovers he will be hung.” - -“Where is he now?” asked Nettleton. - -“At a little house not fifty rods from here, just the other side of the -pike.” - -Without a word, Nettleton bounded like a deer in the direction the -Federal forces had taken. But a dozen shots were fired after him, and he -fell. He was soon secured, when it was ascertained that one bullet had -cut the neck badly, and another had struck the ankle, although it had -not broken the bone. He was still able to walk, and, after being bound, -he was dragged forward toward Cassville. - -A march of forty miles was almost too much even for the tough Nettleton, -more especially as he had received a severe shot in the ankle; but he -bore up firmly, and at last arrived at the outskirts of the rebel camp. -He had become very lame, and rolled about like a ship in a heavy sea. As -he entered the camp, many were the jeers and taunts which hailed this -specimen of the Yankee soldier. Nettleton made no reply, although his -countenance bespoke his contempt. - -He was now near the quarters of Price. - -“By thunder!” yelled one of the Confederate soldiers, “that is the very -fellow who fooled us at Springfield. Hang him! Hang him!” - -An explanation was soon made, and Nettleton’s fate appeared certain, as -a “drumhead” court-martial had already been convened. Sentence was soon -given—the Yankee spy was to be hung upon the spot! - -A rough scaffolding was formed, under a large tree, and a rope, with the -fatal noose attached, thrown over a limb. Nettleton ascended the -platform in silence, although his frame trembled. - -“I never saw a Yankee yet that did not fear to die,” exclaimed one of -the bystanders. - -“Then you see one now, you darn skunk,” replied Nettleton. - -“Why do you tremble, then?” asked the Confederate. - -“I was thinking of the captain, and of his poor sister ‘Mamie.’” - -“Ha! ha! ha! This booby is in love. A romantic spy. And the idol of his -passion is called ‘Mamie!’” - -“You lie, you dog!” yelled Nettleton. “I only—” - -“What is all this?” asked a stately-looking officer, who had just -approached, and before whom all the rest fell back. - -“A spy, General,” was the response. - -“Why was he not brought to _my_ quarters?” - -“Because Raines ordered a drumhead court-martial.” - -“Release the man until I have conversed with him.” - -Nettleton was released, and, as he descended from the scaffolding, he -was recognized by General Price. - -“We have met before?” asked Price. - -“Yes, General, we have,” was the prompt reply of Nettleton. - -“What were you doing in my camp the _first_ time we met?” - -“Serving my captain, whom I love.” - -“Good! What are you doing here now?” - -“That will require considerable explanation,” added Nettleton. - -“Go on,” said Price. - -“Well, General, some darn skunk _murdered_ my captain, and when our -troops left Grand Prairie, on their return to Springfield, I remained -behind to search for his body. I am _no_ spy.” - -“But you said you were a spy, serving General Price,” replied one of the -soldiers who had brought Nettleton to the rebel camp. - -“How can you explain this?” asked Price. - -“Well, ye see, General, Miss Sally—no, I mean Miss Mamie—that’s the -captain’s sister—will break her poor heart and die of grief if she can’t -learn something about her brother. Them darn skunks as arrested me told -me that Captain Hayward was _not_ killed. Besides this, as nice a darn -sk— I mean as good a man as ever lived, and one who loves Miss -Sally—no—that Miss Sally keeps running in my head—one as loves Miss -Mamie, is accused of murdering the captain. But I know better, for I -found proof enough to convict the right one. I wanted to tell Mamie that -Sally—darn Sally—that her brother was _not_ dead, and to clear -Lieutenant Wells and convict the one as did the deed. So I told them -sneaks as how I _was_ a spy, in hopes they’d let me alone.” - -“Would you give any information you may have gleaned here, if I should -set you free?” - -“I ain’t no such darn skunk, General. Honor is honor bright with me.” - -“What have you seen here?” - -“A lot of the darndest sapheads I ever met.” - -“If I should set you free, will you fight against me?” - -“Like the devil, the first time we meet in fair play.” - -“Why do you wear that gray suit under your uniform?” - -“Because captain’s always getting himself into some scrape, and I have -to hunt him up. Sometimes I have to go among the Johnnies to do it, and -then the blue ain’t healthy.” - -“Will you ever act as spy upon me if I let you go?” - -“Not unless capt’n does. But I’m his body-guard, and shall go everywhere -he does, if I can.” - -“What is your name?” - -“William Nettleton.” - -“Well, William, I think we shall be obliged to hang you.” - -“All right, General,” answered Nettleton, stepping upon the scaffolding -again. “And them darn sneaks shan’t say they never see’d a Yankee die -bravely. But, General, let me ask of you one favor. You don’t want to -see a good fellow shot for what he didn’t do, and a murderer go clear, -do you?” - -“Certainly not.” - -“Then all I ask is, that you send this handkerchief to Colonel Mann, and -tell him the murderer didn’t wash in a basin in his tent, but in the -river, and then threw this wiper away; and that the guilty one has _two -hearts_, made with nails, on the sole of each boot. And tell Sally—no, -Mamie—that the captain is—Lieutenant Wells—and Walker—the skunk, when -I’m dead—that Sally—no, capt’n, won’t think of poor Nettleton—and—” - -“Oh stop! stop! William, I can never recollect all this. You had better -go yourself and attend to this matter.” - -“What, General? Do you mean it?” cried William, as he sprung from the -scaffold and gazed earnestly at Price. - -“On one condition I will permit you to go.” - -“Well, what is it?” - -“That as soon as you have given your evidence in the court-martial which -will probably be ordered, you will return at once _and be hung_.” - -“I’ll do it; I’m a loafer if I don’t.” - -“You swear it?” - -“Yes, by the great jumping jingo, and Sally Long’s tearful eyes!” - -“The guard will see this man safely beyond our lines,” said Price, -speaking to one of his officers, “and furnish him a pass and a horse. -Let one of our men accompany him near to the Federal lines, and bring -back the animal which William will ride.” - -Nettleton rushed forward, and grasping the hand of Price, shook it -violently, and then exclaimed, as he took his leave: - -“General Price, you ain’t such a darn sneak as I thought you was!” - - - - - CHAPTER V. - - _The Court-martial and the Hostage._ - - -THE division which had been encamped on Grand Prairie reached -Springfield in safety, and formed their temporary camp in the field, -back of the brick school-house, which stands about a quarter of a mile -to the west of the new court-house. - -The first order issued to the officers of the battalion of Benton -Cadets, the Thirty-fifth and Thirty-seventh Illinois, was to assemble at -a given time, to act upon a court-martial, at the quarters of Major D—, -Judge-Advocate, to try the case of Lieutenant Edward Wells, charged with -willful murder of Harry Hayward, a captain in the service of the United -States of America, and attached to the army of the Mississippi, now -under command of Major-General Hunter. - -It was a sad day! Lieutenant Wells was a favorite with both officers and -men of his command. He always had been mild as a female, kind and -benevolent—sacrificing his own comfort for the good of the privates in -his battalion. True, some said that Wells would not fight bravely—that -he ought to have been created a _woman_; but everybody gave him credit -for being the kindest of the kind. When first accused, there arose a -very bitter feeling against him. Captain Hayward also was a great -favorite with the men. He was a stern but kind soldier. When the news of -his brutal murder came to the knowledge of his “boys,” their first cry -was “revenge,” and they naturally sought some one on whom to wreak their -vengeance. At first Lieutenant Wells narrowly escaped a summary fate, -more especially as it was whispered about camp that Wells had become a -suitor for the hand of the fair Mamie Hayward, had been _rejected_ by -her, and spurned by the captain. But in a short time it was given out -that Mamie had confessed her affection for Wells, and that Captain -Hayward had remarked in the presence of others, that he deemed Wells an -honorable man, and would gladly favor his suit. This turned the tide of -feeling in favor of the lieutenant, and when the court-martial was -convened, nothing but a consciousness of a soldier’s duty prevented an -open revolt, or at least a most decided and forcible expression of -feeling. But, trusting to the judgment of the officers forming the -court, the soldiers decided to await the result. - -Have our readers ever witnessed a trial by court-martial? It is not like -the ordinary court of justice. First, the charge is read, as thus: - -“Lieutenant Edward Wells, of Company H, Battalion of B—— C——, is charged -with the willful murder of Harry Hayward, a captain in the U. S. army. - -“2d.—Specification.—1st. In this, that said Lieutenant Edward Wells, -did, on the night of the seventh day of November, 1861, assassinate and -murder said,” etc. - -Following this, in any case of the kind, would be found a list of -“specifications,” setting forth in detail, all the chief events -connected with the crime. - -The prisoner was brought to the tent of Major D—— to answer to the -charge. He was very pale, yet perfectly composed; and when the question -was asked, the ready and firm response was: - -“NOT GUILTY!” - -The Judge-Advocate, a noble-hearted but just man, informed the prisoner -that he was to act, not only as “prosecuting counsel,” but as “counsel” -for the prisoner, and that he (the Judge-Advocate) must give the -prisoner the benefit of any doubt that might arise in his favor. - -To those of our readers not familiar with the _modus operandi_ of a -court-martial, we would give the following information for their -benefit: - -The doors of the court are closed to all outsiders. The prisoner makes -his plea, and retires. The witnesses are brought forward and examined, -but no cross-examination is allowed. If a question is to be asked by any -of the officers sitting upon the court, it must be reduced to writing, -and silently handed to the Judge-Advocate. If he sees fit to put the -question, it is done; if not, it is thrown aside. - -We will now proceed to a brief summary of the trial. - -“Lieutenant Edward Wells, you are charged with the willful murder of -Harry Hayward, a captain in the United States service. What is your -plea. Guilty, or _not_ guilty!” - -“Not guilty!” was the decided response. - -“Let the first witness be called, George Swasey, colored.” - -The person familiarly known as “Swasey’s nigger” took the stand. When -brought forward, he glanced around as if fearful of something, and then -asked: - -“Is Massa William Nettletum where he can hear dis chile tell de truff?” - -“You have nothing to fear from _any_ person, if you _do_ speak the -truth, and _all_ the truth,” replied Major D. - -“Well den, de fact am dis. I went to see my gal. When I cum back, I met -de rebs. I hid behind a log. I see’d some one stick a knife in massa -cap’n, and I heard him say: - -“‘Oh! Nettletum, you kill me!’” - -All questions were answered in the same spirit, and it became evident -that the negro believed Nettleton the real murderer. - -The next witness brought upon the stand was Alibamo Hinton. She swore -that Nettleton’s tent was next to the one she occupied—that he was in -attendance upon her and Miss Hayward, by permission of Captain Hayward, -and that Nettleton had _not_ been out of her presence that night. In the -first part of the evening, Nettleton had remained near her door; in the -latter part, he had missed his captain, and had prostrated himself on a -rug near the tent entrance. She had seen him there _all night_, as she -had not slept at all. - -Miss Hayward was too much overcome to appear as a witness, and was -excused. - -The next witness was Captain Hugh Walker. - -The feeling of the soldiers, to learn the result of the trial, was -intense, and by the time Captain Walker was called to the stand, some -twenty or thirty had crept to the edge of the tent, and endeavored to -conceal themselves in the tall grass outside, to catch the proceedings. -But they were discovered by Walker, who demanded that they should be -removed. This was done, and a guard placed outside. - -Captain Walker’s oath was as follows: - -“On the night of the seventh of November, I followed Captain Hayward -from his tent. It was at the time gradually becoming dark. My motive in -doing so I will explain. As soon as it began to be rumored that we were -to meet Price, I observed a change in the conduct of Captain Hayward. He -had ever been the center of attraction. His tent was the ‘head-quarters’ -of ‘our circle,’ drawn thither by the natural gayety of the captain, and -the presence there of ladies. But this feeling appeared to forsake him, -and on more than one occasion he denounced the war as inhuman. Pardon -me; I would not speak against the dead, but I doubted the loyalty of the -man, and _not_ his courage, and this it was which induced me to follow -him. - -“I halted beneath a large tree, which stood near the spot where the -murder evidently was committed. I saw the captain seat himself upon the -bank. At this time it was quite dark, but I saw a shadow approaching. It -passed near me, but I failed to discover who it was. I first thought it -might be William Nettleton following his master. I listened attentively, -however, as the extreme caution of the intruder attracted my attention. -In an instant I heard a groan, a heavy fall, and a voice exclaim: ‘Oh, -William, where are you? Nettleton, I am murdered. WELLS _is the -assassin_!’” - -A shudder ran through the court. Major D—— dropped his head upon his -hand and was silent. The officers whispered together. At last, a written -question was handed to the Judge-Advocate, which was promptly asked: - -“Captain Walker, why did you not give the alarm, or arrest the murderer -yourself?” - -“Sir,” was the prompt reply, “the sequel will show. It was dark; I could -not distinguish the features of any person two yards distant. I feared -he might escape if he should discover me. I therefore followed the -murderer cautiously, and he entered the tent of Lieutenant Wells. He did -not strike a light, but I listened, and heard him washing himself. I -kept close watch upon him until morning, to make sure I was not accusing -an innocent man. No one entered or left the tent. The one who washed his -hands, and left the bloody water, was Lieutenant Edward Wells.” - -This evidence was conclusive. But no reason could be assigned for the -murder, unless it was that Miss Hayward had been heard to say that she -never should marry and leave her brother so long as he lived, and it had -now become well known that Wells was a suitor for her hand. Still, he -was a favorite with the captain, and even on the day of his death -Hayward had been heard to say that he believed Wells a man of honor, -whose suit he would favor. The only conclusion which could be arrived at -was, that Wells believed the love of a sister was too strong to give -immediate place to the love of a wife, and he felt that, the brother -once removed, he alone would become the object of Miss Hayward’s -affection. This, though but a flimsy pretext for so awful a crime, was -all that any one could offer in the way of a surmise. - -The trial was over. But one decision could be given. It soon was rumored -about camp that sentence had been passed, and that at four o’clock the -next day it would be read to the prisoner, in presence of the whole -division. - -The night was wearing on. A form, closely enveloped, approached the tent -of the commanding General. It proved to be the lady Alibamo. - -“What is the will of our ‘daughter of the army?’” asked the General, -kindly. - -“It is that I may visit Lieutenant Wells, and bring him to my tent. I -desire that an interview should take place between Miss Hayward and the -doomed man.” - -The General seated himself at his table, and penned a few words, which -he handed to Mrs. Hinton. She glanced at the contents, and then falling -at the feet of that officer, she seized his hand, and kissing it, -sobbingly exclaimed: - -“What! _without_ his chains? God bless you! God bless—” - -“There, there! Go! go! Don’t make _me_ weep, or I won’t forgive you,” -returned the veteran warrior, as he turned away. - -Alibamo left his tent, and in a few minutes entered her own, in company -with Lieutenant Wells, now free from all apparent restraint. - -When Wells entered the tent, Miss Hayward was kneeling by the side of -her camp cot, her face buried in the folds of its coverings. For several -moments not a word was spoken, and, as Wells gazed upon the stricken -sister, he trembled violently, while a groan of intense anguish escaped -him. - -Alibamo advanced, and gently touching her companion, said: - -“Mamie, my darling, here is _our friend_, Lieutenant Wells.” - -Miss Hayward did not raise her head, but reached forth her hand toward -Wells, which, quickly kneeling by her side, he took, and pressed to his -lips. - -“Oh, heaven bless you!” he moaned. “_You_ do not believe me capable of -the dreadful crime with which I am charged?” - -Miss Hayward tried to speak, but convulsive sobs choked her utterance. - -“No, my ever kind and dear friend,” replied Alibamo, “she does _not_ -believe you guilty. Nor am I satisfied that Captain Hayward has been -killed. I am under the impression that he was wounded and taken prisoner -by some rebels, who were lurking near our camp.” - -“You _hope_ for the best, and so do I; but have you any grounds for the -formation of such an opinion?” asked Wells. - -“Yes, and to me the best of evidence. William Nettleton went in search -of the captain. If he was killed, William would have found his body -before this, and returned to us with the intelligence. His continued -absence convinces me that the captain is still alive, and that his -faithful friend Nettleton is at this moment following him. It is this -hope which gives me fresh courage, and I believe a few days will see you -free, and your name as untarnished as it should be. I wished to tell you -this, and I also wished Miss Hayward to express to you personally, her -confidence in your innocence; hence, I brought you here. You may leave -us now, as my poor friend is too much agitated to converse.” - -Wells was about to depart in silence, but Miss Hayward for the first -time raised her face, and her tearful eyes met his own. He sprung -forward, and kneeling before her, pressed his lips to her white -forehead, and said: - -“That look is worth to me years of happiness. But, you can read my heart -_now_. When I am _proved_ innocent, then I will speak the words which -must not, till then, pass my lips. God bless you!” - -He arose to depart, but was met by Captain Walker, who had just entered -the tent. - -Walker cast a rapid glance around him, and placing his finger upon his -lips, enjoined silence upon all. Wells stood, with arms folded, sternly -and suspiciously gazing upon him, while Alibamo asked: - -“What are your wishes, sir?” - -“To serve you and your friend,” was the reply, spoken in a low voice, -and with apparent hesitation. - -“It must be an important service which could render pardonable the fact, -sir, of you having, unannounced, and so rudely, intruded upon our -privacy,” said Mrs. Hinton. - -“It _is_ an important service. No less than the rescue of——will you be -seated?” - -The parties seated themselves in silence, when Walker continued: - -“You must pardon me if I speak plainly, and directly to the point. It is -necessary that I should be brief.” - -“Proceed, sir.” - -“Miss Hayward,” continued Walker, turning toward the lady, “I must give -a few words of explanation to you. I _did_ love—_do_ love you now. You -need not shrink from me. You will, upon hearing my words, understand me -better. No man loves without hope, until there arises between him and -the one beloved some impassable barrier. The barrier which arose to -blast _my_ hopes was, your previous love, and the unfortunate -circumstance which has made me an unwilling witness against one to whom, -as I think, your heart still clings.” - -“You will please be brief in comment, and come as quickly as possible to -the point in question,” replied Mrs. Hinton, as she observed the -agitation of Miss Hayward. - -“I come to the point now. I know Miss Hayward is very unhappy, and I -would not add to it. I would save her lover.” - -“To whom do you refer?” asked Wells, coldly. - -“To you, sir,” was the prompt reply. - -“I can not claim the title you honor me with, in connection with that -lady. Besides, she might not thank _you_ for such a service.” - -“Oh, yes! yes!” eagerly replied Miss Hayward, as she gazed upon the -speaker. - -“Stay one moment, Miss Hayward,” answered Wells. “Let us first learn in -what manner my deliverance can be effected. Captain Walker, you can -proceed.” - -“You speak very coldly, Lieutenant Wells, to one who comes to offer you -service. But, before I proceed, I must exact a promise, that if my -proposition is not accepted, those to whom my words are addressed will -make no exposure of the same.” - -There was a nod of assent, and Walker proceeded: - -“I will not deny the fact that solicitude for Miss Hayward impels the -act. But of this no more. Lieutenant Wells, you are unbound and -unwatched. Place your sash across your breast, as worn by the officer of -the day. I will give you the counter-sign, and thus you will be enabled -to pass the pickets, and make good your escape. You can secure a safe -retreat, and, after the excitement of the mur—of this unfortunate -affair—has died away, Miss Hayward can be apprised of your place of -concealment, and take such action in the case as her judgment or heart -may dictate.” - -A deathlike silence reigned for a moment, during which rapid glances -were exchanged between the friends. At length Wells asked: - -“Captain Walker, would not an escape imply, upon my part, an -acknowledgment of the crime of which I am accused?” - -“It might, in the estimation of many. But, you are generally believed -guilty. What matters it what your actions imply to _them_? Your friends -here, who have already made up their minds, will merely look upon it as -a desire upon your part to escape a certain, an unmerited, and a -dishonorable death.” - -“And you will assist my flight?” - -“I will.” - -“And will you afterward convey Miss Hayward to me if she will come?” - -“With pleasure; you but anticipate my intended services.” - -Another rapid and significant glance passed between Mrs. Hinton and -Wells, which was not observed by Walker. - -“One thing more, Walker: do _you_ believe me guilty of murder?” - -“H’m—I _did_.” - -“And _now_?” - -“I _may_ have been mistaken. But, be that as it may, I will assist your -flight.” - -“Are you ready?” asked Wells, rising. - -“I wish you to return to your cell, and when all is ready, say _two or -three o’clock_, I will come for you.” - -“But I will not go!” was the firm reply. - -Walker perceived his mistake, and quickly added: - -“As you please, sir.” And turning, he was about to leave the tent, when -he was confronted by the “officer of the day.” - -“Captain Walker,” he said, sternly, “you feel an especial interest in -Lieutenant Wells. I did not suppose so, but learned the fact from your -conversation. I am glad you _do_ feel so great a friendship for him. You -shall have opportunity to make it manifest. You shall become his -Pythias!” - -“What do you mean, sir?” - -“This: that the sentence of Lieutenant Wells will be read to-morrow -afternoon at four o’clock. In the mean time, you, as his dear friend, do -not wish to see him confined, and will most cheerfully take his place in -the prison, and wear his chains. If the lieutenant is _present_ -to-morrow at four, you, as his hostage, will be released. If he should -escape, as you have advised, of course you will be held as an aider and -abettor in that escape; and when you receive that punishment your guilt -deserves, you will have the consolation of knowing that you suffer for -the benefit of your very dear friend! Soldiers,” commanded the officer, -“place the irons upon Captain Walker, and convey him to the guard-room -in the old log-building.” - -“Are you mad? You _dare_ not do it!” yelled Walker, as he foamed with -rage. But the soldiers promptly obeyed the command, and Walker was taken -from the tent. - -“This indignity shall be avenged!” but he was carried quickly forward, -and the guard-room door soon closed upon him. - -“You will be at liberty, upon your parole of honor, until to-morrow at -four o’clock, Lieutenant Wells.” - -The officers shook hands and separated. - - - - - CHAPTER VI. - - _The Gunpowder Plot and the Conspirator._ - _The Mystery Unfolding._ - - -JUST as the fading twilight was yielding to darkness, and before -Lieutenant Wells had been removed from his cell by request of Alibamo, a -scene occurred to which we must revert. - -The room in which Wells was placed was in the wing of a log-house, just -in the rear of the brick school-house to which we have alluded. Two -doors led from this apartment, one opening into the garden, the other -into the main building. This latter door had been firmly secured. Near -that opening into the garden, was a small window, the only one in the -apartment. As the guard was stationed at the door, escape from the room -was impossible. Surrounding this garden were a number of hedges running -in various directions, some of them forming the street fence, while -others ornamented the winding gravel walks. - -As soon as it was quite dark, a person closely enveloped and disguised, -emerged from among the tents, and passed cautiously along in the still -intenser darkness of the hedge shadow. Ever and anon he would pause and -listen. Finally he reached the further hedge, remote from the camp. He -paused a moment, and then gave a low and peculiar whistle. It was -immediately answered, and two men joined the first comer. - -“Are you ready?” - -“No!” was the answer. - -“And why not?” - -“Because we have not received our pay.” - -“Is that the _only_ reason?” - -“The only reason after you have given us full instructions.” - -“Where is your powder?” - -“In the upper part of the garden, under the hedge. We have secured eight -twelve pound shells which we took from that battery over yonder. Powder -enough to blow a mountain to the devil.” - -“Well, here is a hundred apiece. When the job is done, you will find as -much more in the hollow log that I pointed out last night. Be careful -and make sure work!” - -“Well, your instructions!” - -“You will follow the outer hedge. Creep along with great caution, and -make no noise. There will be no danger, as the guard are not on the -north side of the camp. When you reach the log-building in the rear of -the brick school-house, you will observe a small wing, or addition, -extending to the rear. At the back of this wing you will find an -excavation under the house sufficiently large for your shells. Place -them in it, lay your train, and then apply the torch. But you must do -this with great caution, as a guard is stationed upon the opposite -side.” - -“Don’t be alarmed. Any one near that old log-shanty will go to kingdom -come before to-morrow morning.” - -The trio then separated. - - * * * * * - -When Captain Walker was seized and chained by the soldiers, he made a -desperate resistance, but in vain. He soon occupied the little room -vacated by Lieutenant Wells. The door closed; he heard the clanking of -the heavy chains which secured it, and left him in utter darkness. He -stamped, and raved and cursed. Suddenly starting, and wildly clutching -his throat, as if some terrible thought had crossed his mind, he groaned -and sunk upon the floor. - -“Fool! oh! fool that I was! I thought if I _pretended_ friendship, and -offered to assist in his escape, all suspicion of this night’s work -would be diverted from me. But now—oh! my God! What is the hour? Hark! I -hear them working under the building! No! it is not the men yet. It is -too early. I dare not tell the guard, for an acknowledgment of any -suspicion of such a plot would be a confession of _my_ guilt. Let me -search for some mode of escape!” - -Walker crawled cautiously around the floor, but not a crevice could be -found. Finally, exhausted, he sunk down, giving way to his utter -despair. An hour—two hours—dragged slowly by, which appeared an age of -misery to the wretched man. - -“If I give the alarm, even saying that a peculiar sound attracted my -attention, the ruffians who are to do the work, will recognize me, and I -shall, thus implicated, suffer an ignominious death! What is that? Great -God! they are at work! But they are making so much noise that the guard -will hear them, and I shall yet be saved!” - -“Don’t make quite so much noise in there, if you please!” exclaimed the -guard, as he knocked upon the door where he was stationed. - -“It is not me!” yelled the frantic man. “Some one is at the rear of the -building, trying to dig through—they want to kill me!” - -“We will see about that!” replied the guard, as he left his post, and -walked toward the spot indicated. - -Walker fell upon his knees and exclaimed: - -“Oh! I am saved—saved that dreadful death!” - -He bent down, and applying his ear to a small crevice between the logs, -where the mud-mortar had fallen out, he listened. He could distinctly -hear the words spoken. - -“Have you silenced that d—d guard?” was asked. - -“Yes, cut his wizzen. No danger. Hurry with the train of powder!” - -“Gentlemen!” yelled Walker, “don’t go any further. I am not the man!” - -“Quick—fire the train!” exclaimed a voice outside. - -A flash was seen, and then another said: - -“Curse it, the train has failed. Throw the torch among the shells, and -then run!” - -Walker waited to hear no more, but throwing himself with all his -violence against the door, he set up a series of yells, which made the -camp ring. In a moment steps were heard, the door was thrown open, and -Walker, livid with fear, and frantic, staggered into the open air, -gasping for breath. When he had sufficiently recovered his fright to -listen, the commander of the squad said: - -“The powder-plot has been discovered, sir. There is no further danger on -that head. But you will return to your cell!” - -This order Walker was compelled to obey, and he was again left in -darkness, with feelings better imagined than described. - - * * * * * - -The night wore slowly away. Lieutenant Wells had retired to his own -tent. His calmness of demeanor certainly did not indicate a guilty mind. -Alibamo, too, was wakeful, and strove by every possible kindness to -sustain the heart and hopes of her suffering companion. Miss Nettie -Morton, who had so recently joined their society, was occupying a tent -in company with Miss Sally Long, near that of Mrs. Hinton. They also, -were watchful—anxious for the morrow. But, perhaps, the most wretched -person in that camp was Captain Hugh Walker. No officer would have dared -to place irons upon him and confine him in a rough cell, upon any slight -pretext. Was it not possible that something of a serious character had -been discovered against him? This surmise seemed to haunt him, for he -acted in a manner to indicate the wildest apprehensions of danger. - -Morning came at last, and slowly the day advanced. A guard brought -Walker his breakfast, but the man refused to answer any question. During -the afternoon he heard the beating of the drums, and the bugle-blast, -which he well understood was calling the division together for some -important purpose. He felt satisfied that one object was the reading of -the finding of the court-martial in the case of Lieutenant Wells. But, -what part was _he_ to play in the scene? This was the question which -caused his heart to beat with violence, as the chains fell from the door -of his prison, and he was called forth. - -He accompanied the guard in silence, and soon entered the hollow square -formed by the three brigades of the division. Walker glanced eagerly -around, and there, standing beside the commanding General, was -Lieutenant Wells, with Miss Hayward leaning upon his arm, and near them -were their female friends. But a few paces distant were the two ruffians -who had been engaged in the powder-plot. All was silent. The General -advanced and said: - -“Preliminary to other proceedings, I wish to ask Captain Walker if he -ever before saw these two men?” - -The ruffians advanced, rattling their chains. But Walker drew back, and -with forced calmness he replied: - -“I never have!” He dropped his head, gazing upon the ground. - -The adjutant who held the sealed orders of the court-martial by which -Lieutenant Wells had been tried, then advanced, and was about to -commence reading the document in his hand, when a series of yells were -heard, and in the distance was seen the grotesque form of Nettleton, as -he came bounding along and bellowing: - -“Stop the shootin’! Stop the shootin’!” - -It was well known throughout the army that Nettleton had remained behind -in search of Captain Hayward. As he approached, the most intense -excitement was manifest. Lieutenant Wells could scarcely control his -feelings, and would have rushed forward to meet Nettleton, had not Mrs. -Hinton gently laid her hand upon his arm, begging him to be calm. Miss -Hayward clung closer to her lover, as she hoped the news about to be -brought by her brother’s friend would relieve her agony of suspense. A -half-suppressed cheer broke from the soldiers, as Nettleton burst into -the square. - -He paused for a moment, his breast heaving, and his eyes glaring wildly. -But an instant was sufficient for him to discover that Wells was yet -alive, and that the object of his suspicion also lived. He sprung -forward, and, without uttering a word, seized Walker by the foot, which -he at once drew under his arm; then he as suddenly bounded for the spot -where the commandant was standing, dragging the foot along with him. - -Of course this sudden movement on the part of Nettleton had thrown -Walker violently upon his head, and, although he kicked, and squirmed -and cursed, he was dragged along as if he had been a child. - -When Nettleton reached the commander, he held the foot of Walker within -a few inches of that officer’s face, and yelled: - -“Look! look! General—see them boots!” - -Notwithstanding the intense anxiety felt for the result of Nettleton’s -search, the ridiculous figure he presented in his eagerness, and that of -Walker who was twisting and struggling to escape, a general laugh ran -through the division, which was joined in by the commander. Even Wells -could not suppress a smile. - -“And what about those boots?” asked the commander, after silence had -been restored. - -“Why, I’ve blacked them!” yelled Nettleton. - -Another laugh was heard along the line. - -“No doubt you have blacked them. But what of this?” - -“Why, General, don’t you see them _two hearts_ made with nails, on the -sole of that boot?” - -“Certainly I see them. And what then?” - -Walker was now permitted to resume his upright position, and he stood -trembling with fear and rage, as Nettleton went on to relate his first -suspicions of Walker, his search for the body of Captain Hayward, his -finding the impression of the footprints standing side by side in the -mud, at the edge of the stream, with the marks of _two hearts_ in the -sole of each boot; and then the finding of the handkerchief in the -water, which Nettleton then produced. - -The officer took the white linen witness, examining it closely, and then -said: - -“Here is the name of ‘Walker,’ in the corner. William, did you find this -_near_ the place where the murder was committed?” - -“Right by the spot where them two boots stood!” replied Nettleton, -pointing to Walker’s feet. - -“I can explain this,” exclaimed Walker. “I went to the river that day to -wash, and I stood upon the bank to do so. I presume I left the -impression of my boots there at that time. If I did not, was I not also -present in the morning to examine the spot where the murder had been -committed? And is it a wonder that the impression of my boots should be -left behind?” - -“That is certainly true,” replied the General. “But of the -handkerchief?” - -“It fell from my hands as I was washing, and I did not take the trouble -to recover it.” - -“It is very probable!” replied the General. - -“So you perceive,” replied Walker, as he appeared to gain courage, “your -trumped up evidence has fallen to the ground! I did not expect a -combination of both officers and men against me, but I find it so. And -they wish to see _me_ suffer for the bloody deed done by that coward. -The only reason I can assign for this persecution is, that he is in -favor with the _ladies_, and you, sycophants that you are, hope, through -him, to gain favor with his fair companions. No doubt some bargain to -that effect already has been effected!” - -Captain Walker had by this time become eloquent, and defiant. Nettleton, -with his too eager perceptions, had failed to foresee the possible -fallacy of his proofs, for hope and prejudice together had prevented any -calm examination of his evidence. With a sorrowful and troubled look, he -turned away. This gave Walker greater confidence, and, in a loud but -hoarse voice he cried: - -“And now I demand justice!” - -“Which you shall have,” replied the General. “But first answer me; how -did this handkerchief, which bears your name, and which you confess to -having used in the stream, become _bloody_?” - -That was another point of interest, and Nettleton paused to listen -attentively. - -“I had a bleeding at the nose, and the reason I threw the dirty thing -away, was, I did not think it worth washing!” - -“Then some person must have recovered it, washed it very carefully, and -thrown it into the stream again, for _there is_ NO _blood upon it_!” - -Walker attempted a reply, but his utterance failed. The General enjoined -silence, and then stepping forward he said, in a voice sufficiently loud -to be heard by all present: - -“Captain Walker, I must sum up, before you, the evidence of crimes you -have committed, which have no parallel in the history of the army, or of -crimes which have ever been, or attempted to be committed in any -civilized country. I would give you the benefit of a court-martial, were -there any doubt of your guilt, and even _now_ may _order_ a trial, but -it will only be a formal one. You had better confess your guilt, here, -before all—ask their pardon—make reparation to those you have most -injured, and die repentant!” - -“I have nothing to confess!” responded Walker, bitterly. - -“Have you no fear of the revelations of these two soldiers?” asked the -General, pointing to the chained ruffians. - -“I have no fear! No doubt they have been bribed to conspire with you! -But, vent your spite! Go on!” - -“Then, Captain Walker, I will briefly enumerate the circumstances which -have been developed, as well as the _facts_. The morning we left Grand -Prairie you were in command of the squad which escorted the prisoner, -Lieutenant Edward Wells. You had not proceeded far when you were -overtaken by two men. It was a very easy matter to secure an audience -with you as you were in the rear of the division. They suggested that -you should deliver Lieutenant Wells to them, as their commander had an -especial spite against him, and wished to secure his person. You asked -these men (I refer to the two ruffians now in chains and standing by -your side,) how they dared to approach you on such a subject, and they -replied that they had _witnessed your act_ the evening previous, and -that you need not put on airs with them! You then requested these -fellows to meet you the next evening at the upper hedge. You instructed -them to secure a number of pounds of powder for some purpose, which you -would then explain. You met them the next evening. You gave them -instructions. They were about to act upon them, when your outcries from -the cell in which _you_ had been placed, and which Lieutenant Wells had -left only a short time previously, attracted the attention of the guard, -and you were rescued. Prior to this you had offered to assist Lieutenant -Wells to escape, but you wished him to return to his cell and remain -until two or three o’clock. The fiendish act was to be committed between -twelve and one. You _pretended_ friendship, that all suspicion of the -act might be diverted from you. Have I spoken correctly, sir?” - -“No doubt you have spoken according to the story of those ruffians!” -replied Walker. “You can not bring against me any _respectable_ proof. I -look to a court for the justice which I have no reason to expect here.” - -“Look!” - -Walker, who had been shaking like a guilty wretch during the speech of -the commander, turned in the direction indicated. The rough garb had -fallen from the ruffians; their chains were thrown aside, and, to his -astonishment and horror, there stood two of the regimental Union -officers, ADJUTANT HINTON, the husband of Alibamo, and his friend, -CAPTAIN CLARK! - -Walker, who now saw how he had been entrapped, and detected in his -infamy, for a moment was utterly unmanned. But, his resolute nature soon -triumphed over his fear. Well realizing that penitence could not save -him, he sprung to his feet and said: - -“This is all a miserable, contemptible conspiracy—an effort to make out -a case against me to shield that woman’s pet from the consequences of -his clearly proven crime. Hayward is dead, and can not be made to -answer, else—” - -“You lie, you dirty, nasty, murderin’ skunk!” - -“What!” exclaimed a dozen voices. - -“He lies! the coward that stabs a man in the dark! Hayward is not dead, -but lives, and will soon by his evidence send this murderer to kingdom -come!” - -With a shriek Miss Hayward bounded forward, and fell at the feet of -Nettleton, grasping his hands. Wells, who had borne bravely up until -this moment, covered his face, and wept tears of joy and of relief from -the imputation of crime. Sally Long sprung to the side of Nettleton, -and, throwing her arms around his neck she gave him a hearty kiss, which -caused him to roll up his green eyes, and appear in almost as much agony -as if he had been struck in the stomach with a cannon-ball. The word was -soon passed, and the soldiers, catching the fire, made the very welkin -ring with their shouts, while the band chimed in with the stirring -strain: “Hail to the Chief!” - - - - - CHAPTER VII. - - _A Live Hero—The Retrograde Army Movement._ - - -THE villain Walker was returned to his lonely cell. Lieutenant Wells was -released from all restraint. The soldiers dispersed to talk about the -strange turn events had taken, but the center of attraction was -Nettleton. He was seated in front of the Hinton tent. Close beside him -was Miss Hayward, kneeling, and gazing mournfully into his face, while -Alibamo, Wells, the General, Nettie Morton, Sally Long, the officers who -had composed the court-martial, the especial friends of the parties, and -as many of the soldiers as could get within hearing distance, were -earnestly listening to the narrative of the “body-guard.” - -Nettleton went on to relate his meeting the rebel scouts, and the fact -of their having informed him that Hayward had only been wounded and -conveyed toward Wilson’s Creek, by a party attached to the command of -Lieutenant-Colonel Price. - -[The reader will mark the distinction between Lieutenant-Colonel Price, -who was a ruffian guerrilla, and had broken his parole three times—an -act repudiated by all honest soldiers of either army—and General -Sterling Price, who, although a rebel, always had acted in a gentlemanly -and humane manner to all prisoners of war.] - -After listening to the story of William, the General drew from his -pocket the note which had been found at the Ozark bridge, signed -“Charles Campbell.” This note must have been written but a few moments -before the fight took place. The date would be just two days after -Hayward had received the assassin’s stroke, giving about the proper time -for the wounded man to be carried from Grand Prairie to Ozark, at which -latter place Lieutenant-Colonel Price had formed a temporary camp. The -writer spoke of a wounded man in a boat, and against whom Price had an -especial spite. This confirmed the conviction that Hayward had been -taken thither for the especial gratification of Price’s fiendish -propensities. The note also said that he bore the marks of a captain’s -rank, and, in his delirium, spoke of “Net—” which might have referred to -the young lady, Nettie Morton, whom he possibly might have seen in the -distance, upon the bank, as the boat neared the spot where she was -standing, or, as seemed more probable, that the wounded captain was -calling upon Nettleton. At all events, it was decided that the person of -whom Charles Campbell had written, was no other than Captain Hayward. It -is true, he was still almost insensible from his wounds, and was near -the camp of his most unforgiving enemy, but, there was a friend at -hand—an enemy in arms—but a friend to the wounded and helpless soldier, -as are all true men—and he had written that “he _would_ save him!” - -“Why should we not hope?” asked Alibamo, as she clasped her friend Mamie -in her arms. - -“And why should we not _act_?” cried Wells, as he clutched the hilt of -his sword. - -“Yes, we _will_ act,” yelled Nettleton, as he sprung up, and appeared -ready for instant departure. - -“Go, William; follow the stream from Ozark, until you find some trace, -and then return to us,” said Miss Hayward, eagerly. - -Nettleton turned his gaze upon Miss Sally, for a moment, and then, as if -ashamed of his hesitation, or of his weakness, in exhibiting _any_ -symptoms of love, he started with a bound, exclaiming: - -“I’m off. Good-by, all!” - -He had proceeded, however, but a few steps when he halted, and, -scratching his head, his countenance assumed a most woful expression, -and his eyes rolled wildly about. - -“What is the matter, William?” asked Wells. - -“_Got to go t’other way!_” was the melancholy reply. - -“Why so?” - -“O, just a bit of—fun—that’s all!” - -“Well, tell us what it is, Nettleton?” - -“I can’t! It will break _her_ heart!” he replied, pointing to Sally. - -“So it would, William, if any thing dreadful should happen to you!” -replied Miss Long, as she dropped her eyes to the ground. - -“There, didn’t I tell you so?” replied the faithful servant, his mouth -gaping and his eyes expanding. - -“William,” asked Wells, “do you really _love_ Miss Long?” - -“Love her, lieutenant? That ain’t no name for it. Why, can’t you see -yourself that she’s the sweetest darn sk— no, I mean the nicest critter -in the world—exceptin’ Miss Mamie!” - -“And does she love you, William?” asked Alibamo, smiling in spite of -herself at the tableau enacting before her. - -“_Of course I do!_” replied Sally, proudly and triumphantly, as if a -victory had been won. - -“There—there! Do you hear that? Now, don’t you pity me? I believe I am -the most ugly cuss in the world. I never thought anybody would ever love -_me_, and now I find out the gal as I wants most is just the one as does -love me! Oh Lordy, I’m sick, I do believe!” - -“All right!” Wells responded, with a smile. - -“All right! Not by a blasted sight, sir! Did _you_ think it all right -when you loved Miss Mamie, and thought you had to swing?” - -“What! You talk in riddles. Explain.” - -“_I’ve got to be hung!_” he roared, but, whether with pain or delight, -none could tell. - -“Why, _you_ didn’t have any thing to do with hurting the captain?” cried -Sally, as she advanced toward her beloved. - -Nettleton gazed at her an instant with a most singular expression, and -then replied: - -“Miss Long, never let suspicion cross that delicate bo— mind of yours, -but like the true turtle-dove, put your trust in the uprighteousness of -your future lord and master, what is to be hanged all on account of the -first time you wrapped them delicate arms of yourn around my long neck.” - -“William, what do you mean by being hanged?” asked the General. - -Nettleton then went on to relate the agreement he had made with Price, -to return, and undergo the punishment which was about to be inflicted -upon him when that General interfered. He declared his intention of -returning at once, as his “furlough” had run out, and as a “man of -honor” he must return. - -“And do you really intend to return?” asked the General. - -“_Of course I do!