The deserter's daughter
page: (TitlePage) [View Page (TitlePage) ]THE DESERTER'S DAULGIITER. BY S W. D.. HERRINGTON, 3i N C. CAv., ATJTIJOR 03. "The Captain's Bride," The Refugee's liece," eto. Southern Field and Fireside Novelette, No. 3, NJ3k VY SERLi * RALEIGH : WM. B. SMITH &'00. 1865. e .F . ,. .. . + I e ti' -- , ? ' _ page: 0[View Page 0] s- . Entered: according to act of Co ress in the year 1864, by , WM. B. SMITH & CO., . in the lerk's Office of the District Court of the Confederate States for the Dist iot of Pamlice of Nerth Carolina.. 9' AI ' _ - - ti s s . 0 THE DESERTER'S DAUGHTER. CHAPTER I. « This has been a day of events to me and I shall not soon forget it." Thus spoke. Captain Forrester, alighting from his horse in front of his tent, and addressing his first.Lieutenant, who, in company with several of the men, were seated around a camp fire passingoff the evening in jovial con- versation. " Any thing new on the picket lines, Captain," asked the Lieutenant anxiously. "No excitement there, I believe but"- '.'Why then will you remember to-day so especially ? Another adventure I guess ?" "No not an adventure ; but an escape." "From the widow's bewitching eyes," answered the r Lieutenant jestingly. . ".Don't be jealous, Lieutenant," said the Captain fore. ing a smile. But the want of life evinced by Capt. Forrester, in thus turning what he knew to be a. very important matter into a joke, was instantly made quite evident to. Lieutenant Hart. "Have a non-commissioned officer and twelve men de.. tailed immediately, Lieutenant, aid order them to am- bush tkemselres at the secondmile post beyond the vidette at the fork of the road. There they will find a blind foot path leading off to the right exactly at the Wle-.post That r . f ' { _. -a T d f} t - , r' page: 4-5[View Page 4-5] ,4 path I desire to have strictly watched. Instruct them to keep well concealed to'arrest every one that endeavors to pass and bring them to me, and to continue there until further orders." Finishing these instr.uctiQns he turned away and ordered his cook . to " prepare dinner in five minutes." "The Qaptain's excited," said one of the men at the fire. ' " There's something wrong as sure as twice one make four," answered Charlie M. This lapsus lingua, or the wrong answer to the, wrong ". sum, caused, a general outburst of laughter, and Charlie in ridicule was ordered'by all present, to go imnniiediately and call on the widow that she might teach him mathe- datics. "-Hur:y off the cletail, Lieutenant," ordered the Cap- tain as he seated himself at his mess-chest to eat his has- tily prepared meal. "Saddle up !" s outed the non-coinnissioned officer, and in a few minutes the detail was making its way to the place designated. It was now growing dark and the sombre clouds boiling up from the noi'theast and spreading over the horizen gave ominous signs of a snow storm, while' a boisterous wind shrieked and howled amid the towering forest pine tops. The camp-fires of Captain Forrester's squadTon blazing brightly, and the men that were not immediately on duty were quietly seated around them, waiting for their "turns" to go. At headquarters things were exceedingly quiet.' Alone Capt. Forrester ind Lieutenant Hart might be seen by the light of their fires seated in dreamy silence-the Lieu- - ' tenant in wonder, while the Captain was evidently en- gaged in deep thought ; and from the oftei voluntary contracting of his' dark brow the path of duty'over which these thoughts were then meandering were beset with many unpleasant obstacles. But 'at last, as though to break the suspense that he knew must be passing through the 'Lieutenant's mind, he said, "to-day, Lieutenant., I have ome in possession of positive information that there is in our -midst a secret league, composed of our own fel- low-citizens, (but I am glad to say that the league is small) whose avowed intention it is to thwart our designs, who have a regular means of communication that conveys information to the enemy with the greatest dispatch, whio carry on a nefarious contraband traffic, 'and who are en- deavoring to induce our fellow soldiers to desert their country's flag. If this .disaffection is not crushed in its infancy it bids fair to weaken, if not destroy, the cause in North Carolina. This is perfectly reliable information, from a responsible source ; but, 'by the wxay, came near costing me my life to-day ;" and opening the breast of his coat he displayed the trace of'a rifle' bullet that just missed his body at the heigth of his heart. "This, too, was the work of what was once a lady but '-hesitating he buried his forehead in his hands. "Is it possible !" asked the Lieutenant in surprise. "But before to-inorrows's sun Heaven may favor us with some cue to this dark plot, and if so I shall go im- mediately to work heart and. hand to bring those black hearted villians to summary justice, and rid our mother State of the stigma that their conduct is already bringing upon her fair name." " You will need assistance, Captain, in this matter, and remember that I am anxious t' be your abettor." "Yes, I am aware that it will be a hazardous under- taking, and to be successful will require nerve, energy and perseverance' I know of no one on whom I can more confidently rely than yourself in this matter, and I shallr expect your assistance." Rising from his seat he extend- ed his hand to the Lieuten'ant, who grasping it said, w ' I t r ., , . . _' . . ', - : s page: 6-7[View Page 6-7] "Here I suppose, Captain Forrester, we mutualy resolve to succeed or perish." "That's the determination," was the response. *HAPTER II. "Nothing has been heard from. the detail I suppose, Lieutenant?'