Life in the saddle, or, The cavalry scout
page: 0[View Page 0]'.4 page: (TitlePage) [View Page (TitlePage) ] g/ . 4 LIFE IN THE SADDLE OE, . shze (sarig #tt LATE OF THE BY FIRST NED BUNTLINE, A t , REGIMENT NEW YORK MOUNTED RIFLE. x1 ' i s' 5~ a Tta J r NEW YORK: PREDERIC A. BRADY, PUBLISHER, No. 2 ANN STREET. z iV UK'z ; l"£'k sj _, r , ' e s r° . ..x i , s' } 7 ; . !, !; i : . a ; page: [View Page ] 4 I ENrmn according to Act of Congress, in the year 1864, By CAULDWLL & WHrrNET, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Southern District of New York. LIFE IN THE SADDLE: OR, Ehe amby- t. CHAPTER I. "And they who for their country die Shall ill an honored grave ; For glory lights thesoldiers tomb, And beauty weeps the brave !" It was night, and in a dense grove of scrub- by pines, about a mile back from the main road which led from Suffolk, through Wind- sor to the old Blackwater Bridge, in Virgin- ia, there was a group and a scene which would have made a fine "study" for a paint- cr. A cheerful fire was burning in an open space in the dense grove, and about it were gathered a party of just eighteen men ; men whose blue jackets, trimmed with yellow braid, as well as their short carbines, loaded revolvers and steel-seab- barded sabres, as also the spurs on their heels, revealed the arm of the Federal serv- ice to which they belonged as cavalry, Their horses were fastened to trees just outside of the little circle of cleared ground, and were munching away at the oats in their nose-bags, with an avidity that showed they had not been fed very lately. Over the fire around which the men were grouped, there were several chickens and turkeysroasting or broiling; and two or three small Oioats lay dressed in the background, from which the men cut slices now and then, which they roasted on sticks cut from the trees near at hand. Tin cups of coffee were also simmering on the coals, and such of the men as wanteI a taste of "apple-jack" had only to gO to one of a half-dozen canteens that hung from a limb near by, to find a sip of that favorite Virginian beverage. By their dress, it could be seen that all of these men were privates except one, and he did not wear "shoulder-straps". The one who made the exception only wore the chevrons of a sergeant, but on his right fore aim was the gold bar, known as the battle-stripe, a mark of honor given to denote that he had distinguished himself in action against the enemy-an honor, too, shared by most of his companions, for they also wore a similar golden stripe on their arms. And now, reader, as they are to be your companions for some time, allow me to intro- duce you to sergeant Ernest Clifford and lilt companions, as the picked scouts of the Mounted Rifles ; a body of men more hated and dreaded by the Rebels on the Blackwater and Chowan line than any other men in the Federal Army, for the graybacks never knew when or where to find them, but often did find them where they least expected or want- ed to. . There were two more men belonging to this party, but they were out near the road on picket-guard, watching the only point from which the party around the fire could be attacked ; for in the rear of the pine-grove, and flanking it also on both sides, was an immense cypress-swamp, alike impervious to man or horse. The two guards were so posted that they could see any parties which passed along the road ; and as they were re- lieved by comrades every two hours, and it was not a stormy night, though a cloudy one, their duty was not very hard. But tieir position was not without its perils. They were fifteen miles from the pickets of the Army at Suffolk, and within two or three miles of the pickets of the Rebel Army. Gen. Roger Pryor, of bowie-knife-declen- sion notoriety, when he was a dueling M. C., was in command of a brigade of infantry, a couple of regiments of cavalry, and two or three batteries of artillery, all within a few miles of this secluded spot ; and he made fre- quent advances toward our lines either for forage for his men and horses, to disturb the page: 4-5[View Page 4-5] 4 LIFE LN TIIE SAI))LE. few Unionists outside of our lines, or to threaten our pickets and disturb our forces at Suffolk, always falling back when force n a3 sent to fight him. To watch him, cut off his scouts, and occa- .ionally drive in his pickets, and to make them believe that the Yankees were coming in force, was the business of Sergeant Clit- sord and his brother-scouts ;inc picked from the whole regiment for their mntelli- gence, courage, skilfin horsemanship and in the use of their weapons. Not one of them but ltd come from happy homes and the en- jovuent of luxury in their native Empire . date to sei e as volunteers in the s ar ; not one of theta that w £ not, by education, birth, and association, when at home, a gein- tltman. All of them young. all Americans, it would cemi strange to foreigners of a similar class in society, to see them not only acting as privates, but choosing the most arduous and perilous duty which could be found in the Army, of their own free will-the most ar- duous, the most dangerous, therefore far the most exciting and the most honorable. I cannot at present introduce all of them to you by name, but there are a couple sitting there on a log with the Sergeant, one on each .sde of him, who may as well be made known to you by name now as later, for you will know a good deal of them in a short time. They arc both very ditTerent-looking from the Scrgeant, who, by the way, is the oldest nian ofhis party, being well on toward forty years of age. Ills dark-brown hair and mustache shade a face on which several scars are seen, and his bronzed visage has a care amid tne s orin look. This is not his first war, and he has seen years of hardship be- fore lie took the saddle to help put down this rebellion. The young man on his right, George Bruce, has not numbered over three-and- twenty years of life : there is no shadow on his bright brow, no care in the dancing light of his keen black eye, and were it not for the :car of a sabre-cut, which has left a livid mark across his right cheek from the brow to the chin, his face would be pronounced faultlessly liandsomoe. His figure is a marvel of strength and beauty ;tamt his expression dletnotes a fearless spirit and a superahund- ance of fun in his nature. Ills long black hair curls naturally about his neck and shoulders, and shines glossily in the light of the blazing camp-fire. He has a art of a broiled chicken in one hand, a hard biscuit in the other, and on the ground before him smokes his tin cup of coffee. On the left of the Sergeant sits another roman, John Dolan, who is probably a little older than Bruce-at any rate, he looks more sage and serious. You would say at a glance that the Churc had lost a preacher when he chose the sabre of steel in lieu of the "sword of the Gospel". His light-brown hair was cut short, revealing a well-shaped head and a very high and broad forehead. His features were large and strongly indica- tive of a very firm, resolute, and serious character. His frame was stout and mascu- line, his height a little less than that of either of his immediate c impanions. IHe also, like them, was occupied with his supper, eating slowly, and talking in his usual slow way while he ate. "Sergeant," said he, speaking so slow that it seemed as if utterance was a labor, "do you mean to stay here all night ?"' "Pretty nearly, if there is no alarm from the outpost!" replied Clifford. "We've had a long ride to-day, and the horses had a pret- ty hard run when we had to skedaddle down there at (Jarsville. If there had been only a squadron instead of a full battalion of Rebs, I would rather have fought them than to have run our horses so hard. But twenty men against four hundred is rather too great odds even for the Rifles ! I want to let the horses rest a few hours, if possible, for we may have another run iif we beat up their pickets at Zuni to-morrow!" "Well, I am sure I had rather rest thiam ride to-night ' said Dolan. "it wil not be may 'relie' until five o'clock in the morn- ing, and if I sleep until then, I'll feel like a new tian!" "'Well, say your prayers and ground your- self !" said Bruce, with a laugh. " I have to go on guard at ten, and I shant try to sleep till my turn is over t" " If you said ?your prayers oftener, and swor'- less, you'd be m a better way than you are' said Dolan, quietly, as he drank oil the last of his cofee ; and then, taking his blanket from the log upon which lie had been sittiig,he threw it down on the ground and laidim- self upon it, with his feet toward the fire. "I reckon John is right !" said Bruce, with a laugh. "But I never wasmade for a saint. so I must remain a sinner. I've been think- ing half the afternoon where my spirit would be now, if that bullet which ventilated my hat when we came on the Rebels so stid- denly this mornii, had gone three or four inches lower than it did, and made a hole in ny brain-pan !" "You wouldn't have lost any brains if it had !" said Dolan, with a quiet smile on his fakse. lie never indulged in anything nearer to a laugh. "Now, John, that is positively cruel cried Bruce, in an affectedly lachrymose I LIFE IN TIlE SADDLE. tone, "I can bear- anything better than twit- ished their suppers, and to water then at a ting on ftcts. pool near by, and then to lie down and rest Getting nothing further from Dolan, Bruce as much as they could, for he meant to move turned to the Sergeant and asked whether he from their present position an hour before thought that that their sympathetic friends in daylight ; also to look carefully to their arms, the North could realize the hardships which and to bridle their horses alter they had fed they were enduring. and'taken water, so as to be ready for any- - Nothing but broiled pig, roast turkey, thing that might happen in the night. ditto goose, ditto chicken, and plenty ot coffee He had but just given these orders when and apple-jack to swim thema in !" said he, thesound of bugles and drums could be heard with a sigh. '"IIard tack und roasted sweet distinctly in the distance to the West. It was potatoes, too, for a relief. But the butter; the music of the Rebels, beating their nine- -none of that! If a GoShenite was here, he o'clock " tattoo". might forget himself and swear a little if Dolan wasn't awake to (heck him! I think CHAPTE R II. I must send home to my lady-friends for A short time after the ' tattoo" and "taps" some preserves and poundeake. It's a pity had been heard from the Rebel cami), the two that they can't box up some ice-cream for us. sentinels who had been poste~l out by the I think the unsanitary Comnuission ought to road, having been relieved by Bruce and an- sup)ly us with ices and ioman punch. Ill other man, came in. write on to Uncle Abraham and tell hind we " Ias anythingoccurred since you were on need such things sadly. % e've been ten- post of importance ?" asked Clifford, as the ierly brought up, and this sudden transition mencame to him to report. trom whipped sy liabub to-" - " A mounted man rode by us from the "Blast it, you 11 he a whipped silly bub, if direction of the Rebel lines, at full speed, VoU dion t tie up your tongue and let me go about an hour ago," replied one of the men. to slcep t' grow led Daolan. raising his head " You ga-c us orders not to fire, you know, iou under his blanket with an angry jerk, on any account ; and as we could not stop -There, there, pirdon ! Don't get out of him in any other way, we let him go without patience. Remember Job and his boils, and hailing him !" don t you boil over !" said Bruce, with a "That was right. ie may have been a lauteh. " Look yonder, your horse has got deserter, or perhaps-as it is shorter across bv lk rilht lore-foot fast!!" this road than down the other bank Ol the Dola sprung to his feet and hurried to river-they may have sent a courier onsoeni look after his horse. lie came back in a business across to Franklin, or some othe- minute. looking as mad as his good-nature post toward the mouth of the river. Could tver would let him look, you see the man distinctly ?" George lruce!" sai he, " if you 1e- "No ; his horse showed plainly, being a tiged to the inhmtntry, or atnythingbut the white, or light gray, but he went by so like a ti Ititi d,1 dutid it ashyou till you was clash that we could hardly see tire shape oh' blnd l' him. He was armed, for we could hear thu , -W\\hy, whaton earth is the matter t"asked rattle of his sabre !" George, the very picture of innocence, in " Well, let him go. I'll put a couple of looks as well as tome-. the boys on his track when dayi ght comes" " \\Why, you said my horse had a foot- fast, said the Sergeant. "Get your suppers n and there he stands all right-" - turn in, I've had your horses attended to SThe isn't every toot he has got fast to while you were on post the leg above it ' asked George, triumph- [he men were hungry and needed l!.tle mnly. urging. "TIhunder!. Wyl can't you take some And now, reader, we will follow this time, for your joke; a hen a felow isn't tired strange horseman, and see wo and what bc tad seepy or n d w i h "Because then lie is apt to be too lazy to On, with a speed which no stranger would appreciate them!1" said George. be apt to keep in a dark night on a road But go to sleep now, John ; I'll disturb with which lhe was not acquainted, the ma' you no more. It is nearly time fot me to go spurred his horse. The houses were tw on guard. Sleep soundly, my boy, for no that he passed, and inhabited only by women iattubuitious lb shall disturb your slum- and children, for the men in that section had hers while Ilm on post. all cilher volunteered for or been drafted into And George began to examine his arms, to the Rebel Array. Some few old and worth- *re that they sere in order for duty. less negroes still remained, but all that were The Sergeant now told his man to rub good for anything had either escaped into down their horses as1 soon as they had tin- the Federal lines, where they were sure o1 i page: 6-7[View Page 6-7] (3 LIFE IN TIE SADDLE. naed employment, or had been sent ornament nor dress to enhance it. He figure, , ihe far South, to be used on Rebel tortili- though petite, was graceiul even to periec- etI a or kept out of Yankee hands. tion. No sculptor would have looked further A ;ing the little village of Windsor, for a model of beauty after having seen her. ;":13 t .-metimes a Federal force came out to Ier eyes were very large, jetty black, and of .ol a night in reconnoisance, the horse- that liquid look which tells of slumberinf 1.m1 took a by-path through the woods to passion-eyes which could melt with love, r Sr 'ht, and 'did not resuine the main road tiash like lightning if' the volcanic tire of ni it u:er he had crossed the Petersburg & anger once raged in her bosom. No 2:k lailroad, a hl:df mile to the east- The blonde would have been called hanl- r of Windsor. Atler getting on the Suf- some anywhere ; but the brunette would ?k roil again, he rode about a mile further, have been pronounced ravishingly beautifi f tI.n. turning to a lone which led toward by any assembly into which she could hi o., " h m 11me mansion i the left hand of the been introduced. -!,he apu:iir l !an ordinary gate. lIe And yet she was but an octoroon, a slave, -i p)e to diin'maunt und open it ; but the property of Mr. Barrett, that whi- "4'g his hor..e i ihlithe spur, the noble haired old planter, whose son, a major in the' -n, v ithi a Iap wli hel hFPke well for its First Virginia Rebel Cavalry, was now loo ;- S 1 and t uiing ant his horsemuanship, ing through the window. S"t.1it galotivy. IIe theii galloped up to " By Jove, Elise has grown into a perfuet :. 'lvi heie were lights in the house, woman since I saw her last !" lie muttered, - -hi shiov, ed that the inmates had not yet as he gazed intently at the young octoroon. S1, thmou-h it was mnow near ten o'clo-k. " She is a smnrt slit lhandsoumer than my mantoshiow irag a knwledhe of the sister Delia. It wili never do to leave tier .mimi es, role directl ' to the stables in the here for the Yankees to carry her oIl 1 r +f the house, oil put his horse into one reckon I'll have to take her to Richemnl t h stlls, not removing his bridle or with me if we have to fall back from tlh- hit but slightly slacking his girths to en- Blackwater, as we will if the Yankees mi. lhe"tim to stand more at ease. vance, as they seem likely to do up the soy?; it ( done, hue rem'rned to the house, and bank of the James River. But I may as well ileithe tront steps, looked from the go in and see how the folks are, for 1 mnust lit H -A ii -'e4h one of the windows at a group back before daylight. Six or seven mtil's i in thesittingroom. lIe saw with rather too near the Yankee pickets for my i n-". htintiit there Were no strani- safety I," a thmoum, and o expressed himself in W hen he said this, the Major very quietly mib l unur1. opened the door and entered' the hallwhir li T a: x -.3 a m:m dressed as wealthy ule to the sittinig-roomi. That- he also censri- ±1 ;-. u;uali e are in that region, whost without knocking, or giving any premonitory, n iti eair i unit vi inked face betokened his sign of his presence. The family were itr-i" :dvmnta -Iat. An elderly matron who sat moment almost dumb with surprise, but jay i-ar him, cx identilly wa his witf, and from in an instant sat resplendent on every I o mlimity fci t atiurc, a ine-looking lady but one in that room ; and the sister, wthi a ml t \win - or perhaps twenty-two or three wild, glad cry, sprang to her feet and rudeh i ar(of 1 cge-probably his daughter. sat read- into her brother's open arms ; and t1b tn e ne ur iheim. in a corner of the room, father and mother hastened to press ht;u ,. e wing by a separate light at a small table, by the hand, and to greet him as a son who at a ung girl whose'features were much absence had been felt and mourned. like uloue of thie young lady just spoken of- When this was done, the Major turned ti tdia'e-al and heautiful in the extreme. Uut look for and to speak to Elise, the octorin, ~ih c blest of the young ladies was a blonde; who, as the favorite servant and maid toi t) tie otler, who did not look to be over six- sister, generally sat in the room with th -u-mn, a clear ani brilliant brunette. The amitnily. But she had left the room. An il hair of the first was a sunny brown, almost had he seen the look of loathing which (ntl-' -:t en in the highit of the astral lamp near upon her face when he entered, anid ii ie-t i-ie v as :u emd. haste with which she rose and left wlht a i The hair, oni silken lashes, and delicate came in, lie might have thought that il Su -brews of the other were as dark as night, presence was, to say the least, repugnanaut uiul glossy, too, as the hue of a young raven's her.- wing. 'ihie hair, slightly inclined to curl, "Where has Elise gone, I wonder:" h" was wound about her splendidly-shaped hdad asked, when he noted her absence. like a Orceian coift She wore no ornaments "'To her room, I suppose I" said 1)-ti' like the other lady, her dress was much more carelessly.- "it is later than her usual bed plain; but her startling beauty needed neither time, but she has been doing some sewing fay LIFE IN TIH me which kept her up. I have no need of her services in my room at night, though she always dresses me in the morning." "1 a afraid, if you and our folks intend to remain here on the old place much longer, that you'll have to do without her services and ihat of nl the rest of the niggers that are woith anything !" said the Major. " Why so? io without Elise 'No, brother. I could not do that-she is as necessary to me as my food. I couldn't dress myself de- c'ently without her aid. She always does up my hair and makes my dresses ; and though her mother is very handy at washing and ironing, and better as a house-servant than any woman in the county, she never was half so smart or handy as my Elise. Oh no ; I can never part with her !" " But we expect that the Yankees will move up this way in force soon ; and if they do, and we have to fall back to our fortified lines, then what will become of Elise and the rest of the hands ?" "Why, brother, the Yankees have been here, pass here on scouts every day or two; and as we profess to be neutral, they never interfere with us !" "Because they have not done so yet, is no sign that they never will. They have taken nggers and freed them wherever they've taken possession ; and it is not likely they'd leave a girl that is as pretty as Elise long un- noticed, especially if they find out that she is a slave! Our Commanding General told me she other day that if he saw any sure signs that the enemy meant to advance in force, he should sweep the country of niggers and horses before he fell back. I think that you'd better all go to Richmond. You can at least save our slave-property, and be free from the annoyance of Yankee intrusion. For they'll never see Richmond as conquerors while old Bob Lee is alive!" "I cannot leave this plantation, and my till and barns, and this house and all its fur- niture !" said the elder Mr. Barrett. "If I left the house and place alone, it would be desolated and burned in less than a week. But while I am here, and profess to be strictly neutral, they will touch nothing of mine. They have not meddled with my negroes so Sar, and I do not believe they ever will!" "If they don't, your niggers will hear all too soon that they will get their freedom, and, be paid for work, if they go to the Yankees. And then you know you can't keep them !" "Well, it may be so, my son-it may be so. if I thought it would, I would send all the valuable hands further South right away!" "I would, father, if I were in your place. But Ill tell you more in the morning, for I mean to hide away with you for two or three, E SADDLE. 7 days to rest myself. I did think of returning to-night, but I have a three-days' leave from camp, and I think I'll stay it out. My horse stands saddled and bridled in the stable. I think I'll take off his trappings and hide them, and then turn him out to forage in the back lot, where he'll not be noticed. Atter that I turn him in, for I am about half-worn out !" Very well, my boy. We will take good care of you. You had better take the little room inside of your sister's bedroom, for no Yankee officer would be so ungallant as to go through her room to search for you--at least such Yankees as I have met so far; would not!" "Very well, father. I'll put out my horse, and then retire !" "Why don't you let me call one of the nig- gers to do it for you ?" "Because, father, the infernal blacks are so careless that I dare not trust them with the knowledge that I am here. It must be kept from them, especially from the common hands! They are always gabbing to stran- gers! "Well, I suppose it will be best. I wish the infernal war was over. I was clearing a good five thousand a year before it broke out, and now I can't pay expenses. And there's Doctor Glover, my first cousin, down at Cedar, Point, almost ruined by it. Seventy of his niggers have gone into Norfolk to the Yan- kees ; and his pretty daughter Annie, that you used to think so much of, has actually had to do the housework for her father. 'I he poor old man is near crazy with grief at his losses 1' "No wonder. We used to take such a pride in his place. But he half deserves it ; for I remember, if you don't, that lie voted against secession when the Old Dominion went out of the Union." "So would I have done then, it it hadn't been for you military hot-heads.. I told you then that the war would desolate our State and ruin us all ; but you laughed at me, and said that the Yankees would never, ight or dare to cross Mason and Dixon's line. But you see they have. And we are getting weaker every day ; our money isn't worth anything, provisions are getting scarce, and there is no end to their money or to the men they can call into the field !" "Just wait till England and France recog- nize us, father. Then they will put in an armed interference, and the poor Yanks will be nowhere !" "Yes, when England and France do reco- nize us. But neithb you nor I, my son, will live to see that day. But go and put out your horse, for I see you are tired and need rest!' e i . page: 8-9 (Illustration) [View Page 8-9 (Illustration) ] 8 LIFE IN THE SADDLE. The Major Faid no more, but a flush of im- to eat, and good houses to live in. And then patience wavs on his face when he went out. he said, little thinking that I heard him, that he was afraid his niggers would find it out, CHAPTER III. and all leave him too!" When Elise, the octoroon, left the family " De Lord, child ! Is you sure 'bout that ?" sitting-room, she did not ;co to her chamber "Yes, mother. And'I've heard it before us Mis Barret had supposed she would. She fronm other sources !" went directly to a room which adjoined the "'Well, I do believe that the year of jubilek kitchen, in which an elderly woman sat, who is coming! I hope it is, for I'c like to bemy was but a little darker than herself; though own woman just for a little while before I her hair having more curl, and her features 'lied. And I'd agree to die in two hours to a little more flatness, betrayed more evidently ge you free and'your own lady. For yo'are hIr Ethiopian descent. The woman, who just as good, and as handsome too. as any looked to be about forty, had evidently been lady that ever walked in prunella." very handsome, for one of her class, in her " I wish that I was not handsome, mother," younger days ; but hard labor, and perhaps sail Elise, with a sigh. " Beauty is a curse -trief, had left marks upon her which could to any one in my position. I wish that I had not be effaced, and it was evident that all of died long ago, dear mother. I somniuet the beauty which had been left to her was think that I will kill myself." fast fading away. But at a glance her rela- "Child, child, don't you talk so! Youl11 lionship to the lovely young girl, who entered scare the life out of me." the room, could be seen. " But, mother, I am so wretched. - I wish " What is the matter, child ?" she asked, Miss Delia had never taught me to read and when Elise cane in. " You're all of a trem- write. I often read things which make ute ble ! You look as if you'd done seen a very unhappy. Read of a pure and hUy ghost !" love which never can he mine--never. for [ "I wish it had been a ghost intead of' him am hut a svtye. And who but a slave c:Inh alive, mother, that I had seen !" said the girl, wed a slave " with a shudder. "When the year of jubilee comes, eiil. "Hiim! whom do you mean. child ?" you'll be free-yes, free as thes birds ti.t IIy "'Why the Major, Master Bill. 1l has just toward heaven!" tome home! And I suppose he'll be acing " Ah me, mother. I fear that the yea r (f to me as lie tried to before lie went away. jubilee will never como for your ph: when lie made me hate him so that I could Elise !" have killed him. If lie ever tries to kiss me "Yes it will, child-yes it will. I fe1 0lf again, I will kill him : see if I don't !" my bones, that I do. This war is to Ibr'' 3 o And her great black oyes flashed with an along, I know it is. ,The Yankees )rite rie'0a angry fire, that told full well that she wias in doma with 'em 'wherever they conae ! :arnest and meant ill she said. done heard that from folks tit kt now ! " Child, child, you mus'n't talk so. If they about it. You'll be free, child, and be h appu was to hear you, they'd go and sell you off and your old mother will live to see it." south ; and 'twould break my heart to lose "Ah,nmother, 'tis but a dream of y s you, YoU know it would !" see nothing but darkness before me : A "Well, lie has no business in making love Master Bill-you know not how t fear hn. to me. Let him go to his white ladies. He I know his nature. his eyes seem to ted1 can't marry me, you know !" upon me when he looks at roe, and th'eha In course not. Cause you belong to his dared things already, which terrify et even father, who is your father, too, and he knows to think of. But, mother, I will remaiin iure It. Why, you're his half sister, child. If you -or I will die!" was free, lie wouldn't dare to marry you t" "The good Lord hlp you. poor chili! " I know that, mother. And I hate him, Nobody e;e can or will, for we can't he p for he means me no ood. I wish the Yan- ourselves ! I know that from the time w le" kces would come and take us both off, so I I was yontmgr than you, and almost i alute; do'' soe !" " Child, child, you 'stoniah me! Mater " Mother, may 1 not stay and sleep tere 'ays they'd sell us away off in Cuba if theyI with you while ho is here Y" asketf ir got us?'I tearfully. -.I'm afraid to stay alone in y "Yes, mother, he sayJ s so to frighten us. room when he is in the house t" But I heard him say that all of Doelor " Yin, you can stay here. my echi. lie Glover's hands--men, women, andchildren-- won't dare to come here to work you harmt. had gone ofF to Norfolk, and got free, and He won't stay about lon'tither, for the Yan- were working among the Yankees for good key'Army is too close to uN. They'd pooni pay and had nice clothes to wear, andipwnty have him ii' thty knew he'wtt here ; and if hn, page: 10-11[View Page 10-11] Ii tI IE SADDLE. 