_” replied William, with something of scorn and much of -pride in his tones. - -“William, think for a moment. You are now safe. You are with one who -loves you, and with whom you can be happy. Why will you return?” - -“General, don’t argue this point with me. I said I would come back, and -darn me if I don’t!” Nettleton started, after having shook the hand of -his friends. - -“Stay a moment, Nettleton,” said the General. “I have a letter from -General Price with regard to you.” - -Nettleton paused and listened, as the commander, opening the envelope, -read: - - - “Camp near Cassville, Nov. 12th, 1861. - -“_To General ——, greeting_: - -“A prisoner of war was released from our camp, and permitted to return -to Springfield, on the 9th. It was at first thought that he was a spy, -as he had been seen in and near our camp before, and he was about to -suffer death upon the scaffold, when I saw and questioned him. I became -convinced that he was no spy, but a faithful servant and friend, -searching for his captain, whom he loved. I ordered his release. I gave -him a parole of honor. He promised to return that the sentence of the -‘drum-head court’ could be carried into effect upon him, after he had -given the evidence he possessed, which he declared was necessary to save -an innocent man. I admire his truthfulness. Should he be determined to -return, of which I have no doubt, you will read this letter, which -releases William Nettleton from any further obligation. He will remain -with his friends, and be happy. - -“Signed by the A. A. A. G. - - “For the Commander, PRICE.” - -The effect upon the gallant fellow of the reading of this letter, was -somewhat singular. He stood for a moment gaping around upon the -spectators, as if he had been caught in some mean act. Then a smile came -over his face like sunlight creeping over a rugged mountain top. Soon -his countenance looked like a newly risen sun—fairly blazing with -blushes. Then, with a wild _whoop_, which rung out like a signal, he -sprung into air, rattled his feet together, and once on earth again, -bounded off like a great moose, for the nearest thicket, where to -indulge his “feelings” without restraint. - -The crowd dispersed in good-humor, to talk over the strange events of an -hour. If one heart was happier than all, it was that of poor Mamie, -whose joy at the proven innocence of her friend and lover was too -intense for words. In her heart a new hope had also arisen, that her -dear brother would again be restored to her arms, and thus fill up the -cup of her blessings to the brim. - -It had been decided by the friends of Hayward, that a search for the -captain would be useless, but it was hoped that Charles Campbell would -give some information which would lead to his discovery, or that -Fall-leaf, a celebrated Indian scout, who had now been absent many days -on the very line of the enemy’s march, would return with some tidings, -by which the actions of the captain’s anxious friends should be -governed. - - * * * * * - -The Army of the Mississippi, having passed from Fremont’s command to -that of General Hunter, had been ordered to fall back from Springfield, -in two columns. The one by the way of the Osage and Warsaw to Tipton, -Mo., on the line of the main Pacific road, and the other by way of -Lebanon, on the main road between Springfield and Rolla, the -south-western branch of the same road. Each place, in distance from -Springfield, was about one hundred and twenty-five miles. - -The march of the division to which Captain Hayward’s friends were -attached, which was under the command of the brave Sigel, was commenced -on the morning of November 20th. That division formed the rear of the -entire army. It proceeded by the Rolla turnpike. - -Nothing of note transpired until the division was ascending the rolling -hill about two miles before reaching Lebanon, when a horseman, his face -and head streaming with blood, rode rapidly along the lines, exclaiming: - -“Fight in front! Fight in front!” - -He halted for no one to question him, but kept on his way. No guns were -heard, and many expressed the opinion that it must be a strange fight. -But, as a necessary precaution, the infantry-men were halted, their -pieces loaded, and bayonets fixed. The artillery was charged, and flags -unfurled. As the troops ascended the hill, and looked in vain for a foe, -the question was asked: “Where is the fight?” - -This was soon settled, as another messenger rode up and informed the -General that a party or squadron of rebel cavalry, numbering about four -hundred, had attacked a little band of “home guards,” of about thirty, -which had been collected in a valley some twenty miles south of Lebanon, -on the main road, in a place called “Bohannan Mills valley.” Most of the -thirty “home guard” had been killed, wounded or dispersed by the -guerrillas. Then all families in that vicinity known to entertain Union -proclivities, were visited at the dead of night. “Murder and arson” was -the cry. Many poor creatures soon were in the agonies of death. -Husbands, who had rushed from concealment to defend their wives, had -been cloven to the earth; children ran shrieking to and fro, only to be -dashed to pieces by the savages of the Missouri Mountain. It was a -carnival of lust and blood, over which the historian ever must dwell in -horror. And yet, these fiends in human shape were protected by the ægis -of the “Confederate” flag! - -Such was the scene depicted by the messenger, when the division was -halted, and a consultation took place. It was decided that, while the -main army went forward, two companies of infantry, a section of -artillery, and a company of cavalry, should be detached to proceed at -once to “Bohannan Mills,” to protect the helpless families, and, if -possible, to punish the rebel horde which had committed such awful -crimes against humanity. - - - - - CHAPTER VIII. - - _Gone!—The Signal Song._ - - -WE must now take the reader back to Springfield. It was one week after -the exposure and confinement of Walker, and something like a month -before the army had commenced its retrograde movement, as described in -the foregoing chapter. - -Walker, after the first paroxysm of his rage was over, settled himself -down to think. Although he had shown a bold front at first, his final -conviction drove from his heart all resolution, and he evinced the most -abject cowardice—the cowardice of conscious guilt, which makes the -strongest tremble. - -But Walker was not a man to sit quietly in his cell, and submit to his -fate. His mind having been settled in the conviction that certain death -would follow, he began to form his plans of action. To arrive at any -definite conclusion was no easy matter, as he was chained, and a double -guard placed around his quarters. Yet he had hope—time was given and all -might yet be right. He learned that he was not to be tried by a division -court-martial, but would be removed to St. Louis, in order that a -general court might act upon his case. He also learned that it would be -at least a month, before the army would take up its march. Thus he had -time—time precious to him—for, like all shrewd villains, he had his -confederates, even in the army as well as out of it, and to these he now -looked for his bodily safety. - -It was the third night of his incarceration, that, springing to his -feet, he listened intently. There were three distinct taps on the door. - -“The rescuers—the gang—I’m saved!” he muttered, as he gave three taps on -the door, in response. - -“What’s the word?” was asked from the outside. - -“C. S. A. and the Bars!” answered Walker. “And you?” - -“Good! Union against oppression!” - -“To-night?” asked Walker, with eagerness. - -“No, the pal on the other side ain’t for Union. Can’t before day after -to-morrow. Jim goes on then, and though it ain’t my turn, I think I can -get pony No. 2 drunk, and the job can be done. I’ll try.” - -“Be cautious. Trust no one without the word. It was the neglect on my -part, thinking it all right, to demand the ‘words,’ which brought me -into this scrape!” - -The “rounds” approached, and the sentinel was relieved. - -Nothing of importance transpired in camp for the next three days. An -unusual quiet prevailed. It is true, there was much talk upon the -subject of the attempted murder, and many expressions of bitterness -against Walker. Some even went so far as to suggest the hanging of that -wretch before the army left Springfield, lest he should escape. None -were more vehement than a repulsive looking soldier, known throughout -camp as “ugly Jim!” He stated that he had been on guard only a few -nights before in front of the prisoner’s quarters, and that he had every -reason to believe Walker was trying to escape, adding that he wished he -had been satisfied of the fact, as he would have been glad of an -opportunity to put a bullet through the murderous scoundrel. - -The party had been drinking freely, and had become exceedingly -communicative. One of the soldiers, whose post was No. 1 on guard duty -that night—that is, in front of the prisoner’s door—swore he would shoot -Walker if he could find any pretext. - -“_You_ have no spite against him,” exclaimed ugly Jim, “and _I_ have. -Let _me_ take the matter in hand. I will stand your guard, and if the -villain attempts to move, I’ll riddle him, sure as Potosi lead mines.” - -“Enough said. I am on the second relief. I go on at seven and off at -nine; again at twelve and off at two. This will be your time.” - -“Good! I shall be on hand!” - -Ugly Jim then approached the tent of Miss Hayward, and requested an -audience alone with that lady. It so happened that she was alone, -Alibamo having gone to visit her husband, and Sally being at the time -strolling through the camp with Nettleton. - -“If you wish to learn all the particulars about your brother, I think -you can do so,” said Jim, in a tone of great kindness. - -“Oh! in what manner?” asked Miss Hayward, eagerly. - -“I don’t exactly know. But I will tell you what I _do_ know. You see I -am on guard to-night from twelve till two, over the cell of Walker. I -don’t like the villain any way, but, he told me if I would get you to -come to him, he would tell you all he knows of the matter!” - -“Certainly I will go. Call Alibamo, and we will go together, at once!” - -“I will,” answered Jim, as he turned to depart. Then pausing, he added: - -“Miss Hayward, now I recollect that Walker said you must come alone. He -declared he would not commit himself by speaking before any one.” - -“I dare not go alone!” - -“Poor child!” exclaimed Jim, as he wiped his eyes. “Do you think you -_can_ be alone when this old soldier, as folks call ‘ugly Jim,’ is near -you? I know my face is ugly, but I don’t think my heart is! Besides, you -won’t _see_ the wretch himself. You will only talk to him through a -crack between the logs, and I shall be as close to you as Walker will -allow. Of course he wont let _me_ hear what he says, but I shan’t let -you be out of my sight, so there will be no danger!” - -“Why can we not go at once?” asked Miss Hayward. - -“Because I don’t go on post until twelve o’clock, and the other guard -wouldn’t let you speak to him.” - -“Then I will come at quarter past twelve. But I shall rely upon you for -protection!” - -“You may do that, miss. And I really think you do right. I know Walker -is a _very_ bad man, but he has got to die, and may be he wants to make -a confession to relieve his mind, and to ask your pardon. And I always -think it best to give a dying man a chance to relieve his mind, and -confess.” - -“You may expect me!” - -Jim bowed, and left the tent. - -Twelve o’clock came; the guard was relieved, and “ugly Jim” had taken -the place of his _sick friend_, in front of Walker’s prison. All was -quiet, save the clanking of a chain, a few hurried whispers, and the -opening and closing of a heavy door, which sounds were in close -proximity to Walker’s dungeon. The words “_C. S. A. and Bars_” were -answered by “_Union against Oppression_,” and two dark forms glided to -concealment beside the thorn hedge, while the guard remained at the -door. - - * * * * * - -The evening dragged slowly along for Miss Hayward. A hundred times she -had almost resolved to communicate to her friends the fact of her -intended visit to Walker, and to ask their advice, and, if need be, to -request that some one should follow in the distance, to lend assistance, -should any be required. But what had she to fear? Walker was secure in -his cell, and one of the faithful guard had promised his protection. -Besides, she had promised to go alone. If she did not, it would imply -suspicion of an honest soldier. Walker might also ask if she had come -entirely unattended, and how could she answer him? - -Miss Hayward was naturally timid, and by no means self-reliant. When the -news of the supposed death of her brother reached her, she was almost -paralyzed with grief. But, now that hope had filled her heart, she began -to nerve herself to the task of unremitting search, even though she must -encounter the greatest dangers. - -The hour of twelve arrived. Closely muffled in a cloak, she crept from -her tent, and then paused to listen. She heard nothing, save the slow -and regular breathing of the sleepers, and the violent beating of her -own heart. She started, but her steps seemed to fail her, and she leaned -against a tree for support. The thought of her dear brother, and the -probable unraveling of the mystery which surrounded his attempted -assassination, and his present fate, gave her renewed courage, and she -sped onward. In a few moments she had cleared the camp, and arrived in -the center of the garden, where stood the doomed man’s prison. As she -neared the door, the guard asked: - -“Is that you, Miss Hayward?” - -“It is!” came the low response. - -“Approach and fear nothing.” - -She had barely reached the threshold, when two forms, darting from -beneath the hedge, threw a heavy blanket over her head, thus entirely -smothering any attempt, on her part, to give the alarm. Who and what her -captors were, she could not divine, or what might be their purpose. -Strange to say, her reason did not forsake her. She felt herself borne -rapidly along, but not a word was spoken. It appeared to her that hours -passed by, and she even longed to hear some word uttered which might -give a clue to the intentions of those in whose power she was, or to -throw some light upon the subject, as to whom her captors were. The -blanket, which was very heavy, almost causing suffocation, had been -removed, and a lighter one substituted. - -At length the parties halted, and, seating themselves upon the ground, -the covering was removed, and Miss Hayward was permitted to gaze around -her. Her eyes first met those of Captain Walker. She shuddered, and -turned away. Then glancing at his two companions, she at once recognized -“ugly Jim,” and a person known in camp as “stupid Dick,” both of whom -had served as Union soldiers, for a long time, under Walker. As her eyes -met those of “ugly Jim,” she exclaimed: - -“Oh! _you_ will protect me?” - -A laugh was the only reply. - -“I trust Miss Hayward will permit _me_ to become her protector!” said -Walker, in an assumed tone of kindness. - -Miss Hayward did not reply, but gazed around her. She was in a wild -spot. She was seated beside a lovely stream of water, in a deep valley, -while high on either hand were ragged hills or mountains. She knew the -country for at least ten or twelve miles from Springfield in all -directions was quite level, and she judged she must be near the Ozark -country, the first range of whose ridges she had frequently seen from -that point. - -“Does not the lovely Miss Hayward deign a reply to her most devoted -lover?” asked Walker. - -“What was your purpose in tearing me from my friends, and conveying me -here?” asked Miss Hayward. - -“A pardonable one, I think. My life was forfeited in the Federal camp, -and personal interest required me to depart. I could not think of -leaving without you, and so I resorted to a little stratagem. My love -for you must plead my excuse.” - -“But I have told you, Captain Walker, that I could not love you. Do you -suppose after what has transpired that I could entertain any other -feeling toward you than detestation?” - -“I am aware of that. But, when you know me better, I am sure you will -consent to reward my devotion. I am going to convey you to your -brother!” - -“Then I _will_ thank you, at least!” exclaimed Miss Hayward. - -“Nothing else?” - -She shuddered. - -“I must be plain with you,” continued Walker. “I am _not_ what I have -seemed to be while with the Federals. I am a colonel in the Confederate -army, but I accepted a commission in the so-called Union army, that I -might furnish information to my Generals. Or, if you like the term -better, you may call me a spy. These two soldiers have been with me for -the same purpose. And we were not alone. There are now, in the army of -the Mississippi, over three hundred privates, and over twenty officers, -who _pretend_ loyalty to the Federal cause; and I think, when his sister -has become the wife of Captain Walker, or Colonel Brown, he may be -induced to join us!” - -“Will you take me to my brother?” - -“On one condition, I will.” - -“And this condition?” - -“Miss Hayward, I love you with all the ardor of my soul. You have become -necessary to my very existence—_are_ a part of my life. When you spurned -me, it drove me frantic, and I am so now. Beware—oh! beware how you turn -this heart, which is yet pure, so far as you are concerned, into a hell -of furies! Pity me! Oh! dear Miss Hayward, pity me!” - -“But my brother—what of him?” - -“I will tell you of your brother when you have answered my questions.” - -“Proceed, sir!” - -“Do not speak so coldly. I will be frank with you. Your brother is a -prisoner—not in the Confederate camp, but in a secure place, on the very -stream beside which you are now sitting. The murmuring and singing of -these very waters will, ere two hours, greet his ears with the same -strain. Warble those strains to which I have so often listened while in -camp, and which stirred my soul, and they will be borne direct to your -brother’s hearing, to relieve his brain perhaps from the insanity which -now enchains him!” - -“Insanity!” echoed Mamie. “My brother insane?” - -“He is a raving maniac! And but one thing can restore him!” - -“Oh wretched, horrible news! What _can_ I do to save my brother?” - -“You are the only person who _can_ save him. Nor is the task a hard one. -Only a few miles from here is a Confederate camp. A chaplain is in -attendance. He will perform the ceremony which will make you irrevocably -and securely mine. Go with me. Become my wife, and to-morrow I will take -you to your brother, and we will not only restore his shackled feet to -liberty, but his shattered senses to reason. We alone can do it. Can you -assume the responsibility of a refusal?” - -Miss Hayward remained silent for a few moments, and then gazed -alternately at the three villains. An unnatural fire lit up her eyes. At -length she said: - -“Captain Walker, I do not know but you are even now deceiving me. You -may not know any thing about where my brother is.” - -“Ask these soldiers,” replied Walker. - -Miss Hayward turned her eyes upon them. - -“The captain speaks right,” answered Jim. “He _does_ know where your -brother is. He _is_ crazy and is chained in the—” - -“Silence!” commanded Walker. “Do you believe, Miss Mamie?” - -“I must believe the worst,” answered Miss Hayward. “Soldiers,” she -added, turning to the soldiers, “do you believe in the truth of Captain -Walker’s profession of love for me?” - -“I should like to know why not!” replied Jim, doggedly. “Nobody could -_help_ loving you; even I loves you, but I know it ain’t no use, and so -I don’t say nothing!” - -“What have _you_ to say?” asked Mamie, turning to the other soldier. - -“Lord, Miss Mamie, I allers loved you, but ‘stupid Dick’ never thinks of -such as you, and so I acted mean just to spite!” - -“Gentlemen,” cried Miss Hayward, springing to her feet, “listen to me. -You have wronged me deeply, by aiding this wretched villain, your -captain, to abduct me. I despise, loathe him; and, sooner than become -_his_ wife, I would permit my brother to die as he is, for I know that -he would curse me were I to save him at such a sacrifice. It will be -_but_ death, and I shall suffer very little, for my brother’s pure soul -will scarce have taken its flight, ere mine will follow!” - -“Miss Hayward!” - -“Silence, Captain Walker. Soldiers, you have human hearts, and this man -has not. I appeal to you. Save me! Find my brother and return him -safely, and I promise to pay you one thousand dollars each. If I fail to -do this, I swear, by the hope of heaven, that I will become the wife of -one of you, the choice to be decided by lots between you!” - -These words acted like an electric shock upon the soldiers. They sprung -to their feet and confronted Walker. But he had anticipated the effects -of her words, and stood sword and revolver in hand. - -“You would play me false!” demanded Walker, fiercely. - -“Guess I would!” replied Jim. - -“Take that, then!” yelled Walker. - -The report of a pistol echoed through the valley, and Jim fell without -so much as a groan. - -“And how do _you_ decide?” asked Walker, turning and pointing his -revolver toward Dick. - -“I was only goin’ to help you. I ain’t no such foolish cuss as to think -of marrying a fine lady like that! I’m all right!” - -“Prove yourself so, and you shall _have_ your thousand. Deceive me, and -you share his fate!” - -As Walker spoke he stepped to a clump of thick bushes, and drew a small -boat from concealment. Handing Miss Hayward to a seat, and preceded by -Dick, Walker entered, and the little craft swept gently along with the -current, down the stream. - -They had proceeded but a short distance, when Miss Hayward burst forth, -and sung a wild, thrilling air, which echoed far and wide, through the -valley and across the hills. There was something strangely beautiful in -her song, and something still more strange in her actions. As each -strain echoed over the hills, and gave back the ringing notes, she would -start, and listen attentively, and a gleam of joy would lighten up her -pale face, upon which a shade of disappointment would almost as soon -appear. Her hearers sat in silence, and in apparent wonder. - -“Those words are significant!” exclaimed Walker. “What is their import?” - -“_She’s_ going mad, too, I opine!” exclaimed Dick. “Better _let_ her -go!” - -“Silence!” cried Walker. “Miss Hayward, do you think your voice will -penetrate _his_ retreat?” - -She made no answer, but, as the little boat swept onward, ever and anon -the same words, and the same wild music broke the stillness of the -forest, now sounding like a wail of sorrow, and then becoming almost -hushed in hopeful expectation. The words had the appearance of being -extemporized for the occasion, and were as follows: - - Break those fetters—I am calling— - Listen _only_ to my song! - I am waiting—loved one—waiting! - I have waited—oh, so long! - Give but one fond word to cheer me, - As I pray, and hope, and weep! - Let _thy echo_ say thou’rt near me, - As my vigils thus I keep! - Echo, as along I glide, - This my song, from thy retreat, - And I’ll bound to thy dear side! - Are we e’er again to meet? - Yes, a Seraph from on high - Whispers to me, thou art nigh! - Friends are waiting—friends are near— - Dearest brother—do not fear! - - - - - CHAPTER IX. - - _The Pursuit—The Perilous Situation—Important Information._ - - -IT was two o’clock in the morning, nearly two hours after Miss Hayward -had been seized, and borne from the camp by Walker and his confederates. -The guard relief had commenced his rounds. The first post visited was -that in front of the door where Walker had been confined. A glance -revealed the prisoner’s escape. The chain which had secured the door was -lying upon the steps, and the door itself was slightly ajar. Walker and -both the sentinels had disappeared. The “long roll” was at once beaten, -and the camp aroused. Scarce had the lines been formed when it was -announced that Miss Hayward also had disappeared. The grief of her -friends, and the rage of the soldiers knew no bounds, and many was the -oath of a terrible retribution uttered against the fiend who had spread -such desolation and sorrow in her path. - -It was but a few moments before squads of cavalry were dashing in every -direction in pursuit. There was but little doubt as to how the escape -had been effected. The disappearance of the guard convinced all that -they were in league with Walker, but in what manner they had gained -possession of Miss Hayward was a mystery. No one had detected any thing -unusual in her manner the evening before, and she had retired at her -usual hour. - -It was thought, however, that the parties would not have taken any main -road, as the pickets would have given the alarm. They could not have had -more than two hours the start, as every thing was all right when the -twelve o’clock relief went on post, and at two o’clock the escape was -discovered. If Walker had to walk through the fields in order to avoid -the pickets, it would take at least two hours to clear them. It was most -likely that, once outside the lines, friends and horses would be -procured. Still, the distance would not be so great but that our -horsemen hoped to overtake them, and so they set off with a good will in -various directions. - -“Are _you_ not going to accompany us?” asked Lieutenant Wells, of -Nettleton, who was seated upon the ground, looking gloomy and sullen. - -“Not by a darn sight!” answered Nettleton, doggedly. - -“And why not?” asked Wells. - -“You go ’long, and let me alone!” he answered, sharply. - -There was no time for words, and the squadron departed. - -The night passed, during which Nettleton was bitter in his self-reproach -for not watching closer, and would not hold conversation with any -person. As the first dawn of day became visible, Nettleton was seen -crawling upon his hands and knees, in front of the former prison of -Walker, and through the garden, toward the west. His movements were -watched with considerable interest, as all had begun to respect him for -his sagacity, in his peculiar way. At length he returned to his tent, -and, without speaking, carefully examined his double-barrel shot gun—a -beautiful piece which he had picked up upon the Wilson creek -battle-ground, and had been permitted to retain. This he loaded; then, -taking a large artillery ammunition-bag, he went directly to the tent of -Adjutant Hinton. Removing the lid of a minnié-ball ammunition-box, he -filled this pouch with cartridges. His next move was to place some -provision in his haversack; then he started. - -“Where are you going, William?” asked Mrs. Hinton. - -“Them _boots_!” he replied, pointing in the direction he had just taken -in his hands-and-knees examination. - -“What do you mean?” - -“Why, _them boots as had two hearts on the soles_ went _that_ way, and -I’m going to follow if I go to thunder!” He waited to hear no more, or -to speak more, but bounded off to the westward. - -He had been gone perhaps an hour, when Fall-leaf, the Indian scout -already referred to, entered the camp. He was soon made aware of the -state of things. Fall-leaf was deeply attached to Captain Hayward, and, -more especially so to his fair sister, Mamie. The scout had been but a -short time in camp, when he had given to the General all the information -he possessed with regard to the enemy. This done, he followed on the -trail fast as possible. - -For several hours Nettleton kept on his course, now striking the main -road for the purpose of searching for fresh tracks, then taking to the -woods again, to avoid observation. Several times he came upon the -well-known footprints, and a bitter exclamation would escape him. He -kept his course, more from the judgment he had formed as to the -direction Walker had taken, than from the numerous impressions of his -boots. He was ascending a sharp and ragged hill, so heavily covered with -the thorn-bush and small scrub-oak peculiar to that country, that his -progress was rendered very difficult. Suddenly a figure darted in front -of him and concealed itself among the thick undergrowth. Nettleton -brought his gun to the shoulder, and called out: - -“None of that skulking, darn ye! Come out and fight fair!” - -“Ugh!” responded the voice, and Fall-leaf bounded to his side. - -“Oh! it’s you, is it, Mr. Ingen? Well, I’m darn glad you’ve come, for -you can hunt these snarly woods better than me! Any news?” - -“You kill ’em—eh?” - -“I shall kill ’em, if I only get a bead on the critter!” - -“You _did_ kill ’em?” - -“Kill who?” - -“Dead soldier—there!” Fall-leaf indicated that he meant further on. - -“Come on, Ingen,” said Nettleton. He reached the summit of the hill -which overlooked the valley below, and, led by Fall-leaf, began its -descent. They soon reached the stream, and the Indian pointed to the -dead body. Nettleton gazed upon it a moment, and then said: - -“Darn me if it ain’t the very feller what run away last night. Walker -has been here, sure!” - -He commenced his search at once. He found footprints in the sand, and -among them that of a lady, judging from its small size. The Indian had -also been taking observations. Returning from a clump of bushes, he said -to Nettleton: - -“See—canoe—two—White Bird—so!” - -Here Fall-leaf indicated by action, that two men had drawn a boat from -concealment in the thicket, had entered it, as indicated by tracks in -the sand, and had proceeded down-stream. - -“Well, they’ve got rid of one scoundrel, any way. It will only be man to -man, and I feel myself to be a match for any dozen such skunks as that -Walker. They can’t have much the start!” - -Both Fall-leaf and Nettleton walked rapidly forward along the bank of -the stream. At length—and it was almost a simultaneous movement on the -part of each—they stopped, and bending forward, held their ears close to -the ground. - -“By thunder!” cried Nettleton, “that’s _her_ voice!” - -“White Bird caged—_she_ no sing!” replied Fall-leaf. - -“Ain’t you a darn fool? Don’t you know that White Bird, as you call her, -has got a right to expect some of her friends will be after her, and so -she sings that they may hear her voice, echoing up and down among these -hills, and know where to find her?” - -“Ugh! good—white hunter no fool!” - -Again the voice was heard, and this time so clearly as to leave no doubt -upon the mind of our hero, as to who the singer was. Like a deer he -bounded off in the direction indicated. The music died away and all was -still. But the two men paused not. - -Upon a sudden they emerged into an open field of about four acres, near -the center of which were two large stacks of hay. The river at this -point took a bend, and the two pursuers struck directly across the open -space. Just as they reached the stacks, Fall-leaf darted close in to the -base of one of them, taking the attitude of a listener, and making a -significant sign to Nettleton. - -“What is it?” asked Nettleton. - -“Hark! Soldiers! Horses! Whoa! Hark!” - -Nettleton listened attentively, and then said: - -“There is a party of soldiers coming. It _may_ be our men who have been -in search of Miss—— of the White Bird; but, it is well enough to keep -close. It may be the rebels merely moving camp. And if this is so, Mamie -must be with them. The sounds are coming nearer—crawl under the hay, -red-skin—way under, out of sight.” - -This was effected with some difficulty, when a party of rebel -guerrillas, numbering about sixty, rode into the field, and proceeded to -form their camp directly in the vicinity of the hay-stacks, under which -the two men were concealed. - -“Well, I guess we’ve got into the right shop!” said Nettleton to -Fall-leaf. “We are cooped up here close enough for a while, but, Miss -Mamie must be with this crowd, and when dark comes, we can scout around -and see what we can do. Lay quiet, Ingen!” - -“White hunter knows! Make good Ingen!” - -The day dragged slowly away. Toward night a party of the rebels came for -forage for their horses, but the hay was tumbled from the top of the -stack, and our friends were not discovered. The guerrillas’ -conversation, however, was listened to with the greatest interest by -Nettleton. - -“So Colonel Brown, or Walker, as he is called, came within one of being -done for in the camp of the Yanks at Springfield?” - -“Yes, so he says.” - -“What the devil does he want with the gal?” - -“Oh, some love affair, of course.” - -“The gal was happy, for she was singing like a nightingale.” - -“Oh yes! No doubt she was dazzled by the prospect of being a colonel’s -wife.” - -“Who is she?” - -“Don’t know.” - -“My eyes! but she _is_ a beauty!” - -“So much the better for him.” - -“Where was he going with her?” - -“Oh, below—taking her to her brother, I believe.” - -“Where is that?” - -“Down in the _old mill_!” - -This was all the conversation heard by the adventurers. But, the rebel -troops did not move again until late in the next day, and our friends -were compelled to remain quiet. They had learned sufficient to convince -them that Miss Hayward was _not_ with this band of rebels, but was being -borne still further from them. They cursed the chance which had thus -entrapped them, and prevented their overtaking the captive at once. -Still, they resolved to keep up the pursuit, and they had learned that -at _some mill_ the lady was to be conveyed, and that her brother was -there. Patiently they waited until they could emerge, and finish their -journey. - - - - - CHAPTER X. - - _Hayward._ - - -IT is time the reader was enlightened, somewhat, as to the fate of -Captain Hayward. - -The wound he had received the night of the attempted assassination, was -severe, but by no means fatal. The loss of blood had rendered him very -weak, and for some time he remained insensible. - -At the moment the blow was inflicted, there was, upon the other bank of -the river, and watching the Federals, a squad of rebel cavalry scouts. -The water into which Hayward was thrown soon revived the wounded man. He -was seen by this band, and carried to the house of an officer of the -Confederate army, not half a mile from the spot. Here his wound was -dressed. It was not long before an order reached them, signed by -“Colonel Brown,” to convey him to the camp of Colonel Price, at Ozark. -This order was law, and immediately after the Federals left Grand -Prairie, a boat was procured, and Hayward placed in it. But half -conscious, he reached the Ozark bridge at the critical juncture already -described in the chapter referring to the interview between Nettie -Morton and Charles Campbell, and the interruption by Colonel Price, the -rescue of Nettie by Fall-leaf, the approach of the Union forces, and the -resolve of Charles Campbell to save the wounded captain. - -It was at the moment when Price was in pursuit of the Indian that -Campbell, taking advantage of his absence, and observing the approach of -the Federals, hastily penned the note previously referred to and then -pushed off with the boat, down the stream, in order to effect his escape -with the prisoner. - -He began to hope that success would crown his efforts. The battle -favored his flight. All that day and the night following, he pursued his -course. It was his purpose to follow the Gasconade until he had reached -the point nearest Rolla, where he supposed he would be free from the -roving bands of rebels, who were so numerous in the vicinity of -Springfield. But his hopes were doomed to disappointment. Colonel Price, -anticipating the direction he had taken, immediately dispatched one -Lieutenant Lewis, a most tireless wretch, with a squad of ten men, to -intercept Campbell, and the prisoner captain. - -Just as the morning dawned, Campbell saw the pursuing party approaching. -Pulling for the shore, he lifted Captain Hayward in his arms, and bore -him into a mill, which stood near at hand. There he quickly concealed -his charge in an upper loft, and returned to meet the rebels. He stated -he had been captured by a party of the Federals and conveyed to that -point, and that they had there released him upon his parole of honor. -This story was generally believed, although one of the band appeared to -be incredulous, and left his fellows for a pretended search. Not -observing his absence, the remainder of the rebel band returned without -him, taking care, however, that Campbell was not left behind. - -When this person entered the mill, he found Hayward leaning upon his -elbow, quite conscious, but too weak to move. He paused before the -wounded man, and was silent, Hayward saw, and recognized him. - -“Are friends near?” was his feeble question. - -“I am the only friend you have got in these parts, and I reckon as how -‘ugly Jim’ ain’t just the man you want to see!” - -“You are one of my own men!” returned Hayward. - -“That’s a p’int as will admit of some argument, as the lawyers say! I -may be _your_ man when I am in Springfield, but you are _my_ man now! So -don’t kick up any fuss, and after I have made you fast, I’ll tell you -the rest. Ha, ha!” he muttered to himself, “but Walker shall pay me well -for _this_!” - -Saying this the rebel rascal left the mill. Not far from this mill, in a -wretched log-hut, lived an old woman, who gloried in the title of “crazy -Madge,” and of whom the rude backwoods people of the vicinity stood in -fear, as it was almost universally believed among them that she was -possessed of the devil. She told fortunes with great correctness, and -employed the most singular modes in doing this, such as burning powder -and strange incense, and the uttering of fearful imprecations, and -unearthly sounds. - -The mill was owned by one Bohannan, a captain of Confederate guerrillas. -Since the commencement of the war, it had not been in operation, except -on rare occasions. About one mile above Bohannan’s mill, there was -another mill, of smaller dimensions, which had formerly been owned by a -thorough Union man, who, becoming a refugee, had abandoned this mill, -also. So when the residents in that region, or any of the straggling -rebel bands, had occasion to grind their grain, they always went to the -upper mill, more especially as it was believed that “crazy Madge” had -taken full possession of the lower one after its proprietor left, and -that, being occupied in sacrilegious rites, it was very generally -believed to be unsafe to venture in that vicinity. Even the most -reckless and hardy of the guerrillas held the spot in awe, and avoided -it at all times. - -Madge was seated in her own door when Campbell entered the mill with -Hayward in his arms. She watched him closely, but uttered no word. She -saw him emerge, and meet the rebel band. She watched their departure, -and then discovered the newcomer, “Grouse Green,” as he was known. When -he came forth from the mill, Madge still was seated in the cabin -doorway, smoking her pipe. She did not even raise her eyes, or pretend -the least consciousness of his presence, until, with a rude slap upon -her shoulder, he said: - -“Come, old woman, I want you!” - -The old creature pretended not the least surprise, but, raising her -snake-like eyes to those of the speaker, she said: - -“Does the son of Belial wish to know his fate? I need not the aid of my -magic charms to point it out to me. In less than a month, the most -horrible death—” - -“Bah, you old crone! I’d dash your brains out for a copper, you infernal -croaking old buzzard! I don’t come to have my fortune told, but I want -you to serve me, and you shall have gold—do you hear, old woman? No -fooling now, and gold is yours!” - -“Gold! It is the master-key to human hearts! And what am I to do for -gold?” - -“My bidding! First, I want a set of chains! Have you such things in your -infernal den?” - -“You can have them for gold!” she exclaimed, tottering to a closet, and -rattling the cold iron. “I always keep them—it is necessary to my -trade!” - -“Now for the bargain, old hag. You saw me enter that mill just now? -Well, there is a captain confined, or will be confined before I leave -him, in the upper loft. He will be fastened. You must feed him daily, -just enough to keep life in him. I will give you a hundred to start -upon—more money than you ever saw, old woman, and when I return, if you -have well done your duty as keeper, I will give you another hundred. -Will you be faithful and keep the prisoner in safety from rescue?” - -“I swear it by my magic art!” - -“Bah! blast your art! Swear it by the gold you will receive, and I’ll -believe you. But come!” - -Green reëntered the mill followed by old Madge. He seized the helpless -Hayward and bore him to an upper loft. There he fettered him with the -chains. - -“And now I shall leave you here until we can attend to you at a more -convenient time!” he muttered, as he gazed exultingly upon Hayward. He -was about to leave him alone. - -“Stay but a moment!” cried the wounded man. “Tell me of my sister!” - -“She has become the wife of Colonel Brown, of the Confederate army, or, -as _you_ know him, Captain Walker, of the Federals!” - -“Liar!” cried Hayward. “But no! I will not use such terms now. Do you -know who struck the blow which so nearly deprived me of life?” - -“Yes; it was William Nettleton! He is also enlisted in the service of -Walker. And I will tell you more. In two days after you disappeared, -Lieutenant Wells was hung for your murder. Your sister fled with Walker, -who pretended the greatest friendship for her. _I_ performed the -ceremony, and to-night they are not three miles from you.” - -Hayward had become insensible, and sunk to the floor. Green saw this, -and motioning to the old woman, they left him alone. - -“That is the game I want _you_ to play!” said Green, as they emerged -from the mill. “Of course, all I have told him is false. But I want you -to carry it out, because Colonel Price wishes it as well as Walker, and -as he is a most dangerous man to our cause, I don’t care how poorly he -gets along. It would be a good thing for us if he could never take the -field again. So see that you do your duty!” - -Madge received her money, and agreed to follow all the instructions he -had given her. - -Green now returned at once to the camp, and reported to Walker. It was -just before the decision of the court-martial had been given, and that -officer was free, not only from restraint, but from any thing which had, -as yet, assumed a definite form. He was delighted with the intelligence, -and resolved to take advantage of it soon as Wells could be thoroughly -crushed. - - - - - CHAPTER XI. - - _The Prison—The Wheel-room—Caged_ - _The Life and Death Struggle._ - - -WE left Miss Hayward in the little boat, in the custody of Walker and -stupid Dick. For several hours they sped rapidly onward with the stream. -They encountered the party of rebels of which we have made mention, but, -as Walker, or Colonel Brown, was the officer highest in rank, no one -attempted to interfere with his project. The boat kept its course until -it came upon a broad flat which appeared to be some five or six miles in -length, and perhaps one in breadth. This, Walker informed Miss Hayward, -was the “Valley of Bohannan!” - -“And,” said he, “your brother is confined in yonder mill!” - -Miss Hayward gazed a moment upon the structure, and then burst forth in -the same wild strain she had sung so frequently during her boat voyage. - -“It is folly for you to attempt to attract his notice by your voice. He -is a close prisoner and a maniac, and nothing but your constant presence -and attention will ever cause his reason to return!” - -“What do you intend to do with him and myself?” asked Miss Hayward. - -“I intend to take you to your brother. I intend to let you see him in a -wretched garret, with no hope of recovery, or of even life, unless you -come to his aid. I intend to permit you to _gaze_ upon this scene, but -not even to speak with your brother, or to assist him in any manner, -until you are my wife. Then you shall be free to attend to all his -wants, to provide for his comfort, to restore him to reason, to life and -to liberty.” - -Miss Hayward bent her head upon her hands and wept. - -“I will not ask for your final decision now!” continued Walker. “I will -wait until you have seen your brother, which will be in a few moments.” - -The boat was drawn to the shore, and Walker, turning to Dick, said: - -“I will dispense with you now. Go to Joe’s farm. Follow my instructions -as to storing the house with provisions, and at least one comfortable -bed. Miss Hayward, it is a beautiful place of which I speak, and, in -case of your refusal to perform all that I wish voluntarily, or to save -your brother, I shall be compelled to take advantage of a friend’s -mansion, in case I can not effect my escape with you to Arkansas. This I -doubt being able to do, and more, I don’t know that I shall run the -risk, as I am only a subordinate, and some of my superiors _might_ order -your release. You perceive that I intend to make sure of my prize now -that she is in my keeping. As my wife she will be permitted all proper -liberty, but until you are such, by your own voluntary act, I must keep -you safely from approach by any one.” - -Dick had left his master. Walker and Miss Hayward arrived at the log-hut -adjoining the mill, and entered it. Old Madge was there, but she looked -pale and frightened. - -“Come here, Madge. What is the matter?” asked Walker. - -“The devil’s broke loose!” replied Madge, trembling violently. - -“Come, don’t be alarmed; I am Walker. I am the one who sent you the -hundred dollars to keep the man safely. You have done so, I hope.” - -“He has just broke loose, and run into the woods.” - -“How did that happen?” - -“Oh, he heard a voice singing outside, and, in his fever-delirium, said -it was an angel calling him to heaven, and he burst from his room and -rushed up yonder.” - -Walker and the old woman conversed together in undertones for a few -moments, when he turned to Miss Hayward and said: - -“Your brother, in his delirium, broke his chains, and is at large in the -mountains. He will not return here, and I think it doubtful if I can -find him. He will, most likely, make his way to the Federal camps. But, -come with me; you shall see where he was confined, and then learn my -further intentions.” - -Walker seized the unresisting maiden by the arm, and drew her into the -mill. Up the dirty stairs she went, and finally entered the room, or -attic, where the unfortunate brother had been detained prisoner. She -shuddered as she gazed around her. - -“Now,” said Walker, “I will show you _your_ room—one you shall occupy -until you are Mrs. Colonel Brown.” - -He drew her still further on, and opened a massive door, which grated -upon its hinges. She gazed in. It was a small apartment into which the -carpenter usually entered when he wished to repair the great water-wheel -which set the mill in motion. This room, or rather aperture, was of -construction unlike any apartment intended for occupancy. There was a -platform about ten feet in width, which formed the only flooring. Then a -great opening beyond, through which the main wheel extended upward about -eight or ten feet, entirely filling the opening in the floor. Any man -confined in this apartment would find little difficulty in effecting his -escape, provided he was an expert swimmer, and the mill not in motion. -But the manner in which an escape must be effected would be as follows: - -When the mill was running, the wheel being then in motion, the water was -thrown in large quantities in every part of the room, and its inmate -could scarcely prevent drowning by catching his breath at intervals. To -attempt to spring into the wheel—which was formed something like the -wheel of a wagon, the rim, or tire, however, being about twenty feet in -breadth, with crevices, or brackets, for catching the water which -propelled it, and the braces answering as spokes bearing proportion to -the rim—would almost assuredly be dashed in pieces in the attempt to -gain the interior. But, once there, he would be whirled round and round -until he could gather his energies for a jump when that portion of the -wheel in which he was perched was _down_, or nearest the bed of the -stream. To leap out _into_ the river would be a task equally perilous to -that of springing in. When the wheel was _not_ in motion, one could step -into the opening, slide down the rim with great ease, spring into the -water, and gain the shore in a moment. - -Miss Hayward gazed into this room or vault with a fainting, sickening -sensation; but she did not speak. It appeared as if hope had almost left -her heart, now that she found her brother gone, and she nerved herself -for any fate that might overtake her. - - * * * * * - -It was, as we have stated, late in the afternoon before the rebels -encamped around the stack where Nettleton and Fall-leaf were secreted, -took their departure, and up to that time the two faithful pursuers were -unable to venture forth. At last all was safe, and they emerged from -their concealment, and gazed around them. No living person was to be -seen. A meal was hastily prepared, after partaking of which they resumed -their journey at a rapid rate. All night they plodded along, taking care -to see that no _mill_ was passed upon the route. As the morning dawned, -they found themselves in an open space of considerable extent, and close -by the stream was a mill. This was carefully examined in every nook and -corner; but nothing was found. They made inquiry of a woman living in a -cabin near the spot, and learned that, a mile further on, was another -mill of larger dimensions, belonging to one Bohannan. For this place -they immediately bent their steps. Arriving, they were met by old Madge, -who immediately commenced her mummeries in order to divert their -attention. The Indian gazed upon her a moment, as if half in awe, and -half in fear, but Nettleton did not pause, and exclaimed: - -“Come along, Ingen; I expect here’s the place.” - -They entered the mill. The Indian remained at the door to prevent any -egress, while Nettleton commenced his search. Up and down, high and low, -the search was prosecuted. - -Walker being then within, had observed the approach of Nettleton and the -Indian. His first impulse was to fire upon them; but he knew if his aim -proved inaccurate he might then bid adieu to life, and so he resolved to -resort to stratagem. He seized Miss Hayward and sprung into a wheat-bin, -close by the door of the wheel-room we have described. He soon buried -himself and his prisoner among a lot of old bags, husks and refuse, and -cautioned her to remain quiet, as a band of Kansas cut-throats, who -regarded neither the life or person of a pretty woman, were at hand. -This had the effect to keep Miss Hayward quiet. - -Nettleton had completed his search. The lower floor of the mill had been -carefully scrutinized—its closets, its bins—except the small one near -the wheel-room, which had escaped his notice. - -“I wonder if there is any thing under the mill?” queried Nettleton. -“I’ll call, and see if that does any good. Captain! Captain Hayward!” - -The voice was at once recognized by Miss Hayward, who vainly struggled -to reply; but Walker held a handkerchief so tightly over her mouth that -she could produce no sound. At length, by a desperate effort, she -removed his hand and shrieked: - -“Here, William! here!” - -“Where? where?” cried William, as he sprung toward the bin. - -“_In the wheel-room!