.' asked the Captain early on The next morn- ing. 4 " Nothing except what has just been brought in by the relieved picl~ts.. They report that firing was heard be- low about day-break." "Order a man to saddle his horse and report to me," said the Captain. "But hold," I see a man riding in. camp now. "It's one of the detail," answered the Lieutenant9 "and, strange to say, 'he has a little girl on the horse with him." "A little girl! ha, thus Heaven has crowned this enter- prise with success. Captain Forrester, followed by Lieutenant Hart, walked in the tent as the horseman rode up in front. "Captain," said he, lifting the little girl from his horse, "I have come to bring this little girl whom we caught this morning, acompanied by some one, endeav- 7 oring to pass through our ambuscade. Her escort made his escape, after we had fired on him several times. She will give us no information." "Come here tome," said the Captain, putting on an austere frown and addressing the little miss who had as- sumed a look of perfect resignation. This abrupt order caused a little agitation, however, in her features, but, placing the nail of her left fore finger between her teeth, she promptly obeyed the order as the Captain turned away to complete his toilet, which he had not quite fin- ished. "Take a seat on the bed here, sissy. Ain't you cold ?" asked the Lieutenant. "No sir !" answered a low voice. The Captain, somewhat attracted by the soft musical voice, turned his eyes upon the beautiful- features of the blue-eyed neat little maiden and asked, "Whose little girl are you?" She hesitated in perplexity. "I am nobody's little girl." "What is your name "Lula. "Lula-what else ?" asked the Captain. "Nothing else ?" "What is your father's name ?" She refused to answer. "Where is your home?" "I hav'nt got any home." "Where is your mother ?" "I have no mother now," she answered3 while the tears chased each other down her plump cheeks. "You are a singular little being," said the Captain..- "You belong to nobody. You have no home nor mother and named nothing but Lula." "Where is your father?. Come, you must answer rae.' eI don't know sir.' a "kt, s " page: 8-9[View Page 8-9] 8 "tHave you no brothers and sisters ?" "Yes sir, I have two brothers and one sister. ' "Where are they ?" "I don't Jno.w sir." "A4nd what's your sister's name "Julia." "Nothing but Julia of course," said the Captain iron- ically. "Is she grown?" "Yes sir."'. "What is your age?" "Ten," she answered. "Ten," said the Captain. "You know a great deal more than you have told."- He made a feint as though to draw this sabre from its scabbard, hoping thereby to intimidate her. She caught the movemeint, and, throwing herself into Lieutenant Hart's arms, she shrieked, "oh, Lieutenant, don't let' him kill me." " " He will not hurt you if you will tell us why you were passing our men this morning, and who was with you.", "I was sent," she said, "and couldn't help it. Oh ! if you please don't makeine tell any more." "Don't be rash-with her, Captain."-* "She must be sent to the General," said the Captain, "I'll swear, by Eternoal Heaven, to wreak vengeance upon the heads of those villians yet." - Captain Forrester was a young Confederate officer of much promise No one yaw him but to love him. His manly form, his frank, open countenance, his fierce black eyes, his generous heart, and inflexible determinatioU won the admiration even of his enemies. '' An enemy to him, however, was an enemy, and he hated him with all the bitterness and venom that the depths of his soul could foster, while he loved his friends with' that interesting .devotion that ever characterises the faithful " i heart. The cause of his country was dearer to him thai even life itself; and hae respected no one that did not cherish a. like devotion. . When Captain Forrester was convinced thata plan was really set on foot in his native state to break down the eause in which he himself was. struggling, and in which he had seen so many of his comrades and even a cherish- ed brother sacrifice,-their .lives, it aroused every nerve in his form to energy. Then the rews through )ris picket lines to the enemy awakened him to a vigilant seuse of his duty; In Lieutenant Hart he found'a genial companion. One whose motto was ever to do or die, One who loved ad- - venture with a veteran hunter's devotion. One who never shrank from any duty except where his finer sentiments were compromised. Never,'therefore, could the disaffect- . ed mob of North Carolinians havd had two more deter- mined foemen watching them than'these two who before a camp-fire "mutually resolved to crush them or die." "Lieutenant," said he after musing for a few moments, "we are now fairly on the track of those traitorous rene- gades whose headquarters, (if we may honor their den by this appellation,) I have every reason to believe, is-not far distant from this place in the wilds of Dover Swamp.' To detect and defeat them now only requires a little cunning courage and energetic action." "What course ought we now to pursue? or what are your plans ?" "We must first find out their base of operations. This movement must be definitely -understood.; they must be betrayed by strategy, and then we must crush them at orle blow. Of course we cannot commence au open cam- paign against them in their dens in Dover Swamp. So secrecy on our part.willbe the ground work of success." "I am well acquainted with all of this country, Cap- tain, and I offer you my services as a scout." 