11 LIFE IN THe offers to do you hurt, they shall know it. You just feel easy, child. Your old mother would die for you! Don't fret any more- l'll watch over you like an eagle over its nest !" "'Thank you, dear mother. I will'trust in von and the good God that I read of in my Ibble. When 1 said I was sorry Miss Delia had taught inc to read, I was very wrong; for when I'real in that good 3ook, I find some comfort. There is a star in the east, and from it cometh light to those who seek and deserve it!" *That's true, child ! Now get ready for bed, for it is getting late !" CHAPTER IV, The night passed away without any cause of disLurbance or alarm to the Federal scouts in their well-concealed bivouac. An hour or two before daylight, the Sergeant in command quietly aroused his men and bade them feed their horses and get their own breakfasts, so as Lo ho ready for a start at the very dawn of day. Quickly the ration of oats was given to each horse in his nose-bag, and then the men ha ened to cook their own coffee and meat. They had enjoyed something which they sel- dora got-an uninterrupted night's rest ; and now woke with good appetites for another t hin; which they did not always have-a hot and a plentiful breakfast. Thn broiling of fowls and meat before the iLrL' and hot lire, and the boiling of the cof- fe-ration did not take them a great while, nr did their meal occupy quite as much time as a gourmand would waste over a din- ncr at Deinonico's. In less than half an her, the "nmatutinal meal" was properly at tended to, and then the horses were biidled and saddle-girths tightened, ready for a start. A canteen of hot coffee and a ration of meat and riead were prepared for the two men who stool guard on the outpost; and then the party mounted and rode quietly out to the rot, leading out the horses of the two men staieOned there. It re the party halted while the guards ate th a breakiast and answered the questions wlieh Cliflord had to ask. The man who h ode by on the previous evening had not r"t.rned, nor had anyone else gone by. Citl'ord carefully examined the tracks tea e by the horse of the man who had pass- ci m the night. te can easily be followed," he said, after h1' had looked along the track for a few rods. 'T'he horse had large feet and Was only shod i'he fore-feet !" he added. Il° then called the two young men whom w e iiily described in the first chapter- Uruce anA Dolan-to hi:- side, and said . "Boys, I am going to send you on detached and important duty. You arc well fitted for it ; for you, Bruce, have the impetuosity of a whirlwind, while Dolan is as cold as marble and all as firm. I want you to follow the tracks of the horseman who passed la;st night -you can see them very plainly. If it is possible to overtake him outside of the Rebel lines, po it, and carry hin to our head-quar- ters. Lake him dead or alive, if you can do it without too great risk to yourselves. I ex- pect, if nothing happens to us, to reach camp with the rest of the boys by sunset or a little after. I hope to find you there., I know you well enough to feel assured that I shall not hear of you retreating from less than a half- dozen Rebs, and that they will never carry you to Richmond as prisoners while you have a cartridge left, or an arm strong enough to raise a sabre ! Good-bye, and God bless you!." "Thanks I" cried both of the young men as they vaulted into their saddles. "We will deserve your good opinion, Sergeant. The name of the Rides shall never suffer through our misconduct !" Ant then, with their eyes on the well- defined track and their spurs to their horses' hinks, they bounded out of sight in a mo- ment. "Now, men, look to your arms ; by twos to, the right-march! Within twenty min- utes we shall see the pickets at Blackwater Bridge. One volley will scatter them as we dash for the Zuni Road ; and if they're not fools enough to follow us, well have little to do but to keep an easy pace. with our horses until we take a look at Zuni. Thbre, we inay have some work if they get any haint from signals, as they have done before, that we are coming ! Keep your horses in hand, and be ready for a rush-we've got to go by the bridge-pickets in a hurry, for we'll be in range of their ritle-pits for near two hundred yards! Steady now, and look sharp I" Without a word, hooking up their sabres so that their clanging could not be heard, with unslung carbines in their right hands, the gallant scouts now moved on in a compact cohimn of twos ; the Sergeant, as usual with him, taking the advance. The morning was clear, and a gentle breeze stirred the leafy branches on either side of them, and gave fresh vigor both to man and beast. For a mile and a half they rode on in silence, keeping the direct road toward Black- water Bridge. Then they descended into a small ravine, through which ran a clear stream of water not more; than six or eight inches in depth. Beyond this stream the road led abruptly over a steep bluff, the banks of which on either side of the road were too steep to be passable for man or Least. I page: 12-13[View Page 12-13] 'I 12 LIFE IN THE SADDLE. " What a magnificent place to plant a bat- "None of you hurt, thank Icaron !"he tery in the road there !" said Clifford, in a said, as tie inspected his party, while ti low tone. "If the 'Rebs' had that point rode more leisurely along. "I hardly th in guarded with a couple of guns and a single the Rebels got otf so easy, for they ere w company of infantry, no brigade of ours grouped we could not miis them all ! could farce the position ; for both the rear " No ; I saw full a halfido/.cn down when and the flanks of the bluff are secured, as I I fired !" said the rearniust moan of the p;rw.' know, by an impassable swamp. Were our " They owe me a new l2a, Sergeant-thmev've Army to advance, the ' Rebs' never would put two ballholes through the crown of this fail to guard this point. Halt, men, and one !" water your horses here. We are within a "Only ventilhte:1 it, Potter !' sail the quarter of a mile of their picket-post; and Sergeant, with a laugh. "I hope we'll have when we rise the hill yonder, we have got to as good luck in pamiug Zmi ! By thunder, ride as if the devil was after us ! Remember they're firing signal-guns at the Bridge. -one flying volley as we go by-take the I'll bet a new lit agiainst your ol l one, that right when you see Inc turn, and don't stop to they're giving the Zuni frceo inf omatiot look back. It' aiy of you should get hit, that we are on tiiis roa:l, and thmeil cross which is not likely if we go fast and take over there to try to bag us. We mu'ut push them by surprise, you must cling to your on, boys; for the sooner we ps that cursed horses till we get well out of their way, and hole the better for us. if they run their rail- then I'll attend to you as well as I can. Now road-battery down from Ivor. we wilt be forward at a trot; watch my hand, and when sure to get shelled when we cro the ral- I draw my pistol push forward at a run, with- road, even if they have no flrce over to in- out breaking ranks, and fire low when you ttercept us !" see the enemy !" " suppose they do have a force in the There was no reply, but Sergeant Clifford . road, what then' " asked one of the mni- . knew that his orders had been heard, and "We must cut our way tluough it re- would be obeyed to the letter. plied the Sergeant, quietly. " You know On at a steely trot over the hill--on for a that it is all swamp on the right of the rol. hundred yards or more through a grove of and no way for us to get through it. If they tall pines over a sandy track, and then plain- do try to stop us, we must use the steel in ly ahead, and close at hand, could be seen our hands and that at our heels too. 'T'he the Rebel nuard at their picket-station; and best swordsman and the boldest rider will beyond tliem still more Rebels, grouped have the best chance. Forward steadily, about their rifle-pits on the opposite bank of boys ; we may be in a bad scrape, but I (doubt the rivar. if it be worse than some we have cut our way A wild, startling cheer broke from the lips out of!" of the scouts, and'they dashed on as if in full The men had reloaded their carines as charge upon the pickets of the enemy. they rode on, and now moved ft ward - A moment more, and when they were ready for more work if it offered. within a hundred yards of the gray-coated soldiery, time Sergeant raised his pistol and, CIIAPTER V. firing a shot into the group, suddenly turned It was an unusually early hour for her his horse, at a sharp angle, into a road which young mistress to arise, when Eli-e h+:arl led to the right, in a northerly course ; and the silver bell tinkle in the room of Mis with lightning-speed his men followed, each Delia Barrett, and knew thereby that the firing as lie made the turn. young lady wished her aid in dres-sing. It Time astouikimed Rebels fired a feeble and was not more than seven o'clock ; and very scattering volley, but the scouts swept away seldom indeed did time languid daughter Of out of sight like clouds in a squall, not a man the Sunny South leave her bed helbre eioimt of them touehed, or mimte o'clock, often iot until ten. Not On-on at the highest rate of speed which because, as city belles do, she hind tiuned his horses could stand. lhie Sergeant led night into day, by late or rather earl' leary his men for the next five miles, and then he at balls, operas, etc., but because she' ;euer- drew rein and gave his horses time to ally read novels until long after mmi 1' -hin, breathe. For lie had reached a deep and until she slept from very weariness of tra swift creek, whose marshy banks would not and eyesight. But on this occasion she h I allow of its being either swam or forded, and not touched her novels-the excitement of which, having crossed on the only bridge it her brother's return from the Army ha i had, lie made a means of securing hinmselt kept hey mind busy while awake, aulkeu-t from inmmediate pursuit, by throwing time her dreaming while asleep. And whr.n "he planks off time bridge and otherwise render- woke from a startling dream, in which she lug it iumpa able for others who might follow. fancied him a prisoner in Federal hande she LIFE IN THE SADDLE. 13 found the sun shining in at her chamber- and hurriedly followed Elise from tlhe room. window, and feeling anxious to see more of When he reached his sister's apartment, by Y her brother, he rung to be dressed at tha the direction of the girl, he sprung into the unusually early hour. middle of the great downy bed, and in an f Elise, dressed plainly, but as neatly as instant the tumbled covering was drawn possible, came in a moment after the bell over him, with apparent carelessness, but in ium; . such a manner as to show no signs of his I)id you wish rue, Miss Delia ?" she said, being there. inI li r lOw, musical tone. Then Elise, who knew that no time was to -- Ye, Eisewant to dress. I have passed be lost, raised her young mistress ito her night long. And such dreams-1 never wish long hair about her shoulders, seized a bottle to dream again !" of cologne and bathed her temples, applying Etise made no reply, but hastened to pour the pungent spirit plentifully also to he- lips out water in the bowl of white China, and and nostrils. placing it and towels and perfumed soap on The effect was almost instantaneous. She on a small dressing-table to which a stand- opened her eyes, recovered her senses, and, ing looking-glass was affixed, she moved it looking wildly around her, asked in a up to the bedside, wjiere her mistress was whisper: ,. tting "Where is my brother have they cap- : It is not for me, who really know nothing tured himY" rf such things, to describe the mysteries of " No, Miss Delia ; and if you are brave and the young lady's toilet, or the skillful mn- calm they will not. Ie is hidden there'"- istradons of her handmaid-let it suffice, and she pointed with her hand to the spot-- that, at the end of a half-hour or a little "beneath the covering of your bed. Let me more time perhaps, the young lady was coin- partially disarrange your dress. -lThen 1 will pletely dressed and ready to descend into the be busy at your hair, and they will not come tamily-room, where Major Barrett was en- in here if they are gentlemen, even if they tertaining his father and mother with a should search the house !" history of his various exploits in the Rebel "Gentlemen ! You speak as if a.Yankee service, could be a gentleman !" said the Southern Miss Delia had just cast a glance of smile lady, ii a tone of bitter sarcasm. "But you iag satisteetion at the reflection of her really have concealed him well, Elise--I would superb figure in the glass before her, and never think he could be so completely hid- Ehse was about opening the window to air den in that bed. I will play my part well if the room, when, with a cry of terror, she the vandals should dare to come to this ' Pointed down the lane which led from the room, and I will die before they shall have main rowl to the house. Two mounted men, him !" in the well-kuown uniform of Federal Cay- "Then be calm, Miss Delia, while I am dry, were riding at full speed toward the engaged on your hair. I hear your father house. talking to the men below, and from his tone O 0God, my brother! My dream-my I think that they are insisting upon a search dream-he will be captured and perhaps of the house. You look too pale and ner- killed ! Elise, save him-save him!" ,vous, will you not let me pour out a glass of And the lady sunk fainting to the floor, wine for you? t" Elise did not pause to assist her lady then; "No, Elise-dash some more of that hut, bounding from the chamber, was in a strong cologne over my face and head. m'w seconds in the family-room. That will bring back the color. I will be "Two Yankee soldiers are almost at the calm in a moment ; and if they dare to come door !" she cried. "if the Major does not here, anger will flush my face enough. Oh, I hide quickly, he will be captured !" I hate thoso (ankees with such a deadly Hide where? If they are on my track I hatred, that I could poison myself if the aa lost !" cried the Major, so alarmed that same draught would kill them all! il presence of mind seemed to have left him. "Why, Miss Delia? Did they ever do you , nuMiss Delia's bed. They will not any harm?" think of looking there, if they are gentle- "Me-me? No; for I never associated men, and she has just got up. I can pretend with such scum. I am a Virginian girl-- to be dressing her, and they will not disturb heart, soul, and body ! But they are trying a lady so engaged !" to destroy our Southern rights, take our (ro-go my son. Elise is right ! Quick, slaves from us, make us beggars ! my boy! I will throw them off the scent!" "What do they do with the slaves, Mis- sud Mr. Barrett. tress?" asked Elise, still in ii quiet tone, as it' The Major required no further persuasion she hardly noted what she was saying. I " i. f ° page: 14-15[View Page 14-15] p 14 LIFE IN THE SADDLE. " Set them free, to be sure ? Make them' a great mistake. There is not a person be- their equals, they say ! Oh, it is enough to I sides my own family and servants in this make a saint swear, to think of it I But we'll ! house, I assure you. I am willing to take my soon whip the cowards back to their ice- oath upon the Bible that there is not. You bound homes. They will not long be may not be aware that I am strictly neutral allowed to pollute the sacred soil of Virginia. in this war, and that I am on very friendly 1f I had my way, not one of them should terms with your commanding officer, General even be buried in it. I would burn their Peck. Your own Colonel has done inc the carcases and let them evaporate on the honor to call and drink wine with me, Sir; breath of the hurricane. Oh if I was only a and it would be entirely out of the question man, I would help to drive the ruffians back to think that I would break my pledge of to their dens, or crush them forever. One neutrality 1" Southern man is more than a match for a " Do you mean to say, Sir, that a man riding dozen of the puny wretches !" on a white horse,.and coming from the Rebel "Then had 1 not better uncover your lines on the Blackwater, did not come to brother, Miss Delia, and let him go and kill your house last night ?" asked Bruce, impetu- them two Yankees who are making so much ously. "If you do say so, I shall have to be noise down stairs. If lie is a match for a under the disagreeable necessity of telling you dozen, two will give him no trouble what- that you utter a falsehood. And if you feel ever !" in the least aggrieved by the terms I use, I will And Elise started as if she intended to render you any personal satisfaction that you withdraw the covering from the Rebel may require, after we have unkenneled the Major. man we are looking for. I always hold my- "Girl-girl! Stir not on your life ! Are self responsible for any language that I use !" vou mad? 1)o you think lie would disgrace "I have no quarrel with you, Sir, and wish himself-he a coniunissioned officer in the none. I have assured you, and I now reiter- Confederate service-by having a combat ate it, that there is no stranger, and iota per- with two miserable priate Yankee soldiers? son beside my own family in the house, ex- His sword is kept for better blood ! No-no ; cepting only yourselves !" let him remain hidden. The wretches shall " seems to me, Sir, that I have heard be- seek for him in vain. All they want, I ex- to l hen passing your house, that you had pect, is plutner. Take and lock dp my a son in the Confederate Army. Perhaps wardrobe and my jewelry-case. Be quick, you speak the truth when you say that there for I hear them coming up stairs 1" is no one in the house not belonging to your family, and yet your Rebel son may be, and ChIAP ITER I.most likely is, here !' said Dolan, his eye seeming to read the very heart of the old be- The Rebel Major had barely ascended to cessionist. the chamber of his sister, when his hither There was a momentary pallor on the face heard the heavy knock of the Federal soldiers of Mr. Barrett, which told that the arrow shot at his door. at random had struck home. Dolan observed Going to the door, lie opened it; and, with it, and added: a well-affected look of surprise, asked the sol- "We do not wish to be rude or unnecesa. diers what they wished. rily troublesome. If your sont will surrender "We wish to see the man who came here himself peaceably, we will with all kindness from the Blackwater last night !" said one of conduct him as a prisoner of war to our head- the men. 'We are scouts from the New quarters, where he can soon be exchanged for York Mounted titles, and men who don't sonic of our men in Confederate hands!" bear much triling. My name is Bruce, and "And if' lie don't surrender, and oiers re- my friend's name is Dolan !" sistance, lie 11 get an ounce conical ball "Gentlemen, I will be glad to do anything through his carcass !" said Bruce, touching for you that I can. I have heard your regi- the ritle which he held in his hand. ment highly spoken of. Its members are said "I tell you I know nothing about my son !". to be gentlemen, and I shall always treat said Mr. Barrett, in a dogged, sullen tone. them as such. If you will come in I will "And if you do annoy my family, 1 will re- have some breakfast got for you !" said Mr. port your conduct to my particular friend, Barrett, smoothly. your Commanding-General "Thank you, old gentleman, but we break- "Report to the devil, or his friend, old Jets fasted long ago. We only want aim introduc- Davis, for all we care !" said Bruce, angrily. Lion to the person whose track we have fol- "We know you ve got a Rebel stowed away lowed from the Rebel lines to this house !" in your old crib here, and it we find him it said Dolan, in his usual quiet but firm tone. will be the worse for you. Dolan, if you'll " Really, Sir, you must be laboring under stay here and guard the old main, and look out f LIFE IN THE SADDLE. 15 for any attempt to escape by the front door, Miss Barrett, who had heard every word that I'11 search the house froms top to bottom." had been spoken. "Very well, George," said Dolan. "I'll "I would not go down at all," said Eliso, ust take the old gentleman out to the front- quietly. "He seems to be very much of a stoop, where I can guard our horses, as well gentleman ; let nie finish dressing you, then as keep-an eye on him. If you hear the crack throw a shawl on, and pretend to be nervous of my revolver, you may know you're wanted and ill, and let himsearch the room while out here." . ou are here. lHe will not search so strictly, "'And if you hear the crack of mine inside, amsure, when we are both here ; for lie is you may know that you're not wanted there ; very courteous in his manners, and would be tor I never miss anything I draw a bead on," handsome if it were not for a terrible scar on saidi Bruce, with a laugh. his cheek. I suppose the poor follow got it And then bidding Mrs. Barrett to remain in battle." seated while he searched, he began a system- "Poor fellow I Elise, on my word, I be- stic search of every room, beginning on the hieve you feel a sympathy for these cursed first floor. Yankees! I wish the cut had been on his Of course, lie found nothing thiere,gso matter throat, instead of his cheek ! how keenly lie searched. He next ascended "No matter how I feel now, Miss-Delia-I e to the second story, the heruse being but two- want to save your brother if I can !" said stored. . . Elise, as a flush of pain darkened her cheek. When he went into the second story, he "I know it, Elise-I spoke too harshly. found the first room that he came to closed. Had I not better throw myself on the front of Upon attempting to open it, he discovered that the bed, as if I felt really unwell ?" it was fastened inside. "No, Miss Delia, that might lead him to Having his pistol drawn, he did not hesitate think you had lain down purposely to con- to knock and demand immediate admittance, ceal some one in the bed. If you sit near it, t ir he felt almost certain that that room con- it will be enough. And if he asks who sleeps tained the object of his search. in the inner room, tell him it was me ; for The door opened, and he started suddenly your brother's bed is just as he left it. I hate back ; for instead of seeing, as he expected, a to tell a falsehood, but to save life I do not man in Rebel uniform, with whom he might think it is very wrong. instantly be engaged in a death-struggle, lie ,"A lie is as good as the truth for a Yankee !" saw something infinitely more dangerous to said the young lady, bitterly. "If I htd a his peace of mind; a young girl, more beau- pistol, I would shoot the wretch myself!" tiful, he thought on the instant, than any one " He is armed, Miss Delia ; and I would of her sex that he had ever seen. It was hate, even if he was not, to harm him. ie is Elise, who, leaving her mistress with her a young man, and I am sure he spoke very beautiful tresses spread over her shoulders, kindly ! Some rude men would have come had come to the door to reply to the°sum- right into the room, in spite of our being here, mons. and been all the more rude when they found "What do you wish, Sir ? This is my Ia- nothing but women to oppose them ! dy's room, and I am dressing her; please do "I believe you're in love with the med- not come in before she is dressed," said Elise, dung wretch-you speak so well of him! in a gentle and pleading tone, looking be- Open the door, and let him come in ; 1 want seechingly into his handsome face with her this terrible suspense over. My poor brother dark and lustrous eyes. must be nearly smothered under that load of "Of course not-but I am looking for a bed-clothing I" man who is hidden somewhere in this house. Elise made no reply, but went to the door 1 am too much of a gentleman to intrude and opened it. The cavalryman, who had upon a lady at anmy time, especially when she finished his unavailing search of the other S s engaged in tie sacred mysteries of her toi- roons, stood in the hallway, and, when she while you are engaged. But please say to1 down. the other lady that, as soon as she can do so, I "Miss Delia is very nervous and unwell, wish she would go down to the family sitting- Sir," said Elise, "and begs that you will hot room; for it is my duty-I may add, my un- her stay in her own room, which you can pleasant duty-to thoroughly search every come into and freely search." room in this house." "I dislike to intrude upon her ; but if she Bliss bowed, and closed the door, while prefers remaining, I suppose I must permit Bruce continued his search in the other it. If you and she will give your sacred rooms. word of honor that there is no man concealed " Oh, what shall we do ?If I go down, he in these apartments, I will not search further ; .will surely tind nmy poor brother !" moaned 'for I have too high a respect for your sex to I t page: 16-17 (Illustration) [View Page 16-17 (Illustration) ] 16 LIFE IN THE SADDLE. believe that a lady will deliberately tell a "Then remain here, until I examine the fialschood to a gentleman who treats hcr with stable. The track of that horse entered this honor and courtesy !' said Bruce, as he ad- lane, sure 1" said Dolan. vanced into the room. And as Bruce bowed his assent, Dolan, "You can search as much as you please, carefully examining tracks as he went, pro- Sir. I am a daughter of the South, and ex- ceeded to the stalIes. Ile did not remain pect no favors-tsk none from the enemies of long inside; but when he came out, he saw a he 'onfederacy !" said Miss Barrett, haughti- track which cutWd him to go further on, ly, appearing not to hear, at least not heeding down a narrow lane which led to some tield9 his iier to take their word that no one was nearly hidden troim the house by an orchard. there. lHe was gone some time, and Bruce began I am not the enemy of a lady anywhere, to notice his absence with some impatience. no matter to what section she belongs !" said But a smile lighted his face when he saw . U3ruce, bowing. " I repeat, that my duty is Dolan returning, leading a large and splen- t painful ; you could relieve me from it by a didly-shaped horse, of a snowy white, by a word :'" halter improvised from the sling of his car- ;"Do your duty, Sir ; I have no words for bine. man who wear that uniform. Do your duty ; " Here is the horse that we tracked from and when it is performed, have the kindness the Blackwater this morning-no shoes on t) leave me to myself and my sorrows-for I his hind feet, but newly shod before !" ho am ill !" cried, as he cane in front of the house. " I regret to disturb you, lady ; but your - Perhaps Mr. Barrett can tell us how this own refusal to say that there is no one here, horse, which has been in his stables, came to forces me to do so. Is there not another be in his field ; for I tracked it from the xioom inside of this " lane to the stable, and from the stable to the V Yes, Sir ; a small room where my servant field, where I found it ! leeps. Go in and look at it." " I know nothing about the horse,; it is not Bruce opened the door of the inner room, mine, and I never saw it before in my life !' and saw only a small bedroom, with only a stammered Mr. Barrett, in confusion. Chair and table in it, and a bed, which had "''lien we will confiscate it for regimental evidently been recently slept in. It was use. lie looks like a good one to go, and Lighted by a single window, which enabled will suit me amazingly well," said Dolan. o hun to look over it and under the bed in an Mr. Barrett could make no reply. He had y inuint. denied all knowledge of the horse, and could } No one there !"lhe muttered, as he came not recall his words.y oI, and cast a hasty but a careful glance "it is a pity you could not find a saddle around the room of the young lady. for the horse, Dolan. You can see by that lie saw nothing here to excite his closer slight gall on his back that it is but a very scrutiny; and in a moment more he left the short time since one was there !" said Bruce. room, apologizing for his intrusiou once "I am going to have another look in the more. stables for one. Perhaps I may find the to this apology the haughty Southern lady rider yet among the piles of corn-fodder dl not condescend any reply ; and the young there !" soldier lett, as much disgusted with her rude- And lie again visited the stables. nues as he was astonished and pleased with It was but a few moments crc a shout from the extreme beauty of Elise, whom he did his lips told of some new discovery. hot yet comprehend in her true position. lie "You had better remain quietly in your undoubtedly thought her a waiting-maid- house, old gentleman, till we go away 1" said her dress and language betokened that. But Bruce, as lie left Mr. Barrett and hastened to ho did not dream that she was a slave. For see what his companion had discovered. he had not suflicient experience in Southern He met him at the stable-door, bringingout blood to detect the least sign of African a splendid military saddle, bridle, and full decent in her appearance. She was whiter horse-equipments, and a heavy cavalry-sabre than one half of the sun-browned country. of the best English workmanship. girls of his own native State, and a more " Jumping Moses ! John, what a prize I" beautiful creature he had never seen. cried Bruce, in astonishment. f -"Well, what luck ?" asked Dolan, when "You'll think so when you see the silver- Bruce rejoined him on the stoop of the mounted revolvers in the holsters, with the house, where Mr. Barrett stood, in a painful name of Major George Barretteengraved on state of anxiety. 