_” yelled Walker, smothering his voice so far as to -drown the exact direction in which it came. - -Nettleton bounded into the wheel-room, closely followed by the Indian, -who now supposed their friends to be found. Quick as lightning Walker -sprung from the bin, and slammed the door upon them, bolting it -securely. He then started for the mill-gate, which, being hoisted, would -set the large wheel in motion. - -As soon as the door was closed upon Nettleton, he rightly suspected -treachery, and throwing himself with all his violence against the door, -tried to force it. But in vain. - -“Quick, Ingen; jump into the mill-wheel, and down into the water!” - -They were about to adopt this plan of escape, when the wheel started -with great rapidity, rendering it seemingly impossible to do so. - -“Now,” yelled Walker, as he seized Miss Mamie and bore her from the -mill, “you shall see the folly of opposing me! You shall see how I -triumph over _all_ obstacles, and how those who oppose me perish!” - -Inside of the mill, and near the door, was a quantity of hay and -unthreshed grain, stored there for use by some neighboring farmer or -guerrilla. Striking a match, Walker lit the inflammable material. In a -moment it blazed high, and communicated with the woodwork. Walker only -waited to see this, and then, almost dragging Miss Hayward along, he -reached the river, drew the boat into the stream, and was once more -floating with the current. - -“Look, Miss Mamie, is not that a lovely sight?” he cried, pointing to -the mill, now thoroughly enveloped in flames. “Nettleton is there, and -Fall-leaf is there, and they have been brought there by _you_. They will -perish in those flames, and you must be responsible for their murder. -When will you learn that it is useless to oppose me, and cease to do so? -To submit to my proper and honorable requests is the only way you can -save your friends.” - -When Nettleton and Fall-leaf found their mode of escape thus cut off, -they naturally turned to each other for advice. But the water thrown -from the wheel so blinded and choked them that they could not hold -conversation at all. It was not long before our prisoners became aware -of the fact that, however disagreeable the water might be, they were -likely to be visited by an element, and that very soon, far more -disagreeable, under the present circumstances. The flames were seizing -upon every part of the mill, and all around them soon became a mass of -lurid, destroying light. The rafters, flooring and upper work threatened -to fall at any moment. Still the room in which our friends were confined -remained unscathed, surrounded as it was by water. But, it must soon -yield to the fiery element. The wheel still moved; yet it seemed as if -its speed was somewhat lessened. At length Nettleton yelled: - -“Ingen, I’m going; take your chances!” - -With a bound he sprung into the wheel. He escaped any severe blow, but, -upon alighting he was tossed, and pitched, and tumbled over, until at -last, catching upon the centre-bar, he held himself until he had made -his calculation as to where his next jump should be. At last he ventured -the hazardous leap, and was precipitated into the foaming waters beneath -the wheel, which in its revolution struck him lightly, calling forth a -grumble or a grunt. But Nettleton battled bravely with the rushing -waters, and at length, half dead with suffocation, he crawled upon the -bank as the burning rafters of the mill were falling around him. - -“Wal, I suppose Ingen is roasted alive, and I must do the work alone. -I’m darn sorry. And I’ve lost my gun, too. But I ought to be glad that I -didn’t lose myself. The villain, but won’t I roast him if ever I lay -these hands on him!” - -Thus he muttered as he sat for a moment gazing upon the appalling -spectacle before him. He then sprung up, and seeing the old woman, at -once started for the cabin. Madge met him at the door. - -“Will you have my services, to tell you truly the fortune that is in -store for you?” she asked. - -“Your services. Yaas; I’ll have you tell me all about affairs here in -this quarter, and if you don’t own up every thing, I’ll put you in this -pile of logs and roast you, as sure as you are a she woman. Do you -understand?” - -“I have but little to reveal of the circumstances to which you refer. -The Federal officer _was_ in the mill a prisoner, but escaped, in his -delirium, and is now somewhere out in the mountain. Walker and the lady -were in the mill, but are now out of reach, down stream. This is all I -know.” - -“And it is enough. Now, you just fork over a good Minié musket—I know -you have a dozen concealed here for the use of your friends, and all the -fixins for settlin’ the hash of your friend, Captain Walker, for him and -me has an account to fix what will require powder and lead, if this -bread-cutter of mine don’t do the job,” he said, handling his -bowie-knife. - -Madge only too well read in Nettleton’s face the resolute nature of the -man, and with scarcely a moment’s hesitancy went out of the hut to a -hollow tree near by, and produced from thence an armful of arms, made up -of shot-guns, old-fashioned rifles, and a Minié musket. From these -Nettleton selected, after careful scrutiny, a heavy double-barrel -squirrel gun. Ammunition was also supplied by the woman without -hesitancy, and the pursuer soon found himself equipped in a most -formidable manner. - -“There, old gal, you have done the right thing. It is well that you did, -for, as sure as lizards, I should have burned you in your pen if you -hadn’t forked over what I know’d was in your possession. Now, good-by, -and behave yourself. If the captain—my captain I mean—comes back to you, -do you be kind to him, for I tell _you_ it is for your best interests to -be so. Do you believe that?” - -“I believe any thing you say,” replied the old creature, betraying her -anxiety to get rid of her visitor. - -“You do, eh? Well, jist keep on thinking so, for I shall, mayhap, want -to use you again some of these days. So good-by, and keep your eyes -clean.” - -With this injunction he started again for the river, following the -stream for some distance, but finally, for some reason best known to -himself, took to the mountains. Every few moments he would pause and -listen, as if a faint sound met his ears, and then continue his journey. - -After Nettleton had escaped from the mill, Fall-leaf began to look -around for some other means of escape. He felt sure that Nettleton’s -leap must be a fatal one—that, if he was not dashed to pieces by the -wheel, he would surely be drowned in the rushing waters. All chance of -escape for the poor Indian appeared quite as hopeless. The flames were -already hissing around him, and curling up the sides of his -prison-house. The fire had weakened the boards, and, just as the flames -were coiling around his form, he made a desperate effort, and burst the -siding from the mill. In an instant he sprung through the aperture, -although the fiery element presented a formidable obstacle between -himself and safety. He alighted, however, with only a few slight -bruises, and, waiting for nothing, bounded forward. He knew if Walker -had continued his journey down the river, he could soon overtake him. -For an hour he did not slacken his pace, and finally, in turning a short -bend in the river, he beheld the boat. - -He was about to dash forward to the rescue of Miss Hayward, but he -remembered that he had no gun, his only weapon being his sheath-knife, -while Walker was well armed. He must resort to stratagem. His object was -to watch for opportunity, and when Walker should land, or when the boat -neared the shore, and the thicket favored the movement, to spring upon -him suddenly, and drive the knife to his heart. But the river gradually -grew wider, and Walker kept his boat in the center, too far distant from -shore for any attempt for his seizure to prove successful. All that day -and all the night following, the boat drifted on with the stream. It was -evident Walker was anxious to reach a certain point as quickly as -possible. - -The morning dawned just as the little craft shot past the ford on the -Rolla turnpike, near the “ghost swamp,” a locality of weird interest and -novel character. Walker was about to land, near a small farm-house which -stood behind a jutting hill, entirely concealed from the main road, but -before touching the shore, his quick eye caught sight of a dark form -creeping cautiously along the bank. At the same moment he discovered -three horses tied in a thicket only a short distance from the house. -Whether they belonged to friend or foe he could not tell; but the fact -of seeing the creeping form rendered him cautious, and he immediately -pulled for the opposite shore, where he landed. - -“Are you friend or foe to the Confederates?” shouted Walker, from the -opposite side of the stream. - -There was no response. - -“That cursed Dick must have betrayed me,” he muttered. “But, I will -match them yet. Come!” - -He dragged Miss Hayward along up the mountain steep. At length he -reached a point of rock which extended far over the valley below. A -narrow footway, not more than ten inches in width, forming a kind of -shelf in the rock, led into an immense cavern, which is known in that -region as the “Silver Cave.” Just in front of this cave was a large, -flat rock, forming an overhanging platform, but to reach this, or the -mouth of the cave, required great care, as the narrow path was the only -manner in which an entrance or exit could be effected. Into this place -Walker conveyed Miss Hayward. - -Walker had, when meeting the rebels two days before, provided his boat -well with provisions. These he conveyed with him into the cavern. - -He had not observed, however, that he was followed closely, and that the -Indian arrived at the narrow passageway just as the rebel and his -prisoner entered the cave. This was so. The Indian crept up as closely -as possible, and peered over the projecting point which shut Walker from -his view. He was observed. - -“And who are you?” yelled Walker. - -The Indian was perfectly familiar with the cave. He knew no person could -leave it by the narrow shelf or pathway. He could keep himself -concealed, and if Walker passed a certain point, before he could bring -his gun to bear, he could strike him dead. Walker was a prisoner, with a -watchful and relentless keeper. The Indian replied: - -“Ah, White Bird! Fall-leaf here! Fall-leaf save!” - -“Is it indeed my friend Fall-leaf?” cried Miss Hayward, joyfully. - -“Yes; Fall-leaf save you!” - -“Where is William Nettleton?” asked Mamie. - -“Gone—gone!” - -“Ah! then I have only _you_ to encounter,” yelled Walker, “and, if the -Fates favor me, I shall triumph. I know the Indian has not thought to -provide himself with provisions. I have enough to last us, with care, -for two weeks, and by that time he will starve, for no Federal fool ever -will find me _here_. He dare not leave in search of help, for I should -then effect my escape. So we will play our hands, and see if I do not -hold the trump card. Ha! ha! I can baffle any friend you have, Miss -Hayward.” - -“White Bird sing,” said the Indian. - -“Yes, I will sing. And as we are now near the main road, some one will -be sure to hear me.” - -“Me watch—me wait!” - -During the entire passage Miss Hayward had not failed to sing her -echo-song every few miles, hoping to attract attention and gain -assistance. Now that she was so near the public highway, she applied -herself anew to the task. Walker made frequent attempts to silence her, -but could not do it, as he feared, whenever he turned from his watch, -that the Indian would dart in upon him. - -Some two years previous, there was a superstitious belief prevailing in -that section of Missouri, that the spirit of a murdered lady appeared -upon the waters of the Gasconade, singing her mournful lays, and gliding -in her death-skiff along the waters. For some time past nothing had been -heard of the “lady-ghost;” but, when the songs of Miss Hayward were -heard, the simple inhabitants began to think that the “ghost-lady” had -returned, and, instead of seeking to gratify their curiosity, were -careful to keep as far as possible away. So it proved with regard to the -cave, after the singing commenced. - -Several days passed, and no succor appeared. The Indian kept faithful -watch, and so did Walker, that he might not be taken by surprise. - -Walker becoming convinced that Fall-leaf had no gun, several times -endeavored to bring his own to bear upon his vigilant foe, but this he -could not do without placing himself in a dangerous position. Both were -weary for want of sleep, and both would occasionally sink into a fitful -slumber; but, so intent was each upon his object, that the slightest -movement would rouse the sleepers, and each stand ready to meet his foe. -But, as Fall-leaf had no food, he began to grow faint—his firm frame -began visibly to weaken; still, he determined to maintain his watch as -long as life should last. - - - - - CHAPTER XII. - - _The Mountain Adventure._ - - -LET us return to the army, which we left near Lebanon. The main force -was to continue its march onward toward Rolla, while a battalion of -infantry, a section of artillery, and a company of cavalry struck to the -west of the main road, and started for the point from which the -messenger had arrived. It was a weary march, as the troops already had -proceeded twenty miles that day. But the dreadful atrocities related as -having been committed by the guerrillas fired the hearts of the brave -soldiers, and they pressed forward with a will. - -The troops at last reached the scene of the outrages, in the place known -as “Bohannan Mills Valley.” The deeds of blood and horror had not been -exaggerated by the messenger. Women had been murdered in their beds, old -men were lying stiff and cold, with their brains beaten out, and -children, helpless and weeping, were clinging to their dead bodies or -wandering distractedly around. - -The battalion which had been sent to this valley was the one to which -Lieutenant Wells and Adjutant Hinton belonged. Wells was still suffering -from the terrible anxiety of mind which he had recently undergone, but -did not permit his own troubles to interfere with his discharge of duty. -The troops camped in the little valley, to collect the scattered -families, whose remaining members it was determined to take along with -the army in its retreat. Soon word was brought by a mountaineer that the -guerrillas still were infesting the mountain, while the flames of a -burning mill, seen below, seemed to give evidence that the miscreants -still were at their work of blood. This decided the officers to scour -the mountain, if possible, to force the rebels to a fight, for there was -not a man in the Union ranks who did not pant for a chance to meet those -dastards, who, under the protecting folds of the Confederate flag, -committed atrocities at which humanity stood aghast. Wells was soon at -the head of a strong party of dismounted dragoons, and with them struck -off for the hills back of the burning mill. A weary march was brought to -a sudden halt by a deep water gully, over which no perceptible ford -offered a passage. Up and down it Wells passed to reconnoiter. It was an -ugly spot to be caught in by a wily foe, and the troops were so disposed -as to guard against a surprise. The men kept close under cover of the -dense undergrowth, so as not to betray their position should the -guerrillas come upon them. Lieutenant Wells and Adjutant Hinton were -proceeding up the watercourse, when a rattle of fire-arms arrested their -attention. It was evident some kind of a conflict was taking place over -the stream. The volley was not, however, answered by a return; only a -single shot was heard, and then a wild, frenzied shout, as if of -maddened men. After a brief interval, another shot was heard, and a -second paralyzed howl was followed by shouts and curses, plainly heard -by the two anxious senior officers. - -“It must be the guerrillas after the poor Unionists who have fled to the -mountain,” said Hinton. “Our men must not be idle when such work is -going on. You stay here, Wells, to watch further, while I go back to -bring up our boys.” - -Hinton hurried away, while Wells crept forward to the very edge of the -deep but narrow gully beyond which the sounds of conflict were heard. -Hardly had he secured a spot for observation, ere he was startled by the -crash of the undergrowth and the voices of men not ten rods away. On -toward the lieutenant’s place of concealment came the pursued and -pursuers. The first was but a single man, whom Wells several times -detected gliding along from tree to tree, keeping “under cover” like an -experienced woodsman. He was closely pursued by a band of the -guerrillas, all dismounted, who were making the hills echo with their -demoniac yells. Slowly the fugitive retired, holding his foes at bay by -his sagacious maneuvers. Wells became intensely excited over the scene, -and resolved to rush at once to the brave fellow’s aid, but there lay -before him the impassable gulf over which few men could bound. Finally -the hunted man struck the gully, and saw at a glance that his retreat -was cut off. The enemy saw it, too, for they set up a shout of -commingled derision and pleasure, which so maddened the fugitive that he -yelled: - -“Laugh away, you darn skunks. I’ll make more than one of your dirty -carcasses food for the crows before I go under.” And suiting the words -to action, he fired two successive shots from what, apparently, was a -double-barrel fowling-piece. Two of the guerrillas must have fallen, for -ferocious shrieks of agony followed. - -Wells could endure no more. There stood before him his brave friend -William Nettleton, hunted by a dozen fiends who must soon overpower him -if aid was not quickly given. He started backward for a couple of rods, -then rushed with almost flying swiftness up to the gully, and bounded -over its sharply-cut edge. For a moment his desperate leap arrested all -attention. Nettleton deemed it a new adversary coming upon him from an -unexpected quarter, and turned, knife in hand, to close in with his -antagonist. What was his astonishment to welcome Lieutenant Wells to his -arms! What a shout followed! The guerrillas quickly sought cover, not -knowing how many others might be lurking on the opposite side of the -ravine to give them a bloody welcome. - -“Wells, by the jumping jingo! Where _did_ you come from and where _is_ -you going to? Give us yer hand and lend us yer revolver. Ah, got two of -’em. _Hooray!_ Down on yer knees quicker’n lightnin’, for the -woman-murderers are after us, sharp!” - -Down the two men fell, just in time to escape a volley from the carbines -of a squad of the murderers. With the dexterity of a squirrel, Nettleton -rushed forward to a friendly tree, and fired quickly three shots from -the revolver. It was a surprise to the enemy, for two of their number -fell, so true had the aim been. The squad retreated to reload, but -Nettleton had no idea of permitting that, and was about to press his -advantage, when a powerfully-built rebel came rushing upon him, knife in -hand, from the right side of the tree, unseen by the undaunted man until -it was too late for the use of his fire-arm. In a moment they were -clasped in the death-struggle. Three or four of the guerrillas rushed to -the spot, only to be shot down by Wells’ deliberate aim. No more -appeared, and the two combatants were left to their fearful work. Each -had seized the knife-hand of the other. Then followed the strain of -muscle for the mastery. The guerrilla, counting upon his tremendous -strength, doubtless hoped for an easy victory; but in that ungainly form -he found a bundle of nerves tough as whale-bone—a human frame elastic as -india-rubber but as invincible as steel. - -Down toward the gully the combatants pressed. In vain did the rebel try -to force his antagonist to the earth. The supple form of Nettleton bent -under his adversary’s pressure, but his frame at length rebounded with a -force which bore the guerrilla to his knees. He drew the Federal down -with him, and on their knees the frightful combat was continued. Wells -would have advanced from his concealment to the rescue, but knew that a -rebel carbine would surely bring him down, and thus place it out of his -power to aid his friend at all. Slowly toward the chasm the men worked -their way, struggling like two serpents striving for the death-triumph. -It was an exciting but appalling spectacle, which the sudden roar of -fire-arms on the left did not serve to arrest. A shout followed, which -Wells recognized as that of his own men, who must have discovered a -crossing below, and have come upon the band of cut-throats unawares. -There was a sudden scattering of those concealed in the immediate -vicinity of the hand-to-hand contest, but one villain rushed from his -cover upon the writhing forms of the bleeding men, with the design of -dispatching the unconquered Federal. Wells was upon him like a tiger, -and in a moment cut him down with his sword. Hinton beheld the stroke, -and came rushing up to the spot just in time to behold the struggling -men go over the gully’s bank together. - -The two officers hurried to the bank. Some twenty feet below they could -distinguish the forms of the combatants, both apparently lifeless. -Without a moment’s hesitancy, Wells dropped from the brink, and fell -crashing through the dense jungle lining the water’s edge, to the bed of -the stream. He was stunned but not injured, and arose to his feet to -find Nettleton in a sitting posture. Beside him lay the big guerrilla, -silent in death. - -“I’ll be danged if that wan’t the ugliest cuss as ever I tusseled with, -breeches-holt, back-holt or rough-and-tumble.” This was his first -ejaculation. - -“Are you injured?” anxiously inquired Wells. - -“Wal, let’s take a reconnoissance. Here’s a hole in this arm, that’s -sp’iled the only good coat I ever had, dang it! Here’s a rip, too, in -the collar, whar that critter’s knife tried to cut my windpipe. He _did_ -scratch me thar, I believe,” he said, fingering his neck, down which the -blood flowed freely. “By Jemima, ef I haven’t lost a finger!” he added, -suddenly holding up his hand. “Now, that’s too bad, ef it is on the left -hand. I rayther think the reb got a mouthful when he chawed that off!” -And thus he would have continued for another ten minutes had not shouts -from above aroused him. - -“Who’s come?” he asked. - -“Hinton and the battalion.” - -“Glory! And have the rebs been caught in a trap?” - -“I don’t know how many, but from the shots and shouts I don’t think many -will be permitted to escape.” - -“All right. Now jist give us a lift, to see if my shanks is all right. -There, that’s the juniper. Jist look at my back, and see if you find any -holes that want plugging.” - -No “holes” were found, and the good-natured fellow came out of the -combat with only flesh-wounds, save the loss of one finger from the left -hand, which the guerrilla had bitten off. Nettleton was much exhausted, -and was finally drawn up out of the gully with no little difficulty, -when the men set up a shout which made the hills ring. - -“There, boys, that’ll pay for the bruises; and now I guess you’ll have -to do me another favor—jist rub my shanks and the hinges in my back with -a little whisky, if you can spare it.” - -In a moment a dozen pocket-flasks were produced and willing hands gave -him a good rubbing, which gave his limbs new strength. It was evident -that his muscles had been severely overtasked, for he was languid and -incapable of exertion. - -Nettleton now narrated the particulars of his and Fall-leaf’s -adventures. Soon the troops were out on the search for Captain Hayward, -while, assisted by a couple of comrades, the wounded hero of the hour -made his way down to the cabin of old Madge. The old creature received -him kindly and at once bestirred herself to make him strong again. The -air was soon odoriferous with the smell of distilling herbs. - -A prolonged shout, ere long, came rolling down the hill. Nettleton was -aroused from a sleep into which he had fallen. His two comrades at once -hurried out to ascertain its cause. Old Madge paused in her toil and -said: - -“The captain’s found, I s’pose.” - -“Hooray!” yelled the invalid, now an invalid no longer. Springing from -his bed he rushed out, and away he went up the hills in the direction of -the still continuing noise. His companions, astonished at his sudden -recovery, followed, and all were soon lost to sight. - -Harry Hayward was indeed found, and the cavalcade, bearing him on a rude -litter, after a half-hour’s time, made its appearance coming down the -mountain. Nettleton was at his side, crying like a baby. Wells held the -sick man’s hand, while his face, still expressing anxiety, beamed with -joy. Hayward was discovered hidden in a quiet, cool nook, where he lay -in a very exhausted condition. He had, in his fever-delirium, broken -away from Madge’s custody, but, no sooner was he out in the cool shade -of the trees and rocks than his mind became clear and composed. Weak and -ill as he was he still had strength to seek a place of safety from -pursuit, should it be attempted, as he supposed it would be. At -nightfall he had determined to seek out some respectable looking -farm-house, and on the morrow to cast himself upon the mercy of -strangers, knowing that even though that stranger might be a foe he -could not be more inhuman than men wearing the uniform of Confederate -officers. But the sufferer was spared further efforts. The shouts and -reports of fire-arms Hayward distinctly heard, and at once surmised that -a Union force was at hand. When the men scattered in squads for the -search through the mountain, the captain beheld one of the parties -passing before his hiding-place. It was his moment of deliverance. He -stepped out before the astonished soldiers, who, not recognizing the -apparition, did not at once welcome him. - -“My men, don’t you know me?” - -“Captain Hayward!” they shouted, as they rushed upon him, and clasped -him in their arms. - -He was borne toward Madge’s cabin, to be welcomed on the way by the -gathering men. Wells now appeared. The joy of that meeting can be -surmised. The welkin was made to ring with the glad notes of the -jubilant soldiers. These notes it was which aroused the sleeper in the -cabin, and when at length he appeared, struggling wearily up the hill, -the cavalcade paused to permit the overjoyed parties a few minutes of -undisturbed greeting. Nettleton was not even talkative—a circumstance -indicative of the depth of his feelings—and it was not until the captain -was fully domiciled in the cabin, that he could consent to talk of the -past and its painful incidents. He then narrated the events of Walker’s -plot, as we have here recorded them, ending with the tragedy of the -mill. It was a revelation of intense but most painful interest to the -sick man; but he bore the affliction of his sister’s loss with great -resolution, sustained by the conviction that He who doeth all things -well would not permit the evil one to triumph. - - - - - CHAPTER XIII. - - _The Cave and the Contest for Life._ - - -AFTER two days spent in the cabin, Nettleton became excessively uneasy. -From something which had transpired, he conceived that old Madge knew -more of Walker’s whereabouts than she had yet confessed. This -conviction, once formed, was but the prelude to action. Without -informing any one of his purpose, he followed the old woman into the -woods—whither she went in pursuit of her medicaments—having in his hands -a stout rope. In a wild, retired spot, he confronted her. - -“Look here, old critter, you’re close-mouthed, when it would be better -for your health to talk a little. Now, you jist tell me where Captain -Walker has taken Miss Mamie. Talk straight, and not a gap in the fence.” - -“I don’t know where he has gone,” she answered, rather evasively. - -“That is, you are a nat’ral-born know-nothing. Well, it will assist your -memory, perhaps, to stretch your neck a little, jist to take the kinks -out, you know; so pass your shock of tow into this ’ere noose, while I -pull you up on that limb.” And suiting the action to the word he flung -the noose dextrously over her head. She was taken by surprise, and -trembling in every limb, asked: - -“Would you hang me?” - -“Sartain as there’s a tree and here’s a rope.” - -“I don’t know where Walker is, but I think he has a place of refuge down -the river, near the Ghost Swamp. There is a cave in the river’s bank, -opposite to the swamp, where I know his confederates occasionally -secrete themselves. He may have gone there; but, as he has been gone -over two days, I don’t see why he should be there now. It is my opinion, -however, that Miss Mamie, as you call her, is there, as it is the best -place to keep her.” - -“Ah, thank you, old Mrs. Crow’s-foot. There is something more on your -mind, isn’t there?” - -Madge looked at him inquiringly. - -“I know all about your friend’s visit; so do you jist play your cards -right, or I’ll catch ye niggin.” - -This allusion to her “friend” startled the old woman. - -“He was no friend of mine; he came along on his own account, and I only -gave him bread, as I give any one who is hungry.” - -“All right; only, what did he tell you?” - -She hesitated. Nettleton gave the rope a twitch, and looked up at the -limb. The hint was enough. - -“The man said he was up from below on a scout. He was anxious to know -what I knew about the voice of a woman which he said had been heard all -along the river. He heard it distinctly as he passed the road along the -river by the Ghost Swamp; others had heard it, and he believed that I -could tell him as to its meaning. I told him it was a sign that he was -singled out for death—that every person who heard it was called, and he -might, therefore, make up his mind that his time was come. With that he -left. I did not inform him of who was in my cabin, nor any thing about -what had happened here. So I hope you will let me go, and frighten me no -more.” - -Nettleton slowly lifted the noose from her neck, and, without another -word, walked back to the cabin. He called out Lieutenant Wells, who was -then watching at the captain’s bedside, and the two friends held a long -consultation together, which ended by an order for a guard of twenty to -be ready for a night expedition. - -By ten o’clock all were in readiness and on their way, taking the river -path down stream. Wells was in command. Nettleton acted as scout and -guide. All night long they pressed on, and daylight found them on the -hills opposite the spot indicated by Madge as the locality of the cave -in the bank. Asking Wells for his field-glass, Nettleton carefully -scrutinized the river’s bank opposite. After a short survey he suddenly -exclaimed: - -“_The Ingen_, as sure as Sacramento!” - -“What do you say?” inquired Wells. - -“Fall-leaf—see him—there he lays, and there is the cave. I’m blest if I -know what to make of it. I supposed, _of course_, that that red-skin was -roasted alive in the mill; but there he is, and here I goes.” - -So saying, down he dashed into the river, and forded its waters rapidly. -Once on the opposite side, he hurried up the bank, and soon reached the -ledge across which the Indian was lying. The poor fellow was but half -conscious from over-fatigue and hunger, yet his eyes were fixed with -cat-like vigilance upon the aperture of the cave, while his hand still -firmly clasped the knife upon which he relied to do his deadly work. - -Nettleton approached him silently, and touched his feet. At once the -Indian looked behind him. - -“Give Fall-leaf drink—quick!” was his hurried whisper, while the finger -on his lip indicated silence. - -Nettleton comprehended all at a glance. Passing his canteen and knapsack -to Fall-leaf, he beheld the Indian drink and eat with satisfaction. Not -a word passed between them. - -“Good! Fall-leaf _much_ weak; now strong again,” he whispered. - -“Where’s Miss Mamie?” - -The Indian pointed to the cavern. - -“Walker, too?” - -Fall-leaf nodded, and scowled so fiercely that Nettleton perceived the -savage wanted no interference in his case. - -“Shan’t I do the job for ye?” - -“No—Fall-leaf _mad_. Me kill ’em—you go way.” - -“That’s the talk, Ingen. You shall have your man; but, Jerusalem, don’t -I ache to git my paws on him!” - -A noise was now heard in the cave; it was Walker’s voice. “I’ll not -permit you to sing, I again tell you. If those men crossing the river -are Union soldiers, you shall not betray our whereabouts, and if -Fall-leaf moves I’ll shoot him!” - -“Bah, you ornery cuss; _I’m_ on your track now!” shouted Nettleton. - -“William—dear William!” cried the captive woman, recognizing his voice. - -“_Here!_” he responded, “and so chock full of the devil that if I don’t -get rid of it soon it will spile me. Walker, you dirty beast, dare you -fight me?” he yelled. - -“I dare fight any decent antagonist, but don’t care to dirty my hands -with you,” was the reply. - -“Oh, you nasty, miserable, thievin’ woman-stealer, man-assassinator. -I’ll cook your breakfast for you, but Fall-leaf shall eat it; _he’ll_ -dirty his hands with _you_!” - -“I defy you and all your crew,” growled the rebel. “If one of you dares -to show your head, you are a dead man!” - -“Blast yer picter, here’s a head—shoot it!” cried Nettleton, sticking -his head out in a manner to dare Walker’s fire. - -The scoundrel was prepared, and discharged his gun in an instant. Its -report had not ceased its echo ere Fall-leaf, with a bound like a -panther, dropped before the entrance of the hole. Walker stood there -with knife in hand, to foil any such attempt to storm his castle. A -quick blow with his foot sent the Indian headlong over the ledge. - -“Try that on me,” roared Nettleton, who, uninjured by the ball from -Walker’s musket, was at the Indian’s heels. - -No sooner said than done, and Nettleton received an unexpected blow in -the bowels from the rebel’s heavy boot which sent him almost instantly -over the ledge after Fall-leaf. - -That was the propitious moment for escape. Without a word to his -captive, he passed out upon the ledge, and had nearly reached its -terminus when Lieutenant Wells, followed by his men, confronted the -desperate man. Drawing his revolver, Wells cried: - -“Surrender or you are a dead man!” - -“I never will surrender to you,” was the fierce reply, as the now -cornered desperado began slowly to retire, backward, to regain his -stronghold. - -He had retreated fully half-way to the entrance, when his heel caught in -the rough floor of the ledge, and his balance was lost. For a moment he -sought to regain his foothold, but, finding it gone, he gave a shout and -leaped over the precipice. - -The soldiers looked over the ledge and saw his form disappear in the -trees beneath. Wells did not wait, but rushed to the cavern mouth. - -“Miss Mamie.” - -A form darkened the passage, and within stood Miss Hayward, smiling and -blushing as if just caught at her toilet. - -With a cry of joy Wells entered and clasped her to his bosom. - -“Safe and uninjured! Thank God—thank God!” answered the maiden. - -“Safe and restored; and, thank God, your brother, too, is recovered, and -is now in our hands, doing well!” - -“Then I am happy, indeed!” she could only reply, while tears of joy -checked further utterance. - -Wells had entirely forgotten Walker, in his moment of sweet communion -with his restored friend. But, a shout which came up from the depths -below recalled him to duty. It was a wild Indian war-whoop; then a -succession of ejaculations which the men could plainly distinguish. - -“Go in, Ingen!” “Walk along, Walker, you darn skunk you!” “There, that’s -a good un, Ingen!” “Now another in the corn-crib!” “There he goes!” -“Hooray for the Ingen!” - -All well knew the meaning of this, and a number of the men hastened to -the base of the cliff, by a long, roundabout path, which came up from -the river at the ford below. They arrived to find Walker slain, and -Fall-leaf badly cut in the face, arms and shoulders, but no serious -wounds on the body. Nettleton stood over his friend, bathing his wounds -in the clear waters of the river. - -“Ingen’s done for the cut-throat, sure. It was mean to shut me out; but -it was his game, ’cause he treed it. I’d give all I’ll ever be worth—” - -“Would you give Sally?” put in one of the men. - -“Dang Sally—no, dang my skin—that is, dang me if I wouldn’t give my -commission, boys, that’s it! give my commission to have had the -satisfaction of doin’ Fall-leaf’s work.” Nettleton looked savagely at -the body of the dead man, seeming to feel that he had made a personal -sacrifice in permitting the Indian to kill his enemy. - -It would appear that both Fall-leaf and Nettleton, when kicked off the -ledge, fell at its foot without injury, as the base was banked up to a -considerable distance with the decayed and water-soaked _débris_ of the -bank, down which they rolled into the water. They had recovered, and -stepped out into the stream to look up to the ledge, when they beheld -Wells and Walker confronted. In a moment the rebel staggered, and went -bounding off the ledge, and, like his two antagonists, came tumbling and -sliding down the declivity, landing at the water’s brink upon his feet. -There he was received by the Indian, with the wild whoop which startled -those above. Nettleton, in honor bound not to interfere, stood by while -the two fierce foes closed in deadly conflict. Walker, though a resolute -and strong man, was not equal in a knife fight to the supple savage. -After a few passes, Fall-leaf buried his knife in the rebel’s bosom. -Thus closed the career of a bad man—bad by nature, but rendered doubly -bad by the cause which he espoused. To serve that cause he had to betray -his country, desert his friends, stifle the voice of conscience, perjure -his honor, become a hypocrite and a deceiver: after that, all other -degrees of crime were easy. - -Wells followed the men at length, and appeared on the spot. He was -shocked at the sight before him, but conceded its justice. His own wish -was to have secured Walker for trial and punishment according to -military law; yet, it must be acknowledged that, many times, he felt -like wreaking condign personal vengeance on the head of the man who had -wrought so successfully in crime. He ordered the body to be buried in -the _débris_ at the foot of the cliff; and there it reposes to-day, with -no monument save the cave above, which will long remain as a witness to -the traitor’s crime and traitor’s doom. - - - - - CHAPTER XIV. - - _The Body-Guard’s Sickness and Cure._ - - -SLOWLY the party wended its way back to the mill. Just at nightfall it -came in sight of the lowly hut which covered the treasure so dear to the -heart of the rescued maiden. How her eager arms longed to clasp her -brother’s form to her bosom—how her ears longed for the sound of his -voice! The wings of the swallow would have been slow for her pining -soul; but the moment of reunion came at last—the dead was made alive, -the lost restored. Miss Hayward, gallanted by Wells, pressed on ahead of -the troop, and their panting steeds at length stood riderless before the -cabin-door, for the riders had disappeared within. - -The meeting of brother and sister was one of mingled pleasure and pain. -Both had suffered so much that to think of it was pain. Captain Hayward -was greatly emaciated. Loss of blood, fever, hunger and exposure would -have ended a life less tenacious than his; but, despite his suffering, -the presence of friends, the rescue of his sister, the anticipated -happiness of her union with the man who had proven himself so well -worthy of her—all conspired to give an elasticity to his spirits more -potent than the infusions of herbs prepared by the not unskilled hands -of old Madge, who, from an enemy, had, “by the force of couldn’t help -herself,” as Nettleton declared, become a useful instrument at a -critical moment. - -And what about Nettleton? All day long after the morning’s experience at -the cave, he had plodded on soberly, somewhat absorbed in his own -reflections. Behind him sat Fall-leaf, who, from his weak state, was -well content to ride. The Indian, though perfectly silent and apparently -indifferent to all things, now that his work was done, still was -inwardly pleased at the rescue and the thought of the pleasure in store -for the captain, of whose safety he had been informed by Nettleton; and -he was quite willing to go into camp for a few days before putting out -again on his endless scouts. - -“Nettle be sick?” he at length asked of his companion. - -“Not by a darn sight, Ingen?” - -“Nettle _be_ sick—Fall-leaf knows it!” - -“You be danged to darnation, you red onion-head of a Delaware!” was the -somewhat excited answer, as he turned in the saddle and stared the -Indian in the face. - -Fall-leaf smiled. “Nettle want physic—Miss Long give Nettle physic,” he -obstinately persisted. - -“Now look here, Mr. Ingen, ef you wants to fight, jest you say so, and -I’ll be catawampussed ef I don’t lick you wuss’n a nigger what’s got a -mad woman arter him!” - -“Fall-leaf no want to fight Nettle. Maybe whip Nettle—den what Miss Long -say?” - -“Yoh—yoh! you mean, sneakin’ son of a brick-kiln! Ef you don’t stop that -clapper in your head, I’ll be switched ef I don’t put a peg through it!” -And he set his face firmly to the front, roweled the horse severely with -his spurs, and dashed ahead at a speed quite uncomfortable to the -provoking Delaware. - -When the cavalcade reached the cabin, Nettleton did not obtrude himself -upon the party within. For an hour or more they were alone. At length -Hayward asked: “Where is my brave preserver? Why is he not here to enjoy -our happiness? And Fall-leaf, too; I would thank him as he deserves, the -noble and devoted savage.” - -Search was made. Fall-leaf was found out by the camp-fire, undergoing -the process of the lotion-cure for his wounds, at the hands of Madge, -who was carefully washing the bruised and cut flesh of the red-man. All -inquiries for Nettleton were fruitless; he was not to be found. It was -ascertained, at length, that his horse also was gone. Many were the -surmises as to the cause of his absence, and fears were expressed for -his safety. - -Morning came, and the party, now rejoined by the entire battalion, -prepared to move, by easy stages, from the valley toward the line of -march pursued by the retreating army. Captain Hayward was made quite -comfortable in a camp-wagon, with his sister for companion and nurse. -Fall-leaf pushed out far ahead to scout and secure the command from -surprise. Adjutant Hinton and Wells were tireless in their devotion to -the comfort and safety of their charge. It was a pleasant journey—that -week of slow progress toward Tipton. At length, however, the village -hove in sight. The white tents dotting the hills and valleys proved that -the division was there. While yet a long way off, a party of horsemen, -accompanied by ladies, was seen dashing off at full speed toward the -spot where the battalion had halted for its noon bivouac. Wells caught -sight of the party, and with his glass made out the gaunt form of -Nettleton far in advance. Behind him on the same horse rode a female, -whose identity the officer could not fix. Nearer and nearer the horsemen -came, until, after an exciting race, they dashed into the camp—Nettleton -and Sally Long! They were received with a wild huzza from the entire -troop, and none shouted louder than Nettleton himself. - -“Hooray! hooray! By the eternal jingo!” he cried, leaping from the -horse, and leaving Miss Sally sitting there alone, before the eyes of -the joyous and excited troops. Making his way to the captain’s -“marquee”—as the men had named the wagon—he was welcomed by Hayward in a -manner which quickly turned his servant’s joy to mourning, for the -embrace of real affection bestowed quite upset Nettleton’s confidence. - -“I’m nothin’ but a great darn skunk, any how!” he exclaimed, as, -breaking away from the captain’s embrace, he started for his horse and -the neglected Sally. - -“Nettle be sick!” - -He turned to behold Fall-leaf gazing upon him in mock compassion. - -“Not by a danged sight, you infernal lump of glory!” he now shouted, as, -clasping the Indian in his arms, he gave the red-man a hug which brought -forth a grunt. - -“Ugh! Nettle make Fall-leaf sick! Guess Nettle got full of Miss Sally -now!” - -“Yes, sar; and thar she is, in all her glory!” was the rejoinder, as the -“body-guard” pointed, in evident pride, to the smiling woman. - -“Gentlemen of the jury! let me present to you my wife—the dangdest sk— -no, the most blissful woman you ever saw.” - -“Your _wife_!” exclaimed a dozen voices at once. - -“Yes, my wife! Hitched to me tighter’n a handle to the jug, by Chaplain -Disbrow, two days ago, by the eternal jingo!” - -This was enough for the men. All order gave way before the hilarious -uproar which followed. They pressed around Sally to offer their -congratulations, which the delighted wife received with great -good-nature and dignity, still sitting where she had been left—behind -the saddle, on the horse. - -At this moment the party first descried rode up. It was composed of Mrs. -Hinton, Miss Morton and a number of friends eager to welcome the captain -and his sister, of whose fortunes Nettleton had most unexpectedly, three -days before, brought the news to camp. That it was a joyous meeting may -well be assumed. - - * * * * * - -Does not our story here end? To say that Miss Mamie Hayward soon became -Mrs. Wells, in the presence of the whole division—that a grand gala-day -followed—is but half the truth, however; for, at the same time, another -bridegroom was there in the form of the pale but happy Captain Henry -Hayward, who took to be his comforter and his much-needed nurse, the -woman who loved him most truly—Miss Nettie Morton. It was, indeed, a -most happy consummation of a drama which promised, at one time, to end -only in sorrow and broken hearts. - -Not the least happy of all that throng, nor the least noted, was - - NETTLETON, THE CAPTAIN’S BODY-GUARD. - - - - ------------------------------------------------------------------------- - - - - -Transcriber's note: - -Punctuation and hyphenation have been made consistent. - -The spelling has been retained with the exception of the following: - - hight -> height - iutruder -> intruder - turkle-dove -> turtle-dove - disppointment -> disappointment - _he’ll_ dirty has hands -> _he’ll_ dirty his hands - - - -***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRISONER OF THE MILL*** - - -******* This file should be named 51318-0.txt or 51318-0.zip ******* - - -This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: -http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/5/1/3/1/51318 - - -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed. - -Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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You may copy it, give it away or re-use it -under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included with this -eBook or online at <a -href="http://www.gutenberg.org">www.gutenberg.org</a>. If you are not -located in the United States, you'll have to check the laws of the -country where you are located before using this ebook.