9 ' i, . +tl "a i page: 10-11[View Page 10-11] 10 "I suggest, then, that you. take with you three day's cooked rations and set out this evening. I am sure that the foot path at which our gnen are now ambushed is a cominunication to their headquarters. Take that path, and find to what mystical rendezvous or hover it leads, and what dark deeds of treachery it witnesses. Cauion must be your watchword ; and let me advise you to keep your eyes open and have no confidants. Order your de- tail to camp." This plan was adopted and Lieutenant Hart was dis- patched as a seout and IJetective. f 1 CHAPTER III.. " The widow gives us another ball to-night," said.- Charlie M---as he walked hurriedly in camp and ad- dressed a number of his comrades who had seated them-- selves upon the pine straw and were very diligently watch- ing two of their number who were deeply interested in a contest at che'cks,- - "Not to us," answered one of the men, "Charlie, bit to you." "0 he !: the invitation is extended to as many of the squadron as are disposed to go. You must go, boys. We shall have splendid mnsie. 'Furthermore, there is to be some new ladies there. The widow, says they are beau- tiful." "Where are they to come from ?" was asked. "They are to run the blockade of our pickets to-night after dark, accompanied by Edgar and Austin. But this must not be made knbwn to Captain Forrester !" . "It will be a hazardous undertaking; and, further- more, it is acting in bad faith to the service. How are they to return ?" "I reckon the Captain will grant them a pass in the morning to return," answered Charlie. "You are mistaken, Charlie ; orders have just been is- sued that no one shall pass the lines without written per- mission from the General." "Never mind, boys, the matter is all fixed with the Captain, and-will all tirn out right," and Charlie turned away and walked to another portion of the encampment., "That boy deserves sympathy," said one of his friends eyeing him closely as he left. "Why ?" . sked another. "Because by subtility that woman has completely en- trapped him, and is fast leading him astray. I for one have but little confidence in her." "I am sure that she has always treated us very kindly, and, for all I know, she is a perfect lady." "Very true, but'I do not like the cut of her eye. Fur- thermore, her husband died in the Yankee service, and some even doubt his, being dead at all-nevertheless,sI suppose she is called widow." "She could not help what her husband did. " Probablp not." Three hours afterwards and the merriment at the wid.- ~ow's ball was at its acme. - 11. t r i Y .44 4" f .T.lf 4r ..f r fi -,. '-"J ^ '.. .4, .. ^ ~ 4y.;e }+t, n. b+o-i.. ,aa.+e a. ?{.a'' - y'I t . j,,1t,'f- , " '; . page: 12-13[View Page 12-13] . 12 "The boys were successful," said Charlie to one of his comirades. "Not as successful as you right suppose," was the re- ply. . "Why?" "They evaded the picket and patrol, but were met by the relief, who have reported it-to the Captain. The Captain says that he intends to arrest the ladies early in the morning, aid he has doubled the picket lines to pre- vent their escape. The Captain has offered a reward to know the boys that piloted them tl.rough.' The relief could not recognize them in the dark. Edgar is strongly + suspected." "I know that none of the boys who are knowing to all the circumstances will betray Edgar and Austin, end I will make all of these facts known to them immediatelyl" saying this Charlie called his two friends to one side and related the circumstances to. them. "This is very strange conduct on the part of the Cap- rain, or else 1 have been deceived in the matter," said Austin, "for-" " Never mind, boys," interrupted Charlie, '" it will all be right." Yes, but if Captain Forrester made this threat he will carry it into execution unless the ladies are carried back through the lines before day. And this must be done. Go,Edgar, and tell them what has.happened. Tell them that we will take them back at four o'clock, and be ready" then to start. Tell them, also, that it will be impossible to.take them back on horse-back, and that they will have :to walk."- . Edgar did as he was advised and soon returned with the report that the ladies were very much excited, and ready to start immediately." " No," says Austin, "at four o'clock the fifth relief will take post. We will pass the lines at patrol number one. x s t F " i p , i 7 i 4 -- f M° 2 ' t 4' 1ti 'I' 13 At four the patrol' will be expecting the, relief and' will be standing on post with the picket, and under the cover of night we can cross his beat." "And then how ?" asked Edgar. "We will get into the field at the gate, from whence there is a smdll path leading into the main read beyond the last vidette post." 