'each of them !" said Dolan, gleefully. "I can find nothing but women in the " Major Barrett? 'Then it was the old house-no sign of a man !" said Bruce, with cuss's son that we tracked here I" look of disappointment. "Of course it was, and ho is hiding about page: 18-19[View Page 18-19] rpI LIFE IN THE SADDLE. here somewhere now, without doubt. The find and tell him that, for alit only thing is, to find where that somewhere ho was safe. is! "I'll tell you how we can trap him, John. CIIAPTER V We can seem to be delighted at our getting We loft Sergeant Clitifort is horse -and arms, and to believe that he 0f scouts moving along Ihasi got off, and give out that we are going with the Blackwater River, Light back to camp, to report it. Thea we Zuni, where the Rebels wer can ride oil' with our trophies in that direc a strong picket-station, guar lion, but take a back-track through the nus of the only portion of woods, and lie in wait on the main road tersburg & Richiond Raili beyond Windsor, to take him as lie tries to in order beyond Windsor;f to up an th llidg get back to his lines. For bell not hang been tor about here long, Ill warrant, alter we are intervening distance by the gone !' retreat from Norfolk after th "Good ! I like the plan, Bruce. We must the Merrimac. blow the old mni up like thunder, fur lying, And when we left them, and tell him that we are going to go in to re- ing to signal-guns tired by th i por t him, and hope we'll get orders to come the river, to let those furthe out after him!" the Federals were out. " Yes ; that will be the ticket for soup. And, therefore, the Sergea I'll do the blowing up. I ean talk a heap disappointed when, upon ar faster and rougher to nen than you can. where he could see thro But I was sttumped when I was searching bushes itnto the scattering so the house-completely taken lown, for the on the map as Zuni, and kno first time in my life ! I met an angel up- where the railroad hal cro stars!" the bridge had been burned "An angel ?" was torn up-he saw that a b " Yes, John11, a living angel in petticoats. amounting to at least a hunmd French, I reckon ; some kind of a dressing- was already across the rive maid to a tiger-cat of a daughter of the old to take a position to inhere mans. A voice softer than Captain Gray's road, and that more were flute-a form that Venus would have envied; boats. lips like bursting rose-buds: hair like waving Hie knew that there was n dlarkness with moonlight glancing over it; by the read over which lie (yes that looked at you, into you, and through and that not a moment was you, all at once. I'd give my left arm, and only course, which was to d hold the bridle in my teeth, if I could call through the enemy, before her Mrs. Bruce !" in his road, or erect, as the "What, a patriot-volunteer-a Mounted ricades to check a charge, Riieo-talk oif wedding a Rebel wife ? Bruce, while they fired upon an adv you've been drinking, I guess !" " Slig your carbines, me Nary drop, John ; on my honor. I've low tone. "Then draw sal only bengzn-pnitxctn eauty. haing to your wrists by y As to her being Rebel, she neither talked nor while you use your pistols looked like one. The Barrett girl was Se- come on them. Then up w cesh all over, in looks and talk, but my angel cut your way through or go spoke and looked as kindly at me as if she ing. It is our only chance had never heard the word Yankee. But we our way, and we must go 0 are losing time, and I ache to give the old them. Remember all, the is curse yonder a regular dressing-down." is our course, and the Court When Mr. Barrett saw that the horse- who get through are to me equipmnents and arms of his son had been and forward ! Not a word found, he was completely silenced. Ie did them! Charge, boys I-Cha not even reply to the " dressing-down" which Nothing is more magnified Mr. Bruce gave him, in language more forci- a charge of cavalry who ble than studied. And when they mounted horses are trained to perfecti andl rode away, leading the captured horse flight of birds and all as swift with them, he watched them until they were in air, on-on they specd wvi out f sihtand then only a sigh of relief ity of a hurricane. W oc, wo anme hmins lips.. footmen in their way, with 'T'hiaink (Gd, they tdid not get my boy!" of bayonets has been formed. be mnU.'iiurt J, an w,ent into the house to without a witherin; tire front 19 tle time at least, II. I and his party a road parallel on their way to e known to have ding the termi- tie Norfolk, Pe- oad which was or the track had es burned in the Rebels in their ie destruction of hey were listen- ie Rebels down r up know that at was not at all riving at a point ugh a fringe of ttlement marked wnu as the station ssed the river-- when the road body of infantry, red if not more, r, and preparing apt them on the coming over in o retreat for him had just ridden, o be lout in his ash on, over and they could form y often did, bar- and cover them ancing-party. n !" lie said, in a 1res and let them our sabre-knots, at first when we ith the steel and down in the try- for they are in ver azd through le of Wight road house where all et. Ready now, till we are upon rge !" nt on earth than o the men and on. Steady as a , blades glancing th the impetuos- e0 to the luckless ut a solid square And even that, the inner ranks, page: 20-21[View Page 20-21] 20 LIFE IN TIL LIFE IN TIlE SADDLE. can seldom bear up against the surge-like rush of fearless horsemen. In this case, the Rebel infantry had not yet been formed ii the road, but had coin up scattering from the bank of the river, jut as they had landed froni the boats, evideiily not expecting an enemy so soon. And, of course, they w ere all unprepared for the wild and dashig charge made so suddenly upon them. A few of thtent fred a scattering aid harmless volwy, and tried to gather- mto a solid formation ; but mttamiy threw down their guns, and ran like frightened sheep for the river. On swept the gallant scouts, firing their re- volvers as they came, ever swer1 ing fros their course ; on, ito, and over the few who offered to ri--c-t, and last the rest, down the road, and off tio the woody shelter of the road bevend the station, im less time than I have taken to record the net. On for five or six miles without drawing rein, anh thens the Sergeant checke I his speed to see it' nv men hat been hurt by the scat- tering fire of' the enemy. Two horses grazed and one man slightly hurt with a ball which cut half its depth through the tieshty side of his thigh (a wound whiehle had already staunched with his handkerchief) was all the damage the enemy had done. "By Jove, boys, flint rus h was glorious said the Sergeant, as lie raised his canteen to his thirsty lips. -" We must have knocked over at least a dozen of them, if not more. I reckon they'll curse the Mounted Rifles more than ever, for this; day's work. I don't think we'll have any more trouble before we get to catl ; for I saw no cavalry on the other side of the rni (er when ne passed, and three hours more w ill find us inside of our own picket- line CIIAPTER VIII. Where is your brot her, )elia ?" asked Mr. Iarrett at the door of her clamnber, five minutes after the two cavalrymen had ridden out of sight. IIytie Ithos' horrible Yankees gone ?" she asked, without re i ling to his question. " Yes, thank hleaven !lBut they have found and carried off his horse and till his tral pigs, and his weapomis also W hat! My sabre nd pistols, with my na.me and rank engraved upon them ?" cried dhe Major himself, leaping from beneath the bedclothes in a ludicrous state of sweaty dis- order. "Yes; and in two or three hours they wilf be reported and probably delivered at the Yankee head-quarters. I expect 1 am or will be in a scrape with the General for it, for lie has all along thought me a pattern of' nou-, t'ality, and I have even lcd the old fool to "I am afraid that I cannot prevent it. traikthatf anthivn led w ther ol fvo When father concurs with my brother in ftin that, if anythmg, I was rather in favor:anything, my opposition will be of little of the Union !" avail !" replied the latter. " At oce will be sent to capture I !'' "Then, if I must go, do not let me be sent mtiutter~edl the Major. " I was a fool to risk with him!" said Elise, with a shudder. steying here all night. Iow did they come a " Him? Do you mean my brother ?" to suspect Iwas here?' "Yes, Miss Delia. I am- afraid of him! "'They tracked you all the way from your Please do not let me be sent away with lines on the Blackwater, they said. The him!" beloiiged to the scouts of the New Yor- The lady laughed scornfully, and eyed the MUoUnted rifles ! poor octoroon with a look of surprise. " Mounted robbers, we call them! Curse Afraid of a gentleman like my brother? them ! they tire more trouble than any other Why, you poor fool!, do you think he would cavalry we have to do with-the best mount- hurt ou " ed and the best armed, and more regular " Ol, lady, do not be angry with me, but 1 devils for fighting among them, too. Iut I am afraid of' him. IIe talks and acts too mustn't stay here to be taken. What horses kindly to me to mean well by inc. I would have you on hand fit to take me back to- the rather lie would be harsh aiut cross. For I line in a hurry with ?" - know what such kindness means. And so I have Ito good saddle-horse, but I have did my poor miothter that Northern trotting-pony, which I bought " Girl, .I understand your insinuations! before the war, and now use in my light You should only be too proud when a gentle- pleasure-wagon !" man of his birth and education stoops to " lie will have to do. And I can do what notice one like you. But I think you tlat- I thought of last night-save a part of your ter yourself in this matter. If lie wishes to property from confiscation by the internal take you with him, I shall not say a word migger-stealers. I can take that girl, Ehise against it now. You are getting above your inside of our lines, and leave her where she position " will be safe until you find it necessary to ,1 And the haughty lady threw a light come with the family and the rest of the shawl over her shoulders, and left Elise hands. And it will not be long before that weeping in the chamber. time occurs !"{ "I believe it would be a good plan ?" said CHAPTER IX. the elder Barrett. When the two scouts, Dolan and Bruce, " O Miss Delia, do not let me be taken from left the house of Mr. Barrett with the Major's you !" said poor - Elise, turning pale and horse and equi ments, they rode for a mite or trembling in every limb, for she knew that fa little more clown the road toward Suffolk, her own wishes would never be regarded. ,at a swift- pace. Then coming to a small "Who would dress me if I lost Elise ?" rapid stream which crossed the road, the asked Delia, in a bewildered tone. turned up its bed and rode for about ha f " Why, her mother is as handy as she is. a mile into the woods. Here they left the any day. She used to be the only one your white horse, concealing his saddle and the mother would have around her ." said Mr. equipment in another place, so fastening the Barrett. h oerse that ho could not get loose without " Oh, she has got too old to be nice and htumnan help. neat, like Elise. I cannot do without Elise!" T'hen taking a course directly through the cried Delia. Woods that would citable them to intersect the You'd have to if the infernal Yankee; main Blackwater road, in a dense grove, took her from you. Their scarecrow Presi- # a mile and a halt' beyond the little place dent has issued a proclamnation announcing known as Windsor Depot, they rode as rapid- hiat all slaves that are held by Southern peo- ly as they could through the thick forest. It pie who disavow alleg~iance to him are to be was between two atd three hours afler, tree from the first of January. Alt, did you when they arrived at the spot where they in- see the color brighten on that girl's cheek tetided to lie in wait for the returning Major ; when I said that? Go now she must ! and and when they got to it; one of them hastened the sooner the better. Have the horse aid to examine tfhe tracks in the road, to see ifi wagon ready, and do not let Inc be delayed ant one had passed toward the Blackwater long !" since they had themselves come from that Amid as lie said this, the Major left the direction. The examination was highly-sat- chamber with his father. - isfactory, for they saw that no person had "Oh, mistress, do not let inc be taken away passed on that road since it had been tracked from you ' pleaded poor Elise, when left by their own horses. alone with Miss Barrett. B SADDLE. 21 "I feel as if we'd have that fellow !" said Bruce, as he and Dolan took a seat near where their horses were fastened, in a spot where, concealed by some bushes, they could look down the road for three or four hundred yards. "He must have been concealed some- where -about the house when we were there. And he will not wish the chance of a force. being sent out from head-quarters, after he supposes we have reported. He may find the Mounted Rifles too sharp for his Rebel wit, yet!" "I hope so, both for our own sakes and Clifford's, too ; for the Sergeant takes a pride in everything smart w edo. Hark ! I thought 1 heard the sound of wheels'!" And Dolan, the speaker, laid his ear to the ground to listen. "Yes ! To horse, my boys !" he said in a moment after. "Some one is coming up the 1oad in a wagon !" Both of' the scouts. in an instant more were in their saddles, and eagerly watching the turn in the road where they would first see who and what was coming. It was scarce a minute before they saw a horse, attached to a light wagon, coming rapidly up the road. A man in a gray uniform was driving the horse, and a female was on the seat by his side. "Our game, by the great Original Jew of Chatham street !" said Bruce, in a gleeful whisper. " What the devil has lie got a woman with him for t" asked Dolan. "May be lie thinks lie can get off easier with one in tow. She may go to the devil; but he has got to 'o to Suffolk, and that is the next place to old kick's quarters But a few seconds elapsed before the wagon was close to the spot where the cavalrymen were in waiting, and then together they spurred their steeds into the road. Major Barrett saw his peril, and strove-to lash his horse into a run. But Dolan seized the horse by the bits, and checking his own horse by a, word, stopped it so suddenly that it reared back upon its haunches. While Bruce, with his carbine leveled at the Major's head, gave him his choice of death or surrender, politely intimt- ing that it was a matter of no difference to him which the Major preferred, only the choice must be made at once. Of course, the Major did iot wish to die just then, and he surrendered ; only remark- ing, that it was devilish hard for a commis- sioted officer and a gentleman to have to sur- render to a common private. Bruce now asked the Major what he wish- ed to have done with the lady by his side, whom he recognized in a moment as the ! 1 f I1 it, I sV page: 22-23[View Page 22-23] N )( LIFE IN THE SADDLE. beauty that he had described to )olan, anal erty from a private !" said Dolan, drawing who now salt, apparently speechless with and offering the Major his sabre. terror, in the wagon. " I scorn you both too much to put myself L ily !' sneered the Major. " That shows upon an equality with you !" said the Major, whlit you Ynkees know about the South ndt refusing the proffered weapon. " I will report ii rights. 'Ilhe girl is one of my fathers your treatment to your officers when I sea S c that I was carrying otf to our lines, to thmto .I h 'p uCh nig:;er-taiers as your leaders are " You had better then keep a civil tongue fron getting lt !" in your head, or you'll lhve more to report A slave : Sneak, yo1mg Ia ly. and tell the than you dream of!'' sail Bruce, indignantly. ellow he le! Why,.you're as white as lie "If the Confelerate service should lose such a ; andi to tinr as good-looking as he or a hero as you are, the loss will be irreparable. n of L behi!;b1 a.ilI3. ue, very indig- I knew a fellow just like you, once, who tried 3"' -y. to whin a Xankee school-ma'am, and cried Alis le 1eaks the truth. I am but a becnIse he (otldn't (10 it et ; it for your .t-ippi1g hinm (her, (Yo I "he'lcr, Bruce, (lot banter the poor devil 01,1 knows what ily i'iture late would be. any mole. T'lurn the wagon aroun 1. and f - (wa rrvin II o't Ir-um the only friend we 11 Inak e the hest of our Way to Sutlflk. I have im. the w ild -mey poor slav'- e Can pilk tip the Major's horse and trans m sair s-d Eli-', in a lnOurbnil (0"te. as we go hack.' Who wa xyour hilier :'' a-o o )'1, in An ti a few noiente more, the Major i al gui ttn-'. he ulelg 1b)en looking and his captorc al gateful Elise, were i her Ii ts, nui i hlen at the tie o ithe taking the back-track. M.: joi, very attentively. I iMniothier tells me that bis tther is ilsi CHAP1iiU X. tn ' said lse, with a bush that made Mr. Barrett andt his wife and his haughty her a hundred Itiiies more he:utitul. dauhter were congratulating thieiselves a S ttougt -u--ithe fent Irs t oldt miiO)' I' he coi(ple ft hours matter tt (eparttre of the 71 nti -1. ".tjor. you re a ncut curse, to son and )roihier, upon the tn hought that, by et :our t-isir a :lvo .e'' hue'aihol. hitterly. that tinn, with the ht-tinborne lie had taken, 1o natter who ter thtier was-s-lie is ie was probably in sathbty at or near the fro a - shve-mother, and is Iercli' a slave !' Rebel lines. -1 i1 th inldignIan I'dhjor. "I shall miss Elise. for a while, sadly . Not if the (court kiiow, it-elf Major Gray- said Miss I)elia. "For sit was s) usied to :-'1, an 1 1 1e- -i ' itdoes!" sal Bruce, my ways. I never had to tell iher to do any- ."1' -to-i- y. "".and yoy r oll dal are both thing. She always knew what I wanted, and ,1 ui-~, whitu-littred Sceesionists ; anti at tended to it without there being any ne- P 'e.i ut Lol It ihas i ononced all slave a-Ssity of my speaking ! But she was gettini- Caim' bSy el e sionr sto bei forever free. above her business in some things. She u5ea And, Vouing 1ly, voun may take the word of to read too much to suit me. 1 have often (l e t uen,. antd that is me, that you and regretted that I ever taught her to rea( !" on motherLO as fice as air!- " Slaves ought never to be allowed to read. t5aatic :.sal the M-ajor, fo~rgetting:allIt makes them think too much of them- t)ru 'tnee in his inig-ner. selves'!" said Mr. Barrett. at''. L inare than I'll take from any "W hat carriage is that I hear wheels man, let alone a sioki-drie 1 Rebel !' ratthngi m the lane !" said Mrs. Barriet.t' - oI iinLie', as ' leaned over from his horse, Mr. Barrett rose hastily, itid loiokiled out n ,truck the Mijor a blow on the cheek of the window. ii tie tht ot his hand, which maIe him . A halt-suppressed curse broke from his ( tin his se it. lips, and a look of anguisht and fear lopatd ('owarl V11would not dare to do that over his taee. I was nt. 'ou prisoner, and unarmed."'I " They've taken him! Them curted scouts cried the M:ijr, livid with rageu. have trapped him !' he (ried. - .. ioiim. hI-h i that braggi u etrse you " Who 1My brother? ci'tltdl)elia. ni a li t, yu t iitt of lie wx agan. If "Yes -he and the girl F1li.e nre the-s' ''IeTu ge i ea.on for ithat blow.wh tli he umner guard of the two inii iial Yankee inte, 1ie im have it. And if he kils l me. let soldiers who were here tlhi-; Ioriliig." torm go free .' ered Bruce, dismioumntiiig trn And the planter went to the door, olhlowe~d ii mrse- by his wife and daughter . ' It i - no: enietly according to regulations ;. - " So, Sir ; you see we ve tonal your excel- )It' aswe hat', - no superior ollicer htere to it- lent son. Ite was lost, going the wrong way, struet its, I guess it will be hir. IIere, Majioir, an1 we have taken the(' trotbile to showv him take this tool. and see if you can win your lib- the right reI !" said Br'', with a 'mile. LIFE IN THE SADDLE. "A thousand curses on you! ou will not 'rage-helpless rage. When he saw the F keep thim long; for General Longstreet will t mother of Elise spring into the wagon with bee shown this way soon, and then the whole her daughter, he bit his lips ins impatient Sof your base-bor scum will (iter have to anger, until the blood ran down on his white thy four this State or be captives to one of beard. tie first generals of the age" said Mr. Bar- "Tlieves-thievesl" he cried. "Oh! if rett, bitterly. a curses would kill like lightning, I would r )on't you hope you'll live long enou-h blast you on the spot! D to se n that dty ?" dryly asked Doltn. " Don't cling thet at us ! They're like to Yes, I e oet . snappihly retorted thle poor guns-more dangerous in t'e recoil plan~iter. than at the muzzle !" said l)olan, quietly. 'lten you may, if you live ten tlmes as "Josephine, if you can, take the rains and longl as 01k iethtusaleht, and don't get blind drive that horse. it would be beneath the in looking for the day to comue. But this dignity of the Major to drive, when h ohas a -isnt bittcss. We want allotter p 'senger servantt in the waun !Tur around and S in thsiwagons drive on-we will be close by your side, and m'what do youn man' that you eu'-a safe iit Suil1 k am turkeys Jtm ast what I sny, Sir. 'huis girl hulas a ai ttaCo-hp. God(l-)y(, ir. Utrrett ;.when ohs does not wish to letay vou come to town. t.o not fail to visit the tueh iid, as ste is going to Mulfflk ; and the camp of the New York Mounted illes. sooner vou send her out ire, the quicker We any call on you aginm shol)rtly. I shall we will be oil'! We are expected in Suffolk tll Quarter-ntetr Lee that yout 0 got a before night, and cannot disapp)itt out' s'tine lot of corn in youth' eriba ! friends there l" "rDo you hreat to steal niv nitges ?" (IIAPTER XI. "Wel steal you, yoU inernail old Rebel, if It took the two scouts only about a couple - von don't keel) a civil tongu in your head of hours to reach the Federal picket-lines a ind burn that rotten crib of yours down be- after leaving the hoet:e of Mr. Ir3'r'ett, and a tides. We've stood all the hard worse 'from lfiht-iiour of that lim ' was ned i one of your stock that we intend to stLol t} day. them having to go oi' the road to get the 'Just send out the woman Jose(pjlinO, this Mujor's horse and trappings. For while On girl's mother, or one of'us will go in matter the road they made good time, well knowing ier!, that they were never saI from wandering Is it me that is wanting !" said a very Rubel scouts until they were firly inside of line-looking wom-um, scarcely a shade darker tli' own picket-lines. _ than Mu's. Barrett herself, and evidently not They proceeded more leisuire-ly along the so old by several years, last part of the road. adler leaving the picket. F Yes - come , mother !" cried Elise. station, and it wa nicedr sunset when they "These gentlemen are going to protect us, reached the draw-bridge on the Nanscmond, R and we will be fiee-re--thank Heaven !" and crossing it cit-red the once-pretty village it's a lie! 'They dare not take you! of Suffolk. e Their General is my friend, and'he'll have Just as they crosse'l the bridge, they were x them shot for this base outrage !" shouted overtaken by Sergeant Clilord and tlie rest S Mr. Barrett.' of the scouts ; alnd the Serg.'ant was delight- ( "So)meboTly else will get shot, and that ed when hie saw how sucesttul his two favor- devilish soon ii' even a situe-e straw is laid ites had been in tracking out and capturing ii our way !"~ cried Bruco. E' Cotme, may good the Rebel oflicer'. vowuwown, get in here by the side of your " )o you intend to stop at the General's daughter, and' -on shall soon be in safety. iead-quarters as you put Serglant? !'asked There is plentyof roomts-if the Major thinks )olan. taeitatti his dignity to sit by the side of " No, indeed!" replied Clifford. I know rtot-n whom lie lyingly calls slaves, he can my duty better than that. I received my etarl down in the bottom of the wagon at orders lhr this scout from Colonel Dodge, t feet ! And you, Mr. Barrett. can come and to him I1 must report, and to him 0tit Ill to our Commanding- General as soon as ;prisoner must be delivered lie will report + a like, and account for concealing a Con- to the General, and take the prisoner there - etfiter on your liremises. and trying himself probably. Itide up, mn;ii no lagging ' elyour slaves off into the Rebel lines. in the streets now." I d a vise you to come right along-and to And the party moved on at a sweeping trot; bring your clothes with you, for 'ie tmy the wagon in the. centre, through the town, Want 'ou to stay a while-possibly he may and for : mile beyond, to the camp of the tn'ii' you the Hospitalities of Sutllk jil.'I Mounted Ihitles, near the Norfolk railroad. - The planter was almost speechless with When they reached the camp, the magni-f E4 A 4' ii M i t t s r page: 24-25[View Page 24-25] i LIFE IN THE SADDLE. cent band of the regiment was out upon the And have a horse for him also to ride down parade-ground, playing lively airs, while the to head-quarters on." men grouped around seemed to be forgetting The Sergeant saluted, and hurried out to for the time the hardships of war and the obey orders. toils of the soldier. In a very short time, the guard was mount. When the scouts drew before the tent of ed, and the Colonel's horse saddled ; the Ma- the Colonel, the Sergeant dismounted, sent jor was also mounted, and on his way to his n:ue in by the orderly, and was instantly head-quarters to be examined by the corn- called in to report to the Colonel. lnaniding General. His report was soon made, and then Bruce On the way, he condescended to unbend his and Dolan were called in to report the par- dignity enough to report the fact that one of iculars of the capture of Major.Barrett, liscaptors had struck him in the face after lius they did briefly, not omitting to state he was a prisoner. his indignation at being oubliged to surrender "My men are not rude, as a general thing, to a rivate- without they are very much provoked," said S ou have acted nobly, my men," said the the Colonel, quietly. " Did you give the man gratified Colonel, to the scouts, "and I will any provocation?" mention each of your names favorably to the " None that a man of his grade had a right General. Sergeant, escort your prisoner in, to notice. l[e made mue angry because he and let the two women be taken to a tent by doubted that the woman who was with me themselves until morning, when we will see was a slave, and I believe I called hint a thief, what had best be done for them." or a liar, or something of that sort," said the The Sergeant saluted, and went out after Major. the Major, who sat sullen and scowling in the " And lie slapped you in the face for that ?" wagon ; mad because he had to sit and be asked the Colonel, gaced at by a hundred or more curious soldiers, "Yes, Sir !" who wished to know how the graybackk " "Well, Major, I shall punish him-punish had been caught. him with a severe reprimand-for not knock- His look was still morose when he entered lig you down. Sir. I never permit my amen the tent of the Colonel, and the polite bow of to deserve or to receive such epithets tamely. the handsome young otlicer-for though a Some of my men would have spoiled voor Colonel he had not yet entered his twenty- teeth for maticating purposes for less oince fourth year-received no response, not even than that. I am informed that the girl a nod of civility. whlom you call a slave is your own L- - I understand from my Sergeant, Sir, that sister !" you arc Major Barrett, of the First Virginia "She is my father's property, Sir; so ii Cavalry, Conlederate service," said the Col- her mother !" said the Major, tartly. on. . " Was, you mean, Major. I presume t! at Ihat is my name and rank, Sir," said the they will come under the President's Procla- Major, stiffly. nation of Freedom, as having belonged to a 'lake a seat. Major. As it is likely you disloyal owner. I am no Abolitionst, .ir, will be offered for exchange very soon, you but when men claim their own flesh and will probably not object to giving your parole blood as slaves, I can only say that I sec the of honor not to attempt to leave the quarters most odious feature that slavery can wear. to which I shall assign you in camp, and But here we are at the quarters of the Con- therefore prevent the necessity of placing manding-General. And let me advise you, you in close confinement." for your own sake, to be a little more courte- "I am a Virginian, Sir, and scorn to accept ous to him than you have been to me, orl he any favors front an enemy. I don't care may give you less comfortable quarters than where you put me--I will get away if I can !" even I intend to assign you. He is rather replied the Major, bitterly, touchy, and is not a mall that will bear inso- "Very well, Sir, it being your own choice lence tamely." to taste tihe hardships of captivity, 1 certainly "When I want advice, Sir, I will ask you shall not disappoint your taste. You will for it. I repeat, Sir, that I am a Virginian, first visit the Commanding-General with me, and ask no favors !' said the Major, with a and thn I can give you aeconunodations in sneer. "Your General may send me to hell, tle guardhouse until I cati sei you to the for all I care. I'd send him and you there in care of General l)ix, at Fortress Monroe." a hurry, if 1 had you in my power And the Colonel bowed once more with The Colonel was too much of a gentleman rarcastic politeness to the prisoner. to take notice of the worse than childisn 'Sergeant,' he added, turning to Clifford, malignancy and pettishness of this specimen tell the Adjutant to detail a rer eant and of Southern chivalry. s mounted meu as a guard for this oticer. : We will ? save tae prisoner to his interview 2g LIFt IN THE SADDLE. ith the General, and visit another locality burned, and his felds, once so splendidly in southeastern Virginia, for a short time. cultivated, were already running to weeds. But he bore all these evils with the stern --~~~~ stoicism of a patriot, looking for the day to =''CHAPTER XII. come when Right would triumph and he Before the war, there was not a more de- once more see peace and its pleasures. ,ligttil spot in all Virginia than Cedralia, He had suffered the most of his losses at th very prettily-named residence of Doctor Confederate hands ; for they, looking upon Glover, on Cedar Point. The waves of the a Southern Unionist as a worse enemy than a River Nansemond lave the pebbly beach in Northern Federalist, had taken that means to front of his grounds, while the roomy, old- punish what they termed his treasoni. He fashioned mansion, but a little way back, was had often been advised to take his children completely embowered by lofty trees, around and go North, where at least he would meet the trunks and branches of which crept with kindness and protection. flowering vines-honeysuckle and ivy, mak- But his invariable answer was : ing their shade as dense as dense could be. "My parents and my with are bunricd at His plantation was not very large-per- Cedralia. I shall never leave their graves to haps four or five hundred acres made up its be trampled upon by a stranger. 