</p> -<p>Title: Prisoner of the Mill</p> -<p> or, Captain Hayward's "Body Guard"</p> -<p>Author: Harry Hazelton</p> -<p>Release Date: February 28, 2016 [eBook #51318]</p> -<p>Language: English</p> -<p>Character set encoding: UTF-8</p> -<p>***START OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRISONER OF THE MILL***</p> -<p> </p> -<h4 class="nf-center">E-text prepared by David Edwards, readbueno,<br /> - and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team<br /> - (<a href="http://www.pgdp.net">http://www.pgdp.net</a>)<br /> - from page images generously made available by<br /> - Internet Archive<br /> - (<a href="https://archive.org">https://archive.org</a>)</h4> -<p> </p> -<table border="0" style="background-color: #ccccff;margin: 0 auto;" cellpadding="10"> - <tr> - <td valign="top"> - Note: - </td> - <td> - Images of the original pages are available through - Internet Archive. See - <a href="https://archive.org/details/prisonerofmillor00haze"> - https://archive.org/details/prisonerofmillor00haze</a> - </td> - </tr> -</table> -<p> </p> -<hr class="full" /> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> -<p> </p> - -<div class='figcenter id001'> -<img src='images/cover.jpg' alt='' class='ig001' /> -</div> -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div> - <h1 class='c001'><span class='small'>THE</span><br /> <br /><span class='xxlarge'>PRISONER OF THE MILL;</span> <br /> <br /><span class='small'>OR,</span> <br /> <br /><span class='xlarge'>CAPTAIN HAYWARD’S “BODY GUARD.”</span></h1> -</div> - -<hr class='c002' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='xsmall'>BY LIEUTENANT-COLONEL HAZELTINE.</span></div> - <div><span class='xsmall'><span class='sc'>Author of “The Border Spy.”</span></span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<hr class='c003' /> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='small'>NEW YORK:</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>THE AMERICAN NEWS CO., PUBLISHERS’ AGENT,</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>NO. 121 NASSAU STREET.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><span class='small'>Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1864,</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>by <span class='sc'>Sinclair Tousey</span>, Publishers’ Agent, in the</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United</span></div> - <div><span class='small'>States for the Southern District of New York.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> - <div><span class='small'>THE</span></div> - <div class='c000'><span class='xxlarge'>PRISONER OF THE MILL.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><b>CHAPTER I.</b><br /> <br /><i>Brother and Sister—Forebodings—Nettleton.</i></h2> -</div> -<p class='c006'><span class='sc'>War!</span> Oh! how much of misery is expressed -in that one word! It tells its own -tale of woe, of blood, of broken hearts and -desolated homes, of hopes blighted, of poverty -and crime, of plunder, peculation and -official tyranny, of murder and sudden death. -In short, it develops all the baser passions -of the human heart, changing a peaceful -world to a world of woe, over which the -destroying angel well might weep.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Come, oh, thou angel, <span class='sc'>Peace</span>!</p> - -<p class='c007'>The “Army of the Mississippi,” as it was -termed, had been unsuccessful in their pursuit -of the rebel General Price. A portion -of it, or rather the division commanded by -General Sigel, had advanced from Springfield, -Missouri, upon the Wilson creek road, -as far as the famous battle-ground rendered -immortal by the death of General Lyon, but -finding no enemy, it had encamped upon -Grand Prairie, a few miles to the west of -the bloody field. All in camp was upon -the “tip-toe of expectation.” The lovely -scene spread out before the view, was sufficient -to inspire the heart of man to great -and glorious deeds. The broad, rolling -prairie lay there, like heaven’s great carpet. -The long grass waved in the breeze, presenting -the appearance of a deep-green sea, -undulating in low swells as if Queen Mab’s -wand were wafting over it; the autumn’s -frost had changed thousands of the delicate -emerald blades to purple, yellow, and scarlet, -while, intermixed with these, was the white -prairie flower, lending to the scene an -almost fairy-like aspect. The large “Fremont” -tents were arranged in rows, in a -tasty manner; flags were flying; bands -were discoursing sweet strains which echoed -far and wide; squads of soldiers in vari-colored -uniforms were lounging lazily on the -grass, while those detailed for mess or guard -duty, were busily prosecuting their assigned -tasks. To the east of the camp appeared a -wall of forest-kings, their verdure, also, -touched by the frost, presenting a variety -of colors, and glistening in the sunlight.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Few in that small army had witnessed the -horrors of the battle-field; but, like all “green” -troops, conceiving that there was much of -romance connected with the deadly field, -and that heroes were created by a single -brave deed, the mass of Sigel’s men were -eager to meet the foe. It had been given -out that the entire army was to join this -division on the prairies, and that an advance -was to be made at once against Price, who -was then at Cassville, some forty miles distant, -to the southward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I think we can safely count upon a desperate -battle by the day after to-morrow,” -exclaimed one of a party of five, seated within -a captain’s tent—four of whom were at a -table, with cups and wine before them. The -fifth person was making himself generally -useful, acting in the capacity of a servant.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You have fleshed your maiden sword at -Springfield, and I did not suppose you would -be anxious for another fight. I confess I -can not gaze upon such scenes without a -shudder, and, if duty would permit, I would -willingly sheathe my sword forever.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Captain Hayward, you are low-spirited -to-day,” answered the first speaker.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I am, indeed, Lieutenant Wells. And -can you wonder? My sister is here!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I only wish mine was!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That is a rash wish, my friend. She -would be exposed to much danger, and I -never want mine to gaze upon a battle-field. -No! where <i>men</i> cut each other’s throats, -delicate, sensitive women should not be -near!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Could you find no way in which to send -her from Springfield to St. Louis?” asked -Wells.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I could have done so by the mail coach -but, you know, the entire distance of one -hundred and thirty miles, from Springfield -to Rolla, or to Tipton upon the other route, -is infested with guerrillas, and I feared to -send her. I preferred she should brave the -dangers of the camp or even the battle-field -with me.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Captain Hayward bent his head upon his -hands and was silent. It was some moments -before any one ventured to speak. All appeared -to be oppressed with a strange sadness. -At length one of the party, Captain -Gilbert, slapping him familiarly upon the -shoulder, and endeavoring to speak gayly, -said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come, come, Harry, this won’t do! you -must shake off every vestige of blues. You -are suffering still from the wound you received -in the Warsaw skirmish, and it makes -you low-spirited. No doubt your sister will -be perfectly safe, and I know she had much -rather be with you, to assist you should you -need her aid, than to be safe in St. Louis, -enduring the tortures of suspense.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Hayward made no reply. At this moment, -a female, delicate and fair, came tripping -lightly into the tent, her face wreathed -in smiles, and her eyes sparkling with delight; -but, as she caught sight of Hayward, -she paused, and gazed upon him for a moment, -exhibiting the most intense interest; -then advancing, and placing her hand upon -his shoulder, she spoke:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Brother!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Hayward started, and clasping her in his -arms, he pressed her close to his heart for a -moment. But, gazing into his eyes, she -asked:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is the matter, dear Harry, you appear -ill?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The countenance of Hayward underwent -an instant change, as he replied:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not ill, but somewhat depressed in -spirits, perhaps, in view of what a day may -bring forth.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh! Harry,” she said, “I hear there is -going to be another fight. Will <i>you</i> have -to go into it and leave me?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Should there be a battle, I shall endeavor -to protect you, dear sister.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But, you will be in danger; perhaps -wounded—perhaps killed! Oh! what <i>would</i> -I do, then? Don’t go, Harry!” and the gentle -girl threw her arms around her brother’s -neck and wept. After a moment, he raised -her, and pressing his lips to her forehead, -said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wish to speak with these gentlemen a -moment. Go to your friend Alibamo’s -tent. I will come for you, soon!” The -sister cast back a look of fond solicitude, and -left the tent.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Hayward gazed after her a moment, muttering -audibly:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Poor child, what <i>would</i> you do if I -should fall. You would indeed be alone!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now, captain, I don’t think that’s half -fair,” exclaimed the one spoken of as being -the servant. “Do you think I am such a -darn skunk as to—if you was killed—the -darn—not to fight for my capt’n’s sister—the -skunk—no, I mean, if you die—if she—darn -me, if I don’t—I—I—” and the -speaker, as if unable to express what he <i>did</i> -mean, suddenly left the tent. All present -smiled broadly, and good-humor was thus, -for the moment, infused in all hearts.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nettleton had a sudden call!” said one.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He has gone to the sutler for a dictionary!” -added another.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“His heart is in the right place,” remarked -Hayward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s so!” responded all, with emphasis.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You are safe, with such a ‘darn skunk’ -for your body-guard, Captain Hayward,” -Gilbert declared, with comic seriousness.</p> - -<p class='c007'>William Nettleton was in height about six -feet. His general appearance was very singular. -His hair was nearly white—naturally -so; his eyes of a light green and -large; his carriage very loose—indeed, when -he walked, one would almost expect to see -him fall in pieces. His feet were huge in -dimensions. He had the appearance of a -half-witted, illy-formed person; but he was, -withal, neither one nor the other. Having -been detached from the company to which -he belonged, to act as servant to Captain -Hayward, he soon became so greatly attached -and devoted to the captain, as to be -styled his “body-guard.” This attachment -was not fictitious, nor did it proceed from -a spirit of military sycophancy or subserviency; -it was felt. Nettleton had evinced -more than ordinary courage on several occasions, -and had, also, displayed so much -judgment with his intrepidity, that he had -received offers of advancement; but these -he declined, preferring, as he expressed -himself, “to stay with my capt’n, the first -what promoted me.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>It will also be well to explain the presence -of ladies in the camp. Miss Mamie -Hayward was the sister of Captain Hayward, -who, having received intelligence that -her brother was wounded, had visited Springfield -for the purpose of ministering to his -wants. At the time of her arrival Fremont’s -“Army of the Mississippi” was marching -upon that place, and the journey from Rolla -or Tipton was safe. But soon, those roads -were infested with guerrillas, and, as they -were poorly guarded, it was not thought -prudent that the ladies who had reached -Springfield should attempt a return. Miss -Hayward, therefore, remained with her brother. -This same reason will apply to all -the ladies in camp, of which there were -several—conspicuous among whom was the -wife of Adjutant Hinton, one of the officers -of the well-known “Benton Cadets.” She -was usually addressed as “Alibamo”—her -name when a captive in Price’s hands. She -was very beautiful, and of that daring, determined -nature which has immortalized so -many women of the West. In company with -Alibamo, was a young lady who acted in -the capacity of waiting-maid, but who really -appeared more like a companion. This female -possessed the not particularly euphonious -name of Sally Long.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I must join with Nettleton in my reproaches, -Captain Hayward,” answered -Lieutenant Wells, in a subdued tone. “You -forget my conversation with you last night!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, Wells. You informed me of your -affection for my sister, but you have never -addressed her as a lover. How do you -know that she will return your love? If -she could return it, I confess, lieutenant, I -do not know any one to whom I would -more willingly see her united; but, if she -can not, how could you assume to become -her protector?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If such should be the case, and the fortunes -of war should deprive her of a brother, -rest assured that, not only myself, but -every man in camp would willingly shed -his blood in her defense, and care for her as -a sister!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Thank you. I <i>do</i> feel a foreboding of -evil. I believe I shall be killed in the coming -battle. If this should be the case, I -commend her to your care. But, my nerves -are excited. I will walk into the open air. -No! I would be alone!” he added, as one -of the officers arose as if to accompany him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As he left the tent one of the party, a -Captain Walker, exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, I hope things are all right, but I -have my doubts!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Your doubts of what?” asked Wells.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Humph! well, no matter. <i>You</i> are too -directly interested to listen to the explanation. -But, perhaps you will find out some -day.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you intend, sir, to cast any slur upon -Captain Hayward?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Captain Walker did not reply, but left the -tent. An hour or more had passed, and -Hayward did not return. It was now quite -dark, when suddenly the assembly was -sounded, and, all anxious, the troops fell in. -The order was read:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Pack knapsacks, and have every thing -in readiness for a move at daylight.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>All was excitement, and every preparation -was made for a forward movement. -But soon it began to be whispered that the -orders were to return. In a short time it -was officially announced that the movement -was, in reality, <i>back to Springfield</i>, and from -thence to Rolla and St. Louis. Many were -the expressions of disappointment and regret, -and some even ventured to denounce -the policy. Fremont had been superseded -in the field, and General Hunter, his successor, -had abandoned the campaign, then -on the very eve of its final consummation.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><b>CHAPTER II.</b><br /> <br /><i>The Tragedy of the Stream. Who was Guilty?</i></h2> -</div> -<p class='c006'><span class='sc'>When</span> Captain Hayward left the tent, he -proceeded to the stream which skirted the -woods. Bending over it, he bathed his fevered -brow. Then he seated himself upon -the bank of the river, and, resting his head -upon his hands, was, for a long time, absorbed -in his thoughts. A human form -flitted lightly past. Hayward raised his -head and listened, but all was quiet again, -and, in the darkness of the night he could -distinguish nothing.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I was mistaken!” he said to himself. -“If I was not, and a human being is around, -I will wager it was Nettleton, who, anxious -for my safety, has followed me.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The captain was again silent for a moment, -when the breaking of a twig betrayed -the presence of some person. Hayward -raised his head and called:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“William! William Nettleton!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Sir!” answered a voice but a few feet -from the captain.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why did you follow me, William?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Cos I’m a darn skunk,” drawled the -person addressed, as he emerged out of the -darkness. “And——<i>Curse you</i>!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The person speaking was before him. In -an instant Hayward sprung to his feet, but, -with a cry of agony exclaimed: “Great -God, Nettleton—why have you—oh God, -save me—you’ve killed me—I die!” And, -falling heavily forward, the words died upon -his tongue.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The murderer bent over the murdered -for a moment; then, with some haste, rolled -the body into the water, and turned from -the spot. He paused under the shade of -a tree, and listened for the tread of a sentry, -that he might enter the camp unobserved. -With a half-suppressed laugh he uttered his -thoughts:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I have done it, sure; and now that it -is done, I must progress—no retreating now. -I think I’ll win. Good-by, captain, and give -my respects to my friends as you float downstream.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He proceeded with caution toward the -camp, and was soon lost in the city of canvas.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The tattoo soon sounded. Lights were -extinguished, and all was quiet, save in a -few tents, which appeared to be those of -officers. Yet, there were aching hearts -within that camp, and, as the night progressed, -many were the anxious inquiries as -to why Captain Hayward did not return.</p> - -<p class='c007'>In a large tent, near that occupied by -Captain Hayward, were seated three ladies. -One was Miss Hayward; another was Alibamo, -or, as she is now a wife, she should -be called Mrs. Adjutant Hinton; the other -was Miss Sally Long, the waiting-maid of -Alibamo. Before this tent paced a special -guard; beside it was a tent of much smaller -dimensions, occupied by Nettleton and <i>his</i> -servant, black George, or, as Nettleton used -to call him, “Swasey’s nigger.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I fear something has befallen my brother. -He does not return, and it is now -twelve o’clock!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t be alarmed,” said Alibamo, in a -soothing voice; “your brother is most -likely at the head-quarters of General Sigel. -He may be detained on business. Come, -let us retire.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, not while my brother is absent.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>At this moment the guard came to the -tent entrance and said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ladies, if you have not yet retired Captain -Walker requests the pleasure of a few -words with Miss Hayward.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh, Alibamo, I fear that man; he looks -at me so strangely. But perhaps he brings -news of my brother. I will see him. Bid -the captain enter.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>As Walker entered he appeared agitated, -but controlling his emotions, he said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ladies, you will pray excuse me. I -feel that I <i>must</i> speak now, as it may be my -last opportunity. We—or, I should say the -army—will be separated at Springfield, and -I shall see you no more.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you bring news of my brother?” -asked Miss Hayward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No! His disappearance is very strange. -But I came to speak of myself.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What would you say?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“This, Miss Hayward. I have loved you -long and dearly. To-morrow we may be -parted, and I would ask you, should the -fortunes, or rather the misfortunes, of war -deprive you of a brother’s love and protection, -will you not permit me to seek you -out and become your future protector?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Captain Walker, these words surprise -me, and I think propriety demanded that -they should have been spoken in the presence -of my brother.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Pardon me, dear lady. I have waited -until this hour for your brother’s return, and -at last, fearing I should have no other opportunity, -I ventured to visit you now. You -have a friend and sister in Alibamo, and -surely you will not fear to speak before her.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I can not answer your question—it refers -to the future.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then for the <i>present</i>. Let me speak -plainly, and I beg you will do the same. -Can you not at least regard me <i>now</i> as your -friend and protector, and give me a friend’s -privileges?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The timid girl turned toward Alibamo, -and in an inaudible voice, spoke a word.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“She answers promptly, <i>no</i>!” replied -Alibamo, somewhat sterner than was her -usual manner.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You <i>love</i> another, then?” asked Walker.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Miss Hayward did not reply.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is the favored one Lieutenant Wells?” -again asked Walker.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You are impertinent, Captain Walker,” -replied Alibamo. “I must request you to -retire. How can you thus, in her brother’s -absence, address her in this manner?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>At this moment there was a commotion -in the tent of Nettleton. The voice of the -negro was heard, exclaiming:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I he’rd you, massa Nettleton. There -ain’t no use in you denyin’ it. I he’rd -massa cap’n say, ‘Oh, Nettleton, ye kill me!’ -Oh Lord, if eber I get out ob <i>dis</i> scrape, -ye’ll neber catch dis chile in such another -one.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is the nigger crazy? What is the -darn skunk talking about?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh, you needn’t make b’lieve ignoramus -on dis ’ere question. I he’rd ye.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now, look a here, you unconscionable -dark; if you have got any thing to say, -spit it out. Don’t make a darn skunk of -yourself.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh! won’t I fotch ye up in de morning? -Yes, sah!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Are you going to speak, and say what -you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh, golly! You go back on de cap’n -dat way!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What cap’n? Out with it, or I’ll -break your head and every bone in your -body,” exclaimed Nettleton, in a state of -undisguised excitement.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Serve dis nigger as ye did de cap’n, -and den put his body in de riber!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The negro had scarcely uttered these -words when Nettleton seized him. He set -up a terrible howl, which brought Captain -Walker to their tent.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is all this fuss about?” asked -Walker.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The negro went on to explain as follows:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why, ye see, massa cap’n, I went ober -to dat yar house across de riber, to see Miss -Julia, a col’d gal dat used to be my sweetheart. -Well, I see’d de Johnnies comin’, -and I ran down to de riber to come on dis -side, but dey come so close to me dat dis -chile hid behind a big log. Den dey stop -right by me, and say, ‘Golly, we can’t -cotch nobody.’ Den I he’rd some one on -de oder side ob de riber say, “Oh, Nettleton, -you—”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Silence this stuff! You have been -drunk. If you speak upon this subject -again, I’ll cut your black throat.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’se dumb, massa cap’n.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Quiet had now been restored, and all -parties retired for the few hours that intervened -before morning. But it was evident -all were not asleep. Several times a stealthy -step was heard, and a shadow flitted past -the white canvas tent, dimly seen by the -pale starlight.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Morning came at last, and all was astir. -Captain Hayward had not yet returned. -The inquiry was made if any one had seen -him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I have not seen him since last evening -at twilight,” replied Walker, “at which time -he acted very strangely, and talked about -the injustice of war. I am inclined to -think he has deserted and joined the enemy.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh, you darn skunk!” yelled Nettleton, -as he sprang forward, and was about to -strike the speaker. But, checking himself, -he added: “It’s well you wear them gilt -things on your shoulders, or I’d teach you -to call <i>my</i> cap’n such names.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If you would save yourself trouble you -had better remain quiet, Nettleton,” replied -Walker, as he fixed his eyes significantly -upon him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“<i>I</i> knows where Cap’n Hayward am,” -said the negro, stepping forward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where is he?” sobbed Miss Hayward, -pressing forward, in her eagerness.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He is—”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Silence!” yelled Walker.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let him speak,” said the colonel. “Go -on, George. Where is the captain?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Down dar!” The negro trembled violently, -and glanced at Nettleton.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He’s in de riber—killed dead, sure!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>A wild shriek rose upon the air as Miss -Hayward fell back into the arms of Alibamo, -insensible.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“By whom was he killed?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“By massa Nettleton dar, <i>sure</i>. I he’rd -across de riber, jis as plain as day.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton started back in horror, his eyes -extending widely, and his frame trembling. -A general murmur of disbelief ran through -the crowd.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Did you <i>see</i> him do the deed?” asked -the colonel.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Golly, I couldn’t see much, it war so -dark. But I hear massa cap’n say, ‘Oh, -Nettleton, you kill me!’ Golly, see how -massa Nettleton shake!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where was this?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Rite down by dat tree. His blood is -all ober de ground; I jest see it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>In an instant Nettleton had dashed off -for the spot indicated. In accordance with -an order from the colonel he was pursued. -Reaching the locality named, he gazed upon -the ground. It was red with blood—fresh -blood. He threw himself upon the earth, -and wept and moaned, and called upon his -captain to return. His grief was terrible -to behold. By this time the officers and -many of the men had arrived. They gazed -upon the grief-stricken servant with respect, -and more than one expression of sympathy -was heard.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If Captain Hayward has been murdered, -it was not by that boy. Nettleton loved -his captain too much to harm him,” said -Lieutenant Wells. “I am inclined to think -the deed has been done by skulking guerrillas.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I incline to your opinion, Lieutenant -Wells, as to the innocence of Nettleton. -But, as to the deed having been done by -guerrillas, it is not likely. It is much too -near camp.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But Hayward certainly had no enemy -in our camp who would have done this -deed.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We do not know the secret motives -which animate the human heart,” replied -Walker, in a tone and manner not devoid -of meaning.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let instant search be made for the body,” -commanded the colonel. It was done, but -no trace of it could be found, although the -water was too shallow to have permitted it -to float down the river. Attention was -again directed to Nettleton, who was sitting -erect, gazing at a piece of sharp, bloody -steel which he held in his hand. Viewing -it a moment, he sprung to his feet, and fixed -his eyes upon Lieutenant Wells. Then he -turned to the colonel and handed him the -blade. That officer examined it. Directing -his gaze upon Lieutenant Wells, he asked:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Has any one among you a small Spanish -dirk, with a highly-polished and ornamented -blade?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I <i>had</i> such a one,” replied Wells, “but -I have missed it for several days.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The colonel instantly turned toward the -camp, commanding all to follow him. He -halted before the tent of Lieutenant Wells, -and said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You, Captain Walker, and you, Adjutant -Hinton, enter this tent, and tell me -what you find.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The search lasted but a moment, during -which time Wells had been assisting Miss -Hayward, but not without evincing much -agitation. Walker now appeared, holding -in his hand a bowl of bloody water, and -exhibiting the broken stiletto, covered with -blood, which had been found in the overcoat -pocket of Wells. A shirt, also, was -found, which was stained with blood.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What can you say to this damning -proof of your guilt?” asked the colonel.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know nothing of it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Arrest the murderer of Captain Harry -Hayward!” commanded the colonel, in a -loud voice.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The guards instantly seized him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Murderer! <i>He</i> a murderer—and of -my brother! No! no! This is some dreadful -dream. Oh, tell me my brother is not -murdered; it will kill me. Oh, see! Pity -a friendless girl who kneels to you and begs -you to tell her that you have <i>not</i> deprived -her of a dear brother. Speak to me, Edward. -I did love you, and you would not -harm him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Wells could not speak. He had never -spoken to Miss Hayward of his love for -her; but <i>now</i>, in the delirium of her grief, -she had confessed her love for him. Oh, -what a moment!</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walker advanced to raise Miss Hayward -from her bended position before Wells.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Paws off, ye darn skunk!” yelled Nettleton, -as he hurled Walker to the ground. -“<i>I</i> alone am her protector now.”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><b>CHAPTER III.</b><br /> <br /><i>The Proposal—The Interruption—The Indian<br />—The Rescue—The Wounded Man—The Mystery.</i></h2> -</div> -<p class='c006'><span class='sc'>Near</span> the village of Ozark, at the base of -a ridge of mountains of that name, runs a -most beautiful stream or river, which bears -the name of the village, and is one of the -tributaries of the north fork of the Gasconade. -Its banks are high, and covered with -a thick but small growth of the “scrub” -oak, peculiar to that portion of Missouri. -The bed of the river sparkles with brilliant -white and yellow pebbles, polished by the -rush of waters for thousands of years. A -fine bridge spans the stream along the main -road, that runs through the only opening -in the forest for miles around. After crossing -this bridge, and ascending a sharp hill, -the village of Ozark is reached. This consists -of about twenty ordinary-looking dwellings, -a court-house, and a rough building, -dignified by the name hotel. Beyond the -village, and higher up the mountain, is a -line of rolling hills, which overlook the -country for miles around. On one of these, -and near the edge of a grove, were to be -seen a cluster of tents, and, from the number -of horses picketed but a short distance -away, it would at once be supposed, from -a distance, to be a cavalry camp, with, perhaps, -a section of artillery.</p> - -<p class='c007'>On a sloping point, extending from the -side of the bridge to the stream, and reclining -upon the turf, were two persons. The -one a young man of marked appearance, -and the other a female of much beauty, although -her dress bespoke her a native of -that portion of the country.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nettie, when do you expect your sister -to return?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It is difficult to answer, Charles, but I -trust very soon.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Have you not heard from her recently?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No. There is no way in which she can -communicate with me. The mails have -been discontinued, you are aware, from Rolla -to Springfield.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If you can <i>visit</i> the army, I presume you -can both dispatch and receive letters. Are -you not very anxious to learn how she is -treated among the Federals?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I am most anxious; still I have no fears.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I can not feel as you do upon that subject. -I would not awaken useless fears in -your breast, but <i>I</i> have not so much confidence -in their magnanimous natures.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Charles, you told me to-day for the first -time, that you loved me, and asked me if I -could not address you as <i>dear</i> Charles. You -have been very kind to me, and, on one occasion, -you rescued me from the hands of a -villain. I feel grateful—truly so. But, -whatever my feelings may be, I never can -wed my country’s enemy. Look yonder. -You see that white cottage. Once it was -beautifully adorned with creeping vines, and -the lawn before it bloomed with flowers and -shrubbery. But, dearer than all, within its -walls lived my father and my sister. Look -at it now! Its beauty has departed—it is a -<i>wreck</i>; father and sister have been driven -from it, while I have been detained here by -<i>force</i>. You profess to love me. If you do -so, <i>prove it</i>! We are now more than a mile -from the rebel camp, and you can escape -with me to Springfield.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I will assist <i>you</i> to escape; indeed, I will -accompany you a portion of the way to -Springfield. But <i>I</i> must return to my own -people and fight with them to the last. I -<i>do</i> love you, and I <i>would</i> become your husband, -gladly, if I could be satisfied you -loved me for myself alone. But, I can not -sacrifice one jot of honor or principle to win -even you, dear Nettie.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And you will go with me, now?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes—stay, what is that? Did you not -hear a low, moaning sound?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I heard nothing.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, perhaps I am mistaken. But I -fancied I heard such a sound. No matter. -I will go with you now to Springfield.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“To what purpose, young man?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The speaker was a powerful person, and -had emerged from the bridge just in time to -hear the last sentence of Charles Campbell.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So, sir,” he continued, “you would desert -us, and join the Yankees, and all for -your foolish regard for this vixen!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Colonel Price, if you were not an officer -I would make you <i>eat</i> your words. I have -served you faithfully, and you have no right -to question my loyalty. I do <i>not</i> intend to -desert, neither is this lady a <i>vixen</i> any more -than you are a <i>coward</i>.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Price started, bit his lips, and frowned -fiercely. At length he asked:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why did you propose visiting Springfield -with this——lady?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I intended to accompany her a portion -of the way, and then to return to my duty.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why does <i>she</i> wish to visit Springfield?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Because her father and sister are both in -St. Louis, and she wishes to rejoin them.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Did not yonder cottage belong to her -father?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It did.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He was one of the most bitter opposers -in this section. And you love his abolition -daughter?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I love his <i>daughter</i>, sir!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Enough. You will return to camp this -moment. I will take charge of this young -lady. When I rejoin you, I shall put your -loyalty and your <i>courage</i> to the test. Do -you see yonder boat?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He pointed up the river. A small boat -was seen floating down the stream, in which -three men were sitting erect, and the form -of a fourth, lying prostrate.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How do you propose testing my loyalty, -Colonel Price?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That boat contains a Yankee officer. -He is to be hung up by the neck. You shall -perform the job.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is not that man <i>wounded</i>, Colonel -Price?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, very badly so, I am informed.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“<i>Then I will not perform the base thing you -propose.</i>”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Price drew a revolver, and pointing it to -the head of Campbell, commanded him to -start at once for camp. He had scarcely -done so, when a powerful Indian sprung -from concealment, and snatched the weapon -from his hand. At the same time he seized -Price, as if he had been a child, and hurled -him into the water below. Without waiting -to watch the result of this sudden immersion -upon the chivalrous colonel, he caught the -maiden in his arms, and bounded off in the -direction of Springfield. As he started, he -beckoned to the young man and muttered:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come—follow—me save her!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Price floundered about in the water for a -moment, and finally succeeded in reaching -the shore just as the boat came up.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come—quick—join me in the pursuit!” -yelled Price.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The three men leaped upon the bank, -and, at the command of Price, all discharged -their pieces after the retreating Indian, but -without effect. Pursuit was then ordered, -but Price, observing that Campbell did not -follow, turned and asked:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Are <i>you</i> not coming, sir?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No!” was the prompt reply.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Price felt for his revolver, but finding it -gone, he only muttered, “Curse you,” and -then commenced the pursuit. For over a -mile it was kept up. The pursuers gained -upon the Indian, who was considerably obstructed -in his flight by the weight of the -female. At last Price exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“By the eternal, there come the Yankees!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Sure enough, just appearing in view upon -an elevated point a little beyond, was seen -a squadron of cavalry, and a section of flying -artillery rapidly advancing.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“To the hill! Give the signal for our -guns—to the bridge—secure the prisoner -in the boat!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>These commands were given by Price, as -he commenced a rapid retreat toward the -bridge. Pausing on the hill just before -reaching it, he unfurled a small flag and -made a signal. In an instant all was astir -in the rebel camp, and artillery and cavalry -soon came dashing down the hill.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where is the prisoner?” yelled Price, as -he came to the bridge.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Perhaps the young man you left here -has taken him to camp.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But the boat is gone! However, there -is no time to be lost, now. They are upon -us! Quick!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Colonel Price started for the opposite end -of the bridge, followed by his three confederates. -The rebel troops were still some -distance from that end of the bridge nearest -their camp, which it was evident they intended -reaching, if possible, in order to -sweep the narrow passage, if the Union -forces attempted to cross. The Federals, -however, were the first to gain that point. -But, had a crossing been effected, as soon as -they reached the opposite side they would -have been exposed to the most galling fire -of the enemy, as there was a large space of -flat, swampy ground in front; and then a -sharp bluff, upon which the rebel artillery -would, in such a case, be planted. The -commander of the Federals, observing this -situation at a glance, ordered a halt, and -brought his section of artillery into position. -One piece was placed so as to enfilade the -bridge, and the other upon a little rise of -ground, in a position where it could sweep -their lines beyond. The rebels observing -this, threw forward two guns, amid a deadly -fire from the Unionists, and succeeded in -taking a position upon the opposite end of -the bridge. Several rounds of grape were -hurled back and forth, but as the cover was -good, but little damage was done. The -cavalry attempted a crossing, but the thick -growth of oaks prevented. A charge was -about to be ordered across the bridge, when -an explosion took place, and it was shattered -to fragments. Taking advantage of -this, the rebels made a rapid flight. As -pursuit was useless, the command was given -to fall back to Springfield.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The Indian we have spoken of now approached -the commander, leading the trembling -woman, and said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Me save—you save—white squaw!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you require my protection?” asked -the commander.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettie told her story in an artless manner, -of which the reader has gleaned all necessary -particulars. She was kindly provided -for, and soon reached Springfield in perfect -safety.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Soon after the arrival, a soldier came to -the tent of the commanding officer, presenting -a bit of paper.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Colonel, I picked up this scrap near the -bridge, but did not look at it until this moment. -It may be of importance.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The colonel took the paper and read -aloud:</p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='small'>“A suspicion of my fidelity to the Confederate -cause has crossed the mind of my commanding -officer, Lieutenant-Colonel A. M. -Price, simply because I consented to assist -Miss Nettie Morton to reach Springfield, -from which point she might be able to rejoin -her friends, who formerly resided in Ozark, -but are now in St. Louis. I was condemned, -in consequence, to be the executioner of a -<i>wounded</i> Federal officer. At this cowardly -act my whole nature revolted. Chance has -favored me, and I have determined to save -him. In what manner I can not here write, -fearing this paper should fall into Confederate -hands, and my plans be thus interrupted. I -can not learn who he is. I asked his name, -and I have some reason to believe that Miss -Morton may throw some light upon the subject, -as the only words he spoke were ‘Net—murdered—sister—.’ -He bore the rank of -captain.</span></p> - -<div class='c008'><span class='sc'>Charles Campbell.</span>”</div> -<p class='c006'>The colonel turned toward Miss Morton, -who was seated in his tent, and asked:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do you feel any <i>especial</i> interest in any -Union officer now with us?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Miss Morton hung her head and blushed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do not fear to speak, and frankly, too, -Miss Morton. Perhaps the welfare of one -you love—perhaps his safety, may depend -upon your candid confession.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I—I—”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Have you ever <i>met</i> one of our officers?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But once. And then I only passed the -evening in his society. He was kind, but -he has forgotten me!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It is enough, you love him. But the -short time he was with you could scarcely -have made an impression so deep that he -would mutter your name in his delirium. -And yet, the wounded man was near your -residence. And he exclaimed ‘Net—’. -Your name is Nettie, is it not?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It is.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And what is the name of him you refer -to?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Captain <span class='sc'>Harry Hayward</span>!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The officer was visibly affected. “‘Nettie.’ -‘Net—.’ ‘Nettleton!’ ‘<i>Murdered.</i>’ ‘Sister.’ -It is very strange. Harry Hayward’s -body was not found, but he was assassinated. -Ah, I begin to fathom the mystery.” He -murmured all this in words not audible to -the astonished Miss Morton, and left the -tent slowly, as if oppressed with the weight -of a momentous thought.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><b>CHAPTER IV.</b><br /> <br /><i>Nettleton’s Adventure in a Noose—Some Important Information.