'How.near the pickets do we have to pass ?' "In rifle shot ; but if we are cautious we shall pass un- observed.'" At the hour set apart this plan was put in execution. As they passed out o.f the field, at which place they were safely across the picket lines, Austin~exclaimed: " And now I feel relieved. All danger is now over., " Was'nt that the tramp of horses' hoofs'on the road ?" asked Edgar. " Be still." " The enemy ! the enemy !" whispered one of the young ladies. You had better return to y our command. We are not afraid now to return home by ourselves." "We are sorry'that we cannot see you safely home, but ' it is bes-t for us to return," and, extending their hands to the young ladies, they bid them in- haste good-bye. " Tell Captain Forrester," whispered oe of the young ladies, but before she could complete the sentence she was abruptly interrupted by her companion ; and the two young men hastened back in the direction of their camps. When they were passing their picket post they were, as they had'done before, using great precaution for fear of being discovered. Edgar halted suddenly and laid his hand on the shoulder of his companion. "Hark !" he whispered, " an.advancing footstep ahead. Lie down." The form of a man passed them. "He is alone," whis- pered Austin. As prompted by one common impulse . : k 4 page: 14-15[View Page 14-15] a 14 they sprang to their feet and presented their pistols to the 'truder's head.. The man scared out ef his wits fell upon his knees and, stammering, said : "~ I-I-n a aeteezn "!Not a word from you, sir." - "&Let us search him," said Austin. "What are you doing here at this hour ?" demanded Edgar of the affrighted stranger. "Hun--t-t-t-ing-" "Around our pickets, I guess. So are we." "What kind of a dispatch is this you have here ?" said Austin, extracting a neatly folded paper from the back lining of the prisoner's coat, which, when it became light, read as follows: To GLIESMO. TUNWT. The prisoner and his unintelligible sent to department headquarters. 22d, 186-. di c w dispatch were both . CHAPTER IV. If three days previous had made a lasting impression upon the mind of Captain Forrester, indeed this was a day of memorable events to the entire command. The most important information had been communicated to the General commandingby this'nerveusspy and his dis- patch, while the minor deeds of treachery that had been going on even within the bounds of, Captain Forrester's camps began to unfold themselves before his eyes. The day commenced~with a demonstration by the enemy upon the picket lines. The pickets were everywhere driven back upon the reserve, when, to maintain their position, a most desperate skirmish took place, which, though it resulted in completely routing the insolent foe, yet many of our bravest boys had fallen. Among those were Edgar'and Austin, who, while feeling the trength i the enemy's.line of battle in the first part of the en- gagernent, were shot dead, and at a point, too, where no nemy was suspected. Hardly had the enemy;disappeared, the line of battle been broken and the excitement . of the morning passed away, when LieutenantHartireturned to camp from his epedition. This was a new case of excitement, for every one could see in his tell-tale countenance that~he had brought infor- matiou of importance. " What's the news!f what's the news I Lieutenant ?" asked voice after voice. i page: 16-17[View Page 16-17] '0 "I suppose you thrashed the Yankees this morning," would be his evasive answer. He sought Captain Forrester in1 private interview. The camp was in breathless suspense until broken by-an order issued by the Captain : "For all of the men to be ready to march at four o'clock, on foot." When the men were marched to the field of operation., nut one knew where he was, nor what he was to do. They had marched through the wild woods -for an hour and a half, and were now halted in the thickest place they had - seen. The Captain andLieutenant, who had lead their horses in the-rear a few moments before halting the men, had fastened them to trees . "The Captain wants to hide us good," said one of the + men in mimic ridicule. Ordering the squadron to count off the strength of the line in an under tone, he divided it into two equal parts. With the first he formed a parallel line of battle, and, placing it in charge of Lieutenant Hart, he marched the, second forty paces, filed it to the right, halted, brought it to a front in a line corresponding witly the first. "Now make ready with your pieces, men, lie down and, await order 4" In the greatest suspense and anxiety they all prostrated themselves upon the earth, with their pieces cocked, and in a position to be discharged -at the command*AFire. How indiscribable is that ,feeling of impatience that at- tends the anticipation of a final issue. Every stroke of the heart seems to say "wait," while it apparently makes but four vibrations per hour. "What is to be done ?" would be asked by one of an. other all the way down the line. The suspense was one of novelty with the men. . Every thought would seem to ask its successor, "what's the is- sue ?" With Captain Forrester it was different. His sus- pense was half doubt, intermingled with hopeful antiOi. pation. He and Lieutenant Hart alone in the-two line' then'confronting each other, knew that between them16y a small iut well beaten foot-path. As the last lingering sun beam took its departure from the tallest forest pine top,'the man on the left of the first line touched his nea- est comrade with his elbow. "Look," he whispered, and nodding his head to the left, he drew his attention to a detachment-say a hundred'--armed men marching ii single file, close order. On they marched unsuspecting. some wore the insignia of the soldier, both blue and gray, while by far the greeter portion were garbed in the habit ef the plebeian citizen. As the head of the ntarehing column passed the riglt ef the ambuscade, Captain Forrester rose coolly and or- dered his men " upon their feet." The men sprang from their cover, like mad lanther, their guns sprung and levelled. " Surrender," he d.emanded in a firm yet animates voice. This fell upon their unsuspecting reverie like a thunder bolt. Some attempted to run, some. threw down their arms and shouted, "don't shoot." "Shoot out the brains of the first scoundrel that ak temptsto escape," ordered Captain Forrester. "We'll give up," and other tokens of surrender'rang out all the way down the line. Arrangements were made for their safe 'escort to the anmp, when the Captain shouted, "to our horses, Lieu- tenant, to our horses," and, mounting their restless chargers, they set off with almost lightning speed down the foot-path through the dense gloomy forest. - The path brought them suddenly to ,n opening at thi Riouth of a lane. The Captain reined up. That is it," said the Lieutenant,,pointing to a cottag.