1 take no area; but he was full-handed to work it, part in the unhappy contest now going on, owning near one hundred field-hands, and it and I will not leave my home withQutI am wits a model of neatness and thrift. There forced from it by a power stronger than toy were no scaly out-buildings, rotten and fall- own will." ing fences, or weed-rown fields upon it. lie Living now a life of almost isolation. con- seemed to'take a pride and pleasure in hay- pared to the days when his prineely hospi- in everything in order-fences, ditches, tality kept the mansion continually filled with bridges and farming-tools. Also in having guests. the Doctor kept his griefs within his tine stock, horses, mules, cattle, sheep, pigs, own bosom, endeavoring ever to keep a and poultry. Not so much because the profit cheerful face on when his dear daeghtet froat a well-kept and well-used place was the were in his company. greatest, as because it gave him real comfort Of these, the eldest was Annie---only eight- to see everything in order. een when the Rebellion first broke out. indoors, too, everything was rich, luxuri- Rather petite in form, she was as beautiful as ous, and also neat and tasty. Choice furni- a poet's dream. Her complexion was ahnost ture, valuable paintings, a library second to too fair for such jet-black eyes, anti such no private library in the State, statuary pur- jetty hair as hiunr in glossy curls over her chased from the first studios of the Old World. splendid neck ana shoulders. Intelligent, an Once the mansion and its furniture had adept in music, with a disposition as sweet as been the pride of one of the most queenly summer-perfumes, she was the pride of her women in the State ; but she, the worshiped father. And it was her constant study to wife of the Doctor, and the mother of his two soothe his cares and smoothe the wrinkles on beautiful young daughters, had been called his shadowed brow. up to another world ; leaving the good Doctor 11er sister, Marvelia, was so nearly like hr to mourn his loss with a sad heart, and to in looks that, though nearly tWo years young- seek for comfort in the possession of two of er, she was often supposed by strang-rs to be the sweetest children that ever a parent was a twin with her. And as Anmie ias her cis- blessed with. ter's constant companion and teacher, itemay aN Such was the position of Doctor Glover be supposed that she did not let Mat vet when the Rebellion broke out. And he, in- lack any knowledge which she herself pus telligent and far-seeing, had opposed the se- sessed. cession of his native State with all his power. Their visitors were not many afte the war For in it he saw her ultimate desolation. ruin, commenced. Neighbors who were open S'- and the utter downfall of all her former cessionists of course "cut them entirelyv- greatness. He was known as a Union man those who were secretly Union in pmil;pl+ from the first ; and, of course, was hated by, dared not openly visit them, and Rebel oth' the leaders of the secession-movement, and cers never came except upon errands of con- when they got in power injured to the extent fiscation. of their means. But there was one very constant visitor Before one year of the Rebellion bad there after Norfolk had been captured, and passed, though lie still clung to the acres and Suffolk taken possession of by our forces, the mansion which had descended to him leaving the River Nansemond open to tim from his ancestors, lie did not own or have navigation of our transports and the fleet of. with hint a dozen servants-his stock had .-maIl gunboats used in those waters. been nearly all killed or driven off, his fences i It was a Federal naval officer, whom we 11 24 vs Vr j1 Jf ia page: 26-27[View Page 26-27] r I f x H i t LIFE IN THE SADDLE. will call Captain Radford, acknowledging Annie, gently. " t suppose he is going down that we use another name for a real charac- to the fort this morning !" ter, whose modesty is only equaled by hisj "Not before he comes to see how we get bravery and often proud heroism, and whom along in the hall ofdesolation!" said her father, we therefore (o not name here. knowing quietly. " I wish I could entertain him as I we'lll hi3 re'tirmg (lispoosition when lie has no oniCe ((old have (lone. Our enemies have enemy in front. Then, you may be assured, lift me little power to dispense hospitality." there is no reire in him . " Never mind, father ;as he always says, a Captain Itathord comnmanded on of the welcome in a hovel is of a thousand times (oulleo-nr Luinboat.; which had the Ninse- more value than a cold reception in a pal- m1od fliv r anIl the mouth of the Jamnens for ace. Ile knows that you have the will, it fa elecial, er1iging-ground, and he seldom not the power. Ali, there he comes !" pas ed 'edar Point without coming to, and Young-not over five and twenty years- vi-itimg the hore, to call upon the Doctor tall, well-formed, good-featured, and with in- an llii alndy. '";pecting the Doctor for telligence in his expression, Capt:in Radford hi; 1oyahly, he prolbly deem(I it a duty to was well calculated to produce a favorable call Iequt utly to see that ihe Rebels no lon- impression wherever lie went into society. ger attemiptul to persecute hin. as they had His dark-blue eyes sparkled brightly as ho (on betorelhe advance of our forces; an(d advanced, and, lifting his cap, saluted the the sight of the two beautiful sisters, especial- Doctor and his family j ly o hvne. lihe color was always higher " I am glad to see you, Captain !" said the ant her eye hnirhter when he caine, proba- I)octor. " Have you breakfasted '?" biv netle that duty a pleasure, also. "An hour or more since, thank you, Doc. lie often, when going up the river, had tor," said the young Captain. "LIam going Folne preit to leave in tie shape of fruit, down to the fort with dispatches and a pris- recent unsic, or newly-published books, that oner, and called to see if you had any corn- lie had reccied from the North. And the mission that I could fulfill for you in that di- good )o;or, not to be outdone in generosity, reaction " ir(lucntly hal some poultry ready for the "None, thank you, Captain. You are very C.ipttiiis se ward, for which lie wnld take kind, but our wants are moderate now-a-days. no I rcomipie . .e. The lack of friends and company entailed A together, the Captain's visits were very upon us by the fortunes, or rather the misfor- ugreeable to the Doctor and his family ; ani tunes, of this war, leaves our requirements that the Captain deemed them nreeable to also very few." limelt, may be infrired from two fact. " You speak of a prisoner, Captain," said First, their frequency ; next, his selfishness Annie. " Is it one of the Confederates ?" in keeping them so much to himself. For "Yes. Miss Annie, a Major Barrett, of the he never mentioned the young ladies to his First Virginia Cavalry. IIe was taken yes- brother-oflicers on the other gunboats, never terday while on a visit to his father near olered any one else an introduction. He evi- Windsor." deftly wished a clear coast for himself; and " Why, it is cousin George !" cried Marve- would have gladly established a blockade on his. " how his father and mother and poor that port, if it had been according to rule. Delia must feel!" And now, having quite thoroughly intro- "lie was not wounded, was he ?" asked duced these new characters to our readers, Annie. we will go on with another thread in the "No, lie was captured without resistance. woof of our history. He might have had his parole ; but he chose to it was the morning of the day after the be very ugly, and the Commanding-General capture of Major Barrett and the Magnolia, has ordered me to take him to Fort Delaware, Captain ladiord's gunboat, had just slackened where he can wait inside of a stone wall for her speed opposite to the landing at Cedar the day of his exchange." Point, and signaled her presence by one "Iis whole family, like himself, are bitter sharp blast from the engineer's whistle. Secssionists," said the Doctor. Ills mother The I)octor and his daughters were out on is my own sister, but she is molded entirely the piaza, which fronted toward the water- by the opinions of her husband.' side, citying the fresh morning breeze and "Would you like to see your cousin, young the pem unia of the dew-moistened flowers, ladies ?" asked the Captain. " 1i you or your when thy Lard the signal. kind father has that wish, my boat is at your "There a your Captain again, Annie !" said service." Marvelia, wihii a smile, as she noticed the "1(10 not like him very much, and never heightened color on her sister's check when d-id, for lie was always too hateilly haughty that sound was heard, for me," said Annie. "lBut he is our relative, Your Captain, just as much, sister !" said and in trouble now, and 10do not know but it LIFE IN T lE SADDLE. 27 would ibe our duty to see if we can do any- But Captai Ia:ford, with true naval thing tehr his comfort. If you will gather pride, made as much of a "man-otwar" of Some flowers. sister Marvelia I will get your her as he could, keeping her neat and order- bonnet and shbawl, while I get my own ; and ly, and enforcing discipline as strictly as it it father will go with us, we will go and see was done on board the ilag-ship. him. So, when his boat approached lthe vessel, I think no more of him than you do, with his visitors in it, the pipe of tie boat- Annie - for I1e it was who advised General swain's mate was heard ceding the side-boys Prvor of msy friendship to the Union, and to attend tho side ; and when he ascended the caused hint to confiscate my horses and cat- ladder, and handed his iur visitors carefully tie ; but, as you say, lie is in trouble, and I up from the boat, the officer of the deck stood wiil not turn my back upon him now. We at the gangway, ready to receive hia with the will accept a passage in your boat to see him, customary salute. Captaii RadIford, and feel greatly obliged for "Let the boat remain manned at the side, your offir" said the Doctor. Mr. Manson," he said to the officer of the You mre entirely welcome ; it gives me deck. " I shall want her again in a few the greatest pleasure to be of service to you." minutess." "1 Know it, my dear Sir, and I only re- And he then escorted his guests into the gret that my fallen fortunes render it impos- cabin. sible fir mel to adequately jrove my gratitude Before the door of a small state-room one of for your frequent kindnesses. tWe have a the seamen was slowly walking, carrying an little leach and honey left ; come in and try unsheathed cutlass in his haids. a tast w while the girls are getting ready." "lie would not give his parole to remain Radtord would not dishonor his button by quiet even here," saidI Radford, in a low tone, a retu.al, and he accepted the offer of the true indicating with a motion of his hand that the 'irginian as readily as it had been tendered. prisoner was in the state-room-" and I had Ike uid scarcely mixed and swallowed the to put him under waard. Will you see him mellow beverage, when the young ladies re- in his room, or shalm I invite him out?" ppmared Marvelia bearing a bouquet of " Please send the guard away for a few 1 grant flow'es almost as lovely as herself. minutes, and let us see hit out heic, free from " You see that, released as we are from the apparent restraint, and lie will perhaps not thralldom of fashion, or promenading toilet, feel so bad," said Annie. gives us but little trouble," said Annie to the " Certainly !" said RaIford ; and calling the jung Captain, as, without any prudish af- sentinel to him, told him to remain outside fectastiou, she accepted his proftered arm. for the cabin door until lie was recalled. the (alk. Then advancing to the state-ror door, he I never see a lovely lady dreamed plainly, said, in a kind and gentlemanly time hob: I Hy iealize the words of the poet," lie " Some friends-relatives of yours--Major, replied . have called on board to see you. Will you Loveliness walk out to see theam ?" Ous not the foreign atdof ornament, , Tlie Major started to his feet, and came out But a, w heturoSeid, ado,,trued the most'. with a flush of surprise upon his sallow A roseate blush upon that sweet face, and a cheek. sigh of pleasure told hit that his compliment But when he saw Doctor Glover and his % is appreciated. dtiughters, a haughty expression of c mltempt settled on his face, and lie said h CHAPIER XIII. "I claim no relationship with Unionists The Magnolia had been a New York ferry- and traitorsI" boat; hut being strong, powerful in machin- "Oh, Cousin George, we are no traitors! ery, with a light draft, and a facility formove- we are sorry for your miisfortunte, and have Un ut iii narrow channels, in consequence of come to say so. 'lease accept these flowers having a rudder at either cnd, so as to run from sister and inc." either endi foremost with the same ease, she The sweet tone and pleasant smile of such ha I heen fitted up for Government service, a lovely girl as Narvelia ought to have 4 ariaied wih two long rifled guns mud a couple melted the ice in the heart of tin anchiorite. . i howitzers of the Ialgmrn principle. But they had no effect upon the fanatical Her illcers were only thie Lieutumunt-Com- Rebel olcer. invading (Captain by courtesy), two Masters' "Rather say that you have conme to sce a Mates, three engineers anat a pilot, and her Rebel prisoner in the hand:; of Yankee crew numbered only thirty rmen, gunners, nigger-stealers !" lie bitterly replied. "Since firemen, mind all ; but she was sutliciently you have no more niggers to lose, imay oficered and manned for her size and the be you'll join Mnds with the Yankee &ervice which she had to perform. yourselves !" 26 4 I Is page: 28-29[View Page 28-29] i 1 I LIFE IN THE SADDLE. " Major Barrett, I should suppose that "You must look out, Bruce, or you'll 1loe your own self-respect, if you possess any, your heart to that daughter. She certainly would cause you to treat ladies with cour- is the prettiest woman I have yet seen in tesy, even if they were not relatives who Virginia 1" came to sympathize with you in your misfor- " The prettiest, the purest, the best !" said tune !" said tadford, indignantly. Bruce, his fine face flushed, and his dak eyes "I treat them and you with all the respect beaming with enthusiasm. you merit!" said the Major, with a sneer. "Ah--has our heart gone already ?" I hope the day is not far distant when I "By thunder, I believe it has. She is as shall be exchanged ; and then, perhaps, you modest and as sweetly spoken as she is beau. may find me more anxious to tender you my tiful. She can read and write well, and she respects in another shape. I always hated quotes Byron, and Moore, and Shakespeare, Yankees and Southern sympathizers with as if she had them by heart them, even before my capture, but now, 'hate' "And yet she was a slave " is altogether too tame a wod to express my "Yes, to her own either. and lustfully per- feelings. You may give your flowers to your secured by her own thalfnlrotrt I never Yankee friend, Miss Glover-I willryet give was an abolitionist, never hal a word to say him a more lasting remembrance, I hoped" against slavery, but Ill eat my sabre if this "You can return to your state-room, Sir!1" case don't stum me' a said Radford, calm, though angry. "Well, now that y u have got her a place, And lie recalled the sentinel to his post. you'll have to keep a close eye o:i hec, or And then lie endeavored to remove the that old curse, Noril cot, 'il have her spirited unpleasant feelings from the minds of his back across the Rebel lines ugai r r visitors, by showing them over his vessel, "I'll spirit him across the Styx if he and offering th ei refreshments afterward, in attempts it. You'd better believe I shall his own cozy little cabin, keep a friendly eye upon her, n the one In this he soon succeeded, for they had the that ever attenipts to ill-treat her, will have good sense to see and feel that sympathy was to eat cold lead " thrown away upon such a man as (corge " Well-I must be off. I got a hi Barrett' the Colonel that we would have to take a ride down into North Carolina, before many CIAPTER XIV. hours pass over our heads. 'there is some "Well, Bruce, how have you succeeded in smuggling going on down there, that las ot your mission of charity and mercy ?" asked to be broken up. By the way, do you think Sergeant Clifford, a couple of days after their the octoroon can be trusted to do us a return froiit the scout described in former service ?" chapters. "Yes, indeed-a more grateful creature Observing a look of inquiry on the face of never lived !" reped Bruce. the cavalryman, rather than a reply on his "Then hint to her that there is lips, the Sergeant added: believe that a mail to the Rebels is rade upt "I mean in regard to that beautiful octo- in Norfleet's house, once in a while. Per- roon and 1her mother. Dolan told me that Imps she may find out something about it, failing in getting permission to send them ant do us a very great favor. And ask her North, out of the department, you had gone to find oui awho visits the old wretch, besides to Sutlolk to try to get some situation for our own people!" them, where they could live Indepen- "I will. I promised to get her somecstmt dently !" for dresses, forpherself and mother and when "Ai, yes-that is so. They both Insisted I take that, I can instruct her to be on the upon going to sonic place where they could lookout, anti also how to chmmtnic e with work for a living, not feeling willing to be us, without creating suspicion gait her- supported by us, though we offered to do it. self!" An I have got thet a situation with old "Do-and you will d I orfleet, who keeps a big boarding-house on give you three months'oym et vod Main sti-eet !" e of their mails, it ' lay o get hold o " Old Norteet ? Why man, lie is one of tfl wo tow ,iould hellp us to iimd 'Old ot feetWhy an, ie I oneotiot who to look for when we are out." the most hitter Secessionists in tcwn f" "Well, I'll see to it, Sergeant. Are you "I know it is said that he is. But his bound off anywhere now?" house is full of Federal officers and their "Yes; as soon as I can saddle up, I'm go- wives; and if they board with him, it cannot ing down to the -iver. I want to ask my o-l be an unsafe place for those poor women. fiend, Captain Radord, how the Major be. They can stay there at any rate, until I can liaved when le got to Fortress Monroe. I manage to get permission to send them think, ifl e put on his airs with General oix, orth' ' he has most likely found out that he had 3= _ S . f'° LIFE IN THE SADDLE. 29 Tartar to deal with! So long, to you; be who. apart from their treason, have some sure and put her on the watch for that mail- good qualities." business !" "I have no doubt of it; indeed, I occa- " I will, Sergeant ! And if you please keef sionally meet with them," said Clitiford. " Did a button on your mouth in regard to my the Major give you any trouble ?" liking her so well. I can afford to let you , " No, but his insolence was rather annoy- know how I feel, for you will not tease and mng. .He promised vary faithfully to pay me banter me. But the other boys might, and a visit, if he got exchanged, which would be brokeii heads or bloody noses might follow, too rough to be agreeable ! But let him and that isn't pleasant among friends ! I've comie-we are always ready to receive such got a quick temper, and can't help it!" visitors. To friends, we tender the juice of "All riht,BfYrce. s never betray the the grape; to foes, the grape itself! And to secret of a -friend !" verity my words, here comes the steward, - with sonic very fair Catawba, and a little of our ld naval life-balsam, old Mononga- CHAPTER XV- hela whisky. Which will you take, Ser- An hour after the time when he was con- geant ?" versing with Bruce, as stated in the last chap- "The Catawba, if you please, Captain. I ter, Sergeant Clifford,,seated on a favorite prefer the juice of our own native grape to the black horse, of great speed and bottom, rode distillation of rye down upon the shore of the Nansemond to " Help yourself; then; tie Catawba is the usual landing-place of the barges from genuine, sentto me from Cincinnati by an old the gunboats, just below the drawbridge, friend, direct from Longworth's own stock. Fastcning the animal to one of the stout I suppose, in your lengthy scouts through tho posts inserted there for fastenings to the - country, you come across some prime liquor transports which were occasionally hauled once in awhile." into the dock, lie waved his handkerchief as "We seldom stop to look for prime a signal to the gunboats, which, with a small liquors, Captain," siti the Sergeant, with a head of steam on, lay at her anchor in the smile. "Our expeditions are too rapid and stream, ready to be started down at a mo- too full of peril to allow of much search for, meat's warning, if the order came. or thought of; dainties, I assure you. Once A quartermnaster being always on watch on in a while, we come across an applejack the upper deck, soon saw his signal, and re- or peach-brandy distillery on some of timo ported it ; and immediately after, a six-oared large plantations ; but as they are almost in- boat was manned and on its way to the variably used to manuficture liquor for use dock. in the Rebel Army, it is a stading order to in this boat the Sergeant was in a few mo- destroy them wherever found. And a very meants transferred from the shore to the good one, too, for the guerrillas generally steamer, where he was met by a young ofi- hang about the vicinity of suchplaces, ready cer, whose warm greeting betokened their to gobble up any Umonim soldiers whom a previous acquaintance, and by him conducted taste for the spirit may entice into the neigh- into Captain ltadford's cabin. borhood. I have had thie heads of thousands That officer also received the Sergeantwith of barrels knocked in since I have been on a warmth which told of having met him be- scouting-duty-enough to float your steamer fore, and invited himn to a seat, ordering his in, I verily believe I" steward to bring in refreshments at the same " Are you going out again soon ?" time. "I think, from a hint time Colonel gave me "What news have you, Sergeant ?" he this afternoon, that I shall probably be in the asked.saddle and away before midnight. We have "None of importance on shore, Sir ; so, to start in the night, or the Secessionists in this having an hour or two of leisure, I rode down infernal town will get wind of tie course we to hear if you had any, and to ask how Major take, and manage to signalize in some way Barftt liked his transfer from our guard- ahead of us, and prepare the Robels for our house to Fortress Monroe l" ' coming. They have some method of signal- "le liked nothing which we could give izing which I cannot discover. But they do him. ie was and is a regular brute. It all manage to convey a knowledge of our move- Southerners were like him, I should like to ments often, far, far ahead of us. We only see the war continued until the stock was all outwit them by getting of' when they do not run out, and very mother's son of them suspect us, and getting beyond the lines un- buried in the -last ditch', which they're so observed." fond of talking about. But, thank fortune! "I often see their rockets and signal- there are gentlemen in the South, even in the lights from the river," said Captain Brad- ranks of those who war against the Union, ford. 4 1i Fi ! page: 30-31[View Page 30-31] two thirds of the women and nearly all i t:e n -v farier3 Itcft in the country b lone to t htir 'ret signal-corps. I am satis h1e1- of it. I iIad my way, wc'u make short 'w ork of soie 01 these 'neutral' tiriers. i i.soi of him out squirrel-hunting, wit dIv ble-t 'Allele I gitnci loadIed with hall o h hot,once in awhile. And I seldom fin a mm ta see ,nd time-for too many o en len ive been picked off on picket-duty S ilese sail squirrel-liunters, not to be rc nott ecell b' mie lwhen I meet them! But 1; i oi1 - Upin. C.ill on us at cam! \4 hen you -it. Our ofli-ers are al naysglac tecotie i'ir naval friends." b ank yot. Sergeant, I know it. Get per lso lty soon to take a cruise with imc. I till ry to -how you soet sport. I we can t :may letter, we can kill some dut t att 'O n ylii ,-r" i' I 1Ihear ou iare 1tl- of dtuks, Captain,' dl the Sr 'rint, wih a smile. " I was on a tcoUt lot' ,n low hu(tka tick, not long oe t', :oil I r t ro you hear (edar Point." Cedar P It' 'Ile(' biii i ti I like a young girl as - O. o id not huhtt, Captain,' said te-S't 1 "i. I .';a t ot trying itto your seitl , itu e li i1 our line of duty, learn to so w a litle of every thing that goes oar" I ltie; e you do," eail the Captain, with a laugh. " Lke uitiither gl:s of wine on the strciintlh of it. 1ltore you go, and drink to the lie ;i Iiht poIi111(et -ti af fbinily in Vir- ginia, nd to t o 'of the pi: 0it t girls in the 'Iwo of liitth . Captain ?" said the Ser- soant. is lie tilhl' Iiii gls-i. " You do not intend to napo rrte bot, i do too ' Oh no , it ' 'tllu '-t e down with me soie ltae, ill iitroluec you-that is, if you are not ulrcal ailqttaite d with them." 