</i></h2> -</div> -<p class='c006'><span class='sc'>The</span> surprise of Walker was very great -at the unexpected movement of Nettleton. -His sword flashed from its scabbard, and he -made a half-pass at his breast. But, checking -himself, he said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“William, I can forgive you in consideration -of your grief, and I spare you, that -you may assist in the care of Miss Hayward. -Curse him!” he muttered to himself, “I -would strike the infernal dog dead at my -feet, but the act would only place a greater -barrier between me and my prize. Miss Hayward,” -he added aloud, “you will always -find me ready and most anxious to serve -you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Miss Hayward will not lack for friends, -sir!” replied Alibamo, in a tone of contempt.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Captain Walker, I shall place the prisoner -in your charge. You will forward at -once.” These words were spoken by the -colonel.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walker bit his lip, and was silent. He -then commanded the guard to forward, muttering -as he did so:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The second most agreeable job. I’ll -revenge myself upon him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>As the guard formed around Lieutenant -Wells, he turned to Miss Hayward, and said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh! dear lady, you have inadvertently -confessed that you had some regard for me. -This is not a time to speak of such things, -but I will now say to you, that which has -never before passed my lips, excepting to -your brother. I love you, with a devotion, -ardent as it is pure and holy; and by that -love I swear, and beg you to believe, that I -have never harmed your brother!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Miss Hayward turned toward him, and -made a movement as if to reach his side, -but Walker held aloft the bloody knife, which -met her gaze, and, with a shudder, she turned -to Alibamo.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Forward!” cried Walker, and Edward -Wells, the once popular officer and general -favorite, was urged on, bound and guarded, -charged with, and generally believed guilty -of, the foulest of crimes. But yesterday he -was on the road to honor and fame; now -he was marching forward to a disgraceful -death. The entire division was soon in -motion.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton now approached Miss Hayward, -and said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Miss Mamie, I am going to do all for -you such a darn sk— I mean such a chap -as me <i>can</i> do; but, I’m feard that ain’t much. -But you’re going now where there ain’t no -danger, and if you please, I’m a going to -stay behind and hunt for the captain.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh! thank you, William,” sobbed Miss -Hayward. “How can I ever repay you, -dear friend?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t—don’t!” said William. A choking -sensation came over him, and, unable to -say more, he turned away, only to be comforted -by Miss Sally Long, who placed her -hands upon his shoulders, and said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“William, if you will find the captain, I’ll -<i>love you dearly</i>!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton started back, opened his eyes -wide—so he did his mouth, as if attempting -to speak. His lower jaw wagged two or -three times, but no sound was heard. Then -turning his eyes, he saw the gaze of all fixed -upon him, and started off suddenly upon a -run, exclaiming as he did so:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Who ever thought it possible that <i>I</i> -should ever be loved by Sally—such a darn -skunk—a sweet gal, I mean!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton did not pause until he had -overtaken the colonel, of whom he requested -permission to remain and make a more -thorough search for his captain.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, William,” was the reply. “We will -not be a mile distant before the enemy’s -scouts will be here, and you will be taken -prisoner.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No fear, they don’t notice such as me!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But your uniform will be sufficient.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh! I always go prepared. I have -another suit <i>under</i> this, one as I got from -the bushwhack I laid out the other night, -as he came noseing around Captain Hayward’s -tramping ground, and I shall put -that on top.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, do as you like, but be careful!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton waited for no other words, but -turning, proceeded at once to the spot where -Hayward received the fatal stab. He sat -down for a time, silent and mournful, gazing -into the water. He then commenced a -scrutinizing search. He became satisfied -that the body could not have floated down -the river, on account of the shallowness of -the water. He crossed the stream, searched -upon the opposite bank, and there found -the footprints of a number of men. He followed -the tracks, and found that <i>two</i> persons -had descended <i>into</i> the river, and out -again, near the same spot. He took the -measurement of each impression in the mud, -and then exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll be darned if Lieutenant Wells’ boot -made any of <i>them</i> marks! I know how it -is. Captain must have come here last night -to think, and some of them darn rebel -skunks come up behind him suddenly, and -killed him, and then two of them crossed -over and got his body, and brought it back, -and that accounts for the tracks in and out -of the water. But what did they want -with him if he was dead? Perhaps he -wasn’t quite killed, and they took him prisoner. -I’ll follow these tracks, anyway.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton followed up the footmarks until -they merged into the turnpike, which was -so cut up with travel as to prevent him -tracing them further. He now returned to -the fatal spot. Bending down he examined -the earth, still red with blood. Something -appeared to interest him, and creeping on -his knees, he followed a footprint to the edge -of the stream. Here was an impression of -<i>two</i> boots, side by side, in the mud. Nettleton -gazed upon them for a few moments. -His breast heaved violently—he clenched -his hands, and at last said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ve blacked <i>them</i> boots. I know ’em -well—there is the impression of the <i>two -hearts</i> in the mud, and there ain’t but one -pair of boots in our camp as has <i>two hearts</i> -made with nails in the ball of each boot. -Oh, you darn—”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Something caught the eye of Nettleton -in the water. He sprung in and secured -it. It proved to be a handkerchief, which -bore a name upon the corner. He gazed -upon it a moment, and said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The man as had on <i>them</i> boots stood -in <i>them</i> tracks, and washed himself in that -river. He wiped upon this hankercher and -then threw it into the water. Folks as -washes the evidence of murder off their -hands, don’t wash in the river, throw away -the wiper, and then take a tin pot of bloody -water to—”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What the devil are you doing here?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton turned to behold a party of six -horsemen who had suddenly approached -him. In his anxiety he had forgotten to -change his clothing—that is, to cover his -blue uniform with the rough gray suit he -wore underneath.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So, you are a Yankee soldier,” exclaimed -one of the party.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No I ain’t; I’m a darn skunk.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This reply, and the ungainly appearance -of Nettleton, caused a laugh throughout the -entire party.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You are not a Yankee soldier? Then -what are you doing with that uniform?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton looked at his dress, and for the -first time became conscious that he had not -changed it. He, however, instantly replied:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I am a spy for the General.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What General?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“General Price, to be sure.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This created another fit of merriment.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Just as if the likes of you would be -employed as a spy! Why, you don’t know -enough to last you half a mile.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s just the reason why I <i>am</i> a spy. -I am such a darn skunk no one pays any -attention to me.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Have you been in the Yankee camp here?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Have you a Confederate uniform under -that blue?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes,” replied Nettleton, throwing off -his coat and exposing the gray.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“To what company and regiment do you -belong?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No company. I go it on my own hook.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You know General Price?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, very well.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Have you ever been in his camp?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Often.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Describe him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton had, on one occasion, accompanied -a party of disguised Union officers into -the very camp of Price, while that General -held possession of the upper Osage. One -of the officers being detected and wounded, -was borne along with the retreating rebel -army from the Osage to Springfield, and -Nettleton had followed on for the purpose -of rendering assistance if possible. His apparent -stupidity prevented suspicion, and he -had been one of the leading spirits in a rescue -which afterward occurred. He was, in -consequence, not only known to General -Price himself, but to a large number of his -officers and men, and hence it was very desirable -for him to avoid the main army. -He supposed that he could deceive his captors, -or effect his escape. And the shadowy -thought that Captain Hayward might have -been seized and borne toward the rebel -quarters at once decided his course. He -gave an accurate description of Price.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Good!” answered one of the party, “it -is evident you <i>are</i> a spy. I find you on the -spot the Yankees have just left. You have -<i>their</i> uniform on and <i>ours</i> under it. So far -that <i>looks</i> well. You know and have perfectly -described our General. That renders -it certain you have seen him. Now, one of -two things is certain: you are a <i>Yankee</i> spy, -and have been in our camps with that gray -uniform <i>outside</i>, and then communicated -your information to <i>your</i> General, or you -are a <i>Confederate</i> spy, who, having just been -in the Yankee camp, must have important -information for <i>our</i> General. In either case -we shall conduct you to him. If you are -his man, then all will be right. If you are -<i>not</i>, then you will be hung within half an -hour after your arrival. You understand?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I first thought of going on to Springfield, -but I think I have all the information -necessary, and I had made up my mind to -return. I halted here a moment to change -my dress; and to look for a Yankee officer -who was supposed to be killed last night. -But I think he was only badly wounded, -and may yet be found alive in the tall grass. -Look for him.” These words were spoken -by Nettleton in an apparently cheerful tone.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh! you mean the captain who was -stabbed last night.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, yes; do you know any thing of -him?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You appear especially anxious, Mr. -What’s-your-name?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I am anxious,” replied Nettleton, fiercely. -“He insulted me, and I would be revenged.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t trouble yourself. He’ll catch it -soon enough. He was <i>not</i> killed, but was -taken out of the water by us.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Who struck the blow?” yelled Nettleton.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No one of our party. We were concealed -upon the opposite bank. We could -not see the murderer strike, for it was too -dark; but we saw the body thrown in the -stream, and saw the stabber wash himself -in the river. We would have fired upon -him, but were afraid of rousing the Yanks. -We waited until he left the body, after -throwing it into the stream, and then we -recovered it. The man was still alive. He -had only fainted from loss of blood. We -dressed his wound as well as we could, and -then conveyed him to a house the other side -of the pike. He will recover; but Colonel -Price has an especial spite against him. He -met him once at Springfield. So, <i>when</i> he -recovers he will be hung.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where is he now?” asked Nettleton.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“At a little house not fifty rods from -here, just the other side of the pike.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Without a word, Nettleton bounded like -a deer in the direction the Federal forces -had taken. But a dozen shots were fired -after him, and he fell. He was soon secured, -when it was ascertained that one -bullet had cut the neck badly, and another -had struck the ankle, although it had not -broken the bone. He was still able to -walk, and, after being bound, he was dragged -forward toward Cassville.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A march of forty miles was almost too -much even for the tough Nettleton, more -especially as he had received a severe shot -in the ankle; but he bore up firmly, and -at last arrived at the outskirts of the rebel -camp. He had become very lame, and -rolled about like a ship in a heavy sea. -As he entered the camp, many were the -jeers and taunts which hailed this specimen -of the Yankee soldier. Nettleton made no -reply, although his countenance bespoke his -contempt.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He was now near the quarters of Price.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“By thunder!” yelled one of the Confederate -soldiers, “that is the very fellow who -fooled us at Springfield. Hang him! Hang -him!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>An explanation was soon made, and Nettleton’s -fate appeared certain, as a “drumhead” -court-martial had already been convened. -Sentence was soon given—the -Yankee spy was to be hung upon the spot!</p> - -<p class='c007'>A rough scaffolding was formed, under a -large tree, and a rope, with the fatal noose -attached, thrown over a limb. Nettleton -ascended the platform in silence, although -his frame trembled.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I never saw a Yankee yet that did not -fear to die,” exclaimed one of the bystanders.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then you see one now, you darn skunk,” -replied Nettleton.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why do you tremble, then?” asked the -Confederate.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I was thinking of the captain, and of -his poor sister ‘Mamie.’”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ha! ha! ha! This booby is in love. -A romantic spy. And the idol of his passion -is called ‘Mamie!’”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You lie, you dog!” yelled Nettleton. -“I only—”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is all this?” asked a stately-looking -officer, who had just approached, and -before whom all the rest fell back.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“A spy, General,” was the response.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why was he not brought to <i>my</i> quarters?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Because Raines ordered a drumhead -court-martial.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Release the man until I have conversed -with him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton was released, and, as he descended -from the scaffolding, he was recognized -by General Price.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We have met before?” asked Price.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, General, we have,” was the prompt -reply of Nettleton.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What were you doing in my camp the -<i>first</i> time we met?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Serving my captain, whom I love.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Good! What are you doing here now?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That will require considerable explanation,” -added Nettleton.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Go on,” said Price.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, General, some darn skunk <i>murdered</i> -my captain, and when our troops left -Grand Prairie, on their return to Springfield, -I remained behind to search for his body. -I am <i>no</i> spy.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But you said you were a spy, serving -General Price,” replied one of the soldiers -who had brought Nettleton to the rebel camp.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How can you explain this?” asked -Price.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, ye see, General, Miss Sally—no, -I mean Miss Mamie—that’s the captain’s -sister—will break her poor heart and die -of grief if she can’t learn something about -her brother. Them darn skunks as arrested -me told me that Captain Hayward was <i>not</i> -killed. Besides this, as nice a darn sk— I -mean as good a man as ever lived, and one -who loves Miss Sally—no—that Miss Sally -keeps running in my head—one as loves -Miss Mamie, is accused of murdering the -captain. But I know better, for I found -proof enough to convict the right one. I -wanted to tell Mamie that Sally—darn Sally—that -her brother was <i>not</i> dead, and to -clear Lieutenant Wells and convict the one -as did the deed. So I told them sneaks as -how I <i>was</i> a spy, in hopes they’d let me -alone.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Would you give any information you -may have gleaned here, if I should set you -free?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I ain’t no such darn skunk, General. -Honor is honor bright with me.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What have you seen here?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“A lot of the darndest sapheads I ever -met.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If I should set you free, will you fight -against me?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Like the devil, the first time we meet -in fair play.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why do you wear that gray suit under -your uniform?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Because captain’s always getting himself -into some scrape, and I have to hunt him -up. Sometimes I have to go among the -Johnnies to do it, and then the blue ain’t -healthy.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Will you ever act as spy upon me if I -let you go?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not unless capt’n does. But I’m his -body-guard, and shall go everywhere he -does, if I can.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is your name?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“William Nettleton.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, William, I think we shall be -obliged to hang you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All right, General,” answered Nettleton, -stepping upon the scaffolding again. “And -them darn sneaks shan’t say they never -see’d a Yankee die bravely. But, General, -let me ask of you one favor. You don’t -want to see a good fellow shot for what he -didn’t do, and a murderer go clear, do you?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Certainly not.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then all I ask is, that you send this -handkerchief to Colonel Mann, and tell him -the murderer didn’t wash in a basin in his -tent, but in the river, and then threw this -wiper away; and that the guilty one has -<i>two hearts</i>, made with nails, on the sole of -each boot. And tell Sally—no, Mamie—that -the captain is—Lieutenant Wells—and -Walker—the skunk, when I’m dead—that -Sally—no, capt’n, won’t think of poor Nettleton—and—”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh stop! stop! William, I can never -recollect all this. You had better go yourself -and attend to this matter.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What, General? Do you mean it?” -cried William, as he sprung from the scaffold -and gazed earnestly at Price.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“On one condition I will permit you to -go.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, what is it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That as soon as you have given your -evidence in the court-martial which will -probably be ordered, you will return at -once <i>and be hung</i>.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll do it; I’m a loafer if I don’t.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You swear it?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, by the great jumping jingo, and -Sally Long’s tearful eyes!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The guard will see this man safely beyond -our lines,” said Price, speaking to one -of his officers, “and furnish him a pass and -a horse. Let one of our men accompany -him near to the Federal lines, and bring -back the animal which William will ride.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton rushed forward, and grasping -the hand of Price, shook it violently, and -then exclaimed, as he took his leave:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“General Price, you ain’t such a darn -sneak as I thought you was!”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><b>CHAPTER V.</b><br /> <br /><i>The Court-martial and the Hostage.</i></h2> -</div> -<p class='c006'><span class='sc'>The</span> division which had been encamped -on Grand Prairie reached Springfield in -safety, and formed their temporary camp in -the field, back of the brick school-house, -which stands about a quarter of a mile to -the west of the new court-house.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The first order issued to the officers of -the battalion of Benton Cadets, the Thirty-fifth -and Thirty-seventh Illinois, was to -assemble at a given time, to act upon a -court-martial, at the quarters of Major D—, -Judge-Advocate, to try the case of Lieutenant -Edward Wells, charged with willful -murder of Harry Hayward, a captain in the -service of the United States of America, and -attached to the army of the Mississippi, now -under command of Major-General Hunter.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was a sad day! Lieutenant Wells was -a favorite with both officers and men of his -command. He always had been mild as a -female, kind and benevolent—sacrificing his -own comfort for the good of the privates in -his battalion. True, some said that Wells -would not fight bravely—that he ought to -have been created a <i>woman</i>; but everybody -gave him credit for being the kindest of the -kind. When first accused, there arose a -very bitter feeling against him. Captain -Hayward also was a great favorite with the -men. He was a stern but kind soldier. -When the news of his brutal murder came -to the knowledge of his “boys,” their first -cry was “revenge,” and they naturally sought -some one on whom to wreak their vengeance. -At first Lieutenant Wells narrowly -escaped a summary fate, more especially as -it was whispered about camp that Wells had -become a suitor for the hand of the fair -Mamie Hayward, had been <i>rejected</i> by her, -and spurned by the captain. But in a short -time it was given out that Mamie had confessed -her affection for Wells, and that Captain -Hayward had remarked in the presence -of others, that he deemed Wells an honorable -man, and would gladly favor his suit. -This turned the tide of feeling in favor of -the lieutenant, and when the court-martial -was convened, nothing but a consciousness -of a soldier’s duty prevented an open revolt, -or at least a most decided and forcible expression -of feeling. But, trusting to the -judgment of the officers forming the court, -the soldiers decided to await the result.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Have our readers ever witnessed a trial -by court-martial? It is not like the ordinary -court of justice. First, the charge is -read, as thus:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Lieutenant Edward Wells, of Company -H, Battalion of B—— C——, is charged -with the willful murder of Harry Hayward, -a captain in the U. S. army.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“2d.—Specification.—1st. In this, that -said Lieutenant Edward Wells, did, on the -night of the seventh day of November, 1861, -assassinate and murder said,” etc.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Following this, in any case of the kind, -would be found a list of “specifications,” -setting forth in detail, all the chief events -connected with the crime.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The prisoner was brought to the tent of -Major D—— to answer to the charge. He -was very pale, yet perfectly composed; and -when the question was asked, the ready and -firm response was:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“<span class='sc'>Not Guilty!</span>”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The Judge-Advocate, a noble-hearted but -just man, informed the prisoner that he was -to act, not only as “prosecuting counsel,” -but as “counsel” for the prisoner, and that -he (the Judge-Advocate) must give the prisoner -the benefit of any doubt that might -arise in his favor.</p> - -<p class='c007'>To those of our readers not familiar with -the <i>modus operandi</i> of a court-martial, we -would give the following information for -their benefit:</p> - -<p class='c007'>The doors of the court are closed to all -outsiders. The prisoner makes his plea, and -retires. The witnesses are brought forward -and examined, but no cross-examination is -allowed. If a question is to be asked by -any of the officers sitting upon the court, it -must be reduced to writing, and silently -handed to the Judge-Advocate. If he sees -fit to put the question, it is done; if not, it -is thrown aside.</p> - -<p class='c007'>We will now proceed to a brief summary -of the trial.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Lieutenant Edward Wells, you are -charged with the willful murder of Harry -Hayward, a captain in the United States -service. What is your plea. Guilty, or <i>not</i> -guilty!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not guilty!” was the decided response.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Let the first witness be called, George -Swasey, colored.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The person familiarly known as “Swasey’s -nigger” took the stand. When brought forward, -he glanced around as if fearful of -something, and then asked:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is Massa William Nettletum where he -can hear dis chile tell de truff?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You have nothing to fear from <i>any</i> person, -if you <i>do</i> speak the truth, and <i>all</i> the -truth,” replied Major D.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well den, de fact am dis. I went to -see my gal. When I cum back, I met de -rebs. I hid behind a log. I see’d some -one stick a knife in massa cap’n, and I -heard him say:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“‘Oh! Nettletum, you kill me!’”</p> - -<p class='c007'>All questions were answered in the same -spirit, and it became evident that the negro -believed Nettleton the real murderer.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The next witness brought upon the stand -was Alibamo Hinton. She swore that Nettleton’s -tent was next to the one she occupied—that -he was in attendance upon her -and Miss Hayward, by permission of Captain -Hayward, and that Nettleton had <i>not</i> -been out of her presence that night. In the -first part of the evening, Nettleton had remained -near her door; in the latter part, he -had missed his captain, and had prostrated -himself on a rug near the tent entrance. -She had seen him there <i>all night</i>, as she had -not slept at all.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Miss Hayward was too much overcome -to appear as a witness, and was excused.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The next witness was Captain Hugh -Walker.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The feeling of the soldiers, to learn the -result of the trial, was intense, and by the -time Captain Walker was called to the stand, -some twenty or thirty had crept to the edge -of the tent, and endeavored to conceal themselves -in the tall grass outside, to catch the -proceedings. But they were discovered by -Walker, who demanded that they should be -removed. This was done, and a guard -placed outside.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Captain Walker’s oath was as follows:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“On the night of the seventh of November, -I followed Captain Hayward from his -tent. It was at the time gradually becoming -dark. My motive in doing so I will -explain. As soon as it began to be rumored -that we were to meet Price, I observed a -change in the conduct of Captain Hayward. -He had ever been the center of attraction. -His tent was the ‘head-quarters’ of ‘our -circle,’ drawn thither by the natural gayety -of the captain, and the presence there of -ladies. But this feeling appeared to forsake -him, and on more than one occasion he -denounced the war as inhuman. Pardon -me; I would not speak against the dead, -but I doubted the loyalty of the man, and -<i>not</i> his courage, and this it was which -induced me to follow him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I halted beneath a large tree, which -stood near the spot where the murder evidently -was committed. I saw the captain -seat himself upon the bank. At this time -it was quite dark, but I saw a shadow approaching. -It passed near me, but I failed -to discover who it was. I first thought it -might be William Nettleton following his -master. I listened attentively, however, as -the extreme caution of the intruder attracted -my attention. In an instant I heard a -groan, a heavy fall, and a voice exclaim: -‘Oh, William, where are you? Nettleton, -I am murdered. <span class='sc'>Wells</span> <i>is the assassin</i>!’”</p> - -<p class='c007'>A shudder ran through the court. Major -D—— dropped his head upon his hand and -was silent. The officers whispered together. -At last, a written question was handed to -the Judge-Advocate, which was promptly -asked:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Captain Walker, why did you not give -the alarm, or arrest the murderer yourself?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Sir,” was the prompt reply, “the sequel -will show. It was dark; I could not distinguish -the features of any person two -yards distant. I feared he might escape if -he should discover me. I therefore followed -the murderer cautiously, and he entered the -tent of Lieutenant Wells. He did not -strike a light, but I listened, and heard him -washing himself. I kept close watch upon -him until morning, to make sure I was not -accusing an innocent man. No one entered -or left the tent. The one who washed his -hands, and left the bloody water, was Lieutenant -Edward Wells.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This evidence was conclusive. But no -reason could be assigned for the murder, -unless it was that Miss Hayward had been -heard to say that she never should marry -and leave her brother so long as he lived, -and it had now become well known that -Wells was a suitor for her hand. Still, he -was a favorite with the captain, and even -on the day of his death Hayward had been -heard to say that he believed Wells a man -of honor, whose suit he would favor. The -only conclusion which could be arrived at -was, that Wells believed the love of a sister -was too strong to give immediate place to -the love of a wife, and he felt that, the brother -once removed, he alone would become -the object of Miss Hayward’s affection. This, -though but a flimsy pretext for so awful a -crime, was all that any one could offer in -the way of a surmise.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The trial was over. But one decision -could be given. It soon was rumored about -camp that sentence had been passed, and -that at four o’clock the next day it would -be read to the prisoner, in presence of the -whole division.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The night was wearing on. A form, -closely enveloped, approached the tent of -the commanding General. It proved to be -the lady Alibamo.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is the will of our ‘daughter of -the army?’” asked the General, kindly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It is that I may visit Lieutenant Wells, -and bring him to my tent. I desire that -an interview should take place between -Miss Hayward and the doomed man.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The General seated himself at his table, -and penned a few words, which he handed -to Mrs. Hinton. She glanced at the contents, -and then falling at the feet of that -officer, she seized his hand, and kissing it, -sobbingly exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What! <i>without</i> his chains? God bless -you! God bless—”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There, there! Go! go! Don’t make -<i>me</i> weep, or I won’t forgive you,” returned -the veteran warrior, as he turned away.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Alibamo left his tent, and in a few minutes -entered her own, in company with -Lieutenant Wells, now free from all apparent -restraint.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When Wells entered the tent, Miss Hayward -was kneeling by the side of her camp -cot, her face buried in the folds of its coverings. -For several moments not a word -was spoken, and, as Wells gazed upon the -stricken sister, he trembled violently, while -a groan of intense anguish escaped him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Alibamo advanced, and gently touching -her companion, said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Mamie, my darling, here is <i>our friend</i>, -Lieutenant Wells.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Miss Hayward did not raise her head, but -reached forth her hand toward Wells, which, -quickly kneeling by her side, he took, and -pressed to his lips.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh, heaven bless you!” he moaned. -“<i>You</i> do not believe me capable of the -dreadful crime with which I am charged?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Miss Hayward tried to speak, but convulsive -sobs choked her utterance.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, my ever kind and dear friend,” replied -Alibamo, “she does <i>not</i> believe you -guilty. Nor am I satisfied that Captain -Hayward has been killed. I am under the -impression that he was wounded and taken -prisoner by some rebels, who were lurking -near our camp.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You <i>hope</i> for the best, and so do I; but -have you any grounds for the formation of -such an opinion?” asked Wells.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, and to me the best of evidence. -William Nettleton went in search of the -captain. If he was killed, William would -have found his body before this, and returned -to us with the intelligence. His continued -absence convinces me that the captain -is still alive, and that his faithful friend Nettleton -is at this moment following him. It -is this hope which gives me fresh courage, -and I believe a few days will see you free, -and your name as untarnished as it should -be. I wished to tell you this, and I also -wished Miss Hayward to express to you -personally, her confidence in your innocence; -hence, I brought you here. You may leave -us now, as my poor friend is too much agitated -to converse.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Wells was about to depart in silence, but -Miss Hayward for the first time raised her -face, and her tearful eyes met his own. He -sprung forward, and kneeling before her, -pressed his lips to her white forehead, and -said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That look is worth to me years of happiness. -But, you can read my heart <i>now</i>. -When I am <i>proved</i> innocent, then I will -speak the words which must not, till then, -pass my lips. God bless you!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He arose to depart, but was met by Captain -Walker, who had just entered the tent.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walker cast a rapid glance around him, -and placing his finger upon his lips, enjoined -silence upon all. Wells stood, with arms -folded, sternly and suspiciously gazing upon -him, while Alibamo asked:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What are your wishes, sir?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“To serve you and your friend,” was the -reply, spoken in a low voice, and with apparent -hesitation.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It must be an important service which -could render pardonable the fact, sir, of -you having, unannounced, and so rudely, -intruded upon our privacy,” said Mrs. Hinton.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It <i>is</i> an important service. No less than -the rescue of——will you be seated?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The parties seated themselves in silence, -when Walker continued:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You must pardon me if I speak plainly, -and directly to the point. It is necessary -that I should be brief.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Proceed, sir.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Miss Hayward,” continued Walker, turning -toward the lady, “I must give a few -words of explanation to you. I <i>did</i> love—<i>do</i> -love you now. You need not shrink from me. -You will, upon hearing my words, understand -me better. No man loves without -hope, until there arises between him and -the one beloved some impassable barrier. -The barrier which arose to blast <i>my</i> hopes -was, your previous love, and the unfortunate -circumstance which has made me an -unwilling witness against one to whom, as -I think, your heart still clings.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You will please be brief in comment, -and come as quickly as possible to the point -in question,” replied Mrs. Hinton, as she observed -the agitation of Miss Hayward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I come to the point now. I know Miss -Hayward is very unhappy, and I would not -add to it. I would save her lover.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“To whom do you refer?” asked Wells, -coldly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“To you, sir,” was the prompt reply.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I can not claim the title you honor me -with, in connection with that lady. Besides, -she might not thank <i>you</i> for such a service.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh, yes! yes!” eagerly replied Miss -Hayward, as she gazed upon the speaker.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Stay one moment, Miss Hayward,” answered -Wells. “Let us first learn in what -manner my deliverance can be effected. -Captain Walker, you can proceed.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You speak very coldly, Lieutenant Wells, -to one who comes to offer you service. But, -before I proceed, I must exact a promise, -that if my proposition is not accepted, those -to whom my words are addressed will make -no exposure of the same.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was a nod of assent, and Walker -proceeded:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I will not deny the fact that solicitude -for Miss Hayward impels the act. But of -this no more. Lieutenant Wells, you are -unbound and unwatched. Place your sash -across your breast, as worn by the officer -of the day. I will give you the counter-sign, -and thus you will be enabled to pass -the pickets, and make good your escape. -You can secure a safe retreat, and, after the -excitement of the mur—of this unfortunate -affair—has died away, Miss Hayward can -be apprised of your place of concealment, -and take such action in the case as her -judgment or heart may dictate.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>A deathlike silence reigned for a moment, -during which rapid glances were exchanged -between the friends. At length Wells -asked:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Captain Walker, would not an escape -imply, upon my part, an acknowledgment -of the crime of which I am accused?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It might, in the estimation of many. -But, you are generally believed guilty. What -matters it what your actions imply to <i>them</i>? -Your friends here, who have already made -up their minds, will merely look upon it as -a desire upon your part to escape a certain, -an unmerited, and a dishonorable death.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And you will assist my flight?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I will.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And will you afterward convey Miss -Hayward to me if she will come?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“With pleasure; you but anticipate my -intended services.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Another rapid and significant glance -passed between Mrs. Hinton and Wells, -which was not observed by Walker.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“One thing more, Walker: do <i>you</i> believe -me guilty of murder?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“H’m—I <i>did</i>.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And <i>now</i>?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I <i>may</i> have been mistaken. But, be -that as it may, I will assist your flight.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Are you ready?” asked Wells, rising.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wish you to return to your cell, and -when all is ready, say <i>two or three o’clock</i>, -I will come for you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But I will not go!” was the firm reply.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walker perceived his mistake, and quickly -added:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“As you please, sir.” And turning, he -was about to leave the tent, when he was -confronted by the “officer of the day.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Captain Walker,” he said, sternly, “you -feel an especial interest in Lieutenant Wells. -I did not suppose so, but learned the fact -from your conversation. I am glad you <i>do</i> -feel so great a friendship for him. You -shall have opportunity to make it manifest. -You shall become his Pythias!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you mean, sir?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“This: that the sentence of Lieutenant -Wells will be read to-morrow afternoon at -four o’clock. In the mean time, you, as -his dear friend, do not wish to see him confined, -and will most cheerfully take his -place in the prison, and wear his chains. -If the lieutenant is <i>present</i> to-morrow at -four, you, as his hostage, will be released. -If he should escape, as you have advised, -of course you will be held as an aider and -abettor in that escape; and when you receive -that punishment your guilt deserves, -you will have the consolation of knowing -that you suffer for the benefit of your very -dear friend! Soldiers,” commanded the officer, -“place the irons upon Captain Walker, -and convey him to the guard-room in the -old log-building.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Are you mad? You <i>dare</i> not do it!” -yelled Walker, as he foamed with rage. -But the soldiers promptly obeyed the command, -and Walker was taken from the tent.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“This indignity shall be avenged!” but he -was carried quickly forward, and the guard-room -door soon closed upon him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You will be at liberty, upon your parole -of honor, until to-morrow at four o’clock, -Lieutenant Wells.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The officers shook hands and separated.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><b>CHAPTER VI.</b><br /> <br /><i>The Gunpowder Plot and the Conspirator.</i><br /><i>The Mystery Unfolding.</i></h2> -</div> -<p class='c006'><span class='sc'>Just</span> as the fading twilight was yielding -to darkness, and before Lieutenant Wells -had been removed from his cell by request -of Alibamo, a scene occurred to which we -must revert.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The room in which Wells was placed was -in the wing of a log-house, just in the rear -of the brick school-house to which we have -alluded. Two doors led from this apartment, -one opening into the garden, the other -into the main building. This latter door -had been firmly secured. Near that opening -into the garden, was a small window, -the only one in the apartment. As the -guard was stationed at the door, escape -from the room was impossible. Surrounding -this garden were a number of hedges -running in various directions, some of them -forming the street fence, while others ornamented -the winding gravel walks.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As soon as it was quite dark, a person -closely enveloped and disguised, emerged -from among the tents, and passed cautiously -along in the still intenser darkness of the -hedge shadow. Ever and anon he would -pause and listen. Finally he reached the -further hedge, remote from the camp. He -paused a moment, and then gave a low and -peculiar whistle. It was immediately answered, -and two men joined the first -comer.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Are you ready?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No!” was the answer.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And why not?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Because we have not received our pay.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is that the <i>only</i> reason?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The only reason after you have given -us full instructions.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where is your powder?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“In the upper part of the garden, under -the hedge. We have secured eight twelve -pound shells which we took from that battery -over yonder. Powder enough to blow -a mountain to the devil.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, here is a hundred apiece. When -the job is done, you will find as much more -in the hollow log that I pointed out last -night. Be careful and make sure work!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, your instructions!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You will follow the outer hedge. Creep -along with great caution, and make no noise. -There will be no danger, as the guard are -not on the north side of the camp. When -you reach the log-building in the rear of -the brick school-house, you will observe a -small wing, or addition, extending to the -rear. At the back of this wing you will -find an excavation under the house sufficiently -large for your shells. Place them -in it, lay your train, and then apply the -torch. But you must do this with great -caution, as a guard is stationed upon the -opposite side.