- built farm-house two or three hundred yards in the d- nze. I . 0 page: 18-19[View Page 18-19] 18 They drew their pistols from the holsters and, pressing their rowels to their horses' sides, they made them redou- ble their exertions. As they neared the gate leading to the yard, two armed men stepped from behind the gate posts, and, levelling their guns, fired. Lieutentant Hart reeled.in his saddle and finally fell from his horse, while Captain Forrester's horse fell dead in a few paces of the gate. He caught on his feet, however, and recovered from the shock of the fall, only to find himself confronted by the two men, who, with fixed bayonets, had thrown themselves in the'gate-way to dispute his farther advance. Raising his pistol he shot one of them dead in his tracks. The other, seeing the fate of his companion, endeavored to save himself by flight ; but, ere he made but few steps, he met a like fate. The Captain.now caught his pistol im his left, and, drawing 1 lissabre with his right hand, rushed en still to the house. As he placed his foot upon the door steps the smoke from a musket almost stifled him, but the hall missed its mark. .Raising his sabre at a "teirce point" he thrust it into the bosom of his antagonist, and bore him struggling .to the floor. Like a tiger roused from his lair, with the scent of blood, he leaped over the prostrated body of the eying man and into the passage of the house. To the left he spied a shut door. With an elastic bound he threw himself against it and hoisted it from its hinges. As his ey es met its interior, now shaded by the soft evening twilight, a woman, with hands ex- tended towards Heaven and speechless with fear, met him and knelt at his feet. Are you," he demanded, one of the fiends of this den, to?" . '- She fixed her dark' blue eyes upon the blade crimsoned with a father's gore, and now raised over her own de- fenceless head, and in a faint, tremulous voice implored 'him to spare her life. For a minute he stopped-" arrested in his mad career" 4 -4o view the rounded symmetrical form the beauifii a: geiic features of the being who now knelt before ask mercy at his blood-stained hands. When be hi to round rising bosom convulbed with Wfear, hehburningtears streaming over- those now pallid cheks sillfuhe wtea maiden lpurty, the dark dishevelled ringlets hansewt her ivory brow and falling n g Qs on hver snowy neck, his rage was swallowed u in pity,e i th letic nerves were unstrung and th blupinpity, hsath fell harmless by his Sidee OOd-ris steel "b Who is this ?" he asked in a i "Julia," breathed a trembling 1 aisubudtone. "Who else is concealed in this ho "No other living soul," sai h - a' leer hands., m a i "Why such an angel in thi da of ruffians a Soothingly and at the same timre len ko b ,y" said he laid his hand upon h&r shouhldet. A feeling of despair seizedua ever nere inher rameupon her very soul.anad shook ev ne. Her heart almost ceased to beat, dt " Captain Forresteri '" she i He caught the sound of his name upon her quiveerin breath and it sank to the depths p of his heart and e he fountain~ to all that was -pe and hl iearnd sopel. " I am afreni, Julia, /' .'d l hs This word seemed a talisman, andiike} a - mercury at zero, itraisedher tike eat appied to li a rpag spit to a new life. He interrupted hc - ear not, 'ha, ouar 'I have been w atched---Ja, yyou are sa I hae ben wacheda prisoner in this house-.by my father, my two brother and their colleagues, dring which time havee heard I erclegedrg whic tie, hae hardplans which if executed would make perdition itself tremble. hily have I prayed would ight escape and expose it all to you, but the oporti . 4p r 1 + I, *1 page: 20-21[View Page 20-21] 24 was not offeregl but once and then my plans were all f -s rated. Had I the opportunity I could tell you more and slow you in this house some of their plans ; but it is not safe for you to be here. This night they have plotted, my father at their head, to'surprise your carnp and mm-. der you.". "Thank heaven," answered the Captain, "their daa- sable plots have all been exploded." " The enemy, too, often visit this house and may be. kere to-night." I cannot leave you here, Julia." "I will ge to Mr. R-'s if you will permit me, onky a mile or tyWo distant, and continue there until "I will accompany you." At the dbor of Mr. R- he took her hand and bid her " good-bye !" Perhaps foreverS CHAPTER T The next morning following these tiagieal events was ese of those calm mornings when winter-is just emerging into spring, when a placid smile hay be said to be dawn- ing upon the lips of nature-when each little songster dares to speak forth an anxious carol in unison with the notes of the gladdened insects that have been awakened by a stealing sunbeam. A morning that brings gloom over dhe despondent and makes the grave;, light-hearted, mirth- ful-when joy and despair seem to linge; together upon ihe air:.