'i'ltank iiu ; I shall receive an introduc- tion with plea,'e, for I do tiot even know the ladies by lit, though I accidentally heard oi themt aid your occasional visits there. Atl tow, as I see your glass is filled, their health I! With sincere pleasure !" And the toast was honored with bumpers drained. The Sergeant then was excused, and in a short time was rowed to the shore, mounted, and dashed swiftly along toward the camp of the Rifles. CHAPTER XVI. It was mtiidmittt taain. and, trite to his cx- pectatit'ns, Cli:htrd with his faithful scouts was ot m oe in ttin hite ade, botitn 1, tiot r the JU:eh-e ater this tiue, but for the North y Carolina line by the Somerton & Gatesville e-|road. Without a loud word spoken; answering t almost in a whisper the challenges of the I provost-patrols n hiom they met in the streets, h they had ridden through Sullolk with so little r noise, that they hoped for once to have got- d1 ten oil unnoticed by the secession spies in f the rotten town. y They had passed the outer line of town and camp guards, and were near the outside I signal-station, when, on looking hack, Clifford p -aw a single rocket rising high in air from d some partof the town in his rear. "That is no signal of ours; there are no - scouts or troops out to signalize to,' lie mut- 1 tered, as he looked at the meteoril-appearing f light, visible but for a minute and thei lost in the darkness. Rebel, and answered, too !" lie said, bit- terly, as another rocket was seen rising far i ahead of him to the southward and west- -ward. Ws- "'fTheir cursed shies never sleep. Like as not, these signals will start men out from Franklin to intercel)t us ! We may as well ride fast, boys, for all need of ilsn e and quiet is over. Either sonic traitor about head-quarters betrays us, or the Ribs have sharper eyes and keener scent titan any Cuban bloodhound that ever ran t pon a track. Not a word of our expedition has been breathed except at head quarters, and not one of you at this moment knows where I an ordered to go. Yet, that ihrthest rocket has been sent up from the very road which I am ordere l to take. Now, (itere arc three roads in that direction, ahead of us, each leading to an important point and hov the devil they have found out which road I am going to take, bothers me. I would think it was chance, if I hind not been served just in the same way before. You all remember when I was going out to Caville, three weeks ago, and left town by the Edenton Road, to fool them, that we saw lights thrown up on the Carsville Road while we were actually riding away from it. intelding to reach it by a roundabout path ; an 'reimem- ber, too, when we did get on the road. that we found more Rebs there than we wanted to see, and hind to skedaddle back to our lines again. They were sharp, and no mistake - but they must have treachery to help them besides. Ride up, we will soon reach our pickets." On, at a sweeping trot, went the gallant little cavalcade, and did not draw a ren un- til the sharp, " Halt i Who comes there "" 0: the pick 't-guard, admonished them of the vicinity of their friends on post. ''hie countersign anci is given, the last picket-s'ftion panscd, and then on through LIFE IN TIHE SADDLE. - LIFE IN THE SADDLE. 31 the dwmu fish pine-forest of the country, over slacken up a little now, for our horses musn't a sandy road, passing here and there a de- be quite used up when we get there. We serted plantution, or some negro but, around must be ready for a chase or a run, accord- which howling and half-starved dogs alone ig to what we find there. Ill halt and feed gave signs of life or occupation, the party at the next brook we come to, and let you galloped. take a bite out of your lhaversacks.' N ow and then, in"crossing some small un- The men, well knowing that the Sergeant lbridfed stream, they would halt and allow always cared for their comfort as much or their horses to take two or three sucks of more than for his own, were well contented water ; but for no other reason did they stay with all of his arrangements ; ever yieldmng their speed, for the Sergeant knew, by a halt- full as ready obedience to his orders as they dozen rockets, seen, like the first, at different would have done to the command of any intervals, that it was known through the commissioned officer in the regiment. countriv that his party was out. And he A proper spot to halt and feed at, was soon vante't to get though the business he was reached, and a half-hour spent i refreshing ordered out en, before a Rebel force too pow- the men and the horses. This done,,the erful for himi to cope with should be sent to scouts were again mounted, and rode rapidly intercept him. on toward their place of destination. It w-as lacking an hour-or two of daylight, The face of the country, now changing when lie galloped through the scattered vil- materially, showed that they were approach- lage of Soierton, passing by its only hotel, ig the river. The pine-forests, and dry, upon ihia sign of which was painted the three- sandy plains were left behind, and swamps linked sign of Odd Fellowship, above the of cypress and cane were more frequent. name of its keeper, Smith ; no sign of life The narrow road was quite deeply rutted being visible in the town but the innumerable with wagon-wheels, showing that it was and noisy set of dogs generally to be found much traveled with loaded vehicles. Hear- in and about a southern village. Talk not of ing the sound of creaking wheels ahead of starvation yet in the South for a year to him, the Sergeant- increased the speed of his come ;' only import Chinese cooks who can party to a smart gallop, and soon after came 'make puppy-pie, bow-wow sausage, and up to six loaded mule-wagons, covered, and canine fricasecs. reighted with salt from the Re bel salt-works, Taking a road to the right, at the further on Currituce Sound. end of the village, the Sergeant led his party The drivers were so completely surprised at a dashing pace along it, in a direction at iat they were captured without the least re- a right-angle with his former course. Nearly sistance, or attempt to escape. halt-hour after, when at least'five or six miles On finding 'that they were even nearer along this narrow and apparently unfre- Maynard's Ferry-the point of his destination quented road, he saw a rocket thrown up far -than he had supposed, the Sergeant dis- away to his left. mounted half of his men, and, concealing -ihank Heaven, I've fooled them this them in the salt-wagons, bade the drivers time,~ he said to his men. "They think move on as before, informing them that cer- we're going to Gatesville, or down on the tain death would follow any attempt to Currituck Road, and instead of that I'm escape, or to inform any Rebels of the Fed- bound for a ferry on the Chowan Rivei, eral approach. Then following close after, where, if we have luck, we'll find salt and leading the horses of the dismounted men, he apple-jack enough to last Richmond for a moved on. month, if all Lees Army was there, if our In about an hour, they came in sight of the information is correct!"' store-houses at the Ferry, and saw, to their " Will there be no Rebels there to guard gratification, a large number of wagons, it ' asked one of the men. mules, horses, etc., there, showing that the "'cre may be a few; for it is a depot depot was one of importance. where they receive contraband goods, salt, Carefully scanning the place through his and whisky for the Rebel Army, and store field-glass, the Sergeant saw only four or five it until it is sent for. A deserter gave the in- gray-coated soldiers in the crowd of men and formation, and we are sent to destroy the women there, and made up his mind that he property." would find little, it any, armed resistance Good, there will be some fun in that," there. cried Bruce. "We hit the Johnny Rebs Moving up under cover of the salt-wagonms. hard when we destroy their belly-timber. I he was within a couple of hundred yards or hope there will be just a few of the gray- the depot before a person there had a thought backs there to give us a little target-practice, of a Federal soldier being near. Having then How far have we yet to ride, Sergeant ?" a chance to pass the wagons, he made a dash "About fifteen miles, I think, and we can forward, with a half-dozen of his men, at full Fr t i page: 32-33 (Illustration) [View Page 32-33 (Illustration) ] 32 LIFE IN THE SADDLE. speed, and captuied the ferry-boat just as it' when he had succeeded in so perfectly carry. was about to leave that shore of the river, ing out the instructions which had been with three Rebel soldiers and four or five citi- given to him. zens in it. The Rebel prisoners had cast many an The rest of his men were up in a moment ; anxious look behind them, as if they antici- and the terrilied Rebels, too frightened to pated pursuit and rescue ; but all hope passed light or run, surrendered in a moment, for away when they heard the hail of the Fed. they supposed a Yankee Army was upon eral picket-guard, and saw that they were them. inside of the Union lines. Forcing white men and contrabands alike it was yet early in the evening when Ser- into the works, Cliilord and his men now geant Clifford, having received his instrue- comtoenced dumping the salt in the wagons tions directly from head-quarters, halted his into the river. The store-houses, filled with little command in front of them, and dis- goods of various kinds-army-blankets, shoes, mounting, went in to report. tobacco, bacon, salt, whisky, etc.-were at When he reported how much he had done, ouce fired, and thousands upon thousaids of and how far he had ridden in so short a dollars' worth of goods and p)ovisions went time, the Commanding-General was both at once to feed the hungry flames. pleased and astonished. And the often-re- t1There were sour looks and low-breathed heated but never-fulfilled promise of speedy curses among the poor Rebs. But loaded re- promotion was again renewed. volvers, Shaupo's carbines, and keen-ground Alas for him who hopes for promotion saibres in Yankee hands, were good dissuad- without having political influence at home to is from open resistance; and all the satis- back up applications for it. Merit goes almost faetion the Southerners got, was an invitation ever unrewarded, without it has been washed to bring more such things to a depot, and in a political sewer. The " baptism of blood" give the Yankees another chance to destroy is nothing. them. Mounting the half-dozen captured soldiers CUAPTER XVII on the best horses he could find, and leading "Ser rcant, my little octoroon is a jewel 4" o a score more of good animals, Clitlord left cried bruce, dashing into the quarters of the depot as soon as the work of destruction Sergeant Clifford, as if it was the end of a vas complete ; for he well knew that the hard-contested foot-race, on the evening of smooke of the burning buildings and stores the day after their return from the expedition could be seen for a great way, and he had into North Carolina. .;od reason to believe that a Rebel force " Why, what is up, George ?" asked the x wuld soon be sent out after him. Sergeant. Taking another and much less-frequented " She has found out that a Rebel mail is to road, leading further back into the State, and be sent out of our lines to-morrow morning !" also out of the line of the liebel scouts which "' Ah ! that is important, if she can also often came down from the Bllackwater, he tell us who is to carry it, so that we can get started at as rapid a pace as he could keep it ! up, on his return to camp. " That she has also learned. It is to be Mile alter mile was passed over by the carried by a Rebel lady who has got permais- hardy scouts, so used to fatigue that they did sion to go and see a sick sister near the Isle not feel in thle least an amount of exertion of Wight Court-House. That is the dodge to which would have worn out a holiday- get it past our lines! soldier at home. "How will it be concealed. Has she found By changing his saddles from his own that out ?" tired to the fresh-captured horses, he was "Yes ; even that, too. She saw Mrs. Nor. able to keep his force at a gallop through the flect fixing hooks on the inside of the lady's most of the day ; and though, by changing under-garments, on which the letter-bag is his route repeatedly and takitig by-paths, he to be fastened. She overheard their conver- lengthened his distance greatly, when the sation, and thus found out the whole plan i" sun went down he was within a short distance " Good ; you need not mention it to any- of the Federal picket-line, on a road some body else, and you-and mc will meet the lady miles to the east of that which he had went beyond our lines to-morrow morning and re- ,uut upon. lieve her of' that mail. Does any one intend For his experience as a scout had taught to go with her 5"_ him that the enemy would inevitably watch "Only a negro boy to drive the buggy." tor him on the same route buck ; and only by " Then we shall need no force. Do not j n change could he avoid a fight, which, en- breathe the matter to any one else, and we cumbere 1 as he was with lprisoners and cap- will have a big thing all to ourselves. Your fured htorses, he did not desire, especially octoroon is indeed a jewel. We must be 4' page: 34-35[View Page 34-35] A ~4 LIFE IN THE SADDLE. careful to so work matters that she may not but be serving them be suspected, or her opportunities for aiding principle which the n d us will be few indeed." But their conversant "Do not fear but that I will be careful. a short time, by the s She is so gratefiul for her freedom that she carriage; and, in a fe will do anything for us that comes within ed buggy, with a lad S her power."' the octoroon, and a si "I am glad of it. And now, my dear boy, made its appearance. you must excuse me, I have got writing to do The Sergeant and h which will occupy me steadily for some concealed until the bu hours, and must be left alone, to them, and then su i " All right, Sergeant. As we have nothing road, in front of it. on hand this afternoon, I'll get permission to by the head, and the take a ride down to the camp of the Thir. side of the vehicle. teeth Inliana and see some of the boys "You need not tro there. I like them, for they're as fu of fun men 1" said the lady, off duty as monkeys in a sugar-field, and "The pass which has when lighting comes they're always ahead. your guards and pic Old Dobbs may wel be proud of his boys- Provost-Marshal, by g better men were never seen on a battle-field." ing-General, will do With this truth on his lips, Bruce departed, factory to you. Unles leaving. the Sergeant to his work. insultig and contem her sneering tone- Day had not dawned when Sergeant Clif- money I have about ford and George Bruce tooktheirstationson and not worth much what was known astheProvidenceChuh "We do not wish a Road, aotameortobynthour-said the Sergeant, w mos-pot o th Feera piket. Tey admay have something githis os tpingthronthivalue to us. A mai Sutol, or coming by any oebel lines" taking the Portsmouth roadThe color left the f of the Nansemond River inan instant-for she down that river some way,and her color was ming it in a narrow place, and riding through a moment she reco the woods, avoiding all roads. Thfus they mind, and said : had, unseen and unsuspected, reached the spot "You seem to kn where, concealed in a dense growth of scrub- doubtless know that by pine, they awaited the approach of the the first families in th female mail-carrier. "I do, Miss Gates; W e knew of course that trt ela y w u d n t e y w ere in ti e,;touseetaeadyhso fare frtelady would not leave the town before common mail-carrier sunrise ; but they had come early, so as to be " You are mistaken iSUre tl ishe did not get ahead of them. I will get out of thi Leaving their horses some ways back from may search it and m the road, the two soldiers sat down near it will tell you that I a thiemseilves, and ate breakfast from their well sick relation I" said 1 filled haversacks, and then lighted their pipes nant look. to "smoke the time" away until the expected "It is exceedingly traveler put in an appearance. doubt the word of a Doo know what this kind of work stances I" said the S puts me in mind of, Sergeant ?" asked Bruce, "But I must beg M as he threw a cloud of smoke from his mus- the mailbag which tache-shadled lips, person now, hanging I cannot say that I do," replied Clifford, skirts; and when sh but I amr ady to be enlightened." not detain her from v "Well, it puts me in mind of stories that I for an instant 1" have read about the highwaymen in England " It is false-I ha in old times. Hero we are, like a Dick Tur- me 1" cried the Bout pin or a Claude Duval, waiting on the road ing rage. for what may turn up." Then, lady, I sha The Sergeant smiled at the idea, and said of-" that as the Rebels had given their regiment " What, Sir!i Wc the name of the Mounted Robbers, it would your hands on a lady Iy F= 85 right to carry out the ame inferred. ion was interrupted in found of an approaching w moments, the expect- y in it, as described by nail negro boy driving, is companion remained ggy was nearly opposite ddenly stepped into the Bruce seized the horse Sergeant approached the uble yourselves, gentle- in a half-sarcastic tone. carried me safely by all kets, and signed by the order of the Command- ubtless be fully as antis- s, indeed"-and now an ptous look accompanied "you want what little me. It is Confederate, in your eyes !" ny money, Miss Gates t" ith a bow. "But you else with you of more .l, for instance, for the ace of the young lady for as young and beautiful, not artificial. But in vered her presence of ow my name, Sir ; and I am a lady from one of is State !" and I regret very much egraded as to become a , Sir-I deny the charge. s carriage, Sir, and you y carpet-bag. My pass in on my way to visit a the lady, with an indig- painful for me to have to lady, under any circum- ergeant, with a smile. iss Gates to let me have is concealed on her by hooks beneath her e has dyne that, I shall isiting her sick relative, re no such thing about hern beauty, in a tower- 11 be under the necessity uld you presume to lay to search her ?" page: 36-37[View Page 36-37] f1 3 [ 86 LIFE IN THE SADDLE " Pardon me ; you did not allow me to town to high officials of the Confederate close my remarks before you interrupted Government, detailing with great exactness me ! 1 was about to say that I should be un- the number of men at the post, the various der the necessity of guarding you back to arms represented, the position of the fortifi- head-quat terms, where a search by a loyal cations, and even, to a gun, the number of person of y\our own sex will doubtless dis- cannon mounted, and their calibre. The cover wluat I know you carry, as I have number and armament of the gunthboats in stated-a Hebet mailbag. And that course the river were also detailed, and -cry fair ilna also lead to your own imprisolunent." estimates given of the force in reserve at 'I he firm and quiet tone of the Sergeant Portsmouth, Norfolk, Fortress Monroe, and had its effect. Newport News. " Will you let ma go if I give up the mail- "'This has, indeed, been a most important bqg :'nked the young lady, tears starting seizlire !" said the General. ftrot her eyes. And he marked down a list of names of " cts ; fr I h:ve no orders to take any- the writers of the p incipal leiters, for imme- tlhin t but the mail." diate arrest and iniprisonment. "'There it is, then! you hateful nigger. "if the General pleases, I would like to worn hipiug Yankee !" cried the lady, sud- make a suggestion!" said the Ser;eant, as deny lifting a portion of her voluminous he noticed what the General was deiu. under-clothing, disengaging the bag, and "Speak out, Sergeant ; the value of your casting it at his feet. Oh, it' I was only a services, entitle you to a greater c nsiuera- man, I would cut your heart out before you tion than you ask !" said the General, should ha\ e it !'' kindly. Let me i c ocnuend you to hasten on, lest " It is, General, that you do not include 3 our ick relative should (lie before you get old Norileet among the number of your t her " sai l thoe Serge:it, with a smile, as arrests, or let the rest know that their mail Iw icked up the lag, and-told Bruce to let has been captured, until they find it out by the hore u. their own means The lady made no reply, but something " Your reasons for this suggestion, Ser- Sciy he a cut se came from her lips as she geant ?" drove en. "Because, Sir; I have go' a ' ithful spy upon every Inovement of old Nortieet, who CIIAPTEIt xvIII. is at the head of the whole Scce sion gang With the Iteh mail thus easily secured, in this place. If kept free from nirest, he ('lit'rd and Iii re returned to their horses, will not know that we are awaic of his an taking the same 'circuitous and unusual treachery, and we can detectt all that he does. route by t\ ich they come, thtus avoiding all If another mail is made up, it will go through guards and any chance of being observed by his hands, and I will get it as easily as I did b cession spies-as they would have been this !" hae thty talhn the usual route to town-they " I think the Sergeant ha- 'e'r'ect idea cltc ceded in returning to camp in a few in the matter, General !" said the young and heis, \a without their absence being even gallant Adjutant-General, Major Foster. noticed. 'Ihe only person in the camp of " Well, I do not know but he has. You thu Rifles who had known of their ex- will omit Norfleet's name from the arrests at l edition and its oiject was the Colonel, to present, but a strict watch must be kept upon whom Clifford had imparted the knowledge him 1" said the General. " Let the other which he had gained iron Bruce, and who arrests be made at once, and the men kept in ha'l odered hitm to secure the mail. close confinement, and iio comiuniiication 'The Sergeant had a private interview with allowed theum with outsiders, under any cir- the C''lon .as son as lie returned ; anti; cumstances !, wlien the latter examtiined'. the super: eriptions "By the way, where is the Ih0 I1 mail- of the hundred au-Il mre letters, ad several( carlier-what did 1o (o witlh him -asked bulky parcels contaied in the bag, he (Ie- the General of the'Sergeant. cieti to ha (' the Sergeant go at once with him " It 51 as not a him, mut a she, with your and tl:e bae to t he quters of' the Conuiand- pass upon her person, General ; and i i I only ing-Genci a. had orders to seize the mail, I let the female In a short time the ('olonel and the Ser- go !" reilied Clitford. geant weic at lead-ttuarlelrs. tiundt. aidle by " A pe'ss from me, Sergeant? Wh' female the Amljutant-Cmdeinr the (itt l went at was it :" . once into an exaininetion o the 'ettet S Ci- " A Miss Gates, Sir-: passed by yonr order, tamed in the ietel ha:;. tt toee ia sick sister, living near tl e Isle of Some of them 55erg' of gr'at inorati'nc'l e, Wight Court House !" written by pretcitded Lioninma in tki " The young Jezebel I Why, she came to "F y fi1 t'a S f e& } F i 3 f E'1 f I- I! I4 LIFE IN TUE SADDLE. me in tears yesterday morning, professing those who were not arrested that night, at her love for the Union, and asking, as a favor, the house of Mr. Nortleet. to visit her sick sister just outside our lines. The question among them all was, What i felt so much sympathy for her, that I even had caused the arrest of their friends? offered her an cort, but with many thanks One suggested that the mail which had she declined it. I do not wonder at it now. been captured that morning might have led Kindness is thrown away upon these mis- to it, as nearly every one who had been ar- guided fanatics !" rested had written letters that were with it. "If it is not too bold in me, General, I But Mr. Norileetscouted at that idea. would beg leave to suggest, that orders be "If it had been so,. I would have been given to search her very closely, when she among the first to be arrested !" ho said ; attempts to enter our lines again, as she can " for, had two letters in the mail-one to do upon your pass. She may try to carry President Jeff Davis, and the other to my the mail both ways !" nephew in tharmy--eithier of which were " True. biie shall be arrested and con- out-and out Secesh. No, gcullenien; Laura ducted to my quarters, if she makes her ap- Gates is too smart a girl to be caught in car- pearance again. Sergeant, we are again ring anything. Tb ere is something else indebted to your intelligence and zeal, for ailoat which has made the General suspi- important service. Rest assured, that your cious-somnethmiu that I can't see into yet. good conduct shall be heard of at W ash- If our mail ba.i been discovered, we who ington !" wrote would have been charged with it at And the interview was over, once, and most likely sent beyond the Yankee -- lines. I'd righty soon take myself there, if CHAPTER XIX. I thought they had my letters, even making There was consternation on many a face as much money as I am from the invading in Sutloik that night., And many a sneak- cusses ing Rebel went trembling to his bed, fearimg "Then perhaps our meetings have been lest his arrest would be the next to be made. betrayed by some traitor in our secrets!' said For of all the ruident citizens of the town, another person. "Every man whom they allowed to remain in peace and comfort, have taken was with us at our last meeting their persons ani property respected, and over the drugstore !" ever guarded by our troops, not more than "It may be so. God help the traitor, if we three or four hnilies were really and lion- ind one among us ! I for one would not give estly true to the Union cause. 'lhe rest hin time to say his prayers .' said Nor eet, were sneaking spies and traitors, ever ready bitterly. "I hope that this suspicion at least to aid the Rebel cause, to betray any secret may not be well-foumded. For if we can which came ito lier posm:eeion, and often only hold together, and keep up our spy and exulting in our very faces when we brought signal operations until Longstreet makes his back dead or wounded men from our expedi- promised descent, every Yankee that is here tions to the Rebel lunes, will be bagged or put under ground, and we And yet many .of these wretches were will be masters of our own, once more.!" all wed, without license or restraint, to trade "Have you any idea when he will come?" with our men, to fatten off our bounty, to asked another Secessionist, whose two beau- board our officers and their families, and to tiful dau ghters were used as a trap to lure live better than they ever did before the susceptible young officers into their company, Rebellion broke out. An open trade was where "movements" might be pumped out even kept up by the proprietors of the prin- of them by cautious maneuvering. cipal drugstore tinhe place for Confederate "Oh yes," replied Norfiect. It will be money, tacy paying out fifty cents on the the last of the winter or early in the spring dollar for it in goods. or forty in greenbacks before lie can move this way ; but when he at all tims. These are facts too patent for does come, he will come suddenly and with denial-tets known to hundreds of officers such force, that they can neither resist him and thousands of men in the Federal Army. nor get away from him. The plan is already This consternation was created by the sud- arranged ; our last mail carried him state- den arrest 01' some thirty prominent citizens, ments of every position held here by the whose letters in the captured mail had be- Yankees, their force, arms, etc., and a map of trayed their villainy., Their arrest was fol- every fortification and even every regimental lowed by a close confinement and a complete cam about the place I" isolation from their families and acquaint- "Well, I wish he was here already !" said ances; amid no reason was given them for another. "This living with the dread of a their arrests. Their own consciences were rope about one's neck may be pleasant to left to discover that cause. some; but I'll be cursed if it is to me ! There was a secret meeting of a few of Every nigger we've got is a spy uppa us. page: 38-39[View Page 38-39] 'il s 88 LIFE IN THE SADDLE. We have to keep as close-mouthed about judge from the frequency of their visits there. matters when they're about, as if the Provost- Meet one of them riding or strolling that Marshal was listening near by in his own way of a moonlight-evening, and askhim person I" where he was bound. " Well, when Longstreet comes we'll have " Oh, to Head-quarters 1" would be the in- them where they ought to be !" said Norfleet. variable reply. "We'll hear no more of freedom from their To Love's head-quarters, of course ; and, thick lips, then. Here am I, that owned in the classic language of Poe, the poet, help enough before the Yankees came, now "nowhere else !" obiged to hire and pay for it. But I'll get it For in that little red house dwelt the two all back when he comes ; for what I don't siren daughters of the rabid Secessionist own, 111 confiscate and send off where they'll who had offered to spirit away Elise the oc- bring a round price. I've got two of Bar- toroon and her mother, for old Nortleet. rett s women that I'd like to own; but I sup- They were really pretty, rather more intel' pose 11 have to turn them over to him ligent than most of the Southern women to again. They're so near white, mother and be met in that one-horse place, and just daughter, that they'd be worth five thousand coquettish enough to fascinate young men apiece in the New Orleans market. The who hhd no way to kill camplifo except the } renchmen down there would go crazy after routine of drill and dress-parade ; for, with the youngest !" the exception of the cavalry, who were "If I were you, I'd get them off my hands almost always on the scout or picket, the before anybody came to interfere with my troops, for months at a time, made no move- plans I" said the man with the decoy-daugh- ment there. terms. Whether any of them ever were really in "I'd like to, well enough ; but I hardly love, is best known to the few of them yet know how to do it !" said the old wretch. left-for many have since gone down bravely "I can put you in the way 1" said the first in battle under