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t be alarmed. Any one near that -old log-shanty will go to kingdom come before -to-morrow morning.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The trio then separated.</p> - -<hr class='c009' /> - -<p class='c007'>When Captain Walker was seized and -chained by the soldiers, he made a desperate -resistance, but in vain. He soon occupied -the little room vacated by Lieutenant -Wells. The door closed; he heard the -clanking of the heavy chains which secured -it, and left him in utter darkness. He -stamped, and raved and cursed. Suddenly -starting, and wildly clutching his throat, as -if some terrible thought had crossed his -mind, he groaned and sunk upon the floor.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Fool! oh! fool that I was! I thought -if I <i>pretended</i> friendship, and offered to assist -in his escape, all suspicion of this night’s -work would be diverted from me. But now—oh! -my God! What is the hour? Hark! -I hear them working under the building! -No! it is not the men yet. It is too early. -I dare not tell the guard, for an acknowledgment -of any suspicion of such a plot -would be a confession of <i>my</i> guilt. Let me -search for some mode of escape!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walker crawled cautiously around the -floor, but not a crevice could be found. -Finally, exhausted, he sunk down, giving -way to his utter despair. An hour—two -hours—dragged slowly by, which appeared -an age of misery to the wretched man.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If I give the alarm, even saying that a -peculiar sound attracted my attention, the -ruffians who are to do the work, will recognize -me, and I shall, thus implicated, suffer -an ignominious death! What is that? -Great God! they are at work! But they -are making so much noise that the guard -will hear them, and I shall yet be saved!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t make quite so much noise in -there, if you please!” exclaimed the guard, -as he knocked upon the door where he was -stationed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It is not me!” yelled the frantic man. -“Some one is at the rear of the building, trying -to dig through—they want to kill me!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“We will see about that!” replied the -guard, as he left his post, and walked toward -the spot indicated.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walker fell upon his knees and exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh! I am saved—saved that dreadful -death!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He bent down, and applying his ear to a -small crevice between the logs, where the -mud-mortar had fallen out, he listened. He -could distinctly hear the words spoken.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Have you silenced that d—d guard?” -was asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, cut his wizzen. No danger. Hurry -with the train of powder!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Gentlemen!” yelled Walker, “don’t go -any further. I am not the man!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Quick—fire the train!” exclaimed a -voice outside.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A flash was seen, and then another said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Curse it, the train has failed. Throw -the torch among the shells, and then run!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walker waited to hear no more, but -throwing himself with all his violence against -the door, he set up a series of yells, which -made the camp ring. In a moment steps -were heard, the door was thrown open, and -Walker, livid with fear, and frantic, staggered -into the open air, gasping for breath. -When he had sufficiently recovered his -fright to listen, the commander of the squad -said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The powder-plot has been discovered, -sir. There is no further danger on that -head. But you will return to your cell!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This order Walker was compelled to obey, -and he was again left in darkness, with -feelings better imagined than described.</p> - -<hr class='c009' /> - -<p class='c007'>The night wore slowly away. Lieutenant -Wells had retired to his own tent. His -calmness of demeanor certainly did not indicate -a guilty mind. Alibamo, too, was -wakeful, and strove by every possible kindness -to sustain the heart and hopes of her -suffering companion. Miss Nettie Morton, -who had so recently joined their society, -was occupying a tent in company with Miss -Sally Long, near that of Mrs. Hinton. They -also, were watchful—anxious for the morrow. -But, perhaps, the most wretched -person in that camp was Captain Hugh -Walker. No officer would have dared to -place irons upon him and confine him in a -rough cell, upon any slight pretext. Was -it not possible that something of a serious -character had been discovered against him? -This surmise seemed to haunt him, for he -acted in a manner to indicate the wildest -apprehensions of danger.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Morning came at last, and slowly the day -advanced. A guard brought Walker his -breakfast, but the man refused to answer -any question. During the afternoon he -heard the beating of the drums, and the -bugle-blast, which he well understood was -calling the division together for some important -purpose. He felt satisfied that one -object was the reading of the finding of the -court-martial in the case of Lieutenant Wells. -But, what part was <i>he</i> to play in the scene? -This was the question which caused his -heart to beat with violence, as the chains -fell from the door of his prison, and he was -called forth.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He accompanied the guard in silence, -and soon entered the hollow square formed -by the three brigades of the division. Walker -glanced eagerly around, and there, standing -beside the commanding General, was -Lieutenant Wells, with Miss Hayward leaning -upon his arm, and near them were their -female friends. But a few paces distant -were the two ruffians who had been engaged -in the powder-plot. All was silent. -The General advanced and said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Preliminary to other proceedings, I wish -to ask Captain Walker if he ever before saw -these two men?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The ruffians advanced, rattling their chains. -But Walker drew back, and with forced -calmness he replied:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I never have!” He dropped his head, -gazing upon the ground.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The adjutant who held the sealed orders -of the court-martial by which Lieutenant -Wells had been tried, then advanced, and -was about to commence reading the document -in his hand, when a series of yells -were heard, and in the distance was seen the -grotesque form of Nettleton, as he came -bounding along and bellowing:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Stop the shootin’! Stop the shootin’!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was well known throughout the army -that Nettleton had remained behind in search -of Captain Hayward. As he approached, -the most intense excitement was manifest. -Lieutenant Wells could scarcely control his -feelings, and would have rushed forward to -meet Nettleton, had not Mrs. Hinton gently -laid her hand upon his arm, begging him to -be calm. Miss Hayward clung closer to her -lover, as she hoped the news about to be -brought by her brother’s friend would relieve -her agony of suspense. A half-suppressed -cheer broke from the soldiers, as -Nettleton burst into the square.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He paused for a moment, his breast heaving, -and his eyes glaring wildly. But an -instant was sufficient for him to discover -that Wells was yet alive, and that the object -of his suspicion also lived. He sprung -forward, and, without uttering a word, -seized Walker by the foot, which he at once -drew under his arm; then he as suddenly -bounded for the spot where the commandant -was standing, dragging the foot along -with him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Of course this sudden movement on the -part of Nettleton had thrown Walker violently -upon his head, and, although he -kicked, and squirmed and cursed, he was -dragged along as if he had been a child.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When Nettleton reached the commander, -he held the foot of Walker within a few -inches of that officer’s face, and yelled:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look! look! General—see them boots!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Notwithstanding the intense anxiety felt -for the result of Nettleton’s search, the ridiculous -figure he presented in his eagerness, -and that of Walker who was twisting and -struggling to escape, a general laugh ran -through the division, which was joined in -by the commander. Even Wells could not -suppress a smile.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And what about those boots?” asked -the commander, after silence had been restored.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why, I’ve blacked them!” yelled Nettleton.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Another laugh was heard along the line.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No doubt you have blacked them. But -what of this?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why, General, don’t you see them <i>two -hearts</i> made with nails, on the sole of that -boot?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Certainly I see them. And what then?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walker was now permitted to resume his -upright position, and he stood trembling -with fear and rage, as Nettleton went on to -relate his first suspicions of Walker, his -search for the body of Captain Hayward, his -finding the impression of the footprints -standing side by side in the mud, at the edge -of the stream, with the marks of <i>two hearts</i> -in the sole of each boot; and then the finding -of the handkerchief in the water, which -Nettleton then produced.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The officer took the white linen witness, -examining it closely, and then said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Here is the name of ‘Walker,’ in the -corner. William, did you find this <i>near</i> the -place where the murder was committed?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Right by the spot where them two -boots stood!” replied Nettleton, pointing to -Walker’s feet.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I can explain this,” exclaimed Walker. -“I went to the river that day to wash, and -I stood upon the bank to do so. I presume -I left the impression of my boots there at -that time. If I did not, was I not also -present in the morning to examine the spot -where the murder had been committed? -And is it a wonder that the impression of -my boots should be left behind?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That is certainly true,” replied the General. -“But of the handkerchief?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It fell from my hands as I was washing, -and I did not take the trouble to recover -it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It is very probable!” replied the General.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So you perceive,” replied Walker, as he -appeared to gain courage, “your trumped -up evidence has fallen to the ground! I did -not expect a combination of both officers -and men against me, but I find it so. And -they wish to see <i>me</i> suffer for the bloody -deed done by that coward. The only reason -I can assign for this persecution is, that -he is in favor with the <i>ladies</i>, and you, sycophants -that you are, hope, through him, to -gain favor with his fair companions. No -doubt some bargain to that effect already -has been effected!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Captain Walker had by this time become -eloquent, and defiant. Nettleton, with his -too eager perceptions, had failed to foresee -the possible fallacy of his proofs, for hope -and prejudice together had prevented any -calm examination of his evidence. With a -sorrowful and troubled look, he turned away. -This gave Walker greater confidence, and, -in a loud but hoarse voice he cried:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And now I demand justice!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Which you shall have,” replied the General. -“But first answer me; how did this -handkerchief, which bears your name, and -which you confess to having used in the -stream, become <i>bloody</i>?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>That was another point of interest, and -Nettleton paused to listen attentively.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I had a bleeding at the nose, and the -reason I threw the dirty thing away, was, I -did not think it worth washing!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then some person must have recovered -it, washed it very carefully, and thrown it -into the stream again, for <i>there is</i> <span class='fss'>NO</span> <i>blood -upon it</i>!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walker attempted a reply, but his utterance -failed. The General enjoined silence, -and then stepping forward he said, in a -voice sufficiently loud to be heard by all -present:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Captain Walker, I must sum up, before -you, the evidence of crimes you have committed, -which have no parallel in the history -of the army, or of crimes which have ever -been, or attempted to be committed in any -civilized country. I would give you the -benefit of a court-martial, were there any -doubt of your guilt, and even <i>now</i> may <i>order</i> -a trial, but it will only be a formal one. -You had better confess your guilt, here, before -all—ask their pardon—make reparation -to those you have most injured, and die -repentant!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I have nothing to confess!” responded -Walker, bitterly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Have you no fear of the revelations of -these two soldiers?” asked the General, -pointing to the chained ruffians.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I have no fear! No doubt they have -been bribed to conspire with you! But, vent -your spite! Go on!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then, Captain Walker, I will briefly -enumerate the circumstances which have -been developed, as well as the <i>facts</i>. The -morning we left Grand Prairie you were in -command of the squad which escorted the -prisoner, Lieutenant Edward Wells. You -had not proceeded far when you were overtaken -by two men. It was a very easy -matter to secure an audience with you as -you were in the rear of the division. They -suggested that you should deliver Lieutenant -Wells to them, as their commander had an -especial spite against him, and wished to secure -his person. You asked these men (I -refer to the two ruffians now in chains and -standing by your side,) how they dared to -approach you on such a subject, and they -replied that they had <i>witnessed your act</i> the -evening previous, and that you need not -put on airs with them! You then requested -these fellows to meet you the next evening -at the upper hedge. You instructed them -to secure a number of pounds of powder for -some purpose, which you would then explain. -You met them the next evening. -You gave them instructions. They were -about to act upon them, when your outcries -from the cell in which <i>you</i> had been placed, -and which Lieutenant Wells had left only a -short time previously, attracted the attention -of the guard, and you were rescued. Prior -to this you had offered to assist Lieutenant -Wells to escape, but you wished him to return -to his cell and remain until two or -three o’clock. The fiendish act was to be -committed between twelve and one. You -<i>pretended</i> friendship, that all suspicion of the -act might be diverted from you. Have I -spoken correctly, sir?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No doubt you have spoken according -to the story of those ruffians!” replied -Walker. “You can not bring against me -any <i>respectable</i> proof. I look to a court for -the justice which I have no reason to expect -here.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walker, who had been shaking like a -guilty wretch during the speech of the -commander, turned in the direction indicated. -The rough garb had fallen from the ruffians; -their chains were thrown aside, and, to his -astonishment and horror, there stood two of -the regimental Union officers, <span class='sc'>Adjutant -Hinton</span>, the husband of Alibamo, and his -friend, <span class='sc'>Captain Clark</span>!</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walker, who now saw how he had been -entrapped, and detected in his infamy, for -a moment was utterly unmanned. But, his -resolute nature soon triumphed over his -fear. Well realizing that penitence could -not save him, he sprung to his feet and -said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“This is all a miserable, contemptible conspiracy—an -effort to make out a case against -me to shield that woman’s pet from the -consequences of his clearly proven crime. -Hayward is dead, and can not be made to -answer, else—”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You lie, you dirty, nasty, murderin’ -skunk!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What!” exclaimed a dozen voices.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He lies! the coward that stabs a man -in the dark! Hayward is not dead, but -lives, and will soon by his evidence send -this murderer to kingdom come!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>With a shriek Miss Hayward bounded -forward, and fell at the feet of Nettleton, -grasping his hands. Wells, who had borne -bravely up until this moment, covered his -face, and wept tears of joy and of relief -from the imputation of crime. Sally Long -sprung to the side of Nettleton, and, throwing -her arms around his neck she gave him -a hearty kiss, which caused him to roll up -his green eyes, and appear in almost as -much agony as if he had been struck in the -stomach with a cannon-ball. The word -was soon passed, and the soldiers, catching -the fire, made the very welkin ring with -their shouts, while the band chimed in with -the stirring strain: “Hail to the Chief!”</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><b>CHAPTER VII.</b><br /> <br /><i>A Live Hero—The Retrograde Army Movement.</i></h2> -</div> -<p class='c006'><span class='sc'>The</span> villain Walker was returned to his -lonely cell. Lieutenant Wells was released -from all restraint. The soldiers dispersed -to talk about the strange turn events had -taken, but the center of attraction was Nettleton. -He was seated in front of the Hinton -tent. Close beside him was Miss Hayward, -kneeling, and gazing mournfully into -his face, while Alibamo, Wells, the General, -Nettie Morton, Sally Long, the officers who -had composed the court-martial, the especial -friends of the parties, and as many of the -soldiers as could get within hearing distance, -were earnestly listening to the narrative of -the “body-guard.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton went on to relate his meeting -the rebel scouts, and the fact of their having -informed him that Hayward had only been -wounded and conveyed toward Wilson’s -Creek, by a party attached to the command -of Lieutenant-Colonel Price.</p> - -<p class='c007'>[The reader will mark the distinction -between Lieutenant-Colonel Price, who was -a ruffian guerrilla, and had broken his parole -three times—an act repudiated by all honest -soldiers of either army—and General Sterling -Price, who, although a rebel, always had -acted in a gentlemanly and humane manner -to all prisoners of war.]</p> - -<p class='c007'>After listening to the story of William, -the General drew from his pocket the note -which had been found at the Ozark bridge, -signed “Charles Campbell.” This note -must have been written but a few moments -before the fight took place. The date would -be just two days after Hayward had received -the assassin’s stroke, giving about the -proper time for the wounded man to be -carried from Grand Prairie to Ozark, at -which latter place Lieutenant-Colonel Price -had formed a temporary camp. The writer -spoke of a wounded man in a boat, and -against whom Price had an especial spite. -This confirmed the conviction that Hayward -had been taken thither for the especial gratification -of Price’s fiendish propensities. -The note also said that he bore the marks -of a captain’s rank, and, in his delirium, -spoke of “Net—” which might have referred -to the young lady, Nettie Morton, whom -he possibly might have seen in the distance, -upon the bank, as the boat neared the spot -where she was standing, or, as seemed more -probable, that the wounded captain was -calling upon Nettleton. At all events, it -was decided that the person of whom Charles -Campbell had written, was no other than -Captain Hayward. It is true, he was still -almost insensible from his wounds, and was -near the camp of his most unforgiving enemy, -but, there was a friend at hand—an -enemy in arms—but a friend to the wounded -and helpless soldier, as are all true men—and -he had written that “he <i>would</i> save -him!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why should we not hope?” asked Alibamo, -as she clasped her friend Mamie in -her arms.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And why should we not <i>act</i>?” cried -Wells, as he clutched the hilt of his sword.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, we <i>will</i> act,” yelled Nettleton, as he -sprung up, and appeared ready for instant -departure.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Go, William; follow the stream from -Ozark, until you find some trace, and then -return to us,” said Miss Hayward, eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton turned his gaze upon Miss Sally, -for a moment, and then, as if ashamed of -his hesitation, or of his weakness, in exhibiting -<i>any</i> symptoms of love, he started with -a bound, exclaiming:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m off. Good-by, all!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He had proceeded, however, but a few -steps when he halted, and, scratching his -head, his countenance assumed a most woful -expression, and his eyes rolled wildly about.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is the matter, William?” asked -Wells.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“<i>Got to go t’other way!</i>” was the melancholy -reply.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why so?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“O, just a bit of—fun—that’s all!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, tell us what it is, Nettleton?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I can’t! It will break <i>her</i> heart!” he -replied, pointing to Sally.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So it would, William, if any thing dreadful -should happen to you!” replied Miss -Long, as she dropped her eyes to the -ground.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There, didn’t I tell you so?” replied the -faithful servant, his mouth gaping and his -eyes expanding.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“William,” asked Wells, “do you really -<i>love</i> Miss Long?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Love her, lieutenant? That ain’t no -name for it. Why, can’t you see yourself -that she’s the sweetest darn sk— no, I mean -the nicest critter in the world—exceptin’ -Miss Mamie!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And does she love you, William?” asked -Alibamo, smiling in spite of herself at the -tableau enacting before her.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“<i>Of course I do!</i>” replied Sally, proudly -and triumphantly, as if a victory had been -won.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There—there! Do you hear that? Now, -don’t you pity me? I believe I am the most -ugly cuss in the world. I never thought -anybody would ever love <i>me</i>, and now I -find out the gal as I wants most is just the -one as does love me! Oh Lordy, I’m sick, -I do believe!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All right!” Wells responded, with a -smile.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All right! Not by a blasted sight, sir! -Did <i>you</i> think it all right when you loved -Miss Mamie, and thought you had to swing?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What! You talk in riddles. Explain.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“<i>I’ve got to be hung!</i>” he roared, but, -whether with pain or delight, none could -tell.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why, <i>you</i> didn’t have any thing to do -with hurting the captain?” cried Sally, as -she advanced toward her beloved.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton gazed at her an instant with a -most singular expression, and then replied:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Miss Long, never let suspicion cross -that delicate bo— mind of yours, but like -the true turtle-dove, put your trust in the -uprighteousness of your future lord and -master, what is to be hanged all on account -of the first time you wrapped them delicate -arms of yourn around my long neck.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“William, what do you mean by being -hanged?” asked the General.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton then went on to relate the -agreement he had made with Price, to return, -and undergo the punishment which -was about to be inflicted upon him when -that General interfered. He declared his -intention of returning at once, as his “furlough” -had run out, and as a “man of honor” -he must return.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And do you really intend to return?” -asked the General.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“<i>Of course I do!</i>” replied William, with -something of scorn and much of pride in his -tones.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“William, think for a moment. You are -now safe. You are with one who loves you, -and with whom you can be happy. Why -will you return?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“General, don’t argue this point with me. -I said I would come back, and darn me if -I don’t!” Nettleton started, after having -shook the hand of his friends.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Stay a moment, Nettleton,” said the -General. “I have a letter from General -Price with regard to you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton paused and listened, as the -commander, opening the envelope, read:</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c010'> - <div><span class='small'>“Camp near Cassville, Nov. 12th, 1861.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<p class='c011'><span class='small'>“<i>To General ——, greeting</i>:</span></p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='small'>“A prisoner of war was released from our -camp, and permitted to return to Springfield, -on the 9th. It was at first thought that he -was a spy, as he had been seen in and near -our camp before, and he was about to suffer -death upon the scaffold, when I saw and -questioned him. I became convinced that -he was no spy, but a faithful servant and -friend, searching for his captain, whom he -loved. I ordered his release. I gave him a -parole of honor. He promised to return that -the sentence of the ‘drum-head court’ could -be carried into effect upon him, after he had -given the evidence he possessed, which he -declared was necessary to save an innocent -man. I admire his truthfulness. Should -he be determined to return, of which I -have no doubt, you will read this letter, -which releases William Nettleton from any -further obligation. He will remain with his -friends, and be happy.</span></p> - -<p class='c007'><span class='small'>“Signed by the A. A. A. G.</span></p> - -<div class='c008'>“For the Commander, <span class='sc'>Price</span>.”</div> -<p class='c012'>The effect upon the gallant fellow of the -reading of this letter, was somewhat singular. -He stood for a moment gaping around -upon the spectators, as if he had been caught -in some mean act. Then a smile came -over his face like sunlight creeping over a -rugged mountain top. Soon his countenance -looked like a newly risen sun—fairly -blazing with blushes. Then, with a wild -<i>whoop</i>, which rung out like a signal, he -sprung into air, rattled his feet together, and -once on earth again, bounded off like a great -moose, for the nearest thicket, where to indulge -his “feelings” without restraint.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The crowd dispersed in good-humor, to -talk over the strange events of an hour. If -one heart was happier than all, it was that -of poor Mamie, whose joy at the proven innocence -of her friend and lover was too -intense for words. In her heart a new hope -had also arisen, that her dear brother would -again be restored to her arms, and thus fill -up the cup of her blessings to the brim.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It had been decided by the friends of -Hayward, that a search for the captain -would be useless, but it was hoped that -Charles Campbell would give some information -which would lead to his discovery, or -that Fall-leaf, a celebrated Indian scout, who -had now been absent many days on the very -line of the enemy’s march, would return -with some tidings, by which the actions of -the captain’s anxious friends should be governed.</p> - -<hr class='c009' /> - -<p class='c007'>The Army of the Mississippi, having -passed from Fremont’s command to that of -General Hunter, had been ordered to fall -back from Springfield, in two columns. -The one by the way of the Osage and Warsaw -to Tipton, Mo., on the line of the main -Pacific road, and the other by way of Lebanon, -on the main road between Springfield -and Rolla, the south-western branch of the -same road. Each place, in distance from -Springfield, was about one hundred and -twenty-five miles.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The march of the division to which Captain -Hayward’s friends were attached, which -was under the command of the brave Sigel, -was commenced on the morning of November -20th. That division formed the rear of -the entire army. It proceeded by the Rolla -turnpike.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nothing of note transpired until the division -was ascending the rolling hill about -two miles before reaching Lebanon, when a -horseman, his face and head streaming with -blood, rode rapidly along the lines, exclaiming:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Fight in front! Fight in front!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He halted for no one to question him, but -kept on his way. No guns were heard, and -many expressed the opinion that it must be -a strange fight. But, as a necessary precaution, -the infantry-men were halted, their -pieces loaded, and bayonets fixed. The -artillery was charged, and flags unfurled. -As the troops ascended the hill, and looked -in vain for a foe, the question was asked: -“Where is the fight?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This was soon settled, as another messenger -rode up and informed the General that a -party or squadron of rebel cavalry, numbering -about four hundred, had attacked a little -band of “home guards,” of about thirty, -which had been collected in a valley some -twenty miles south of Lebanon, on the main -road, in a place called “Bohannan Mills -valley.” Most of the thirty “home guard” -had been killed, wounded or dispersed by -the guerrillas. Then all families in that -vicinity known to entertain Union proclivities, -were visited at the dead of night. -“Murder and arson” was the cry. Many -poor creatures soon were in the agonies of -death. Husbands, who had rushed from -concealment to defend their wives, had been -cloven to the earth; children ran shrieking -to and fro, only to be dashed to pieces by -the savages of the Missouri Mountain. It -was a carnival of lust and blood, over which -the historian ever must dwell in horror. -And yet, these fiends in human shape were -protected by the ægis of the “Confederate” -flag!</p> - -<p class='c007'>Such was the scene depicted by the messenger, -when the division was halted, and a -consultation took place. It was decided -that, while the main army went forward, -two companies of infantry, a section of -artillery, and a company of cavalry, should -be detached to proceed at once to “Bohannan -Mills,” to protect the helpless families, -and, if possible, to punish the rebel horde -which had committed such awful crimes -against humanity.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><b>CHAPTER VIII.</b> <br /> <br /><i>Gone!—The Signal Song.</i></h2> -</div> -<p class='c006'><span class='sc'>We</span> must now take the reader back to -Springfield. It was one week after the exposure -and confinement of Walker, and -something like a month before the army -had commenced its retrograde movement, -as described in the foregoing chapter.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walker, after the first paroxysm of his -rage was over, settled himself down to think. -Although he had shown a bold front at first, -his final conviction drove from his heart all -resolution, and he evinced the most abject -cowardice—the cowardice of conscious guilt, -which makes the strongest tremble.</p> - -<p class='c007'>But Walker was not a man to sit quietly -in his cell, and submit to his fate. His mind -having been settled in the conviction that -certain death would follow, he began to form -his plans of action. To arrive at any definite -conclusion was no easy matter, as he -was chained, and a double guard placed -around his quarters. Yet he had hope—time -was given and all might yet be right. -He learned that he was not to be tried by -a division court-martial, but would be removed -to St. Louis, in order that a general -court might act upon his case. He also -learned that it would be at least a month, -before the army would take up its march. -Thus he had time—time precious to him—for, -like all shrewd villains, he had his confederates, -even in the army as well as out of -it, and to these he now looked for his bodily -safety.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was the third night of his incarceration, -that, springing to his feet, he listened -intently. There were three distinct taps on -the door.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The rescuers—the gang—I’m saved!” -he muttered, as he gave three taps on the -door, in response.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What’s the word?” was asked from the -outside.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“C. S. A. and the Bars!” answered Walker. -“And you?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Good! Union against oppression!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“To-night?” asked Walker, with eagerness.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No, the pal on the other side ain’t for -Union. Can’t before day after to-morrow. -Jim goes on then, and though it ain’t my -turn, I think I can get pony No. 2 drunk, -and the job can be done. I’ll try.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Be cautious. Trust no one without the -word. It was the neglect on my part, thinking -it all right, to demand the ‘words,’ -which brought me into this scrape!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The “rounds” approached, and the sentinel -was relieved.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nothing of importance transpired in -camp for the next three days. An unusual -quiet prevailed. It is true, there was much -talk upon the subject of the attempted murder, -and many expressions of bitterness -against Walker. Some even went so far as -to suggest the hanging of that wretch before -the army left Springfield, lest he should escape. -None were more vehement than a -repulsive looking soldier, known throughout -camp as “ugly Jim!” He stated that he -had been on guard only a few nights before -in front of the prisoner’s quarters, and that -he had every reason to believe Walker was -trying to escape, adding that he wished he -had been satisfied of the fact, as he would -have been glad of an opportunity to put a -bullet through the murderous scoundrel.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The party had been drinking freely, and -had become exceedingly communicative. -One of the soldiers, whose post was No. 1 -on guard duty that night—that is, in front -of the prisoner’s door—swore he would shoot -Walker if he could find any pretext.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“<i>You</i> have no spite against him,” exclaimed -ugly Jim, “and <i>I</i> have. Let <i>me</i> -take the matter in hand. I will stand your -guard, and if the villain attempts to move, -I’ll riddle him, sure as Potosi lead mines.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Enough said. I am on the second relief. -I go on at seven and off at nine; -again at twelve and off at two. This will -be your time.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Good! I shall be on hand!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Ugly Jim then approached the tent of -Miss Hayward, and requested an audience -alone with that lady. It so happened that -she was alone, Alibamo having gone to visit -her husband, and Sally being at the time -strolling through the camp with Nettleton.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“If you wish to learn all the particulars -about your brother, I think you can do so,” -said Jim, in a tone of great kindness.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh! in what manner?” asked Miss -Hayward, eagerly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t exactly know. But I will tell -you what I <i>do</i> know. You see I am on -guard to-night from twelve till two, over the -cell of Walker. I don’t like the villain any -way, but, he told me if I would get you to -come to him, he would tell you all he knows -of the matter!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Certainly I will go. Call Alibamo, and -we will go together, at once!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I will,” answered Jim, as he turned to -depart. Then pausing, he added:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Miss Hayward, now I recollect that -Walker said you must come alone. He declared -he would not commit himself by -speaking before any one.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I dare not go alone!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Poor child!” exclaimed Jim, as he -wiped his eyes. “Do you think you <i>can</i> -be alone when this old soldier, as folks call -‘ugly Jim,’ is near you? I know my face -is ugly, but I don’t think my heart is! Besides, -you won’t <i>see</i> the wretch himself. You -will only talk to him through a crack between -the logs, and I shall be as close to -you as Walker will allow. Of course he -wont let <i>me</i> hear what he says, but I shan’t -let you be out of my sight, so there will be -no danger!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why can we not go at once?” asked -Miss Hayward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Because I don’t go on post until twelve -o’clock, and the other guard wouldn’t let -you speak to him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then I will come at quarter past twelve. -But I shall rely upon you for protection!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You may do that, miss. And I really -think you do right. I know Walker is a -<i>very</i> bad man, but he has got to die, and -may be he wants to make a confession to -relieve his mind, and to ask your pardon. -And I always think it best to give a dying -man a chance to relieve his mind, and confess.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You may expect me!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Jim bowed, and left the tent.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Twelve o’clock came; the guard was relieved, -and “ugly Jim” had taken the place -of his <i>sick friend</i>, in front of Walker’s prison. -All was quiet, save the clanking of a -chain, a few hurried whispers, and the opening -and closing of a heavy door, which -sounds were in close proximity to Walker’s -dungeon. The words “<i>C. S. A. and Bars</i>” -were answered by “<i>Union against Oppression</i>,” -and two dark forms glided to concealment -beside the thorn hedge, while the -guard remained at the door.</p> - -<hr class='c009' /> - -<p class='c007'>The evening dragged slowly along for -Miss Hayward. A hundred times she had -almost resolved to communicate to her -friends the fact of her intended visit to -Walker, and to ask their advice, and, if -need be, to request that some one should -follow in the distance, to lend assistance, -should any be required. But what had she -to fear? Walker was secure in his cell, and -one of the faithful guard had promised his -protection. Besides, she had promised to go -alone. If she did not, it would imply suspicion -of an honest soldier. Walker might -also ask if she had come entirely unattended, -and how could she answer him?</p> - -<p class='c007'>Miss Hayward was naturally timid, and -by no means self-reliant. When the news -of the supposed death of her brother reached -her, she was almost paralyzed with grief. -But, now that hope had filled her heart, she -began to nerve herself to the task of unremitting -search, even though she must encounter -the greatest dangers.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The hour of twelve arrived. Closely -muffled in a cloak, she crept from her tent, -and then paused to listen. She heard nothing, -save the slow and regular breathing of -the sleepers, and the violent beating of her -own heart. She started, but her steps seemed -to fail her, and she leaned against a tree for -support. The thought of her dear brother, -and the probable unraveling of the mystery -which surrounded his attempted assassination, -and his present fate, gave her renewed -courage, and she sped onward. In a few -moments she had cleared the camp, and -arrived in the center of the garden, where -stood the doomed man’s prison. As she -neared the door, the guard asked:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is that you, Miss Hayward?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It is!” came the low response.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Approach and fear nothing.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>She had barely reached the threshold, -when two forms, darting from beneath the -hedge, threw a heavy blanket over her head, -thus entirely smothering any attempt, on her -part, to give the alarm. Who and what her -captors were, she could not divine, or what -might be their purpose. Strange to say, her -reason did not forsake her. She felt herself -borne rapidly along, but not a word -was spoken. It appeared to her that hours -passed by, and she even longed to hear some -word uttered which might give a clue to the -intentions of those in whose power she was, -or to throw some light upon the subject, as -to whom her captors were. The blanket, -which was very heavy, almost causing suffocation, -had been removed, and a lighter -one substituted.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At length the parties halted, and, seating -themselves upon the ground, the covering -was removed, and Miss Hayward was permitted -to gaze around her. Her eyes first -met those of Captain Walker. She shuddered, -and turned away. Then glancing at -his two companions, she at once recognized -“ugly Jim,” and a person known in camp -as “stupid Dick,” both of whom had served -as Union soldiers, for a long time, under -Walker. As her eyes met those of “ugly -Jim,” she exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh! <i>you</i> will protect me?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>A laugh was the only reply.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I trust Miss Hayward will permit <i>me</i> to -become her protector!” said Walker, in an -assumed tone of kindness.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Miss Hayward did not reply, but gazed -around her. She was in a wild spot. She -was seated beside a lovely stream of water, -in a deep valley, while high on either hand -were ragged hills or mountains. She knew -the country for at least ten or twelve miles -from Springfield in all directions was quite -level, and she judged she must be near the -Ozark country, the first range of whose -ridges she had frequently seen from that -point.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Does not the lovely Miss Hayward deign -a reply to her most devoted lover?” asked -Walker.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What was your purpose in tearing me -from my friends, and conveying me here?” -asked Miss Hayward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“A pardonable one, I think. My life -was forfeited in the Federal camp, and personal -interest required me to depart. I -could not think of leaving without you, and -so I resorted to a little stratagem. My love -for you must plead my excuse.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But I have told you, Captain Walker, -that I could not love you. Do you suppose -after what has transpired that I could entertain -any other feeling toward you than -detestation?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I am aware of that. But, when you -know me better, I am sure you will consent -to reward my devotion. I am going to -convey you to your brother!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then I <i>will</i> thank you, at least!” exclaimed -Miss Hayward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nothing else?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>She shuddered.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I must be plain with you,” continued -Walker. “I am <i>not</i> what I have seemed -to be while with the Federals. I am a colonel -in the Confederate army, but I accepted -a commission in the so-called Union army, -that I might furnish information to my Generals. -Or, if you like the term better, you -may call me a spy. These two soldiers -have been with me for the same purpose. -And we were not alone. There are now, -in the army of the Mississippi, over three -hundred privates, and over twenty officers, -who <i>pretend</i> loyalty to the Federal cause; -and I think, when his sister has become the -wife of Captain Walker, or Colonel Brown, -he may be induced to join us!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Will you take me to my brother?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“On one condition, I will.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And this condition?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Miss Hayward, I love you with all the -ardor of my soul. You have become necessary -to my very existence—<i>are</i> a part of -my life. When you spurned me, it drove -me frantic, and I am so now. Beware—oh! -beware how you turn this heart, which is -yet pure, so far as you are concerned, into -a hell of furies! Pity me! Oh! dear Miss -Hayward, pity me!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“But my brother—what of him?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I will tell you of your brother when -you have answered my questions.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Proceed, sir!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Do not speak so coldly. I will be frank -with you. Your brother is a prisoner—not -in the Confederate camp, but in a secure -place, on the very stream beside which you -are now sitting. The murmuring and singing -of these very waters will, ere two hours, -greet his ears with the same strain. Warble -those strains to which I have so often -listened while in camp, and which stirred -my soul, and they will be borne direct to -your brother’s hearing, to relieve his brain -perhaps from the insanity which now enchains -him!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Insanity!” echoed Mamie. “My brother -insane?