- As the sun lifted his sparkling face rbove the low wall of smoke that belted the surrounding horizon,. all the gloom in the neighboring atmosphere seemed to concen- trate and hover over Captain Forrester's camp. It was indeed a picture of a calm after a storm to a ship-wrecked crew, who had been rescued from immediate death, but doorped to perish by degrees upon a barren and solitary sock in the immense bosom of the briny deep. Here and there might be seen one gloomy face, seated undisturbed. and alone, his mind wandering apparently in the fathom- less depths of despoudeney: At sone other point: groups, were assembled as though to mingle and share each others ennui. The death of a comrade, a mess-mate or afriend dad tb be commemorated in mutual sympathy. At headquarters things had been quite astir at an early hour. During the night couriei-s had been dispatched t® and returned from the General Commandiag, with in-' structions. At sunrise Captain Forrester was walking back and forth ip front of his tent, his eyes fixed intently upn the earth and grasping 'tightly his right arma with V } _ t - i. a 1 , 1' a s i i page: 22-23[View Page 22-23] 22 his left, both.of'which were drawn tightly across hip bo- som. something haunted him ; and what was it? Charlije entered the camp hurriedly and sought him. ~ ".Captain--," his voice faltered. "Have you-obeyed my orders, Charlie ?' ' We found it impossible, Captain.'' "Impossible !'' retorted the Captain. "We found her a corpse.'' A crpse, indeed".-. "She has Coinntted suicide,'' said Charlie, handing the Caitain a note - " She held this note in her han which is addressed io you." The Captain read the note aloud as follows "I-know, Captain i orrester; before this yiu have been apprised of m'y Wickedness. I know that es cape is im- possible, and I have preferred death to-disgrace. So, Charlie, this widow, wih hw i:om we have all as- sociated and recognized as a friend, has beei one of the chief accomplices in getting information to the enemy.-- She has been a spy e en vhwithin the bounds of our camp . Charlie icoked horrornstricken ; for this widked woman by her cunning devices, had exerted an influence over his youthful heart that was fast developing itself in a deep-seated affection. His ftr lhve was blighted at a blow. In this note he saw her history at a glnce. How he had been duped I For a moment lie was moved ; but how easily can the heart forgive a fatl, even in a worth- less object of affection? When Captain E'or." ete had obstarined satisfactory e vi- deuce of the guilt Oh this woman he knew not of the inti- - *macy that existed between Oharlie and herselF, and, as Charlie was one oi his favorites, he was charged with the execution of the order for her arrest. Charlie could not, would not, shrink from the duty, but resolved in his heart to rescue her frQm imprisonment. But with her own hands she had snow shut herself within the walls of a prison-house, from which the most desperate lover hae never attempted to extricate the ideal of his heart. And. now Charlie retires from the further thread of this story, if not a better at least a mueh wiser-boy. But this did not ease the heart and; calm the troubled. bosom of Captain Forrester. He had been the hero in' noble enterprise. His whole actions must come before the eyes of the world for approval or disapproval; but " Let th e -it}!d '='-:t tUa' mer knew One tender Iog te geruts nature tru " condemn him. Lieutenant Tart, whom we left fallen from his, horse in the lane near the deserter's house, not killed but severely wounded in the head, as soon as he recovered from the shock was placed upon his faithful steed that did pot do-. sert him; by Captain Forrester, and succeeded in return- ing to camp, from whence he was sent to the hospital at Kinston. Little Lula, who had borne herself out nobly before the General by telling all she knew and probably a great deal more,-when she heard that Lieutenant Hart was at the hospital wounded, volunteered her services to nurse him ; and when a day or two afterwards he was granted permission to be sent home by his regnest she accompanied him. Mrs. Hart, the Lieutenant's mother, is very much interested in her history as related by herself, and will not consent for her to leave. Little Lula is very happy now and says the Lieutenant is her sweet healtt. The "Cit-t-e-ezin,'' with his vile abetters, have met a very merited end, that is the end of a rope. Now let uns return and follow Captain Forrester through the sequel of his noble project: Captain Forrester of himself had undertaken a worthy - purpose, that of bringing a treasonable league of his fel' low-.ountrymen to the ba'r of justice. How far he had 4 23 page: 24-25[View Page 24-25] Y F t 7 (t I t . t f f}j f }i([ i a .- . g eneceeded let results tell. Yes, he had traced it to its Headquarters and had given it a death-blow. But hadhe net conte short-of his duty #t ., . . At that headquarters he found a woman, a daughter of the ring leader.' He, as a military chieftain. was acting for the cause of his country, regardless of selfish conside- ration. He ought to have arrested her, but the sympathy de had elicited .in her behalf had caused him to forego mat unpleasant ordeal. She was a woman-like hit mother--like his sister. She might be an enemy-an ac-. eemplice in the hell-born band that be had crushed. Such a train of thoughts as these were wrangling in his bosom this morning. But he saw her still in his mind as he had seen her in reality-the pure; innocent, blue-eyed Julia- te "angel in the den of ruffians "-a lily that had sprung up unfortunately among brambles-the aromatic. Ettle flower-that seemed destined - . ' * * " To blush unseen And waste its swetuess on the desert air'.': In these operations he had been General, commander- in-chief, as well as the war making power.