Foster, Burnside, Hooker, speaker. "'I here's Dashiell at the mill, Meade, and Grant; but it they were, they who is going to ship off' his hands to Rich- were grossly deceived if they believed their mond next week. If you could get them love returned-tor two more arrant Seces- over the lines to his house, they could be got sionists never lived than those two girls, used off with his batch, and no one but ourselves as decoys and spies by their rascally father, be the wiser for it !" who was about as open in his Rebel views as "By Jove ! it is a good plan, and well old Nortleet hiuiself- thought of. I'd try it, if I thought I could We will glance into the "Red House" just carry it through." for a moment to see how they maneuvro " hat will you give me to do it. I there. reckon I can manage it. Sonie of the officers The young ladies are dressed exceedingly are right sweet after my girls, and I can well, far better than any others around Suf- manage, through them, to get a pass for my- folk. This cau easily be accounted for, when sell and company almost any time 1" we inform the readers that their admirers "I'll give you one quarter of the profits !" know that it is impossible for citizens to pur- said Nortieet, alter a moment's pause. chase articles of elegance and luxury in Suf- "Say one third, and 1 am your man 1" re- folk, and that such things now must come plied the other. from a Northern market; for they have often "Well, you may try it. If you succeed, heard the fair girls mourn over that state of one third of the profits are to be yours ; but things. and almost weep when they said, if you fail, you are not to expose me in the "they had nothing to wear". matter, but to take all the m esponsibility on What generous'iieart could look upon such yourself!" lovely forms, and doom them to an Eve-like "Yes; I agree to that !' lack of silk, lace, and do lame, when a few "'Very well, then ; it is a bargain. And dollars' worth of such articles could so now I think we had better disperse ; for it is easily be sent out in the frequent boxes re- getting late, and our meetings may be ceived by ofllcers and never examined, watched !" though the examination of a private's box was always thorough, and confiscation sure CHAPTER XX. to follow, if it contained a contraband article! The little "Red House" in Suffolk, or .Especially when a loving sigh, a look of rather in the suburbs of that miserable Sc- gratitude, or even perhaps a burning kiss Cession-hole, used to be about as well known from lips as rosy as a budding rose itself, and to the "fast young officers" of the various thrice as full of honey, would be the felicitous commands at that post as their own quarters reward. -oomewhat better to some of them, one would in the little sitting-room, its windows open K1 I i LIFE IN THE SADDLE. that the fragrant breath of honey-iuckles lost, and thousands of brave men sacrifced, and roses may be wafted in on the evening- while generals have wondered how on earth breeze, the young ladies are seated in the the enemy could have been Informed of their presence of some half a dozen young officers, movements. conversing on such topics as chance may CHAPTER I. brim up. If it happens to be war, they are so full of One morning, not over a week or ten da sympathy for the poor soldiers, so regretful after his return from his North Carolina p, that war ever came upon the country, so the Colonel of Sergeant Clifford's regiment hopeful that peace will soon return again, sent for hum. that their admuirers could not be brought to "Sergeaut," said he, "our stock of oats Is believe that-in their hearts burned a hatred gettinglow, and a mixture of corn in the for- agnst the North and Northern men, too age-ration would keep our horses up well. bitter for utterance. Do you know where we can find any quan. They are accomplished in the art of de- tity of it, within a day's drive or less, to colt; and there is not one of the half-dozen camp ?" young men now with them, but believes him- "Yes, Colonel. The father ofathat Major self really the favorite of one or other of the Barrett, whom Dolan and Bruce captured the sisters. other day, has at least twenty, and probably A whispered word, or a gentle pressure of thirty wagon-loads in his cribs., It is but a the hand, or a look borne with one of the short half-day's drive to his place." softest of sighs, has assured him of this more "He has pretended to be neutral-has he than once. notf" Of course he can ask or expect no more, "Yes, Sir, and it was only pretence. His when others are present, and a solitary in- concealment of his Rebel son, and his angry terview is seldom to be had,except when some curses at the men who took him, show how special secret is to be found out; and then, his heart goes. A more bitter Secessionist. the Lord only knows what occurs I for we are does not live this side of Richmond." not supposed to be present at secret inter- "Well, we need corn, and he can supply it. views. I will order twelve wagons to be got ready, Yet, not a day or an evening passes with- and you can go with twenty men as an escort. out finding gilt buttons and shoulder-straps Throw out an advance far in your front; tell dancing attendance upon these fairies of the the picket-reserve where you are going, so "Red house ; and when they have departed, that they can help you if a chance Rebel then all the news that has been gathered is scout should be out and fall in with you. Give at once imparted to the Rebel father for the old planter the usual receipt for his corn, transmission to the Confederates, if it is of payable by the United States after the war, sufficient importance. if he gives undoubted proof of his loyalty. Thus many a thoughtless young officer has "Yes, Sir I When shall we start? said that he was sorry lie should be absent "As soon as you can saddle up. I will for three or four days. and could not see the make out the necessary pass for you and the object of his admiration-I will not say love, train." for it is too holy a feeling to be classed with An hour later, and the train of twelve either passion, frendship, or admiration-and empty wagons, each drawn by four good that object feeling so bad (?) at the thought of horses, was on its way over the muddy Nan- the temporary separation, has tearfully asked semond, escorted by twenty picked men of questions, and thereby very cunningly found the Rifles, under the charge o Clifford. out that hi egiment or brigade is ordered to As the roads were dry and fine, the teams march toWard the enemy's (Rebel) lines at and escort went most of the way at a trot; sunset, or at daybreak in the morning. and it was not yet noon when they turned of And, with a promise on her kiss-laden lips the main road into the lane that led to Mr. not to say a word about it, and a request for Barrett's house. him to be very, very careful, and for her sake The housq was found deserted by its white not to rashly expose himself, they have part- inmates. Mr. Barrett had preferred leaving ed. He to go to his duty, dreaming that he for the Rebel lines, to staying there after his is beloved by the wily enchantress; she to conduct had endangered his position, as he hasten to impart the news, so that it can be deemed it had. sent at once to the Rebel forces, to enable He had locked up the dwelling-part of his them to avoid a battle if so desired, or to pre- house, and only left two old negroes-a man pare for it on vantage-ground of their own and a woman--to take care of the place, choosing. leaving them provisions for their sustenance Thus many an important movement has in their own quarters. been frustrated, many valuable chances been He had carried off the most of his horse " . 1 page: 40-41 (Illustration) [View Page 40-41 (Illustration) ] * . 4& L1FE IN TUB SADDLE. '4 r.nd cattle; but his sheep and hogs ran loose "BelIe," said he to the eldeat, "I wpaant l. _ Sover the deserted plantation. His corn, too, some chloroform, and you mis get it for was lest in the cribs, and thousands of bushels me.' of we ort )otatt'es lay undug in the fields. "Chloroform, father ? What do you want The . rgeant had the coin loaded hito the that for Y Do you want to sleep till the cruel v aon, wxith all jpo itle spied; for he lid war is over'?' asked Clara, the youngest, a not know but that a Rebel torce might be on voluptuous girl of sweet seventeen, the very , it way also, to secure so much valuable for- ideal of Byron's Dudu. agV; and hi13 force was small to guaid so large ' No matter what I want it for. I must a train, and do atny fighting outside of it. have k, and your sister mustbe smart enough It did not take very long to load up the to get it for me." jf" wagons-for stout and willing hands make -How am I to do it, father ?" asked Isa- quick work-aud ore another bour had passed bella.- She was on his way back to the Federal lines. "Muffle up your head, and have a dreadful And none too soon, for he hal only just toothache--a toothache that will drive youth" ga nVithin si.ht of the reserve-pitket fore, tuad. without some one of your dozen or so ;' jY ; L~aving p)assait the two outside picket-guard, of devoted lovers has the kaudness to get you - 'ii/ when his small rearguard, cf a corporal some clioroforut, said Mr. Burgo. and six men, came daswing in at full speed, "Yes; you can do that easy, Sis," said with the in formation that a Rebel cavalry- Clara. "ittub a little cologne inmo your eyes, force, of at least two squadrons, was but a to make them red, and the you'll look as it hiort distance in their rer. you'd been crying. It will be so interesting It a moltent, the full squadron of reserve- to be sick, too: the dlear fellows will bring picke- was mttmouited, and. under the gallant you in lots of preserves, brandy-peaches, and Captain Fairgraves, forumes ready to meet the nice things out of the stores of their Sanitary graybacks. Ctimmmision. 1 ve a great mind to get sick r /V di au n up to iueet thetm, and then they haled, thing oT that sort, just to see how good they (m l i h Rblutlthey w fre thal--hvoaltl i o eeo en-y .1 P to consider whether it would ac wise to will it !" / iaack or not. 'Whten do you wait this chloroform, apt'tiin FI'iirgraves gaive them little time father " asked lsaulla. .m 1- iiettint. Joined by Clifford ant his " iilt away. 111 probably use it to-night uts. he cave the order to charge, taud, lea-d if I eanl get it, for it looks is if it would be!f i~ sii- inii hinselh went tlhundtring for- dark and stotuy ; and itf it iy, I can carry a\ i 1 un the astonished tebs. eut a plait that Iliave ont hanid, whticih will b1,yG did niot wait to receive his uinslaught ; makii me at least a cool couple of thousand ' ut t.iin a haitiles volley from their 1ong- dotO uo s.ft dwee 1 - Eili ! riles ,they turned and lied t Ien you'give us some of it if we get it tnowt a mtee trial of speed, for mile : " Yes. a hundred apiece. Now be smart. lr te lttels, though nearly or (,uitcdtuble will you y'' i A-h t )m.it er of their pursuers.ntiever turned to ' Yes, indeed, father. ill get the chlorto- t- k-1st. They were in a panic. and each mai form if I have to make love to one of their d lett nly on saving himself. doctors. Ah, there comes young alston. C ,.ti a ii..pave tollo wed as far a he lie s soft enough to believe anything. and in 0- ii: eti to go. wV without orders, beyond his picket- love with tme besides :'- cried Isabella. ;t line, and captured about a dozen of the poor- -- Clara, I'm going to my rootm to ix )up. est mlounted Re~tbels ;but the rest got away, Tell imt, when he comec:, in, thatr I ami al- ; when lie drew rein and turned his men back most crazy with the toothache. Father, you - ton ard their station. clear out, or I shall not be able to keep a , Giving his prisoners into the charge of the straight face on when I come to the acting.' tergcaitu, with a report of the attair for the And Isabella hurried out of the root just in Colonel, the Captain then sent him in with time to escape being seen by youug Balston, his train. which, to a cavalry-regimentgetting as she called hint--a juvenile lieutenat , in short of feed, was of great value. some iantry-regiment, as his looks and his - uniform told. CIllAPTER XXII. "How are you, Miss Clara ?" he said, in a __ Another scene in the red house. Mr. drawling tone, as he came in, brushed a spot'- Burge, the father of the two fair decoys whtom of dust lrom one of his boots with his hand- - we have before spoken of, entered the sitting- keichiet, and took a seat. 'Where is your room when they were alone, just before the lovely 'sister, MIss Belle ?'" hour when they usually began to expect their " p in her room, Mr. Ralston, almost dead eenintg-visitow. with the toothache. ~Se ha~s done nothing - 114 (ti }, f-i page: 42-43[View Page 42-43] tLlFE IN~ THE~ SADDLE. but mourn and cry all day. 'Now that moaned poor Isabella. "I you have come, it may be of some relief to this way, the pain is So) great her, for I know she thinks all the world of "I will go for it instantly you." tenant. "Go and lie right The dear poor girl ! I must see her; be back in less than half an positively, I must see her." hurried off, taking "a double "If I can 'only get her to come down, I readily now than he would will. But she looks such a fright with her march or on drll. headI all tied up, and her eyes red with cry. "Oh, didn't I act that u . so much." cried the afflicted girl whe Try.Tell her that it is only methat-andshad got out of hearing. "o cerc -and you know I love her to distrac- out of breath in his hurry. lion." his chloroform now, sure en Well,.I will try to persuade her to come know what he wants to do w down. Wait here a few nmoments." And "Most likely to put s *Clara went out of the room. sleep," said Clara. " No The Lieuten nt, meantime, took out a pock- wants it for: one thing is ce et-comb and a small looki-bg-glass from his it for the benefit of the Con pocket, and arranged his delicate mustache a spooney that Balston is! and well-oiled hair in a little m'ore atisfac- smart as one-half the private tory style. .i~e had but just done tiad "Wlwa ol o restored the comb and glass to his pocket, only son of a Yankee Mem when in came 1poor Miss Belle, leaning on That is enough for him to the arm of her sister, and admirably made up What need has he of brains 4 +for the occasiOn. and a big father. ie ne Her head was bound up with a huge towel, friends. I shouldn't wonde her eye were red. as if she had been weep- a colonel before long, lie t ing for hours, and " lily-white", properly put day that he expected prot ou, made all of her face that was visible of a wanted me to marry him most interesting paleness. hard work to put him oil' But her magnticent hair, in negligent until I could now how m curls, tll down upoi her white nck nd love him. When he bring shoulders, all too much exposed for any pas- form I shall have to give bionate man's peace of mind, by a very low- hope. How do you and necked dress. I-cr rounded arms were hare on ?' above the elbow, and her bewitching little "Oh, I've quarreled with loot was cased in a number two slipper, to go down-town tihe othec which, with a very fair lproportioin of her was afraid I could not get neatly-turned ankle, she took good care to guards were put on, and'1 a expose as she threw herself languidly on the .countersign. He first exc i soia. moaning with the pain of her dreadful said it was against positive toothache. to a citizen. I insisted that "Oh ! dear Miss Belle, I am so sorry for zen, belonged almost as mu you, positively, I am so sorry for you that I be did, etc., etc. ; but it wa don't know what to say to you. Positively, I wouldn't give it to me; , don't!" called him a mean. good "Oh! I shall diedI I shall die !" moaned old thing, and told hi Miss Isabella, piteously, putting her cambric took that hard, and tried to hands, upon which glittered, at least, a dozen the room, crying. When brilliant rings. was one." "What can be done for you? Oh Iwish " What did you want th I could take it and sutler for you! Posi- tad for, when you know yo lively, I do !' cried the warm-hearted Lieu- a dozen of shoulder--atraps tenant. home." Oh ! if I only had some chloroform. "1 didn't want it for myse Father tried to get me some, and couldn't," ed it." said the sutffering girl, piteously. 'Well, did you get It for " Chloroform ! I can get oceans of it 'rom "Yes. Ball came in ab- our hoapital-steward. fle used to go to just loving enough to ask fo school with me," said the [Lieutenau, hiur. Lima a half-dozen of them " h!if you do, it may save my life 1" "I'm sorry you quarreled I 48 cannot live long t. ' said the Lieu- Iowa, and I will hour." And he -quick" far more have done on a p to perfectionR1" the Lieutenant tell run himself Father will have ongh. I'd like to ith it." omei sentmnel to matter what he rtain, he will use ederacy. What lie isn't half a es under him." ipect. He is the her of Congress. get along with. ? lie has money er will lack for r if he was made old inc the other notion, when he so much. I had ifor a tew weeks, uche I really did s me the chloro- him a little more young Dean get him. 1 wanted r afternoon, and back before the sked him for the ;sOd himself, and orders to give it I was mnot a citi- ch to the Armysas .s of no use. Ie I got mad, and for-nothing, ugly hated him. -te mike up , but he tersign, and I left cane back, he e countersign so u could have got to see you safe lf. Father want. him, after all r ut half tight, and r a kiss. I sold for the counter- wellh Dean. Ho ' ,. z page: 44-45[View Page 44-45] f!! 4t 44 LIFE IN' TIIE SADDLE. know s o iniucI of ua hit is goirt on at head- '(lrifting nights when it is almost inpossibY q Iiar 1 t o nyi an iutportant secret for men to move abroad ; when the sticks out (" if'i. mud is almost knee deep, when the rah O1t. 1)11r ini ha again. lie is too don't drop. out pours: when the senth mflici a ti ",y av long. 1 know who have to stand on ex posed posts, shiv" Vt, i:.!a iim mtt t retIrace3 when I want under their India-rubber blahets, and tr n!1. A , 11 :1 a little sorrowful note their best to keep their powder dry, wi wilt h ii him t. toy Let i an hour. But they count the minutes whi'h tinke lock titu Uo y our tchlorotori; the the long, long hours before their relief c(n, p0 4r 1 1 he it a ui mttin hiunself almost to around. Such a night as a true scout lore de-t: for he knows lie can creep u) t), y, Over an O Yen, m)V fir the toothache once more. into the en toy's line on such a night, Wi, 0 misery . nt hut [! Oh, fa me, Clara, little fear of being seen or heard , nd t don t re I wni to hint . It I faint, you also knows that " such a blessed rain vi;l know, te Ii i te while you are gone afler wash out all tracks that lie may iak:ie, aid Water not leave his trail for pursuers to follow. The t)r Lieutetmatit was literally out of And this was the night which Mr. Bturg breathoi~t i -' c:iie in. had selected lot carrying out his work, which Otte 0ar. Ir. Itldtoii, I an so glad youve he had bargained to do for Mr. Norfleet-- come, ai Cit l)o stay by sister while that of carrying off Elise and her mother, so 1 tun iir mini ic it x\4titer he poor dear that they could be sent, to a Southern marke' hac fahne I. Ithic told her head"; I'll be for sale. For he knew that if he could get back in m .iitt:, tbcm to the Nansemond Itiver, bit a little rb i -eitit t t t. nt. leaving thi almost Way of, where there were plenty of small bucatlttuLite x ttithtait beautiful head boats, he could easily, on such a night, pass r nt nnit .n:it The hi psa ent'Ieyesunseen by all guards do «n the river to th no1.tmildblame htnit he did ranchh on wx hielh lay the mill of the Dasth1 try to lie.,.,1,( 1 toot with one, but with before spoken of; a about to remove his hanli counth.. (',i iuani: her his dear blessed tutlh. aue- et.tic Lint. To go up this would be easy; for it wasle At t miIt ' n to, just as Clara returu- I youd the eria nil line.;, and out of the usual et iiii' « ne tiI i ked if he -had brrtntht route of ourt' -outs. The only danger was in the cli' ut alipprearingto knom tutmeetmng with time patrol on the street, betwer, hem .iitglh' back io lite aill tis thehousend river ;and onsuch a nig. t was not at all likely that any patrol weue, [I s r byxw b+ i xhm'Iiling her a while bot- lhe very watchh' t e tii i amei t iieit. whtieli lie had pt o- Norileet and another stout Secessionist had cih calitI hopt tlihtil-Steyward. And I agreed to aid himt in getting into the boat; any mema::t i;i muii i itieritltoI I das he had git the countersign, and knew the route well, he had not much fear of fail' fir it i . a'tIt ni - m iin the hospital- urc. stoi h, .,t ttr. ciii 5 di)iler ; and a dis- So, at least, lie expressed himself, when, at COVCIit ti a imaer woulu be a court- about eleven o'clock at night, he stood with mart 10 itNorileet and the other Rebel assislatit in a s h , umiivx r. nev r tell, detr Mr. Bil- smal room, whiel joined that where Elise Stot - ut: . l x1 Itt er, nix eriorget you. and her mother slept. ott I I itliti' adti it itaketls me feel They had been purposely placed in that Ss iit: it t ti e'loigid to you. 1 will room by Nortleet, that day, because it was at go t~l ir : a1 use the chlra m It ,ttniow, and I a distance from any other occupied part of 0 it II ixii ('Cl\ II te to si, te, p i iair, IIthe house : he taking their former room ts a sldt'i' 1; iI ~ .iial. wr ut stay to tea, of storeroom, he sail, because it was n handy to cuat u ;e I'!:it 'll :xnI 'iitts: xiou until 1 the kitchen. Nearly over the bed where the leei :, u.two women lay w'is a sm-alt Window, wli+h t om'e. and use the opened out on the hall, kept open for ventils. mr iitt. I 1it ii nii poitix'el' wr'etcled tion. u.ti 1 kili that y o ate better: Go, dciar Approaching this window noiselessly, and , ltetl1 2 (. at i y aiti +iitie reliee+ed, come looking in upon the two inmates, by a ven to tot emnio:e, ad mtiake tue positively dim light, which he only showed afterhe was happy t; ing inc .:- satisfied, by their breathing, that they were both asleep, Burge commenced his opera- TheT XX1I. tions, with a care and skill which showed a The niait dit iena out -ark ail stormy, its knowledge of if not an experience in rascal- Mr. Bul;e atiucaeipais. One of those soggy, it. LIFE IN TlE SADDLE. 46 He saturated a sponge with the liquid whether they were confinedin the dark room chloroform, fastened it to a long' stick, and where they were., She found the door by then carefully held it close to the nostrils, feeling, and soon discovered that it was fbst- first of Elise, and then to those of tier another. ened on the outside. Again and a1gin ihe saturated the sponge, un- " Oh ! mother, mother ! what can this til he was satistied that they were both in a mean?" she asked. " We must be in some deatl-like sleep, from which it would be diffi- prison. I have seen ito dark room like this cult, in truth, impossible, to waken them, un- in Mr. Norfieet's house ; and we are both wet, til the eifCet f the drug had worn away. too, as if we had been out in the rain !" "Nov for the boat." ie said to his con- " We have been there, or in some river, onions, as he entered the room, and raised child ; for there isn't a dry thread of clothes sise in his brawny arms. on me ! Yet, how could that have been, and The other mauiraised the mother, and while we never wake up ? I believe we is bewitch- Nortleet held the light, they moved noiseless- ed, child, that I do !" ly out of the house. Once outside, the light "No, mother. There is something worse I was extinguished ; and knowing, as they did, than witchery in this," said Ebse. "I have every fof of the way, and where, every sen- read in some of the bioks which Miss Delia . tine! wa posteI, they soonreached the river used to let me have. about people being v ithoitut aiv interruption, drugged into insetnibility for vile purposes, Here a liLit skit, already selected and put by wicked men t in goo 1 ir - yBurge, was found, and the "Druggel, child? What is that ?" two wom:'lta iinthe bottom of it. "Some kind of drug given them to put t wuro 'ire again applied the chloroformto them into a sleep from which they cannot his viclm ,ibr lhe wished to be sure that no wake for hours. That meet have been done noise would he maset while hle rifted down to us, for my head feels very strangely!" l past the g.tiiats, and then ie and his com- " Mine aches as it it- beets ounded with a got inio the boat, and prepared to shove stone. Oh, the Laird only knows what will ot, become of us. I thought we was done free ' When wxl you be back ?" asked Nor- forever, and that you would he a sure lady fleet, one of these days. And now, we.don't know "To a w night. We -will creep where we are, or what i going to become of through tue lines and swim the river just us! It is so dark here, yet I know it must be after (ark. lye ~no fear but that we can get daylight; for I've heard chickens a crowin' in easy enough, when we are by ourselves !" and ducks a quacking this long while !" said Burge. " Yes; I have heard them also, mother. " Weli, he sure and take a receipt for the But hark ! I hear footsteps. I will make women from )shiell, and tell him to get as a noise, and see if we cannot find out where good a pri--e for them as he can. lie can we are !" send the ni, niy by the North Carolina And groping her way to the door again, - route t a. a1pondent in Norfolk-he she knocked as hard as she could against it, knows wit) " with her closed hands. "Yes ; thit will be all right ! Dashiell is " What is wanting in there ?" cried a gruff' the riitsit.t Good night :" voice, a moment after--by his accent, evi- And the boat was oil' the next moment in dently a white man. the pietlty itiness, bearing the two help- "Please, Sir, we want to get out of here, or, l s womei away once more into servitude, at least, to know where we are !" "Don't trouble yourselves about that. You (lAPTER XXIV. are where good care will be taken of you; The a om of poor Elise and her mother, and no blastedxneddling Yankehs be around When thiJy ' 'kk to consciousnsCs, may better to trouble you !" said thie person outside. be imnaune than described. Where they " But, Sir, we are very wet and cold. My were. trie: knew not. They were in a snal, mother is subject to Theumatie spells, and chlue rout ; their clothes wet through to the will be very ill:" a -kitn-liwV, thy hid not know ; for the vii- " Well, ill see to that. I'll send a woman lai. BrUue, ulid kept thiemunderthie ainfluenee up to you with somse dry duds and something "lf theih'troform all the time, until lie had warm to take. Butmind you ! no questions, thn 'mel iv housed under the roof of Mr. for she'll answer none. If you want good )sliiel1. who, being a bitter Secessionist, treatment, you must behave well-understand very readily undertook their custody to keep that. If you cut up with nme, you'll get cut thin out of the hands of the hated Unionists. in about as rough a fashion as you'll want to itisim; nIthe straw pallet on which she live through found liers 'IfElise, after finding that her "Will you not at least, Sir, please to tell u tuother wts with her, endeavored to learn what you mean to do with us :' Ii 1- e I S tF S4 I page: 46-47[View Page 46-47] 46 LIFE IN THE SADDLE. ir LIFE IN THE SADDL. '9 * Yes, if it will be any comfort to you. of Sergeant Cliaora, his face reddened wilh Take you to a healthier climate, where fig- excitement, and his eyes flashing as they gers are worth more than they are here, and only did when he was thoroughly angry. no Yankees near by to kidnap them away "Why, what is the matter now, George' from their mnsers. Now be quiet, and you asked the Sergeant. "Somebody sto t shall be attended to before long 1" another horse-blanket or a halter frs The man said no more, but walked away you 2" with a heavy step. And poor Elise did not "I only wish it was that, and ever; thiL feel like asking any more questions Her else in the world that I had, instead of wig, heart sunk wearily down into the darkest it is " cried the young man, pres.sing if, depths of despair. hand against his hot forehead. " Mother, we are doomed back into slavery " Speak out, man, and tell mue what is th aga n !" she noaned as she sunk down upon matter! You are not used to dealing i; the straw-pallet by her mothers side. riddles with me ! "I don't caretfor myself-I'm getting old, "Why, poor Elise and her mother an and shalt not last long !" said the mother, gone-God only knows where!I' weeping. UBut for you, poor child-for you "Gone from orfleet's Y" that has been brought up so tender like, and "Yes, and the infernal old curse pretends never seen hard work-it is too cruel, too that he don't know where. Says that thet cruel ! When we was free too, and the went to bed as usual at night, and ho coufl white folks all seemed to be such good friends not find them in the morning ! I told bin to us. That.good Mr. Bruce, I wonder where that he did know where they were! lie he is now. It he only knew were we was, he said he didn't, and I told him he lied. U$ would soon tree us again !" gave me some of his lip, and I smacked "Yes, m other ; I know he would. He is his face for it! He threatened to report nee, brave, an l nole, and good! Yet now 1 tear and I told him to report and be darned. Ii that we shall ne er see him again !" thrash the life out of him if he don't find "Oh yes; 'we will. When he finds we are gone from where he le fus, o and his "Have you inquired around town ?" friend will InkBuaeup-sec if they don't !" o"Yes-all over it, and neither sign nor "I pray the Lord they will. But hark, token can I find of them. 