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He is a raving maniac! And but one -thing can restore him!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh wretched, horrible news! What -<i>can</i> I do to save my brother?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You are the only person who <i>can</i> save -him. Nor is the task a hard one. Only a -few miles from here is a Confederate camp. -A chaplain is in attendance. He will perform -the ceremony which will make you -irrevocably and securely mine. Go with -me. Become my wife, and to-morrow I -will take you to your brother, and we will -not only restore his shackled feet to liberty, -but his shattered senses to reason. We -alone can do it. Can you assume the responsibility -of a refusal?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Miss Hayward remained silent for a few -moments, and then gazed alternately at the -three villains. An unnatural fire lit up her -eyes. At length she said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Captain Walker, I do not know but you -are even now deceiving me. You may not -know any thing about where my brother is.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ask these soldiers,” replied Walker.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Miss Hayward turned her eyes upon -them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The captain speaks right,” answered -Jim. “He <i>does</i> know where your brother -is. He <i>is</i> crazy and is chained in the—”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Silence!” commanded Walker. “Do -you believe, Miss Mamie?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I must believe the worst,” answered -Miss Hayward. “Soldiers,” she added, -turning to the soldiers, “do you believe in -the truth of Captain Walker’s profession of -love for me?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I should like to know why not!” replied -Jim, doggedly. “Nobody could <i>help</i> -loving you; even I loves you, but I know it -ain’t no use, and so I don’t say nothing!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What have <i>you</i> to say?” asked Mamie, -turning to the other soldier.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Lord, Miss Mamie, I allers loved you, -but ‘stupid Dick’ never thinks of such as -you, and so I acted mean just to spite!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Gentlemen,” cried Miss Hayward, springing -to her feet, “listen to me. You have -wronged me deeply, by aiding this wretched -villain, your captain, to abduct me. I despise, -loathe him; and, sooner than become -<i>his</i> wife, I would permit my brother to die -as he is, for I know that he would curse me -were I to save him at such a sacrifice. It -will be <i>but</i> death, and I shall suffer very little, -for my brother’s pure soul will scarce -have taken its flight, ere mine will follow!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Miss Hayward!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Silence, Captain Walker. Soldiers, you -have human hearts, and this man has not. -I appeal to you. Save me! Find my -brother and return him safely, and I promise -to pay you one thousand dollars each. -If I fail to do this, I swear, by the hope of -heaven, that I will become the wife of one -of you, the choice to be decided by lots between -you!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>These words acted like an electric shock -upon the soldiers. They sprung to their -feet and confronted Walker. But he had -anticipated the effects of her words, and -stood sword and revolver in hand.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You would play me false!” demanded -Walker, fiercely.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Guess I would!” replied Jim.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Take that, then!” yelled Walker.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The report of a pistol echoed through the -valley, and Jim fell without so much as a -groan.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And how do <i>you</i> decide?” asked Walker, -turning and pointing his revolver toward -Dick.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I was only goin’ to help you. I ain’t -no such foolish cuss as to think of marrying -a fine lady like that! I’m all right!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Prove yourself so, and you shall <i>have</i> -your thousand. Deceive me, and you share -his fate!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>As Walker spoke he stepped to a clump -of thick bushes, and drew a small boat from -concealment. Handing Miss Hayward to a -seat, and preceded by Dick, Walker entered, -and the little craft swept gently along with -the current, down the stream.</p> - -<p class='c007'>They had proceeded but a short distance, -when Miss Hayward burst forth, and sung -a wild, thrilling air, which echoed far and -wide, through the valley and across the -hills. There was something strangely beautiful -in her song, and something still more -strange in her actions. As each strain -echoed over the hills, and gave back the -ringing notes, she would start, and listen attentively, -and a gleam of joy would lighten -up her pale face, upon which a shade of -disappointment would almost as soon appear. -Her hearers sat in silence, and in apparent -wonder.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Those words are significant!” exclaimed -Walker. “What is their import?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“<i>She’s</i> going mad, too, I opine!” exclaimed -Dick. “Better <i>let</i> her go!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Silence!” cried Walker. “Miss Hayward, -do you think your voice will penetrate -<i>his</i> retreat?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>She made no answer, but, as the little -boat swept onward, ever and anon the same -words, and the same wild music broke the -stillness of the forest, now sounding like a -wail of sorrow, and then becoming almost -hushed in hopeful expectation. The words -had the appearance of being extemporized -for the occasion, and were as follows:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b c000'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'><span class='small'>Break those fetters—I am calling—</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><span class='small'>Listen <i>only</i> to my song!</span></div> - <div class='line'><span class='small'>I am waiting—loved one—waiting!</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><span class='small'>I have waited—oh, so long!</span></div> - <div class='line'><span class='small'>Give but one fond word to cheer me,</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><span class='small'>As I pray, and hope, and weep!</span></div> - <div class='line'><span class='small'>Let <i>thy echo</i> say thou’rt near me,</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><span class='small'>As my vigils thus I keep!</span></div> - <div class='line'><span class='small'>Echo, as along I glide,</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><span class='small'>This my song, from thy retreat,</span></div> - <div class='line'><span class='small'>And I’ll bound to thy dear side!</span></div> - <div class='line in2'><span class='small'>Are we e’er again to meet?</span></div> - <div class='line'><span class='small'>Yes, a Seraph from on high</span></div> - <div class='line'><span class='small'>Whispers to me, thou art nigh!</span></div> - <div class='line'><span class='small'>Friends are waiting—friends are near—</span></div> - <div class='line'><span class='small'>Dearest brother—do not fear!</span></div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><b>CHAPTER IX.</b> <br /> <br /><i>The Pursuit—The Perilous Situation—Important Information.</i></h2> -</div> -<p class='c006'><span class='sc'>It</span> was two o’clock in the morning, nearly -two hours after Miss Hayward had been -seized, and borne from the camp by Walker -and his confederates. The guard relief had -commenced his rounds. The first post visited -was that in front of the door where -Walker had been confined. A glance revealed -the prisoner’s escape. The chain -which had secured the door was lying upon -the steps, and the door itself was slightly -ajar. Walker and both the sentinels had -disappeared. The “long roll” was at once -beaten, and the camp aroused. Scarce had -the lines been formed when it was announced -that Miss Hayward also had disappeared. -The grief of her friends, and the rage of -the soldiers knew no bounds, and many was -the oath of a terrible retribution uttered -against the fiend who had spread such desolation -and sorrow in her path.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was but a few moments before squads -of cavalry were dashing in every direction -in pursuit. There was but little doubt as -to how the escape had been effected. The -disappearance of the guard convinced all -that they were in league with Walker, but -in what manner they had gained possession -of Miss Hayward was a mystery. No one -had detected any thing unusual in her manner -the evening before, and she had retired -at her usual hour.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was thought, however, that the parties -would not have taken any main road, as -the pickets would have given the alarm. -They could not have had more than two -hours the start, as every thing was all right -when the twelve o’clock relief went on -post, and at two o’clock the escape was discovered. -If Walker had to walk through -the fields in order to avoid the pickets, it -would take at least two hours to clear them. -It was most likely that, once outside the -lines, friends and horses would be procured. -Still, the distance would not be so great but -that our horsemen hoped to overtake them, -and so they set off with a good will in various -directions.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Are <i>you</i> not going to accompany us?” -asked Lieutenant Wells, of Nettleton, who -was seated upon the ground, looking gloomy -and sullen.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not by a darn sight!” answered Nettleton, -doggedly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And why not?” asked Wells.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You go ’long, and let me alone!” he answered, -sharply.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was no time for words, and the -squadron departed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The night passed, during which Nettleton -was bitter in his self-reproach for not -watching closer, and would not hold conversation -with any person. As the first -dawn of day became visible, Nettleton was -seen crawling upon his hands and knees, in -front of the former prison of Walker, and -through the garden, toward the west. His -movements were watched with considerable -interest, as all had begun to respect him for -his sagacity, in his peculiar way. At length -he returned to his tent, and, without speaking, -carefully examined his double-barrel -shot gun—a beautiful piece which he had -picked up upon the Wilson creek battle-ground, -and had been permitted to retain. -This he loaded; then, taking a large artillery -ammunition-bag, he went directly to -the tent of Adjutant Hinton. Removing -the lid of a minnié-ball ammunition-box, -he filled this pouch with cartridges. His -next move was to place some provision in -his haversack; then he started.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where are you going, William?” asked -Mrs. Hinton.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Them <i>boots</i>!” he replied, pointing in -the direction he had just taken in his hands-and-knees -examination.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you mean?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Why, <i>them boots as had two hearts on the -soles</i> went <i>that</i> way, and I’m going to follow -if I go to thunder!” He waited to hear -no more, or to speak more, but bounded off -to the westward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He had been gone perhaps an hour, when -Fall-leaf, the Indian scout already referred -to, entered the camp. He was soon made -aware of the state of things. Fall-leaf was -deeply attached to Captain Hayward, and, -more especially so to his fair sister, Mamie. -The scout had been but a short time in -camp, when he had given to the General -all the information he possessed with regard -to the enemy. This done, he followed on -the trail fast as possible.</p> - -<p class='c007'>For several hours Nettleton kept on his -course, now striking the main road for the -purpose of searching for fresh tracks, then -taking to the woods again, to avoid observation. -Several times he came upon the -well-known footprints, and a bitter exclamation -would escape him. He kept his course, -more from the judgment he had formed as -to the direction Walker had taken, than from -the numerous impressions of his boots. He -was ascending a sharp and ragged hill, -so heavily covered with the thorn-bush and -small scrub-oak peculiar to that country, -that his progress was rendered very difficult. -Suddenly a figure darted in front of him -and concealed itself among the thick undergrowth. -Nettleton brought his gun to the -shoulder, and called out:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“None of that skulking, darn ye! Come -out and fight fair!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ugh!” responded the voice, and Fall-leaf -bounded to his side.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh! it’s you, is it, Mr. Ingen? Well, I’m -darn glad you’ve come, for you can hunt these -snarly woods better than me! Any news?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You kill ’em—eh?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I shall kill ’em, if I only get a bead on -the critter!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You <i>did</i> kill ’em?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Kill who?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Dead soldier—there!” Fall-leaf indicated -that he meant further on.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come on, Ingen,” said Nettleton. He -reached the summit of the hill which overlooked -the valley below, and, led by Fall-leaf, -began its descent. They soon reached -the stream, and the Indian pointed to the -dead body. Nettleton gazed upon it a moment, -and then said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Darn me if it ain’t the very feller what -run away last night. Walker has been here, -sure!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He commenced his search at once. He -found footprints in the sand, and among -them that of a lady, judging from its small -size. The Indian had also been taking observations. -Returning from a clump of -bushes, he said to Nettleton:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“See—canoe—two—White Bird—so!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Here Fall-leaf indicated by action, that -two men had drawn a boat from concealment -in the thicket, had entered it, as indicated -by tracks in the sand, and had proceeded -down-stream.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, they’ve got rid of one scoundrel, -any way. It will only be man to man, and -I feel myself to be a match for any dozen -such skunks as that Walker. They can’t -have much the start!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Both Fall-leaf and Nettleton walked rapidly -forward along the bank of the stream. -At length—and it was almost a simultaneous -movement on the part of each—they -stopped, and bending forward, held their -ears close to the ground.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“By thunder!” cried Nettleton, “that’s -<i>her</i> voice!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“White Bird caged—<i>she</i> no sing!” replied -Fall-leaf.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ain’t you a darn fool? Don’t you know -that White Bird, as you call her, has got a -right to expect some of her friends will be -after her, and so she sings that they may -hear her voice, echoing up and down -among these hills, and know where to find -her?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ugh! good—white hunter no fool!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Again the voice was heard, and this time -so clearly as to leave no doubt upon the -mind of our hero, as to who the singer was. -Like a deer he bounded off in the direction -indicated. The music died away and all -was still. But the two men paused not.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Upon a sudden they emerged into an open -field of about four acres, near the center of -which were two large stacks of hay. The -river at this point took a bend, and the two -pursuers struck directly across the open -space. Just as they reached the stacks, -Fall-leaf darted close in to the base of one -of them, taking the attitude of a listener, -and making a significant sign to Nettleton.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What is it?” asked Nettleton.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Hark! Soldiers! Horses! Whoa! Hark!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton listened attentively, and then -said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There is a party of soldiers coming. It -<i>may</i> be our men who have been in search -of Miss—— of the White Bird; but, it is well -enough to keep close. It may be the rebels -merely moving camp. And if this is so, -Mamie must be with them. The sounds -are coming nearer—crawl under the hay, -red-skin—way under, out of sight.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This was effected with some difficulty, -when a party of rebel guerrillas, numbering -about sixty, rode into the field, and proceeded -to form their camp directly in the -vicinity of the hay-stacks, under which the -two men were concealed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Well, I guess we’ve got into the right -shop!” said Nettleton to Fall-leaf. “We are -cooped up here close enough for a while, -but, Miss Mamie must be with this crowd, -and when dark comes, we can scout around -and see what we can do. Lay quiet, Ingen!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“White hunter knows! Make good Ingen!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The day dragged slowly away. Toward -night a party of the rebels came for forage -for their horses, but the hay was tumbled -from the top of the stack, and our friends -were not discovered. The guerrillas’ conversation, -however, was listened to with the -greatest interest by Nettleton.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So Colonel Brown, or Walker, as he is -called, came within one of being done for -in the camp of the Yanks at Springfield?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, so he says.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What the devil does he want with the -gal?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh, some love affair, of course.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The gal was happy, for she was singing -like a nightingale.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh yes! No doubt she was dazzled by -the prospect of being a colonel’s wife.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Who is she?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Don’t know.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“My eyes! but she <i>is</i> a beauty!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“So much the better for him.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where was he going with her?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh, below—taking her to her brother, -I believe.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where is that?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Down in the <i>old mill</i>!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This was all the conversation heard by -the adventurers. But, the rebel troops did -not move again until late in the next day, -and our friends were compelled to remain -quiet. They had learned sufficient to convince -them that Miss Hayward was <i>not</i> with -this band of rebels, but was being borne -still further from them. They cursed the -chance which had thus entrapped them, and -prevented their overtaking the captive at -once. Still, they resolved to keep up the -pursuit, and they had learned that at <i>some -mill</i> the lady was to be conveyed, and that -her brother was there. Patiently they -waited until they could emerge, and finish -their journey.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><b>CHAPTER X.</b><br /> <br /><i>Hayward.</i></h2> -</div> -<p class='c006'><span class='sc'>It</span> is time the reader was enlightened, -somewhat, as to the fate of Captain Hayward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The wound he had received the night of -the attempted assassination, was severe, but -by no means fatal. The loss of blood had -rendered him very weak, and for some time -he remained insensible.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At the moment the blow was inflicted, -there was, upon the other bank of the river, -and watching the Federals, a squad of rebel -cavalry scouts. The water into which Hayward -was thrown soon revived the wounded -man. He was seen by this band, and carried -to the house of an officer of the Confederate -army, not half a mile from the -spot. Here his wound was dressed. It was -not long before an order reached them, -signed by “Colonel Brown,” to convey him -to the camp of Colonel Price, at Ozark. -This order was law, and immediately after -the Federals left Grand Prairie, a boat was -procured, and Hayward placed in it. But -half conscious, he reached the Ozark bridge -at the critical juncture already described in -the chapter referring to the interview between -Nettie Morton and Charles Campbell, and -the interruption by Colonel Price, the rescue -of Nettie by Fall-leaf, the approach of the -Union forces, and the resolve of Charles -Campbell to save the wounded captain.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It was at the moment when Price was in -pursuit of the Indian that Campbell, taking -advantage of his absence, and observing the -approach of the Federals, hastily penned -the note previously referred to and then -pushed off with the boat, down the stream, -in order to effect his escape with the prisoner.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He began to hope that success would -crown his efforts. The battle favored his -flight. All that day and the night following, -he pursued his course. It was his purpose -to follow the Gasconade until he had -reached the point nearest Rolla, where he -supposed he would be free from the roving -bands of rebels, who were so numerous in -the vicinity of Springfield. But his hopes -were doomed to disappointment. Colonel -Price, anticipating the direction he had -taken, immediately dispatched one Lieutenant -Lewis, a most tireless wretch, with a -squad of ten men, to intercept Campbell, -and the prisoner captain.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Just as the morning dawned, Campbell -saw the pursuing party approaching. Pulling -for the shore, he lifted Captain Hayward -in his arms, and bore him into a mill, -which stood near at hand. There he quickly -concealed his charge in an upper loft, -and returned to meet the rebels. He stated -he had been captured by a party of the -Federals and conveyed to that point, and -that they had there released him upon his -parole of honor. This story was generally -believed, although one of the band appeared -to be incredulous, and left his fellows for a -pretended search. Not observing his absence, -the remainder of the rebel band returned -without him, taking care, however, -that Campbell was not left behind.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When this person entered the mill, he -found Hayward leaning upon his elbow, -quite conscious, but too weak to move. He -paused before the wounded man, and was -silent, Hayward saw, and recognized him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Are friends near?” was his feeble question.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I am the only friend you have got in -these parts, and I reckon as how ‘ugly Jim’ -ain’t just the man you want to see!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You are one of my own men!” returned -Hayward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s a p’int as will admit of some argument, -as the lawyers say! I may be <i>your</i> -man when I am in Springfield, but you are -<i>my</i> man now! So don’t kick up any fuss, -and after I have made you fast, I’ll tell you -the rest. Ha, ha!” he muttered to himself, -“but Walker shall pay me well for <i>this</i>!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Saying this the rebel rascal left the mill. -Not far from this mill, in a wretched log-hut, -lived an old woman, who gloried in the -title of “crazy Madge,” and of whom the -rude backwoods people of the vicinity stood -in fear, as it was almost universally believed -among them that she was possessed of the -devil. She told fortunes with great correctness, -and employed the most singular modes -in doing this, such as burning powder and -strange incense, and the uttering of fearful -imprecations, and unearthly sounds.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The mill was owned by one Bohannan, -a captain of Confederate guerrillas. Since -the commencement of the war, it had not -been in operation, except on rare occasions. -About one mile above Bohannan’s mill, -there was another mill, of smaller dimensions, -which had formerly been owned by a -thorough Union man, who, becoming a -refugee, had abandoned this mill, also. So -when the residents in that region, or any of -the straggling rebel bands, had occasion to -grind their grain, they always went to the -upper mill, more especially as it was believed -that “crazy Madge” had taken full -possession of the lower one after its proprietor -left, and that, being occupied in sacrilegious -rites, it was very generally believed -to be unsafe to venture in that vicinity. -Even the most reckless and hardy of the -guerrillas held the spot in awe, and avoided -it at all times.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Madge was seated in her own door when -Campbell entered the mill with Hayward in -his arms. She watched him closely, but -uttered no word. She saw him emerge, -and meet the rebel band. She watched their -departure, and then discovered the newcomer, -“Grouse Green,” as he was known. -When he came forth from the mill, Madge -still was seated in the cabin doorway, -smoking her pipe. She did not even raise -her eyes, or pretend the least consciousness -of his presence, until, with a rude slap upon -her shoulder, he said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come, old woman, I want you!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The old creature pretended not the least -surprise, but, raising her snake-like eyes to -those of the speaker, she said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Does the son of Belial wish to know -his fate? I need not the aid of my magic -charms to point it out to me. In less than -a month, the most horrible death—”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Bah, you old crone! I’d dash your -brains out for a copper, you infernal croaking -old buzzard! I don’t come to have my -fortune told, but I want you to serve me, -and you shall have gold—do you hear, old -woman? No fooling now, and gold is -yours!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Gold! It is the master-key to human -hearts! And what am I to do for gold?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“My bidding! First, I want a set of -chains! Have you such things in your infernal -den?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You can have them for gold!” she exclaimed, -tottering to a closet, and rattling -the cold iron. “I always keep them—it is -necessary to my trade!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now for the bargain, old hag. You -saw me enter that mill just now? Well, -there is a captain confined, or will be confined -before I leave him, in the upper loft. -He will be fastened. You must feed him -daily, just enough to keep life in him. I -will give you a hundred to start upon—more -money than you ever saw, old woman, -and when I return, if you have well done -your duty as keeper, I will give you another -hundred. Will you be faithful and keep -the prisoner in safety from rescue?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I swear it by my magic art!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Bah! blast your art! Swear it by the -gold you will receive, and I’ll believe you. -But come!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Green reëntered the mill followed by old -Madge. He seized the helpless Hayward -and bore him to an upper loft. There he -fettered him with the chains.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And now I shall leave you here until -we can attend to you at a more convenient -time!” he muttered, as he gazed exultingly -upon Hayward. He was about to leave him -alone.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Stay but a moment!” cried the wounded -man. “Tell me of my sister!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“She has become the wife of Colonel -Brown, of the Confederate army, or, as <i>you</i> -know him, Captain Walker, of the Federals!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Liar!” cried Hayward. “But no! I -will not use such terms now. Do you -know who struck the blow which so nearly -deprived me of life?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes; it was William Nettleton! He is -also enlisted in the service of Walker. And -I will tell you more. In two days after you -disappeared, Lieutenant Wells was hung for -your murder. Your sister fled with Walker, -who pretended the greatest friendship -for her. <i>I</i> performed the ceremony, and to-night -they are not three miles from you.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Hayward had become insensible, and -sunk to the floor. Green saw this, and motioning -to the old woman, they left him -alone.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That is the game I want <i>you</i> to play!” -said Green, as they emerged from the mill. -“Of course, all I have told him is false. -But I want you to carry it out, because -Colonel Price wishes it as well as Walker, -and as he is a most dangerous man to our -cause, I don’t care how poorly he gets along. -It would be a good thing for us if he could -never take the field again. So see that you -do your duty!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Madge received her money, and agreed -to follow all the instructions he had given -her.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Green now returned at once to the camp, -and reported to Walker. It was just before -the decision of the court-martial had -been given, and that officer was free, not -only from restraint, but from any thing -which had, as yet, assumed a definite form. -He was delighted with the intelligence, and -resolved to take advantage of it soon as -Wells could be thoroughly crushed.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><b>CHAPTER XI.</b><br /> <br /><i>The Prison—The Wheel-room—Caged</i><br /><i>The Life and Death Struggle.</i></h2> -</div> -<p class='c006'><span class='sc'>We</span> left Miss Hayward in the little boat, -in the custody of Walker and stupid Dick. -For several hours they sped rapidly onward -with the stream. They encountered the -party of rebels of which we have made -mention, but, as Walker, or Colonel Brown, -was the officer highest in rank, no one attempted -to interfere with his project. The -boat kept its course until it came upon a -broad flat which appeared to be some five -or six miles in length, and perhaps one in -breadth. This, Walker informed Miss Hayward, -was the “Valley of Bohannan!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And,” said he, “your brother is confined -in yonder mill!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Miss Hayward gazed a moment upon the -structure, and then burst forth in the same -wild strain she had sung so frequently during -her boat voyage.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It is folly for you to attempt to attract -his notice by your voice. He is a close -prisoner and a maniac, and nothing but your -constant presence and attention will ever -cause his reason to return!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you intend to do with him -and myself?” asked Miss Hayward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I intend to take you to your brother. -I intend to let you see him in a wretched -garret, with no hope of recovery, or of even -life, unless you come to his aid. I intend -to permit you to <i>gaze</i> upon this scene, but -not even to speak with your brother, or to -assist him in any manner, until you are my -wife. Then you shall be free to attend to -all his wants, to provide for his comfort, to -restore him to reason, to life and to liberty.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Miss Hayward bent her head upon her -hands and wept.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I will not ask for your final decision -now!” continued Walker. “I will wait -until you have seen your brother, which -will be in a few moments.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The boat was drawn to the shore, and -Walker, turning to Dick, said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I will dispense with you now. Go to -Joe’s farm. Follow my instructions as to -storing the house with provisions, and at -least one comfortable bed. Miss Hayward, -it is a beautiful place of which I speak, and, -in case of your refusal to perform all that I -wish voluntarily, or to save your brother, I -shall be compelled to take advantage of a -friend’s mansion, in case I can not effect my -escape with you to Arkansas. This I doubt -being able to do, and more, I don’t know -that I shall run the risk, as I am only a -subordinate, and some of my superiors <i>might</i> -order your release. You perceive that I intend -to make sure of my prize now that -she is in my keeping. As my wife she will -be permitted all proper liberty, but until -you are such, by your own voluntary act, -I must keep you safely from approach by -any one.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Dick had left his master. Walker and -Miss Hayward arrived at the log-hut adjoining -the mill, and entered it. Old Madge -was there, but she looked pale and frightened.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come here, Madge. What is the matter?” -asked Walker.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The devil’s broke loose!” replied Madge, -trembling violently.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come, don’t be alarmed; I am Walker. -I am the one who sent you the hundred -dollars to keep the man safely. You have -done so, I hope.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He has just broke loose, and run into -the woods.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“How did that happen?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh, he heard a voice singing outside, -and, in his fever-delirium, said it was an -angel calling him to heaven, and he burst -from his room and rushed up yonder.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walker and the old woman conversed -together in undertones for a few moments, -when he turned to Miss Hayward and -said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Your brother, in his delirium, broke his -chains, and is at large in the mountains. -He will not return here, and I think it -doubtful if I can find him. He will, most -likely, make his way to the Federal camps. -But, come with me; you shall see where -he was confined, and then learn my further -intentions.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walker seized the unresisting maiden by -the arm, and drew her into the mill. Up -the dirty stairs she went, and finally entered -the room, or attic, where the unfortunate -brother had been detained prisoner. She -shuddered as she gazed around her.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now,” said Walker, “I will show you -<i>your</i> room—one you shall occupy until you -are Mrs. Colonel Brown.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He drew her still further on, and opened -a massive door, which grated upon its hinges. -She gazed in. It was a small apartment -into which the carpenter usually entered -when he wished to repair the great water-wheel -which set the mill in motion. This -room, or rather aperture, was of construction -unlike any apartment intended for occupancy. -There was a platform about ten -feet in width, which formed the only flooring. -Then a great opening beyond, through -which the main wheel extended upward -about eight or ten feet, entirely filling the -opening in the floor. Any man confined -in this apartment would find little difficulty -in effecting his escape, provided he was an -expert swimmer, and the mill not in motion. -But the manner in which an escape must be -effected would be as follows:</p> - -<p class='c007'>When the mill was running, the wheel -being then in motion, the water was thrown -in large quantities in every part of the -room, and its inmate could scarcely prevent -drowning by catching his breath at intervals. -To attempt to spring into the wheel—which -was formed something like the -wheel of a wagon, the rim, or tire, however, -being about twenty feet in breadth, with -crevices, or brackets, for catching the water -which propelled it, and the braces answering -as spokes bearing proportion to the rim—would -almost assuredly be dashed in -pieces in the attempt to gain the interior. -But, once there, he would be whirled round -and round until he could gather his energies -for a jump when that portion of the -wheel in which he was perched was <i>down</i>, -or nearest the bed of the stream. To leap -out <i>into</i> the river would be a task equally -perilous to that of springing in. When the -wheel was <i>not</i> in motion, one could step -into the opening, slide down the rim with -great ease, spring into the water, and gain -the shore in a moment.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Miss Hayward gazed into this room or -vault with a fainting, sickening sensation; -but she did not speak. It appeared as if -hope had almost left her heart, now that -she found her brother gone, and she nerved -herself for any fate that might overtake her.</p> - -<hr class='c009' /> - -<p class='c007'>It was, as we have stated, late in the -afternoon before the rebels encamped around -the stack where Nettleton and Fall-leaf -were secreted, took their departure, and up -to that time the two faithful pursuers were -unable to venture forth. At last all was -safe, and they emerged from their concealment, -and gazed around them. No living -person was to be seen. A meal was hastily -prepared, after partaking of which they resumed -their journey at a rapid rate. All -night they plodded along, taking care to see -that no <i>mill</i> was passed upon the route. -As the morning dawned, they found themselves -in an open space of considerable extent, -and close by the stream was a mill. -This was carefully examined in every nook -and corner; but nothing was found. They -made inquiry of a woman living in a cabin -near the spot, and learned that, a mile further -on, was another mill of larger dimensions, -belonging to one Bohannan. For -this place they immediately bent their steps. -Arriving, they were met by old Madge, who -immediately commenced her mummeries in -order to divert their attention. The Indian -gazed upon her a moment, as if half in awe, -and half in fear, but Nettleton did not pause, -and exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Come along, Ingen; I expect here’s the -place.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>They entered the mill. The Indian remained -at the door to prevent any egress, -while Nettleton commenced his search. Up -and down, high and low, the search was -prosecuted.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walker being then within, had observed -the approach of Nettleton and the Indian. -His first impulse was to fire upon them; -but he knew if his aim proved inaccurate -he might then bid adieu to life, and so he -resolved to resort to stratagem. He seized -Miss Hayward and sprung into a wheat-bin, -close by the door of the wheel-room we -have described. He soon buried himself -and his prisoner among a lot of old bags, -husks and refuse, and cautioned her to -remain quiet, as a band of Kansas cut-throats, -who regarded neither the life or -person of a pretty woman, were at hand. -This had the effect to keep Miss Hayward -quiet.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton had completed his search. The -lower floor of the mill had been carefully -scrutinized—its closets, its bins—except the -small one near the wheel-room, which had -escaped his notice.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I wonder if there is any thing under -the mill?” queried Nettleton. “I’ll call, and -see if that does any good. Captain! Captain -Hayward!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The voice was at once recognized by -Miss Hayward, who vainly struggled to -reply; but Walker held a handkerchief so -tightly over her mouth that she could produce -no sound. At length, by a desperate -effort, she removed his hand and shrieked:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Here, William! here!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where? where?” cried William, as he -sprung toward the bin.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“<i>In the wheel-room!</i>” yelled Walker, -smothering his voice so far as to drown the -exact direction in which it came.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton bounded into the wheel-room, -closely followed by the Indian, who now -supposed their friends to be found. Quick -as lightning Walker sprung from the bin, -and slammed the door upon them, bolting it -securely. He then started for the mill-gate, -which, being hoisted, would set the large -wheel in motion.</p> - -<p class='c007'>As soon as the door was closed upon -Nettleton, he rightly suspected treachery, -and throwing himself with all his violence -against the door, tried to force it. But in -vain.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Quick, Ingen; jump into the mill-wheel, -and down into the water!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>They were about to adopt this plan of -escape, when the wheel started with great -rapidity, rendering it seemingly impossible -to do so.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now,” yelled Walker, as he seized Miss -Mamie and bore her from the mill, “you -shall see the folly of opposing me! You -shall see how I triumph over <i>all</i> obstacles, -and how those who oppose me perish!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Inside of the mill, and near the door, was -a quantity of hay and unthreshed grain, -stored there for use by some neighboring -farmer or guerrilla. Striking a match, -Walker lit the inflammable material. In a -moment it blazed high, and communicated -with the woodwork. Walker only waited -to see this, and then, almost dragging Miss -Hayward along, he reached the river, drew -the boat into the stream, and was once more -floating with the current.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look, Miss Mamie, is not that a lovely -sight?” he cried, pointing to the mill, now -thoroughly enveloped in flames. “Nettleton -is there, and Fall-leaf is there, and they -have been brought there by <i>you</i>. They -will perish in those flames, and you must -be responsible for their murder. When -will you learn that it is useless to oppose -me, and cease to do so? To submit to my -proper and honorable requests is the only -way you can save your friends.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>When Nettleton and Fall-leaf found their -mode of escape thus cut off, they naturally -turned to each other for advice. But the -water thrown from the wheel so blinded -and choked them that they could not hold -conversation at all. It was not long before -our prisoners became aware of the fact -that, however disagreeable the water might -be, they were likely to be visited by an -element, and that very soon, far more disagreeable, -under the present circumstances. -The flames were seizing upon every part of -the mill, and all around them soon became -a mass of lurid, destroying light. The -rafters, flooring and upper work threatened -to fall at any moment. Still the room in -which our friends were confined remained -unscathed, surrounded as it was by water. -But, it must soon yield to the fiery element. -The wheel still moved; yet it seemed as if -its speed was somewhat lessened. At length -Nettleton yelled:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ingen, I’m going; take your chances!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>With a bound he sprung into the wheel. -He escaped any severe blow, but, upon -alighting he was tossed, and pitched, and -tumbled over, until at last, catching upon -the centre-bar, he held himself until he had -made his calculation as to where his next -jump should be. At last he ventured the -hazardous leap, and was precipitated into -the foaming waters beneath the wheel, -which in its revolution struck him lightly, -calling forth a grumble or a grunt. But -Nettleton battled bravely with the rushing -waters, and at length, half dead with suffocation, -he crawled upon the bank as the -burning rafters of the mill were falling -around him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Wal, I suppose Ingen is roasted alive, -and I must do the work alone. I’m darn -sorry. And I’ve lost my gun, too. But I -ought to be glad that I didn’t lose myself. -The villain, but won’t I roast him if ever I -lay these hands on him!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Thus he muttered as he sat for a moment -gazing upon the appalling spectacle before -him. He then sprung up, and seeing the -old woman, at once started for the cabin. -Madge met him at the door.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Will you have my services, to tell you -truly the fortune that is in store for you?” -she asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Your services. Yaas; I’ll have you -tell me all about affairs here in this quarter, -and if you don’t own up every thing, I’ll -put you in this pile of logs and roast you, -as sure as you are a she woman. Do you -understand?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I have but little to reveal of the circumstances -to which you refer. The Federal -officer <i>was</i> in the mill a prisoner, but -escaped, in his delirium, and is now somewhere -out in the mountain. Walker and -the lady were in the mill, but are now out -of reach, down stream. This is all I -know.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And it is enough. Now, you just fork -over a good Minié musket—I know you -have a dozen concealed here for the use of -your friends, and all the fixins for settlin’ the -hash of your friend, Captain Walker, for -him and me has an account to fix what will -require powder and lead, if this bread-cutter -of mine don’t do the job,” he said, handling -his bowie-knife.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Madge only too well read in Nettleton’s -face the resolute nature of the man, and -with scarcely a moment’s hesitancy went -out of the hut to a hollow tree near by, and -produced from thence an armful of arms, -made up of shot-guns, old-fashioned rifles, -and a Minié musket. From these Nettleton -selected, after careful scrutiny, a heavy -double-barrel squirrel gun. Ammunition -was also supplied by the woman without -hesitancy, and the pursuer soon found himself -equipped in a most formidable manner.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There, old gal, you have done the right -thing. It is well that you did, for, as sure -as lizards, I should have burned you in your -pen if you hadn’t forked over what I know’d -was in your possession. Now, good-by, -and behave yourself. If the captain—my -captain I mean—comes back to you, do -you be kind to him, for I tell <i>you</i> it is for -your best interests to be so. Do you believe -that?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I believe any thing you say,” replied the -old creature, betraying her anxiety to get -rid of her visitor.