- Might he not be allowed to exercise his judgment in the entire plan, regardless of what th'e world night -say in detail; and hope to be justified by the final results?- "Surely," he thought, "there can be no treachery in a heart to which those eyes are the index."- ' . But the idea haunted him in the farther discharge of lis duty. ' At the very consummation of his plan he risk- ed his judgment in an important matter, and might it mot have beeii modified by tears in the eyes of a beautiful woman. He stopped in his walk ; some solid henclusion iad passed through his mind. He said aloud : "Human nature is deceitful, and woman is an unsolved mystery. If she las deceived me-if she is an accomplice of the enemy, now she has neither home nor friends, she Xll seek his protection.° 1ya As sooi as a respite from duty wonid permit hire'he r- safed to satisfy himself by seeing her again. So, iount- lg his horse, he rede to the house where he had left her. .he met him at the gate the same warm-hearted Julia ; nevertheless wearing an expression of sadness in her sym- pathy-inspirin-g eyes. But she did not meet him as one who had been the means of throwing her upon the old . world without a friend to sympathize ora home te shelter her head, but as her deliverer. 'When he grasped her ex- tended hand, its warm palm sent a pang of sorrow to his" keai-t that nothing save restoration to her could ease and caused a tear to concentrate in his fierce eyes. " Julia," said he, " I came this orning that yoi might tell me of and show me those pans of which you spoke yesterday "Come in, Captain." "Thank you I would be glad to do so, but I must soon return." She flitted back into the house and soon returned ready to accompany him to the house where but the evenifig previous he had been the hero in so bloody a tragedy.- They walked on in silence ; for what could he say. She broke the suspense: "Captain, Itold you last evening that-I had been hell - as a prisoner-I told you that I had one opportunity of communicating to you tl* treason that was going on in he neighborhood of your commnd. On the night of the widow's ball my father consented for me, accompanied by a wicked woman, one of his accomplices, to go with me in your lines, (she went with the purpose of obtaining infor- mation.) 1 intended to go to you and expose the whole affair ; but your threat to arrest us, coupled with, the knowledge that I'was in bad company, and would be un- able to exculpate myself' intimidated me, and my planu were all frustrated." -" Where is that wonian now ?" asked the Captain. 4 a a - i f 3 r i i ' 5 5 t t y1' f { T page: 26-27[View Page 26-27] s ~26Y "She has escaped to the enemy and will go to New York, where she has relatives ; and she is, therefore, gone forever beyond your readh." Just at-this moment they emerged into a large neigh- borhood road, one end of which led to a Confederate pick- et stand and the other through Dover Swamp into the "lower Neuse road." Julia stopped suddenly and burst- ed into tears. " Captain,'' said she, ' here, a few days 'age, my poor misguided mother sufferect herself to be placed as a senti- nel while my father endeavored to surprise and capture your pickets, was encountered by some one, on whom she frTed. In the contest she was shot and killed. My father suspected some of your men and, to retaliate, he tookmy poor little sister that night and started in your lines with a phial of arsenic, which she was to deposit in the well from which you obtained water. Onhis way be was met by a number of soldiers,. who captured her and fired on him. I have not heard from him since.'' Overcome by these thoughts she seated herself upon a fallen tree and burst into a most violent paroxysm of grief. Captain Forrester watched her in wonder. and agitation until his heart grew sick within his bosom. He seated himself by her side and threw his arm gently around her' shoulders and drew' her to his bosom. "CJulia,'' said he, "'will you--'' "Captain Forrester," she'exclaimed, endeavoring to free herself from his grasp, "would y ou insult a poor girl. whose heart'is already borne to the earth with sorrow-- whom a father's conduct has (Jisgraced." "Hear me, Julia-if you can ever love me, hear me. Since I have deprived you of all that you must have held .dear on earth-since I have deprived you of friends and "home-I here offer you my love as remuneration and my hands to protect you. Say, Julia, that you will be n y 'wife." a How could she believe him otherwise than true? One look at his face was sufficient to convince har of the purdy of his heart. "You do not love me, ai!d if you do I am unworty of your love." "If I thought so, Julia, I should surely be unworthy of yours," Leaning with complacent confidence upon the arm that had slain mother, father and brother, she sighed--- and a few days afterwards General Picket signed Captain For- rester's leave of absence for thirty 'days, and he led t the altar his beautiful- Julia; TuE DESERTER's DAUGUT] a 0 Y n t I , F' t , I f i x s _5t} f f I. i i 4 i I 5 3 { , page: 28 (Advertisement) -29 (Advertisement) [View Page 28 (Advertisement) -29 (Advertisement) ] A. I. eassoI. .J.