'Ihey are either there is some one coming-perhaps it is the hidden and confined in some place in town, woman the man said that he would send with or he has got them in some way beyond our dry clothes !" lines, for they would never have left of their i proved to be so ; for, in a minute more, own free wil . I had already written to in the door Was unlocked, and a black woman, tIluential friends to assist in getting an order with a lot of coarse garments hanging over from the War Department, to permit thea one arm and holding a candle in the other to be sent North. And I was going to send hand, came in. She was followed by another them to my own family, to have them taken one of the same color, with a pitcher of hot care of, until I could do better for them!" drink and a large platter of corn bread and "Did they know of your intention :' fried bacon. "Yes, and more grateful beings never A maim, white and rather elderly, looking lived; for they knew, if once they got Norta like an overseer, rough in his dress an they would be free from all peril of slaver features, stood at the door while it was open, forever " and when the woman put the clothes and "Then it is not likely that they could hate light and the food down, lie said ; gone away of their own free will There's sonc dry duds for you, and some- "No, never! 'They have been taken by thing to (at and drink. Put the clothes on, force I" and give the od woman there your wet ones " It would be next to impossible for any to have dried. No questions now, but do as one to take persons forcibly past our lin" iou are d. ITd wait outside here till she without they wished to go, and then a p1' rea y toconie out !''and the countersign would be necessar. One oi te women now went out, and lie " I know it. and for that reason 1 tIdim slockedthe dour again, while Elise and her that they must yet be concealed in tan mother hastened to exchange their wet clothes somewhere. What to do I know not; bi: for the diay ones brought, find them I must, or I shall never be s orth CIIAP1 a Continental cent to the service !" CHAP lt XXV. - "I will aid you in every way that is in ini "By thehly frog of the Great Dismal power, George !" Swamp, somebody will see dead Secesh in "I know you will. I will ride down-t a Suffolk, before I as twenty-four hours older "I again, and look in every hole and corner cried Bruce, as he rushed into the quarters of it !" "Do, and if you fal to find any trace of as comfortable as he had been before he left them, come to me. I'll get the provost home. guard to keep a watch on every move that The Major spent his first hours, when re- old Norfiket makes. And if we do not find lieved temporarily from duty,,in relating to outan in before night, or at furthest in his family his %xperiences while a prisoner, the course oftwo or three days, I'll frighten railing at the Yankees without distinction, the truth out of him, or scare him Into fits. as brutes and rascals, whose treatment of When I tell him that his letters to Jeff Davis him had of course been intolerable. Woe to and his nephew in the Army are where I the Yankee now that got in his power, was can lay my hand on them, and describe their his cry-lhe would show him what suffering contents to him, I reckon he'll cave-if there was. Is any cave in, in his nature I" In the course of his narrative, he mention- "Yes, that will be apt to fetch him! I ed the visit of his uncle, Doctor Glover, and beg~n to have some hope, Sergeant ; and now his cousins, to him when a prisoner on the I'll start for another search." gunboat-making it appear that they had come to insult him, rather than to offer their Ch APTER XXVI. sympathies. Owing to the facilities for exchange from "The vile Unionists !" cried the father. Fortress Monroe, by the weekly trips of the' "It is a pity that the Doctor wasn't made to fla-oftruce boat to City Point, the duress stretch hemp! And what a pretty place he of iilor Barrett in that stronghold was of has. I wish that belonged to our family !"bubredrain"Imyytt.1sidheMjinncm but brief durattion. "tm yye!'sadteMjrInnem Only a few days elapsed before he was ex- phatic tone. changed for a far better man, of the same "fHow so? Have you any plan in your rank in the Federal Army, who, captured mind, by which it might be acquired Y" asked from the gallant old Seott Legion, the noble Mr. Barrett, eagerly. New York Thirty-eighth, at the first battle " Yes ! I noticed that the Captain of the of Bull Run, had lingered all too long in the Yankee gunboat was very sweet on Annie, cursed prisons of the chivalric (?) South. the Doctor's oldest daughter-about as pretty The moment Barrett was free upon the a girl, by the way, as can be scared up now- seil of his native State again, lie hastened a-days. And she seemed to receive his back to his regiment, breathing nothing but marked attentions with full as much pleasure hatred and vengeance toward his late cap- as that with which they were given. Now, I tors in particular, and all Yankees and Union have more than half a mind to marry her men and women in general. myself, just to spite him 1" What was his astonishment, as well as "Suppose the lady should herself object I" pleasure, to find upon his arrival at head- asked Miss Delia, quarters, that his father, mother, and sister, "She would not be apt to object if I was with such valuables as they could easily to put her father under arrest, and make his transport, also with their horses and cattle, neck the price of her refusal. And then, which found a ready sale with the Arnm r, after the knot was tied, I could easily prove had already arrived there, deeming their him to be a rank Unionist, and have the longer residence so near the Federal lines property turned over to me by an Act of unsafe after the arrest of the son. Congress. The Southern Representatives The elder Mr. Barrett intented to go fur- are always willing to reward the faithful, ther on, either to Petersburg or Richmond, when it can be done without cost to them- but receiving the assurance from his son, as selves !" well also as that of the commanding-officer "The plan is a good one, my son !" said of the forces there, that General Longetreet Mr. Barrett. "And I would advise you to intended in a short time to make an over- carry it out. There isn't a prettier place whelming descent upon Suffolk, capture that than Cedralia in all Virginia-is there, lace and drive the Yankees totally out of wife ?" southeastern Virginia, lie concluded to take "It is a beautiful place, and I am sorry my their advice and remain for a while with his brother's principles are such as to put it family and servants near the head-quarters and him in peril," said Mrs. Barrett, with a of the Army, so as to be ready to move back feeble sigh. to the old plantation as soon as the country "lHe ought not to have enjoyed its posses- was free from its Northern invaders. sion a day after he refused to go in with the A. house which had been left vacant by the patriots of his seceding State," said the Major, arrest of its owner-a Union man, who then bitterly. "And his days upon it shall be few lingered a prisoner in Castle Thunder. at now. As soon as I can persuade the General Richmond-was placed, furniture and all, at to organize an expedition to go down into his disposal, and he was soon nearly or quite that section, I will ; and I think I will carry 4, 41 C i I ' " page: 48-49[View Page 48-49] /j {/ ( R{ dj 3 E q gd { i l ; 3 S 4$ LITF IN TILE SADDLE. out a very choice programme that is in my his own family. ie is the right sort of mind. I will sink Captain Bradford's gun- a Virginian-one of the Wtihington and J. boat for him, and carry otT his lady-love. I ferson line, not of the Pocahontas half-bredi reckon the two losses will place me even stock." with hm. I 811011(1 like to lave the cursed " Fortune favors the brave, boys !" said the regiment of rifles that captured mc meet us Sergeant, as lie looked at the 01(1SecoSsionlit. W en we have force enough to cut them up " One of you ride to camp quick, and gtt completely, and then I think I should feel a lariat or picket-rope. We 1ifollo'w the 0kl1 that 1 had been slightly recompensed for my wretch up to his place, and get him into captivity-.",the woods there ; and if to don't choke the - "I should think so," sail his father, with a truth out of hin, you may feed me on hard. smile. "I wish you could get your expedi- tack for a year !" tion started in time to save the things at my Bruce took the ides, and lalhed of toward plantation ; for I sho1u1(1 not he surprised if the camp in a moeinont, at fill speed ; swhilo the Yankees 'obbled up everything I left ClifVbrd and D1)ian rode on slowly in the rear when they fin out I have gone." of the old rascal. Well gobble it, and more, back again for They were soon re'oine:l by Bruce, wh8i you if they do, when General Lougstreet carried a coil of rope ut the frotl ring of hs tomes down. He'll not take long in olish- saddle ; and then they role Oil across tie ing them off I can assure you. But I must Jericho (anal, pai-lug the giard at the bridge be ot, to eamp. intend to ask im portent without resW.it ; for (liti'lrd had a general favors before loi'-, and General Pryor tust pass, 1 ala p i 1c'l the guards, unques- not see me im the least reimas in my duty. toned, in the day-dime. Keep up good heart, all of you --bctter days A tilne-lookiin ehrtly gentleman, in citi- are connuig ;anv('l -oon1 rtvel in Yank t zen's dreas, sImd eem alr t'tn \"ith the oflicer? spoils, instead of bin fotesfroum our of the gud wh'n they t d, and they homes'' spoke to him in the most triidly manner. And the Major separated for the quar:ers lIe was the (piain uonnet ille of whom of his regimot-t they had spokenta trutite Union man. Norflect was only two or three hundred ('IIAPTEI XXVII. yards in ai ra1ce whn thov passed the: Three days were spent by Bruce. Dolan, bridge ; and as he entered a part of the road and Clifford, in making a careful search in bordered on eiher side by a dense forest, Suffolk and its suburbs, for some trace of they rap)idly closed on him, an, when h3i Elise and her mother. But, aided though was about a quarter of a mile ftrtier on and they were by provost-authority, they sought out of sight o1 all guards and lmouos, IDolan, unavailingly, and at last gave up all hopt a of directed by the Sergeant, rode swiftly up to discovering them within the Federal hmes. the head of the mule which the od rascal "There is nothing left flr us now," said drove, and, seizing the rein, suddenly turned Clifford to the two cavalrymen ; " but to it off the road into an onen part of the forest. catch old Nortleet alone, and frighten the The other two closed" up on the astonished truth out of him." man, and, with drawn sabres, pricked the These words were spoken as they sat in mule into a speed which quickly carried him their saddles near the camp of the Rifles, on out of sight and hearing o' the road. their last return from Suffolk. "Gentlemen ! what (1005 this outrage "Speak of the devil and he is always close mean ?" st.ammered the terrified old Seces- at hand,"' said Bruce, pointing to a man in a sionist. - mule-cart driving up the road on their left. "You'll soon see, you bloody old thiert "There goes the old curse now, driving up of the world !" cried Bruce, as he shook the to his old plantation to see if any poor sol- coil of ropeC ominously b'efo're his eyes. dier on picket, half frozen, hmas burned up an " I know you all ; Ill report you to the , old feniec-rail to keep from being chilled to General for this !" yelled the old wretch. r death." "'I'here is precious little prVobability ofl & ' Yes, so as to report to the General. as he your ever seeing any general in this world to has done more than once, and get a Union report to !" said Clifim 1 as he ordered a halt guard over his Rebel property, as he has done in an open space under the~ broad-spreading fore !" cried Dolan. "here is Captain limbs of an immense cypress-tree. Bonneville, as good a Union man as ever "Bruce, just throw one end of that rope stoood in shoe-leather, and as true a man, to'o, over that lam-ge limb there, and] mako a hing-- as ever stood on a Mosaic carpet, has had man's noose at the other end !" he added, as nearly every fence on his place burned up, he dismounted from his horse and hitched it and never once opened his lips in complaint; to thae whecel of the cart. and his table is a~s free to one of us as it is to " Great Heaven ! What do you intend to LIFE IN THE SADDLE do with me ?" gasped the trembling old as we hoist him up! Up with him, to pay tch for the girl and her mother i wreDo? Not much--only to hang you, just "Oh, mercy hiiley are not far off, and if to keep our hands in, so that we can do the you'll spare me I'll get them for youI" thing nice for old Jetf Davis when we catch groaned the wretch. him !" Where are they ?" cried Bruce, giving "Iang me ? Monstrous ! You dare not ! the rope another slight pull. " Dare not is a word never allowed to be " At Mr. Dasiehl s house, on Mill Creek I" spoken to or by a member of the Mounted groaned the terrified old man. lMites, Mr. Nortleet. You evidently don't "What are they doing there ? Who sent know us, if you think we dare not!" said them there ?" thundered Dolan. )olan, in his quiet way. " Bruce, I'll make "It wasn't me. Mr. Burge took them that knot-I understand it. I helped to hang there to send them South !" stammered the a murderer once in 'I'(-xas, who thought that old villain. there was no law on earth to punish him. "When are they to go ?" aaked Clifford. He ot chi ked for thinkim so l" " I don't know-very soon, I believe. Oh, "Uentlemen, if you think to scare me out for mercy's sake, don't hang tme, gentlemen 1 if money, you are laboring under a mistake, Ill do anything you ask ! 1 11 take the oath for I haven't a cent about me!" of allegiance, it you'll only spare me this " All the money in your cursed Confedercy time !" couldn't save you !" cried Clifford, sternly. "And break it within an hour, on the plea "You need not think we are tripling with that it was extorted irom you when you were you! Put that noose over his neck, i)olan. in bodily fear. Say your prayers, for I'm Now, Sir, if you have a prayer to say, utter it tired of waiting !" said Ciliflrd, angrily. and be briei for in three minutes more by "Sergeant, suppose we wait unuil we see my watch you 11 swing !" . whether he has told us the truth about those The terrified old villain, now seeing that women !" said Dolan, in his philosophical they appeared to be indeed in earnest, sprung way. "We hold his letteover him, and from the cart and fell on his knees before the can have him arr ewed again at any time, if party. we show them to the Gcieral'" "At least, tell me what you are going to "That is so ; but he is auhi a cursed vii- hang me for" he groaned, as Dolan threw lain, that I think the world wouldho better the noose over his head, while Bruce, at the off when his neck is stretched I" said lif- other end of the rope, drew up the slack. ford, appearing to rtlleet. "First, for being an unmitigated old Rebel, "I go in for hanging him at once. It will false to your country and your God, a hypo- save us more labor at another time ; for. if he crite and a spy, also a member of the Rebel has lied about the women, I'd go to the end Secret Signal Corps!l" said Dolan. solemnly. of the earth to punish him !" cried Bruca. "Secondly, for corresponding with Jetier- "Oh, gentlemen, spare me, and I will be son Davis, the arch-devil of the Confederacy, true to the Union. Tlie women are where I and sending information in regard to the said they were. You may hang ame without forces and fortifications here, in a letter to my saying a word, if they are not ! your nephew in the Confederate Army, both "How were they got past our lines c?" ask- of which letters I have intercepted, and hold ed Clifford, sternly. "' Tell the truth, old ready for delivery to the Commanding-Gen- man, for your litf depends upon it I' eral in justification for hanging you, after "Mr. Burge and other titan mimide them 1 have done it. He might be more merciful insensible with chlorotfim while they were than I ; so I'll hang you first, and report you asleep in my house, on t.' night of the last afterward !" said Clifford, sternly. rain-storm, and then took them in a boat "Third and lastly," said Bruce, drawing down the river in the darkness, and so up the rope a little tighter, "I go in for hanging Mill Creek, where they now are at the house you because you sent those two poor women of Mr. Dashiell. I tell the truth; so Ilip me, that I left at your house, back into slavery God, gentlemen ! Oh, spuai mmel' again ! Now pray your last prayer, for i m. "Slack up the rope, Bruce. 111 see if the tired of waiting at this end of the rope !" old man has told the truth or not. And if he Oh, merey-mercy, gentlemen !" groaned has, I will then think, after we have got the the completely-terrified old scoundrel. girls back, whether it is best to trust to his ""Not halt' the mercy you gave to poor promises of reformation or not." Elise and her mother, you kidnapping old "Oh, Sergeant, you may tr ust me--indeed, wretch !" cried Bruce. "Come boys, let us you may I" cried time old rascal, as Bruce have hiam up at once. Praying won't do him slacked up the rope, an tuIolan slipped the any good ; the devil has a mortgage on his noose troum his neck. "And if you will onl soul, and stands ready to foreclose it as soon not tell the General aoul thoe letters, I wi I 4 p I f page: 50-51[View Page 50-51] aI F' .5I: i1 F F II LIFE IN THE SA.DDLE. 0 LFE IN THE SADDLE. never write another, or do a thing to injure 'em; only leave me, Old Cesar, bere, 'cause the Union cause !" I'm no good now no more no way !" replied "You are only reprieved, not pardoned," the feeble old man. said Clifford, in a stern tone. Watchful " Where has he gone to ?" cried Bruce. eyes will be upon your every motion. I "I doesn't know for sartin, Mars'r. He shall know before I sleep whether the women said he was gwoin to Richmond !" are where you say they are, or not. If they " When did he go ?" asked Clifford. are not there, tremble for yourself ; for, mark " Yest'day mornin', Mars'r, airly, afore de me, you shall die, as sure as my hand can broke ob day." wield a sabre or my finger pull a trigger. "'Then he is across the Blackwator before Now go, with your old mule-cart, and re- now. Pursuit with our force would be member that silence is your best policy. I worse than hopele.ss," said Clifford. hold your letters and your life in my hands !" " Who did he have with him ?" asked The old man got into his cart, trembling yet Bruce, eagerly. so much that he could hardly hold the reins, " All his own folks, all his black folks, too, and drove back into the road, and home- Mars'r ; and all de horses, and do mules, and ward, too, as fast as he could. de cattle, too." The Sergeant and his friends hurried to "Were there no strangers with him?" camp to prepare an expedition to go to the asked Dolan. house of Dashiell. "Not as 1 knows on, Mars'r." -- "Not two women, almost white, that were CHAPTER XXVIII. brought here lately Y" asked Bruce. Having got permission to go out with his "Oh yes Mars r, I done fogot about denm, scouting-party, Sergeant Clifford was in the cause I only seen 'em once't when de ober- saddle, and off across the Nansemond, before seer took 'em in a wagon. I see dat dey was the sun had gone down, anxious to learn if strange and dat he had 'em tied. One ob 'em old Nortleet had for once been terrified into was almost white !" telling the truth ; and if so, to release and carry "Yes, it was them ! Curse the luck ! Why Elise and her mother back to freedom. For could we not have been just two days soon- he had seen and conversed with the beautiful er !" cried Bruce, gnashing his teeth in use- and intelligent octoroon, and shared to a cer- less rage. "Now they are gone beyond our tain degree the anxiety felt by Dolan and reach into a worse slavery than they endured Bruce for their protegees. before. I'll make that Burge and old Nor- Their course lay past the infantry-pickets fleet weep tears of blood for this I Poor, and the usual cavalry-guard beyond it, and poor Elise-she will not live long. For her then they had only four or yive miles to go heart, which beat so exultantly at the thought beyond our lines to reach the mills and of freedom, will break beneath this new de- house of Dashiell. He was well known as a spair !" man of wealth in that region, and one of the "Don't fret so much, George-we'll have most bitter Secession proclivities. Richmond yet before the year is out !" said 'T'hey were not long in passing over the Dolan, quietly. "And then we'll find the few mils, for the horses were kept at a poor women out, and free them once more gallop. When they arrived at the stately for good and all !" mansion of Dashiell, however, they were "'llave Richmond ? I've heard that tune doomed to disappointment. They found it sung ever since the war commenced. Old entirely deserted, and almost entirely de- Greeley sung it when we went to Bull Run nuded of furniture. ''he ruts made by the -Raymond took it up and sung it out on the wheels of heavily-laden wagons were yet Chickahominy, which was the worst hominy fresh about the house and in( the road leading I ever had to take. And it's 'On to Rich- to the Blackwater. mend' yet, and will be for six months of Neither horses, mules, nor cattle were to be Sundays yet, I expect! The poor women seen about the place. Everything exhibited are gone ; and all that we have left for us to signs of a recent and hasty evacuation of the do is, to revenge them ; and if' George Bruce premises. don't do his part at that, may lie never see One old lame negro was the only human the Susquehanna again! That's all! Let's being to be seen on the place, and they found burn this cursed crib at any rate, Sergeant, him roasting sweet potatoes for his supper at just for a holocaust, as old 1uarson Pipes used the old kitchen-fire, to say "Where is your master t" thundered Clif- " It would hardly do, without orders ! ford, as lie gazed at the white-headed old The General is getting particular lately P Ethiopian. said Clitford. "And I would advise you all, "Done gone away, Mars'r-hc done gone if you go to looking for eggs in the barns, to away wid all de rest of 'ct-all do tect of be careful of your pipes, for you mfht acci :X dentally drop fire, you know. Of course, we are not responsible for accidents; but it is my duty to caution you to be very care- ful !" " Will it be very wrong for us to pick up a few of those ducks and chickens that the old Reb has left behind, Sergeant !" asked one of the inca. "No, I think it would be wrong to leave them here uncared for !" replied Clifford. That was enough ; and in a little while, when they rode off, every man had a brace or two of nice fowls at his saddle-rings. They hid not gone far before a bright light was seen in their rear, and the Sergeant see- ing it, said : "Some of you must have dropped fire from your pipes, men, back there, or else that old nigger, has been careless. If ever *)ashiell comes back to his plantation, I'm afraid he'll have to build himself another house ! "I hope so !" said Bruce, "and that he'll only need cellar-room in it for himself-six leet by two, or thiereahouts !" "You must remember, boys, that if we are questioned about the fire, that I cautioned you to be careful, and it has occurred acci- dentally, it' it has been done through us !" said Clifford. A laughing assent was given, and the men rode meirilly on, all pleased with the result of the expedition, except poor George, whose heart throbbed sadly as he thought of poor Elise again in bondage. The night was pleasant, and they went on at a stetadfy trot, soon reaching the pickets and passing them with the countersign. It was not y;et time for tattoo when they were all snug in camp again, their horses rubbed uunn and fed, and themselves in quiet quar- tets for the niirht. A ad there we will leave them for the pres- "u; while we, ever-sleepless, will look else- hete to see what is stirring. CH APTER XXIX. Roger A. Pryor never was considered the ha lsomest man in the Iouse, when he was a imimber of Congress.. Nor did he look vi iferocious whehi lie refused to meet Mr. Pot ter with bowie-knives, to brighten his t't'ihedt honor. And I have seen handsom- or men in the field titan lie looked to me one iday, when lie was skedaddling away from our Rites in Virginia, his lank form cased in a suit of rusty gray, his long hair floating out like singed flax on the wind, and the rim of a very Greeley-like hat flopping about his long ears, his heels pressed vigorously to the flanks of a horse that looked to be of far more intrinsic worth than its rider. But he looked, and doubtless felt, very comfortable in his quarters near Ivor, just across the Blackwater, when Major 3arrett called on him to request permission to get up an expedition of a foraging and maraud- ing nature. For he had a large mint-julep in his hand -a barrel of apple-jack set on end served him for a table, on which a lunch was spread, and a small keg of the same article consti- tuted his seat. "What is new on the tapis, Major?" he asked, in his boyish voice, as he took a bite at a sandwich and then moistened it with a sip of julep. "Nothing new around here, General," re- plied the Major, blandly. taking the seat on another liquor-keg to which he was motioned by the General. "But I came to ask permis- sion to get up something,new !" "Well, what is it, Major? A plan to stir up our Yankee neighbors ?" "Yes, General. I should like to take a battalion of my regiment and a battery, and go down toward the vicinity of Suffolk, to see if I can't ambush a few of the infernal vandals, to pay up for the couple of weeks, involuntary board which they gave me "Is not such a force as you request too small to go so near their lines as you pro- pose. They come out scouting with a full regiment very often !" "I know it, General ; but I ask no greater force than my rank entitles me to command, for I wish to go in command of this expe- dition. I think that, with my knowledge of the country, I can do something handsome for the cause, and give some of the Northern mudsills a sound drubbing !" "I admire your zeal and ambition, Major, and shall not do anything, I assure you, to lessen it, but rather forward your wishes, so far as I can. You can take Done's Light Battery with you, and I will detail another battalion from' Claiborne's Georia regiment of horse. Its Major is your junior, and you will be in command then of quite a respecta- ble force !" "A thousand thanks, General. I will do something with it that will please you !" "I do not doubt it, Major. When will you start ?" " Early t9-morrow morning, Sir, without forage or rations ; for -I know the country, and it shall feed my men and horses I" "Good ! that is t best plan to go on, for our commissariat is poor, at the best. If you can bring back a few fat cattle and sheep, or a few cartloads of poultry, for our mess, you will not be blamed, I assure you. Will you take a glass of apple-jack, Major, ant a sandwich? I have nothing better to offer you!" "Thank you, Sir ; permit my haste to give I3 I( x1 ' t t 1 "7" . s page: 52-53[View Page 52-53] I!F f F 52 LIFE INTI orders for the men to get arms and ammuni- tion riidr. to be my excuse for not joining in your lunch tX'rLiinly-I like to see officers who can think tbitv rather than pleasure." tIhe Major hurried out, ant while on his wnay t the head-quarters of hit regiment met 4 a Cavdcade i V iii3 loathed with fur- r i 'it i ngro-, ccmiing in on the Black- A the helad of the truin rode a foi'mer ac- qu dAnLiuce of hi.. Mr. ltstiell. " . 11oving, Sir' ' he said. as lie saluted Ye ,ti for liiclini-t Iat la t. The Yan- es u e ci owding en too close," said the h it t r. " L:,t weei% ,tn hy took all the lumber a',"a "a: fr ny : mill, and I expected their next 0 we e milermy nigers antl Ck so 1 tho1 t itbest to it them away while 1I tibr-i "r ar Mar Where did you get ite i ir. ilishiel" A _ 'i'' :eor S1:(' lace eil edup as he Po'nt ° i L t'i i I .1ostpi wit, w ho 'were stated sid' '. in miie of tin'o i1I0eot w agons. no o women Y \ by, Norilhet, of mt '1k, tal the: imslnugile Iout to mne. I am to ilikih ii t t RI.chuwnn'd to rell for hini.'' e ' o mi father will have soanutuing y '; ' ,ri ' : ..1r , Oily I een"e they are his property- takei ho:ni him a shoi t t4o o by the cnkt . liei 3 here, Loe ite I in ihat white boa -e yion let, n:ar the Gene(0al a titqu-ue-s. an i wll Le -t iy glad to reclaim i.is losd I e :vt um iall not try to keep him from li ow'- 'ail Mr. Dahit.b " Norltltat thea wom n to inc. and I ordered my overseer to t:ke c n ot tlti in. I did not know that they bel tiedt ut o'ur hither ; for I never hat c had a wo to say to tlhtem1. I wonder if I can i.et gartct n ith your alaier to-night 7" " es air, without any doubt. I will iide Up at, tara tie house iwith you. lie may pc'-e'ade yoi to do as he is uoimg-take up Quairteis lie ctutil Loigstrei'et cones down to drive owa-- tc Yankee ,, and give hitmt. e II t t i baciek to lis old plantatiu I iiti it ''i tal k I would rather seo it, th In i I' Il i - ou n iit t20 it if you lite till sping." 