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You do, eh? Well, jist keep on thinking -so, for I shall, mayhap, want to use you -again some of these days. So good-by, and -keep your eyes clean.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>With this injunction he started again for -the river, following the stream for some -distance, but finally, for some reason best -known to himself, took to the mountains. -Every few moments he would pause and -listen, as if a faint sound met his ears, and -then continue his journey.</p> - -<p class='c007'>After Nettleton had escaped from the -mill, Fall-leaf began to look around for -some other means of escape. He felt sure -that Nettleton’s leap must be a fatal one—that, -if he was not dashed to pieces by the -wheel, he would surely be drowned in the -rushing waters. All chance of escape for -the poor Indian appeared quite as hopeless. -The flames were already hissing around -him, and curling up the sides of his prison-house. -The fire had weakened the boards, -and, just as the flames were coiling around -his form, he made a desperate effort, and -burst the siding from the mill. In an -instant he sprung through the aperture, although -the fiery element presented a formidable -obstacle between himself and safety. -He alighted, however, with only a few -slight bruises, and, waiting for nothing, -bounded forward. He knew if Walker had -continued his journey down the river, he -could soon overtake him. For an hour he -did not slacken his pace, and finally, in -turning a short bend in the river, he beheld -the boat.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He was about to dash forward to the -rescue of Miss Hayward, but he remembered -that he had no gun, his only weapon -being his sheath-knife, while Walker was -well armed. He must resort to stratagem. -His object was to watch for opportunity, -and when Walker should land, or when the -boat neared the shore, and the thicket favored -the movement, to spring upon him -suddenly, and drive the knife to his heart. -But the river gradually grew wider, and -Walker kept his boat in the center, too far -distant from shore for any attempt for his -seizure to prove successful. All that day -and all the night following, the boat drifted -on with the stream. It was evident Walker -was anxious to reach a certain point as -quickly as possible.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The morning dawned just as the little -craft shot past the ford on the Rolla turnpike, -near the “ghost swamp,” a locality -of weird interest and novel character. -Walker was about to land, near a small -farm-house which stood behind a jutting -hill, entirely concealed from the main road, -but before touching the shore, his quick eye -caught sight of a dark form creeping cautiously -along the bank. At the same moment -he discovered three horses tied in a -thicket only a short distance from the house. -Whether they belonged to friend or foe he -could not tell; but the fact of seeing the -creeping form rendered him cautious, and -he immediately pulled for the opposite shore, -where he landed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Are you friend or foe to the Confederates?” -shouted Walker, from the opposite -side of the stream.</p> - -<p class='c007'>There was no response.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That cursed Dick must have betrayed -me,” he muttered. “But, I will match -them yet. Come!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He dragged Miss Hayward along up the -mountain steep. At length he reached a -point of rock which extended far over the -valley below. A narrow footway, not more -than ten inches in width, forming a kind of -shelf in the rock, led into an immense cavern, -which is known in that region as the -“Silver Cave.” Just in front of this cave -was a large, flat rock, forming an overhanging -platform, but to reach this, or the mouth -of the cave, required great care, as the narrow -path was the only manner in which an -entrance or exit could be effected. Into -this place Walker conveyed Miss Hayward.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walker had, when meeting the rebels -two days before, provided his boat well with -provisions. These he conveyed with him -into the cavern.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He had not observed, however, that he -was followed closely, and that the Indian -arrived at the narrow passageway just as -the rebel and his prisoner entered the cave. -This was so. The Indian crept up as closely -as possible, and peered over the projecting -point which shut Walker from his view. -He was observed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“And who are you?” yelled Walker.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The Indian was perfectly familiar with -the cave. He knew no person could leave -it by the narrow shelf or pathway. He -could keep himself concealed, and if Walker -passed a certain point, before he could bring -his gun to bear, he could strike him dead. -Walker was a prisoner, with a watchful and -relentless keeper. The Indian replied:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ah, White Bird! Fall-leaf here! Fall-leaf -save!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Is it indeed my friend Fall-leaf?” cried -Miss Hayward, joyfully.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes; Fall-leaf save you!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where is William Nettleton?” asked -Mamie.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Gone—gone!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ah! then I have only <i>you</i> to encounter,” -yelled Walker, “and, if the Fates favor -me, I shall triumph. I know the Indian -has not thought to provide himself -with provisions. I have enough to last us, -with care, for two weeks, and by that time -he will starve, for no Federal fool ever will -find me <i>here</i>. He dare not leave in search -of help, for I should then effect my escape. -So we will play our hands, and see if I do -not hold the trump card. Ha! ha! I can -baffle any friend you have, Miss Hayward.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“White Bird sing,” said the Indian.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, I will sing. And as we are now -near the main road, some one will be sure -to hear me.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Me watch—me wait!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>During the entire passage Miss Hayward -had not failed to sing her echo-song every -few miles, hoping to attract attention and -gain assistance. Now that she was so near -the public highway, she applied herself anew -to the task. Walker made frequent attempts -to silence her, but could not do it, as he -feared, whenever he turned from his watch, -that the Indian would dart in upon him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Some two years previous, there was a -superstitious belief prevailing in that section -of Missouri, that the spirit of a murdered -lady appeared upon the waters of the Gasconade, -singing her mournful lays, and gliding -in her death-skiff along the waters. For -some time past nothing had been heard of -the “lady-ghost;” but, when the songs of -Miss Hayward were heard, the simple inhabitants -began to think that the “ghost-lady” -had returned, and, instead of seeking -to gratify their curiosity, were careful to -keep as far as possible away. So it proved -with regard to the cave, after the singing -commenced.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Several days passed, and no succor appeared. -The Indian kept faithful watch, -and so did Walker, that he might not be -taken by surprise.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Walker becoming convinced that Fall-leaf -had no gun, several times endeavored -to bring his own to bear upon his vigilant -foe, but this he could not do without placing -himself in a dangerous position. Both -were weary for want of sleep, and both -would occasionally sink into a fitful slumber; -but, so intent was each upon his object, -that the slightest movement would rouse the -sleepers, and each stand ready to meet his -foe. But, as Fall-leaf had no food, he began -to grow faint—his firm frame began -visibly to weaken; still, he determined to -maintain his watch as long as life should -last.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><b>CHAPTER XII.</b><br /> <br /><i>The Mountain Adventure.</i></h2> -</div> -<p class='c006'><span class='sc'>Let</span> us return to the army, which we left -near Lebanon. The main force was to continue -its march onward toward Rolla, while -a battalion of infantry, a section of artillery, -and a company of cavalry struck to the -west of the main road, and started for the -point from which the messenger had arrived. -It was a weary march, as the troops already -had proceeded twenty miles that day. But -the dreadful atrocities related as having been -committed by the guerrillas fired the hearts -of the brave soldiers, and they pressed forward -with a will.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The troops at last reached the scene of -the outrages, in the place known as “Bohannan -Mills Valley.” The deeds of blood -and horror had not been exaggerated by the -messenger. Women had been murdered in -their beds, old men were lying stiff and cold, -with their brains beaten out, and children, -helpless and weeping, were clinging to their -dead bodies or wandering distractedly around.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The battalion which had been sent to this -valley was the one to which Lieutenant -Wells and Adjutant Hinton belonged. Wells -was still suffering from the terrible anxiety -of mind which he had recently undergone, -but did not permit his own troubles to interfere -with his discharge of duty. The troops -camped in the little valley, to collect the -scattered families, whose remaining members -it was determined to take along with the -army in its retreat. Soon word was brought -by a mountaineer that the guerrillas still -were infesting the mountain, while the flames -of a burning mill, seen below, seemed to -give evidence that the miscreants still were -at their work of blood. This decided the -officers to scour the mountain, if possible, to -force the rebels to a fight, for there was not -a man in the Union ranks who did not pant -for a chance to meet those dastards, who, under -the protecting folds of the Confederate -flag, committed atrocities at which humanity -stood aghast. Wells was soon at the head -of a strong party of dismounted dragoons, -and with them struck off for the hills back -of the burning mill. A weary march was -brought to a sudden halt by a deep water -gully, over which no perceptible ford offered -a passage. Up and down it Wells passed -to reconnoiter. It was an ugly spot to be -caught in by a wily foe, and the troops were -so disposed as to guard against a surprise. -The men kept close under cover of the dense -undergrowth, so as not to betray their position -should the guerrillas come upon them. -Lieutenant Wells and Adjutant Hinton were -proceeding up the watercourse, when a rattle -of fire-arms arrested their attention. It -was evident some kind of a conflict was -taking place over the stream. The volley -was not, however, answered by a return; -only a single shot was heard, and then a -wild, frenzied shout, as if of maddened men. -After a brief interval, another shot was -heard, and a second paralyzed howl was -followed by shouts and curses, plainly heard -by the two anxious senior officers.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“It must be the guerrillas after the poor -Unionists who have fled to the mountain,” -said Hinton. “Our men must not be idle -when such work is going on. You stay -here, Wells, to watch further, while I go -back to bring up our boys.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Hinton hurried away, while Wells crept -forward to the very edge of the deep but -narrow gully beyond which the sounds of -conflict were heard. Hardly had he secured -a spot for observation, ere he was startled -by the crash of the undergrowth and the -voices of men not ten rods away. On toward -the lieutenant’s place of concealment -came the pursued and pursuers. The first -was but a single man, whom Wells several -times detected gliding along from tree to -tree, keeping “under cover” like an experienced -woodsman. He was closely pursued -by a band of the guerrillas, all dismounted, -who were making the hills echo with their -demoniac yells. Slowly the fugitive retired, -holding his foes at bay by his sagacious maneuvers. -Wells became intensely excited -over the scene, and resolved to rush at once -to the brave fellow’s aid, but there lay before -him the impassable gulf over which -few men could bound. Finally the hunted -man struck the gully, and saw at a glance -that his retreat was cut off. The enemy -saw it, too, for they set up a shout of commingled -derision and pleasure, which so -maddened the fugitive that he yelled:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Laugh away, you darn skunks. I’ll -make more than one of your dirty carcasses -food for the crows before I go under.” And -suiting the words to action, he fired two -successive shots from what, apparently, was -a double-barrel fowling-piece. Two of the -guerrillas must have fallen, for ferocious -shrieks of agony followed.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Wells could endure no more. There -stood before him his brave friend William -Nettleton, hunted by a dozen fiends who -must soon overpower him if aid was not -quickly given. He started backward for a -couple of rods, then rushed with almost flying -swiftness up to the gully, and bounded -over its sharply-cut edge. For a moment -his desperate leap arrested all attention. -Nettleton deemed it a new adversary coming -upon him from an unexpected quarter, -and turned, knife in hand, to close in with -his antagonist. What was his astonishment -to welcome Lieutenant Wells to his arms! -What a shout followed! The guerrillas -quickly sought cover, not knowing how -many others might be lurking on the opposite -side of the ravine to give them a -bloody welcome.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Wells, by the jumping jingo! Where -<i>did</i> you come from and where <i>is</i> you going -to? Give us yer hand and lend us yer revolver. -Ah, got two of ’em. <i>Hooray!</i> -Down on yer knees quicker’n lightnin’, for -the woman-murderers are after us, sharp!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Down the two men fell, just in time to -escape a volley from the carbines of a squad -of the murderers. With the dexterity of a -squirrel, Nettleton rushed forward to a -friendly tree, and fired quickly three shots -from the revolver. It was a surprise to the -enemy, for two of their number fell, so true -had the aim been. The squad retreated to -reload, but Nettleton had no idea of permitting -that, and was about to press his advantage, -when a powerfully-built rebel came -rushing upon him, knife in hand, from the -right side of the tree, unseen by the undaunted -man until it was too late for the -use of his fire-arm. In a moment they were -clasped in the death-struggle. Three or -four of the guerrillas rushed to the spot, -only to be shot down by Wells’ deliberate -aim. No more appeared, and the two combatants -were left to their fearful work. -Each had seized the knife-hand of the other. -Then followed the strain of muscle for the -mastery. The guerrilla, counting upon his -tremendous strength, doubtless hoped for -an easy victory; but in that ungainly form -he found a bundle of nerves tough as whale-bone—a -human frame elastic as india-rubber -but as invincible as steel.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Down toward the gully the combatants -pressed. In vain did the rebel try to force -his antagonist to the earth. The supple -form of Nettleton bent under his adversary’s -pressure, but his frame at length rebounded -with a force which bore the guerrilla -to his knees. He drew the Federal -down with him, and on their knees the -frightful combat was continued. Wells -would have advanced from his concealment -to the rescue, but knew that a rebel carbine -would surely bring him down, and thus -place it out of his power to aid his friend -at all. Slowly toward the chasm the men -worked their way, struggling like two serpents -striving for the death-triumph. It -was an exciting but appalling spectacle, -which the sudden roar of fire-arms on the -left did not serve to arrest. A shout followed, -which Wells recognized as that of -his own men, who must have discovered a -crossing below, and have come upon the -band of cut-throats unawares. There was -a sudden scattering of those concealed in -the immediate vicinity of the hand-to-hand -contest, but one villain rushed from his -cover upon the writhing forms of the bleeding -men, with the design of dispatching the -unconquered Federal. Wells was upon -him like a tiger, and in a moment cut him -down with his sword. Hinton beheld the -stroke, and came rushing up to the spot -just in time to behold the struggling men -go over the gully’s bank together.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The two officers hurried to the bank. -Some twenty feet below they could distinguish -the forms of the combatants, both apparently -lifeless. Without a moment’s hesitancy, -Wells dropped from the brink, and -fell crashing through the dense jungle lining -the water’s edge, to the bed of the stream. -He was stunned but not injured, and arose -to his feet to find Nettleton in a sitting posture. -Beside him lay the big guerrilla, -silent in death.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’ll be danged if that wan’t the ugliest -cuss as ever I tusseled with, breeches-holt, -back-holt or rough-and-tumble.” This was -his first ejaculation.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Are you injured?” anxiously inquired -Wells.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Wal, let’s take a reconnoissance. Here’s -a hole in this arm, that’s sp’iled the only -good coat I ever had, dang it! Here’s a -rip, too, in the collar, whar that critter’s -knife tried to cut my windpipe. He <i>did</i> -scratch me thar, I believe,” he said, fingering -his neck, down which the blood flowed -freely. “By Jemima, ef I haven’t lost a -finger!” he added, suddenly holding up his -hand. “Now, that’s too bad, ef it is on -the left hand. I rayther think the reb got -a mouthful when he chawed that off!” -And thus he would have continued for another -ten minutes had not shouts from above -aroused him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Who’s come?” he asked.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Hinton and the battalion.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Glory! And have the rebs been caught -in a trap?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t know how many, but from the -shots and shouts I don’t think many will be -permitted to escape.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All right. Now jist give us a lift, to -see if my shanks is all right. There, that’s -the juniper. Jist look at my back, and see -if you find any holes that want plugging.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>No “holes” were found, and the good-natured -fellow came out of the combat -with only flesh-wounds, save the loss of one -finger from the left hand, which the guerrilla -had bitten off. Nettleton was much -exhausted, and was finally drawn up out of -the gully with no little difficulty, when the -men set up a shout which made the hills -ring.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“There, boys, that’ll pay for the bruises; -and now I guess you’ll have to do me another -favor—jist rub my shanks and the -hinges in my back with a little whisky, if -you can spare it.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>In a moment a dozen pocket-flasks were -produced and willing hands gave him a good -rubbing, which gave his limbs new strength. -It was evident that his muscles had been -severely overtasked, for he was languid and -incapable of exertion.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton now narrated the particulars -of his and Fall-leaf’s adventures. Soon the -troops were out on the search for Captain -Hayward, while, assisted by a couple of -comrades, the wounded hero of the hour -made his way down to the cabin of old -Madge. The old creature received him -kindly and at once bestirred herself to make -him strong again. The air was soon odoriferous -with the smell of distilling herbs.</p> - -<p class='c007'>A prolonged shout, ere long, came rolling -down the hill. Nettleton was aroused from -a sleep into which he had fallen. His two -comrades at once hurried out to ascertain its -cause. Old Madge paused in her toil and -said:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The captain’s found, I s’pose.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Hooray!” yelled the invalid, now an invalid -no longer. Springing from his bed -he rushed out, and away he went up the -hills in the direction of the still continuing -noise. His companions, astonished at his -sudden recovery, followed, and all were soon -lost to sight.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Harry Hayward was indeed found, and -the cavalcade, bearing him on a rude litter, -after a half-hour’s time, made its appearance -coming down the mountain. Nettleton was -at his side, crying like a baby. Wells held -the sick man’s hand, while his face, still expressing -anxiety, beamed with joy. Hayward -was discovered hidden in a quiet, cool -nook, where he lay in a very exhausted condition. -He had, in his fever-delirium, broken -away from Madge’s custody, but, no -sooner was he out in the cool shade of the -trees and rocks than his mind became clear -and composed. Weak and ill as he was he -still had strength to seek a place of safety -from pursuit, should it be attempted, as he -supposed it would be. At nightfall he had -determined to seek out some respectable -looking farm-house, and on the morrow to -cast himself upon the mercy of strangers, -knowing that even though that stranger -might be a foe he could not be more inhuman -than men wearing the uniform of Confederate -officers. But the sufferer was spared -further efforts. The shouts and reports of -fire-arms Hayward distinctly heard, and at -once surmised that a Union force was at -hand. When the men scattered in squads -for the search through the mountain, the -captain beheld one of the parties passing -before his hiding-place. It was his moment -of deliverance. He stepped out before the -astonished soldiers, who, not recognizing -the apparition, did not at once welcome -him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“My men, don’t you know me?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Captain Hayward!” they shouted, as -they rushed upon him, and clasped him in -their arms.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He was borne toward Madge’s cabin, to -be welcomed on the way by the gathering -men. Wells now appeared. The joy of -that meeting can be surmised. The welkin -was made to ring with the glad notes of -the jubilant soldiers. These notes it was -which aroused the sleeper in the cabin, and -when at length he appeared, struggling -wearily up the hill, the cavalcade paused to -permit the overjoyed parties a few minutes -of undisturbed greeting. Nettleton was -not even talkative—a circumstance indicative -of the depth of his feelings—and it -was not until the captain was fully domiciled -in the cabin, that he could consent -to talk of the past and its painful -incidents. He then narrated the events of -Walker’s plot, as we have here recorded -them, ending with the tragedy of the mill. -It was a revelation of intense but most -painful interest to the sick man; but he -bore the affliction of his sister’s loss with -great resolution, sustained by the conviction -that He who doeth all things well would -not permit the evil one to triumph.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><b>CHAPTER XIII.</b><br /> <br /><i>The Cave and the Contest for Life.</i></h2> -</div> -<p class='c006'><span class='sc'>After</span> two days spent in the cabin, Nettleton -became excessively uneasy. From -something which had transpired, he conceived -that old Madge knew more of -Walker’s whereabouts than she had yet -confessed. This conviction, once formed, -was but the prelude to action. Without -informing any one of his purpose, he followed -the old woman into the woods—whither -she went in pursuit of her medicaments—having -in his hands a stout rope. -In a wild, retired spot, he confronted her.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Look here, old critter, you’re close-mouthed, -when it would be better for your -health to talk a little. Now, you jist tell -me where Captain Walker has taken Miss -Mamie. Talk straight, and not a gap in -the fence.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t know where he has gone,” she -answered, rather evasively.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That is, you are a nat’ral-born know-nothing. -Well, it will assist your memory, -perhaps, to stretch your neck a little, jist to -take the kinks out, you know; so pass your -shock of tow into this ’ere noose, while I -pull you up on that limb.” And suiting the -action to the word he flung the noose dextrously -over her head. She was taken by -surprise, and trembling in every limb, -asked:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Would you hang me?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Sartain as there’s a tree and here’s a -rope.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I don’t know where Walker is, but I -think he has a place of refuge down the -river, near the Ghost Swamp. There is a -cave in the river’s bank, opposite to the -swamp, where I know his confederates occasionally -secrete themselves. He may have -gone there; but, as he has been gone over -two days, I don’t see why he should be -there now. It is my opinion, however, that -Miss Mamie, as you call her, is there, as it -is the best place to keep her.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ah, thank you, old Mrs. Crow’s-foot. -There is something more on your mind, -isn’t there?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Madge looked at him inquiringly.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I know all about your friend’s visit; so -do you jist play your cards right, or I’ll -catch ye niggin.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This allusion to her “friend” startled the -old woman.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“He was no friend of mine; he came -along on his own account, and I only gave -him bread, as I give any one who is -hungry.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“All right; only, what did he tell you?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>She hesitated. Nettleton gave the rope -a twitch, and looked up at the limb. The -hint was enough.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“The man said he was up from below on -a scout. He was anxious to know what I -knew about the voice of a woman which -he said had been heard all along the river. -He heard it distinctly as he passed the road -along the river by the Ghost Swamp; -others had heard it, and he believed that I -could tell him as to its meaning. I told -him it was a sign that he was singled out -for death—that every person who heard it -was called, and he might, therefore, make -up his mind that his time was come. With -that he left. I did not inform him of who -was in my cabin, nor any thing about what -had happened here. So I hope you will -let me go, and frighten me no more.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton slowly lifted the noose from -her neck, and, without another word, -walked back to the cabin. He called out -Lieutenant Wells, who was then watching -at the captain’s bedside, and the two friends -held a long consultation together, which -ended by an order for a guard of twenty to -be ready for a night expedition.</p> - -<p class='c007'>By ten o’clock all were in readiness and -on their way, taking the river path down -stream. Wells was in command. Nettleton -acted as scout and guide. All night -long they pressed on, and daylight -found them on the hills opposite the spot -indicated by Madge as the locality of the -cave in the bank. Asking Wells for his -field-glass, Nettleton carefully scrutinized the -river’s bank opposite. After a short survey -he suddenly exclaimed:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“<i>The Ingen</i>, as sure as Sacramento!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“What do you say?” inquired Wells.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Fall-leaf—see him—there he lays, and -there is the cave. I’m blest if I know what -to make of it. I supposed, <i>of course</i>, that -that red-skin was roasted alive in the mill; -but there he is, and here I goes.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>So saying, down he dashed into the river, -and forded its waters rapidly. Once on the -opposite side, he hurried up the bank, and -soon reached the ledge across which the -Indian was lying. The poor fellow was -but half conscious from over-fatigue and -hunger, yet his eyes were fixed with cat-like -vigilance upon the aperture of the cave, -while his hand still firmly clasped the knife -upon which he relied to do his deadly -work.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton approached him silently, and -touched his feet. At once the Indian looked -behind him.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Give Fall-leaf drink—quick!” was his -hurried whisper, while the finger on his lip -indicated silence.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Nettleton comprehended all at a glance. -Passing his canteen and knapsack to Fall-leaf, -he beheld the Indian drink and eat -with satisfaction. Not a word passed between -them.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Good! Fall-leaf <i>much</i> weak; now strong -again,” he whispered.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Where’s Miss Mamie?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>The Indian pointed to the cavern.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Walker, too?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Fall-leaf nodded, and scowled so fiercely -that Nettleton perceived the savage wanted -no interference in his case.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Shan’t I do the job for ye?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“No—Fall-leaf <i>mad</i>. Me kill ’em—you -go way.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“That’s the talk, Ingen. You shall have -your man; but, Jerusalem, don’t I ache to -git my paws on him!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>A noise was now heard in the cave; it -was Walker’s voice. “I’ll not permit you -to sing, I again tell you. If those men -crossing the river are Union soldiers, you -shall not betray our whereabouts, and if -Fall-leaf moves I’ll shoot him!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Bah, you ornery cuss; <i>I’m</i> on your -track now!” shouted Nettleton.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“William—dear William!” cried the captive -woman, recognizing his voice.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“<i>Here!</i>” he responded, “and so chock -full of the devil that if I don’t get rid of it -soon it will spile me. Walker, you dirty -beast, dare you fight me?” he yelled.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I dare fight any decent antagonist, but -don’t care to dirty my hands with you,” -was the reply.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Oh, you nasty, miserable, thievin’ -woman-stealer, man-assassinator. I’ll cook -your breakfast for you, but Fall-leaf shall -eat it; <i>he’ll</i> dirty his hands with <i>you</i>!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I defy you and all your crew,” growled -the rebel. “If one of you dares to show -your head, you are a dead man!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Blast yer picter, here’s a head—shoot -it!” cried Nettleton, sticking his head out -in a manner to dare Walker’s fire.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The scoundrel was prepared, and discharged -his gun in an instant. Its report -had not ceased its echo ere Fall-leaf, with a -bound like a panther, dropped before the -entrance of the hole. Walker stood there -with knife in hand, to foil any such attempt -to storm his castle. A quick blow with his -foot sent the Indian headlong over the -ledge.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Try that on me,” roared Nettleton, who, -uninjured by the ball from Walker’s musket, -was at the Indian’s heels.</p> - -<p class='c007'>No sooner said than done, and Nettleton -received an unexpected blow in the bowels -from the rebel’s heavy boot which sent him -almost instantly over the ledge after Fall-leaf.</p> - -<p class='c007'>That was the propitious moment for -escape. Without a word to his captive, he -passed out upon the ledge, and had nearly -reached its terminus when Lieutenant Wells, -followed by his men, confronted the desperate -man. Drawing his revolver, Wells -cried:</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Surrender or you are a dead man!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I never will surrender to you,” was the -fierce reply, as the now cornered desperado -began slowly to retire, backward, to regain -his stronghold.</p> - -<p class='c007'>He had retreated fully half-way to the -entrance, when his heel caught in the rough -floor of the ledge, and his balance was -lost. For a moment he sought to regain -his foothold, but, finding it gone, he gave a -shout and leaped over the precipice.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The soldiers looked over the ledge and -saw his form disappear in the trees beneath. -Wells did not wait, but rushed to the cavern -mouth.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Miss Mamie.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>A form darkened the passage, and within -stood Miss Hayward, smiling and blushing -as if just caught at her toilet.</p> - -<p class='c007'>With a cry of joy Wells entered and -clasped her to his bosom.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Safe and uninjured! Thank God—thank -God!” answered the maiden.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Safe and restored; and, thank God, -your brother, too, is recovered, and is now -in our hands, doing well!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Then I am happy, indeed!” she could -only reply, while tears of joy checked further -utterance.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Wells had entirely forgotten Walker, in -his moment of sweet communion with his -restored friend. But, a shout which came -up from the depths below recalled him to -duty. It was a wild Indian war-whoop; -then a succession of ejaculations which the -men could plainly distinguish.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Go in, Ingen!” “Walk along, Walker, -you darn skunk you!” “There, that’s a good -un, Ingen!” “Now another in the corn-crib!” -“There he goes!” “Hooray for the -Ingen!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>All well knew the meaning of this, and -a number of the men hastened to the base -of the cliff, by a long, roundabout path, -which came up from the river at the ford -below. They arrived to find Walker slain, -and Fall-leaf badly cut in the face, arms -and shoulders, but no serious wounds on -the body. Nettleton stood over his friend, -bathing his wounds in the clear waters of -the river.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ingen’s done for the cut-throat, sure. -It was mean to shut me out; but it was his -game, ’cause he treed it. I’d give all I’ll -ever be worth—”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Would you give Sally?” put in one of -the men.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Dang Sally—no, dang my skin—that -is, dang me if I wouldn’t give my commission, -boys, that’s it! give my commission to -have had the satisfaction of doin’ Fall-leaf’s -work.” Nettleton looked savagely at the -body of the dead man, seeming to feel that -he had made a personal sacrifice in permitting -the Indian to kill his enemy.</p> - -<p class='c007'>It would appear that both Fall-leaf and -Nettleton, when kicked off the ledge, fell at -its foot without injury, as the base was -banked up to a considerable distance with -the decayed and water-soaked <i>débris</i> of the -bank, down which they rolled into the -water. They had recovered, and stepped -out into the stream to look up to the ledge, -when they beheld Wells and Walker confronted. -In a moment the rebel staggered, -and went bounding off the ledge, and, like -his two antagonists, came tumbling and -sliding down the declivity, landing at the -water’s brink upon his feet. There he was -received by the Indian, with the wild -whoop which startled those above. Nettleton, -in honor bound not to interfere, stood -by while the two fierce foes closed in deadly -conflict. Walker, though a resolute and -strong man, was not equal in a knife fight -to the supple savage. After a few passes, -Fall-leaf buried his knife in the rebel’s -bosom. Thus closed the career of a bad -man—bad by nature, but rendered doubly -bad by the cause which he espoused. To -serve that cause he had to betray his country, -desert his friends, stifle the voice of -conscience, perjure his honor, become a -hypocrite and a deceiver: after that, all -other degrees of crime were easy.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Wells followed the men at length, and -appeared on the spot. He was shocked at -the sight before him, but conceded its justice. -His own wish was to have secured -Walker for trial and punishment according -to military law; yet, it must be acknowledged -that, many times, he felt like wreaking -condign personal vengeance on the -head of the man who had wrought so successfully -in crime. He ordered the body -to be buried in the <i>débris</i> at the foot of the -cliff; and there it reposes to-day, with no -monument save the cave above, which will -long remain as a witness to the traitor’s -crime and traitor’s doom.</p> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><b>CHAPTER XIV.</b><br /> <br /><i>The Body-Guard’s Sickness and Cure.</i></h2> -</div> -<p class='c006'><span class='sc'>Slowly</span> the party wended its way back to -the mill. Just at nightfall it came in sight -of the lowly hut which covered the treasure -so dear to the heart of the rescued maiden. -How her eager arms longed to clasp her -brother’s form to her bosom—how her ears -longed for the sound of his voice! The -wings of the swallow would have been -slow for her pining soul; but the moment -of reunion came at last—the dead was -made alive, the lost restored. Miss Hayward, -gallanted by Wells, pressed on ahead -of the troop, and their panting steeds at -length stood riderless before the cabin-door, -for the riders had disappeared within.</p> - -<p class='c007'>The meeting of brother and sister was -one of mingled pleasure and pain. Both -had suffered so much that to think of it -was pain. Captain Hayward was greatly -emaciated. Loss of blood, fever, hunger -and exposure would have ended a life less -tenacious than his; but, despite his suffering, -the presence of friends, the rescue of his -sister, the anticipated happiness of her union -with the man who had proven himself so -well worthy of her—all conspired to give an -elasticity to his spirits more potent than the -infusions of herbs prepared by the not unskilled -hands of old Madge, who, from an -enemy, had, “by the force of couldn’t help -herself,” as Nettleton declared, become a -useful instrument at a critical moment.</p> - -<p class='c007'>And what about Nettleton? All day -long after the morning’s experience at the -cave, he had plodded on soberly, somewhat -absorbed in his own reflections. Behind -him sat Fall-leaf, who, from his weak state, -was well content to ride. The Indian, -though perfectly silent and apparently indifferent -to all things, now that his work was -done, still was inwardly pleased at the rescue -and the thought of the pleasure in store -for the captain, of whose safety he had been -informed by Nettleton; and he was quite -willing to go into camp for a few days -before putting out again on his endless -scouts.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nettle be sick?” he at length asked of -his companion.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not by a darn sight, Ingen?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nettle <i>be</i> sick—Fall-leaf knows it!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“You be danged to darnation, you red -onion-head of a Delaware!” was the somewhat -excited answer, as he turned in the -saddle and stared the Indian in the face.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Fall-leaf smiled. “Nettle want physic—Miss -Long give Nettle physic,” he obstinately -persisted.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Now look here, Mr. Ingen, ef you wants -to fight, jest you say so, and I’ll be catawampussed -ef I don’t lick you wuss’n a -nigger what’s got a mad woman arter -him!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Fall-leaf no want to fight Nettle. Maybe -whip Nettle—den what Miss Long -say?”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yoh—yoh! you mean, sneakin’ son of -a brick-kiln! Ef you don’t stop that clapper -in your head, I’ll be switched ef I don’t -put a peg through it!” And he set his -face firmly to the front, roweled the horse -severely with his spurs, and dashed ahead -at a speed quite uncomfortable to the provoking -Delaware.</p> - -<p class='c007'>When the cavalcade reached the cabin, -Nettleton did not obtrude himself upon the -party within. For an hour or more they -were alone. At length Hayward asked: -“Where is my brave preserver? Why is he -not here to enjoy our happiness? And -Fall-leaf, too; I would thank him as he deserves, -the noble and devoted savage.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>Search was made. Fall-leaf was found -out by the camp-fire, undergoing the process -of the lotion-cure for his wounds, at the -hands of Madge, who was carefully washing -the bruised and cut flesh of the red-man. -All inquiries for Nettleton were fruitless; -he was not to be found. It was ascertained, -at length, that his horse also was gone. -Many were the surmises as to the cause of -his absence, and fears were expressed for his -safety.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Morning came, and the party, now rejoined -by the entire battalion, prepared to -move, by easy stages, from the valley toward -the line of march pursued by the -retreating army. Captain Hayward was -made quite comfortable in a camp-wagon, -with his sister for companion and nurse. -Fall-leaf pushed out far ahead to scout and -secure the command from surprise. Adjutant -Hinton and Wells were tireless in their -devotion to the comfort and safety of their -charge. It was a pleasant journey—that -week of slow progress toward Tipton. At -length, however, the village hove in sight. -The white tents dotting the hills and valleys -proved that the division was there. -While yet a long way off, a party of horsemen, -accompanied by ladies, was seen -dashing off at full speed toward the spot -where the battalion had halted for its noon -bivouac. Wells caught sight of the party, -and with his glass made out the gaunt form -of Nettleton far in advance. Behind him -on the same horse rode a female, whose -identity the officer could not fix. Nearer -and nearer the horsemen came, until, after -an exciting race, they dashed into the -camp—Nettleton and Sally Long! They -were received with a wild huzza from the -entire troop, and none shouted louder than -Nettleton himself.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Hooray! hooray! By the eternal jingo!” -he cried, leaping from the horse, and leaving -Miss Sally sitting there alone, before the -eyes of the joyous and excited troops. -Making his way to the captain’s “marquee”—as -the men had named the wagon—he -was welcomed by Hayward in a manner -which quickly turned his servant’s joy to -mourning, for the embrace of real affection -bestowed quite upset Nettleton’s confidence.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“I’m nothin’ but a great darn skunk, any -how!” he exclaimed, as, breaking away -from the captain’s embrace, he started for -his horse and the neglected Sally.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Nettle be sick!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>He turned to behold Fall-leaf gazing -upon him in mock compassion.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Not by a danged sight, you infernal -lump of glory!” he now shouted, as, clasping -the Indian in his arms, he gave the red-man -a hug which brought forth a grunt.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Ugh! Nettle make Fall-leaf sick! -Guess Nettle got full of Miss Sally now!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, sar; and thar she is, in all her -glory!” was the rejoinder, as the “body-guard” -pointed, in evident pride, to the -smiling woman.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Gentlemen of the jury! let me present -to you my wife—the dangdest sk— no, the -most blissful woman you ever saw.”</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Your <i>wife</i>!” exclaimed a dozen voices -at once.</p> - -<p class='c007'>“Yes, my wife! Hitched to me tighter’n -a handle to the jug, by Chaplain Disbrow, -two days ago, by the eternal jingo!”</p> - -<p class='c007'>This was enough for the men. All order -gave way before the hilarious uproar which -followed. They pressed around Sally to -offer their congratulations, which the delighted -wife received with great good-nature -and dignity, still sitting where she had been -left—behind the saddle, on the horse.</p> - -<p class='c007'>At this moment the party first descried -rode up. It was composed of Mrs. Hinton, -Miss Morton and a number of friends eager -to welcome the captain and his sister, of -whose fortunes Nettleton had most unexpectedly, -three days before, brought the news -to camp. That it was a joyous meeting -may well be assumed.</p> - -<hr class='c009' /> - -<p class='c007'>Does not our story here end? To say -that Miss Mamie Hayward soon became -Mrs. Wells, in the presence of the whole -division—that a grand gala-day followed—is -but half the truth, however; for, at the -same time, another bridegroom was there in -the form of the pale but happy Captain -Henry Hayward, who took to be his comforter -and his much-needed nurse, the -woman who loved him most truly—Miss -Nettie Morton. It was, indeed, a most -happy consummation of a drama which -promised, at one time, to end only in sorrow -and broken hearts.</p> - -<p class='c007'>Not the least happy of all that throng, -nor the least noted, was</p> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> - <div class='nf-center'> - <div><span class='sc'>Nettleton, the Captain’s Body-Guard.</span></div> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='nf-center-c1'> -<div class='nf-center c004'> -<p> </p> - </div> -</div> - -<div class='pbb'> - <hr class='pb c000' /> -</div> -<div class='chapter'> - <h2 class='c005'><span class='large'>TRANSCRIBER’S NOTE</span></h2> -</div> -<p class='c013'>Punctuation and hyphenation have been made consistent.</p> - -<p class='c011'>The spelling has been retained with the -exception of the following:</p> - -<div class='lg-container-b'> - <div class='linegroup'> - <div class='group'> - <div class='line'>hight -> height</div> - <div class='line'>iutruder -> intruder</div> - <div class='line'>turkle-dove -> turtle-dove</div> - <div class='line'>disppointment -> disappointment</div> - <div class='line'><i>he’ll</i> dirty has hands -> <i>he’ll</i> dirty his hands</div> - </div> - </div> -</div> - -<p> </p> -<p> </p> -<hr class="full" /> -<p>***END OF THE PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRISONER OF THE MILL***</p> -<p>******* This file should be named 51318-h.htm or 51318-h.zip *******</p> -<p>This and all associated files of various formats will be found in:<br /> -<a href="http://www.gutenberg.org/dirs/5/1/3/1/51318">http://www.gutenberg.org/5/1/3/1/51318</a></p> -<p> -Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions will -be renamed.</p> - -<p>Creating the works from print editions not protected by U.S. copyright -law means that no one owns a United States copyright in these works, -so the Foundation (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United -States without permission and without paying copyright -royalties. 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