- J. JTo$YO1U. CREECH & LITCHFORD, SEVERAL COMMISSION IERCHIANTh A;N,D RALEIGH, N C,, LL ATTEND FAITHFULLY AND PUNCTUALLY TO Ai. BUSINESS C0MMITT-ED TO THIER CARE. JRMITTANCES MADE PROMPTLY. ONSIGNMENTS OF MERCHANDISE RESPECTFULLY SOLICTf . BY THE HAT MANUFACTURERS AT STATES- v4e, . C., 100,000 Fur Skins, such as RABBITS, - -. - - - 2 ,004 COON, - - - - - 20,000 FOX, - - - - - 30,00 MUSK RAT, - -. - - 10,000 . MINK, . - - - - 10,000 OTTER- - - - - - 4,000. BEAVER, - - - -"- 1,000 fr which we will pay the highest prices either in our- 'eyor specie, or exchange for Hats. WITTKOWBKY . SALTZBERY. February 2, 865. PAYETTEVILJAI STEET, RALEIGH,, N. C ., KEEPS CONSTAN'1LY.ON HAND A LARGE A] varied selection of ENGLISH and CONFEDERAJ GEOODS, and, having in his.eiployment , Two of the.Best Cutters in the South, prepared to furnish OFFICERS' and CITIZEN' 9LOTHING at the shortest possible notice. He keeps on hand the beet articles of Trimmings, an latest styles of Buttons, &c., and flatters himself that fr ;OOD FITS AND SUPERIOR WORKMANSHIP his establishment cannot be surpassed in the Confederas. is prices will be as moderate as the times will afford. C f A ftL E $ M . 8~j ft $$..R A .J . S R'oT A RY P UB 1IC A ND GENERA L A OENT, RALELIH, N. C. ALL BUSINESS ENTRUSTED TO HIS CHAR . will be carefully attended to, Ralei gh, N. 0., Uec. 15, 1864. I 0 0 9 I M s p' - *. ei'cJi n* ai1o, page: 30 (Advertisement) -31 (Advertisement) [View Page 30 (Advertisement) -31 (Advertisement) ] Catalogue of Bookr * PUBLISHED BY Raleigh, N. C. OUR OWN PUBLICATIONS. First Dixie Primer, 3d Edition, dedicated especially to the Dixie Children, (by a Southron Matron, Mrs. 31. B. Moore, N(. C.) . Price, (per hundred $50.) $1", Wirst Dixie Reader, comprising easy reading lessors, to succeed the Primer. By Mrs: M. B. Moore. Price, '1 g hbe Dixie Elementary Spelling Book, most carefully arranged and adapted for Southern Schools. By Mirs. 31. B1 Moore. Price, 8 04 The Primary Geography, with Maps, entirely new and popular. By Mrs. M. B. Moore. Price, .8 0 Johnson's Common So hool Arithmetic, just from the press and in . great demand. By Prof L. Johnson, of Trinity College. Price,. 4 50 Jirst Book in Composition, to precede English Grammar, contain- ing a variety of pleasant writing exercir s for the student. By L. Branson, A. Al. Price, 'York's English Grammar, 3d Edition, illustrated by diagrams, en- tirely a Southern work, and one of the best in use. By a devo- ted Teacher. Price,1 4 5o sill's Poems, pronounced by the best critics t be " true and gen- uine poetry." By Thee . 111Hil. Price, g 0 Morveriand Lind, a tale of a soldier's faithful love. By A. W. Mangum. Price, 5o Myrtle Leavcs, a book for the times, by Rev. A. W. Mangnrn, is full of fine thought, s t. in beautiful prose and poetry. Price, 8 00 historical Soripture Questions, for Sabbath Schools and the Camp. Price, (per hundred $50,)- - .1 00 it is d.cX 4!dly the best w rk I hav' k'own on the e etj'CC. It gives the student a fire knowledge of Bible History."-W. 'J. W. Crowded, Tract Agent. songs of Love anrd Liberty, compiled by a North Carolina Lady for Southern patriots. Price, ($50 per hundred,) 1 00 Jack Morgan Songster, choice selections, by Capt. T. A. Branson, late of Gen. Lee's army. Price, ($50 per hundred,) 1 00 iThe usual discount to the Trade.h $ D. C. MURRAY.& 'CO. enieral 4&.i1.201c . .AND ammassa n e nts FA YETTE VILLE STREET, RALEIKH N. c., HAVING REGULAR. OQMMENCE D BUSINESS, solicit consignments. They will attend promptly to the purchase and sale of goods, stocks, &c., &c. RtEFEUEjCES2 Chas Dewey, Cashier. and W. H. Jones, Oashier, taleigh. Harris & Howell, Wilmuington. J. H. Lindsay, Cashier, Greensboro'. D. A. Davis, Cashier, Salisbury. T. W. Dawey, Cashier,.Charlotte. A. McLean, Cashier, Fayetteville. Branab, Mortou & On., Richmond, Va. Jas. E. Cuthbert, Cashie:, Petersburg, Va. NERO AUCTION AND S~iOD O'Oie, FA YETTEi 'vLE STREET, RALEIGH, N. C. SAFE AND COMFORTABLE QUARTERS, AND charges rfr Board, &c., as moderate as tihe times will per- mit.* They have an experience of twenty years in the Trade, and flatter themselves that they thoroughl understand the business. January 1st, 1865. it t3 If 71 JAS. A. MOORE. r JNO. W. lIARliISQL~ " C. FLUItRA e .._ .....___...,.,,._.-._. ...Y._ ------------_-- - --- -- ...-... ___._.r __... .... _...,. ,.,,..._,,, ..,.. -.r.-. ... .,, . 33g .t G zx sF ' rY W. F. ASKEW & CO. page: 32 (Advertisement) [View Page 32 (Advertisement) ] 1a W. R. RIQHARDSON & CO.,, BROKERS AND STOCK AUCTIONEERS,' FAY ETTEVILLESTREET, RALEIGH, N. C., -(THREE DOORS LBOVE THE POST OFI"iCE.) ONSIGNMENTS OF STATE, RAIL ROAD AND ALL KINDS @@ Stock solicited. It being our peculiar business to deal in Stocks it is bt fair to presumed e give them mre auiention than general Auctioneers. We deal i all kind of Exchange, Stuck, Coin, Bullion; Bank Notes, Governmer1, State and tod!oraion B iads, and do a general Brolerage 1'usiness. -f."WAN TED, GOLD AND SILVER, BANK NOTES AND NORTH CAROLINA TREASURY NOTES. 4 * .FOR SALE, NORTH CAROLINA 6 PER CENT. BONDS, OLD ISSUE. ALSO NEW NORTH CAROLINA 6 PER CENT. BONDS. NORTH CAROLINA COUPONS OF OLD 6 PER CENT. BONI4. BULLION AND COIN. CONFEDERATE BONDS. 3 :~MA18TNM IN 4 BOOK AND N2WS DEPOT, KIN6 STREET, OPPOSITE ANN STREET/, CHARLESTON, S. C. BACK NOS. OF THE FIELD AND'FIRESIDE AN PACIFICATOR ent to any address on receipt of fifty tent per copy. January 5th, 1865. -