'I Li i'et) - ( IAP 'E X XX. tin, dn-. thbe rivei', to-day, C :'1:u am .dsed y asteka l S , at Ulilfold. oft' 'ommandt~l'relofthe i5 nolia. meeting hilCm. r toen nad quar'ters ofhi Lii' Co)umu- n nmg Gn al in Sullk on tiO n , hist' 11ii1i-, turn lto; t.; vist to tlhC mi:.iil iL:2e. I E SADDLE. "Yes, Sergeant, in the course of an houror two, to return early to-morrow. Will you not take a trip with me, and receive the intro- dtuction that I promised you ?" "I will, if I can get leave from my Colonel. I can ride up to camp and be hack in thirty or forty minutes. If I do not return within that time, you will know that circumstances oblige me to decline your kind invitation." "'Very well; I shall expect you, and I hope nothing will occur to keep you away. I will not start before ten o clock-or eleven, if you think it will take you more than an hour to get reely." "It will not take me an hour ii the Colonel can spare me until ti-morrow said the Ser- geant, as he leaped into the saddle and rode ohr up the street at full speed. The Captain of the gunboat now went, on board his vessel to oroer steam to be got up, and make the necessary prep rations for his trip. He did not have to wait over his time for the appearance of the Sergeant :for, in less than the fo ty minutes named, thm latter rode down to the whuri; with another man in con- pany to tike his horse back, and waved a sig- nal for a boat. " All risht, Captain," said lie, as lie stepped on board the gunboat. 'And if we see any birds worth the shooting, i've brought along a nice double-barreled sun, that I took from a sneaking North Carolina guerrilla, not long ago. It is of English make, and looks as if it would throw sho't well." "We may see some ducks on the river," said the Captain, with a smile. 'And pos- sibly we may spy some gray geese on land- if we do, my Iarrott thirties may talk to them rather saucily. I always load with canister going down the river, especially for their benefit:' "I understand you. IC we should see any of the gray-backed gentry going down, and they are in short range, 1 can load my gun with a half-hnidful of No. 1 buckshot, as ii was loaded when I got it!" "I should have supposed the guerrilla would have unloaded it before lie was captur- ed, if he was as smart as most of his class generally are." "lie probably would have done so, had he not received a sedative roum one of my men just before ' "A sedative? Do your men administer medicine " Certainly, Captain ! Blue pills, which produce a steep froim which there is no earth- ty waking. Pills of an ounce weight, and a most indigestible nature!' "Yes; i also understand you! They are alministei ed through steel tubes, labeled 'ha tie s' or ' Colts patcut, are they not?" LIFE IN THE SADDLE. "Generally, Captain. How soon do you arm men, on start ow" be ready for v "Iii less than ten minutes-as soon as the Scarcely h engineer reports a proper head of steam on. when a burst Getting enter way here is not much trouble. thicket ahead When'we have steam, it is only to slip our shell, whirli moorinmrs and we a're oil; for we lie at a about the st buoy, purposely for quick work. It is seldom that he had a that I have an anchor down !" Springing t "'Twenty -six pounds of steam o, Sir," said and sighted b the engineer, coming up and saluting the to fire. Wit Captain, at this moment. which shook "Very well, Mr. Carpenter. We will slip the two guns at once, and go down the river. The pilot is and canisters at the wheel, I see." Rebel battery In a fcw moments more, the steamer was "Load wit moving at a lair rate of speed down one of them it at the most crooked and perverse channels that Captain, throw ever bothued a white man to steer through. rammer. " Sometime; close in -under one bank, and point." then over on the other shore ; at some points "The Pilo apparently steering directly back toward got a ball thi where they came horn; they went on, umak- ter-master, i ing speed w biravr a straight stretch opened, now being and obliged to run slow when a short turn shooters on t was to be maade, to avoid going ashore with " Stand to too much head ay, Lelore the boat could get for the point around. the wheel at Thus, for several miles they went, Clifford Then cam on deck with the Captain, scanning the chores the battery closely as they moved on, for occasionally a splintered ti guerrilla-piarty visited the river-banks, rend- curses below ering a close watch at all times necessary. been done. They had got within three or tour miles of But, in an Cedar'Point, and were going at a fine rate of heavily cha speed, when Rladford pointed out the spot to shower into Clifford, remarking that within twenty min- posted, and utes they would see the roses of Cedralia, the tion told tha tairest flowers in Christendom. Only two While they were gazing at the point, the the secondI steamer having just run into a bend which third time al compelled them to hug the western shore and musket closely, Captain ladford uttered an exclama- Rebel flag w tion of surpilse, aind pointed to a thick vol- cannon-shot une of smoke which rose suddenly at Cedar A few wild Point. were fired; "Heavens! The Doctor's building must ford sent bo be on fire' li e cried. " That smoke rises woods, in d from the 1ery spot where they are located. spouse was, Pilot, sing out to the engineer, through the lie ran hi speaking-tube, to put on all the steam the the battery boat will carry." guns loaded Scarcely had lie issued that order before a had a boat l new cause of alarm arose. men, and C Men in gray uniforms were reported, by to reconnoit the lookout, to have been seen in the bushes He soon ahead, and all at once the Rebel flag was seen harmless. flaunting on a point just ahead of the boat, Rebels lay and near which she must pass to keep in the battery had channel. all gone, t, "Stand to your guns, men ! Gunner, open horses to g the magazine and be ready to serve out am- for his gro munition !" shouted the Captain. "Small- horses. 58 with your cartridge-boxes, and work!" ad these orders been issued, of smoke and flame from the , and the shriek of a half-dozen ng through the air, over and eamer,-told the brave Captain battery to contend with. to his two bow-guns, he leveled oth himself, and gave the order h a report and a concussion the vessel from stem to stern, sent their heavy load of grape into the dense wood where the y was located. th grape again; we will give close quarters !' shouted the wing off his coat and seizing a Pilot, steer directly for that t is shot dead, Sir, and I have rough my arm," cried the quar- n the pilot-house; which was riddled by bullets from sharp- he shore. your guns, Captain, I'll keep her ," shouted Clifford,'springing to once. le another volley of shell from on the point, and the crash of mber, and a few wild cries and told that damage and hurt had instant mere, the steamer's guns rged with grape, sent a deadly the thicket where the battery was yells and cries from that direc- t it was not a one-sided affair. of the Rebel guns responded to fire of the steamer, and when a he sent a raking sheet of grape bullets through the woods, the as seen to go down and not a was again tired from the shore. and scattering musket-shots only and then, though Captain Rad- th shot and shell all through the Different directions, no Rebel re- given. s boat close in to the point where had been posted; and with his ,-so as to cover the landing, he owered, and with a dozen picked lifford in his company, proceeded itre the shore. found that his fire had not been Over twenty dead and wounded in one spot, where the six-gun been ; and though the guns were wo caissons left, for the want of et them away, fell into his hands, ape had killed nearly half thehi 1 + 1 if I s i 1 + i , 4 page: 54-55[View Page 54-55] 4 r 54 LIFE IN THE SADDLE. Learning from the Rebel wounded that with him with sincere for there was a large cavalry-force in rerveto that I shall not lose a d asure, nhile I an protect the battery, he took them on board, sure of gaining a worthy son !", Q ii and then looked at the damage which lie had "ou ammg at son !" t received, while he kept throwing a shell ask You to better wait, dear father, until he every nonw and then into the woodYg, to pre- laughing. Yoome his bride "said Annie vtnt the battery fron again taking a position be in a great hurry to get rid of me !'' t to aim thim.at h w oOf course; for when your angelic lady. and Cfbnre that his own loss was the pilot ship isout of the way, I may stand a chance and three other en killed, and four woun- for a beau !' said Marveliat hm n;inher lpipboat, thourghi onsiderably " Oh, is that all that is the matter ? It will ~ohmiuria injterupper works, had received soon be remedied, for Captai Bradtford said o ' ri inowrom thesmokeand1 when he was last here, that he was oin to to.i ruic g nowdafrat Cedart oint were in ,ingyou down a beau, a particular friend of dec(th a]l poiufire, ue at once stea ted thown to "Indeed ! I think he had better wait till I Is'bcin(, ha d in no d (eoubt but that the ask him to do so !" said the young beauty t ch- 1D 1 trade a detrutive descent til)on vith an affected toss of her line head. "And te octo t Upropirty to punish hint for lts besides, I will give him no credit for disinter- ne ao , rtn to the Union csuse. estedness in the matter-he well knows if he Iiu a sits rt time, the steamer was bromughtt brings some .n$o trctti ainifm le to oil tie point, andtwith his guns trained will have more of atr tcopattentio, ee toaover ibs laidinr the gallant Captain, ac- through it all, my wise sister. Bradford is 'ortilauiarIy oClilrd as a volunteer-aide, kind, exceedigly, t--you and himself" rdith a oarty of snill-ar men, at once iur b"Ungrateful ' . I've a mind, if lie does not ndt ion uore to learn the lute of the octor bing the promised beau to-day, to tell him arid hisfatuily. ___not to do it at all."h " 'hat would be spite, sister dear. Let the As .4 vs theirXusualxcustom,. Dbcto eau come-if he is landsonic, healthy, lA arsen veirv usually custer luntr Gover wealthyx, mut wi'.e, I shall lose all the heart I lmtn oari hatvery flti'th afr sunrise, on the have got hm less titan no time at lili ; if he is iruiE-, ud mnthattifataltiny-for he and they ugly, and et, and cmrsty, and old-why hr o othe tlelfrt-iesung principle thit I1l tell imu to wait till you're a widow, and tir. horrs of the fresh it ornig air are inflict him on you for a punishment I"a V itit ate tn tn six in the hotter nd more Annie was about to reply, when the sound Their\ tig part of the day. of gadllepdng horses and clning scabbards 'I ltvitr r:xk:aest asoon ended;and then, was hceurd.s - ey ad scarce time to cast a ut their usuale custom, they took a stroll terriftil look up the pathway which led to at th! ie ho!uleih bank of tlie river in front the house, before a dozen horsemen in g o the anli itbduniforms, and with sabres, carbines, and ps- Tnt,' Mi-nria is to h' down to-day, is she tols, were drawn up around them. P not Authe remarkul the Doctor, au he Femtost of all, evidently their leader, was l tM A r th itain Major George Barrett-a sardonic smile of 1ns, sir, Captain afford sail, when he triumph on his face. hen 'p day before yesterday, that lie would ' Good morning, fair Cousins-ood day, r'd a past here on huhe« wt} ho -Fort Men- most loy ttl Uucle Glovur! A pleasant sur- r .' uPll, i theidlhe eintoffe u i. rise, eht ?'" said hue, in a sarcastic ltne. "You -eit i irl u cmie tan se hham. No hardly~ (expected a visit so soon from the rela- m riltaion' uIcietititane iiainun sure. tive whaot you saw a prisoner in charge of S nst a,' a irt,itin fo sS killed fur fiis our very particular friend, Captuin Bradford . ry iii it'' tol a d -h un are riot wye kit napping eyes were lately bent so i r y i tiuliiuts I titti totld,.and lti's ntumny acts lovinglytni het. of kiuinde's to m deserve even a r r e on the orln of my sweet Cousin comens thn w ca gven rrr- nie! coinl O'te' tian we can give." "You had better leave this locality soon, hi ii aU ~:t'1i if lie only gets whttie Sit, or lie will bend his eyes a e outs l'ssihti tcfor!"snulI~Rveit htcn with you in any buit a loving way. In a few hours, &hathe utitAnnie, hio brightened color told perhaps minutes, his boat will be down the tht shel s the htnm river, and his guns carry grape and canister "W elI, I an sure no man htter deservess for men who wear the uniform of traitors I" it,' said the Doctor. smiling. "lie is Food- said Antnie, indignantly. r looking intellectual, rented, and undou'btd- "O, he is comnaing down to-day, Is he ?" Sbilbr stud thruei o his county It'dbhieeeIrshallh r i o oed the Rebel major. "Iam very glad shold e hs hoie, shllhail her union to hear eli' t. for I have posted a battery on LIFE IN THE PADDLE. the river up abovee that will soon riddle his paring yourself to them," said Annie, scorn- hull for him, and most likely send him to eyy the are Christians comp seek a bride in paradise. 1 have sent up , added Marvelia. .a . somie skillful shai-pshooters, with directions your it, my fair cousins, while ou are in pick off ofileers particularly, if any ebo the humor. Your feelings may c ange ina come down before my other work is done -'" tte hiler."Yu elnsma hne " Just such orders as a coward and a vii- little whilee" lain would give said little Marvelia,. ush- "Our feelings of utter detestation for you, in r p hWithanger, and boldly coming to"tOf loathing and contempt too strong for iWhy, wht a little spitfire you are, utterance"' added Marveha, " ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~~~" Wywhtaitlsptieyua, "You had better save a dictionary from cousiiiP"1" said the M1ajor, laughing scornfully. "othdbte aeadcinr frm "I shall have to find you a husband in our your father's doomed library before I set fire ranks, to ta e you and learnyou loyalty. As to it, so that you can study out some harder to Annie, 1 have vowed to take her to my- words for y case sa th Major, with a self, just to spite that Yankee beau of hers" sneer. "But I have done t appear decently "B evens, George, this is too much, want to save any clothing, tapperdcnl "By heatve n , tho u s it n amd in on our journey to Richmond, do it at Isterld snthoug you dear at;my fet e"cread once, for in ten minutes more that house and Dool Er angrily. every building on the place will be m flames. "Doctor belov patient my good uncle. You will I am not in a humor to waste words now- I'E a great dcal of patience before you "What shall we do, father ?" asked the reach Richmond, and you ma' as well begin girl. ow- to use it now. Young ladies, if you have any "Save what you can-we are h aw -that dresses which you wish to care out of that house the grounds were filled with gray-coated ty ooad oetr tyilget m orced I amtroopers, who were killing his poultry, rid- pretty soon, or they will get scorched. Yankee over his flowers and shrubbery, and de- oirg to wn tba smoke to brmig yAn and sroying everything that they touched. lover down to my battery, Mliss;unie The girls and their father, escorted by a the hose will make a good oneI"Tmgilanthrfteesoedba What do you maean, Sir ?" Not that we select guard, now went to the house, and the ar to be relado ol as prisoners ?" exclaimed Moav orders for the only carriage and the ltoeregre ashionrorecanelnses~eft on the place to be hitched up, "recieys oemayodotr.Doctor. - Your res- ready for removing the family, and then ence is required in Castle Thunder at Rich- caused the out-houses to be set on fire. mnde isaed, as i have already said, have In a short time, these and the barn were matrimon ial projects in view for both of my all in a flame, causing the smoke first seen fair cousins " on board the Ma noa. "You cannot be so utterly lost to all sense The young ladies and their father were of honor ud dececy-so irretrievably sunk allowed but a short time in which to select in moral tntdeey--SO damnably degraded as such wearing-apparel and valuables as they inoa tkrpooitude-ou oni blod-relatives wished to take with them, and then the to think of dooming t ur own o . house was given over to the troopers to plun- to misery: ativthe hfoctor. tten their der such things as they needed. ho nyd blood-relicoveyhavingd bfrgome so The Doctor and his daughters having been degraded as to favdeciitle in and seekcalliance placed in the carriage, it was driven a short with the Yankee invaders of their native distance dwelling, which had been to them State, need seek no favors from me. I shall scaw th dome, set on fire. carry out my orders, which are, to take dis- such a happy hmsto ie loyal persons prut ouer, or, if I choose to deal Almost at the samemoment, theheavy roar more sunasriluy with the , to do so. You of cannonr was heard up the river. may be tuun lt w th, ifI o nt - " Your Y kee lover is catch ig thunder, before your own door, and let you roast said Barrett to Annie, as he rode up by the be ohe ylme wih1y1e wilshortly side of the carriage- kin the flames which my een"w or "And replying to it too, Sir," said the un- "George Barrett, you were a disrace to daunted girl, athcou avy gun ro on your family when a boy-now you isgrace board the l ater report of the battery utterly the nim of manhood, eveni" "Thank Heaven, this will start the troops out Raii away, uncle, it dese good to hear from Suffolk, and you never will reach the it. avaes eve enoy he orture of a Rebel lines," she added. prisoner without the screams" "Well see about that, Miss," replied the "Yon do the savagesa iful wrong in com- Major, bitterly. ""When the gunboat is sunk, - I g f i , 1 } page: 56-57[View Page 56-57] . t i , I + ' k i i , L LIFE IN THE SADDLE. and what is left of her crew alive are our raise would be worse than useless !" said the prisoners, we will move back on a reserve Captain, with a sigh. " Ah I what is that.. that will defy all pursuing force. I never a note fastened to a bush !" do things hy halves. Hear how the battery The Captain sprung reward as he spoke, is pouring the shot into the Yankees " and detached a penciled paper from a bush " Rather hear how the Federal guns are just in front of him. throwing (heath back into the ranks of trea- "Good Heavens !" he said, bitterly, as he son !' said Annie. "Your battery-guns. do glanced at its contents. I would give a not speak half as often as they did, while the thousand dollars to have him within tea heavy guns are firing faster and faster, nearer paces of me I" and nearer." "What is it, Captain " asked Clifford, "By heavens, she speaks the truth," mut- noting his excitement. tered the Major. "It is time we were mov- "A note from that infernal Rebel, Major ing." Barrett !" replied the C'tin "edU :hen, leaving a squadron of select men, Sergeant. It is enough to make an adotie with some order secretly given, he formed curse !"e the rest in column by "fours", and, with the Clifford took the note and read its eon- carriage in the centre, surrounded by a pick- tents. They were indeed provoking. ed guard. moved on. "Captain Radfrd is specially i gvi . d to be present at the nuptias of Major George Barrett and Mis CHAPTER XXXII. Annie Glover, which will take place in a very short Whlien Captain Radlfordl and Cliffordwithtine, at or near Petersburg, virginia. No cards, no WhenCaptin ailfrd nd Ciffrd, ithcake, but plenty of apple-jack. their small party, reached a spot where they " . B., Major, C. S. A" could see the former location of the elegant "It is enough to make a deacon swear, mansion of Doctor Glover, all that couki be Captain; but we are only losing time here. discovered wvas, the ruined chimneys and cel- If you will take my advice, you will get back ar-walls of the once-stately building. All to Suffolk with your boat as soon as possible, the outhouses also were in ashes ; and not a and'report this affair ; and I will guarantee living thing, human or brute, could be dis- our'regiment will be on the trail of these covered ahout the premises. hounds in a little while - and if we don't 'lhinkitm that tie Doctor and his family catch them, it will not be for want of try- had pos-ih been warned in time and fled ing !"ry into the neighboring woods, Radford gave '-You are right, Clifford. Every moment ordeis to miove cautiously on and search the now is worth an hour at another time. I will icimity. lie soon came upon the tracks of get permission to go with you, if you will let the force which had been there ; and, after 1e have a horse to ride ; and I may yet get a proceedipg mbout half a mile, came to the blow or a shot at the infernal villain who spat whiiie the artillery had diverged from wrote that note !" the m:in body to go to the point where it had "You shall have bonny black Kate, my openil wi tia steamer, last capture from the Georgia Cavalry, and as Sofair, no signs of the Doctor and his fleet as any animal in the country !" said the family lad been seen ; and the Captain began Sergeant. "I have kept her up for myself to think it was risking too much to advance when my favorite bay got tired, but lie is further into the country out of cover of his resting now, and will be fresh when we get cannon, with so small a force-only ten men back besides Clifford and himself. The Captain now gave the order for his So lie sadly gave the order to halt, and men to fall back to the boat. But alas! it prepared to return, fearing that the Doctor came too late-they had advanced too far, in- and his fuuily haid indeed been carried off by deed, for safety the Rebels, or perhaps killed, and destroyed Suddenly, without a word, charging from in ththubanes of their own house. the thicket on both sides of the roa coni- "Can you firm any idea by their tracks, pletely surrounding them, dashed the squad- how many there were in this party ?" he ron of full one hundred picked men, leli asked of Clifford, when they paused. in ambuscade by Barrett. "Not less than a regiment-perhaps more. Resistance to such a force would have been The ground is cut up all around with tracks utter madness, and only insured the entire where they spread out !" replied the Ser- destruction of the party ; and sullenly, de- geant. spairingly, the brave men who, with the least "All horsemen, do you think ?" continued hope of success, would have fought to the -he Captain, last, surrendered. "I see no signs of infantry !" replied the "Where is the commander of your forces ?' e rienced scout. asked Radford of the Captain to whom lie Then pursuit with any force that I can gave up his sword. 16 t s{ L I /; LIFE IN THE SADDT E " In advance With the main column. We kind of a man to surrender without a shot; will soon overtake him!" said the officer, in and he keeps his eyes too wide. open to be a respectful toneC. surprised easily. "Itais M1ijo. Barett, I supposerl" said the "it is a thick country, and full of heavy S ItiptMin a underbrush, traded by narrow paths when " Yes, Sir 1" replied the Rebel officer. you are once beyond the cleared land," said " Has he ny other prisoners ' asked the second engineer. Radsord y "Well, there is something very strange in "None but 1)octor Glover and his family !" his lengthened absice,' said Mr. Knapp. "Are they unlariend, Sir " "I hardly know what to do. I fear it would "Yes ir. be wrong to weaken the crew by taking or "Tien M ir Barrett may yet find that he sending another party in search of him.' is not fore vr in the line of luck !" said "I would voluiuteer to go alone, did I not ladford bte'l 1. know if I wvas taken by the Rebels they would Rahe orec -icer made no reply ; but, try to force me to work an engine; for their orderngupxwelve of his best mounted men, prisoners all say they cannot get half engineers bade thei cac take a prisoner behind them, enough for their 'ieed, and what they have and then ga'e the order to move forward at a. arc either Nortiern men or foreigners, said allop. the first engineer. a opdid not notice t n'action of Clifford's, " Well, ii Mr. Kntpp will let me go, I'll try just then -or he iiighit have paused to see it alone. 1 n not worth much, anyhow," said what hal been wrincn in a note-book on the r"inner. which the Sergeant had hurriedly scrawled a .' 'ou are worth everything to us in your few lines t which he dropped just as they depa tment, 'said Mr. Knapp. But you are started off. cool-headed, and will not run yourself need- It was a brief statement of their surprise nessly into a scrape. So, if you choose to go, and capture by a superior force, and a con- i'll let a boat s-Crew take you ashore and wait jecture that tae toree of Rebels on the ex- for you. - o not go iro under cover of our edition was nut more than the Rifles could guns, and if you see the least sign of a Rebel overtake and handle, it they started in time. thrce, lire your pistols, and rtn for heboat, -and 11 open over your head with she . CIIAPTEi XXXIII. "Very well, Sir; send me ashore at once," The oflicer xoviiwas second in commuid said the gunner, who had pistols in his belt of the Magnoia waited lr over an hour in already. great auxety ioi the return of Captain Rail- In a few moments, lie was landed, ant, di- lord and his tart. lie had been ordered not reacting the cre.v of the small-boat to wait for to come to an nchor, but to keep the boat him, he hurried inland. barely undir headway, moving up and down ie pursued thw same course lately follow- m front of Cedar [oit, ready to use her guns ed by Rnmbrd and his party, without seeing if the Retels should show themselves. any iving person ; though he discovered the He was sit poised at the long delay of his flesh tracks of a large body of men. ie went superior on siore ;but not having heard any as far as the forks of the road where Radford tiring, he had not the least suspicion that lie had been surprised, and there halted ; for he met with the enemy. For he knew that he had gone as far as his prudence would per- was generally cautious, though brave, and mit. He was about to return, when his eyes also that he would lire the moment he saw an fell upon the notebook which had been drop- enemy to fire upon. ped by the scouting sergeant. An hour and a half passed, and yet no "Some Rebel curse has dropped hispocket- * sign of the patty on shore. Mr. Knapp, the book, I reckon !" said' he, to himself, as he second olicer, began to feel really alarmed. stepped forward and picked up the book. * He held a consultation with the pilot and Upon opening it, lie found the name "Ser- engineers, who were as much surprised as he geant Ernest Clifford, First New York Mount- at the 1ong-continued absence of their com- ch Rifles in it, and, on looking further, wander. - covered these words, hurriedly scrawled in "lie never would have been so rash as to pencil, on a blank page, which was turned go far inland on a trail with only ten men !" down for notice. said the old gunner. "I know lie is fearless "CaptaIn Radford, his party and myself, have peen for himself; but he has always shown a care surprised ind captured by a large force of mounted for the lives of others." men, under Major iarrett of the Confederate Servie "Might lie not have been surprised and 'they are evidently bound back toward the liaekwater. captured he novone of the engineers. If a mounted force ollow us, we may be recaptured. pto will leave signs of our track, which my scouts will "Never. without firing on whosoever tried know, every caaice tiat I get. Doctor G lover and hie it !" said Mr. Knapp, at once. "lie is not the faintly are also prisoners. Let the General in come 1* ''' °i i, r a i } i r .. page: 58-59[View Page 58-59] t I!. .a 58 LIFE IN THE SADDLE. mand at Suffolk, and my Colonel, know this as soon as " I think that I and my party surrendered posrabne. ERNBST CLIFFORD, to a force which was over ten to one, and that when ambushed, and taken completely by With this concise and important informa- surprise," said Clifford. " But I remember a tion in his hand, the gunner hastened back blustering coward of a Rebel Major, who hid to the gunboat, and in a few moments after- in a woman's bed to keep out of sight of only ward she was heading for Suffolk with all the one of the Rifles to which I am proud to be. speed which steam could give her. long, and who afterward surrendered to two of them, and who was offered arms and a CHAPTER XXXIV. chance to win his freedom by fighting only The party which had Captain Radford and one of them. But the cowardly Rebel puppy his men in charge, rode very rapidly for about did not dare to do it, and sneaked into cap- an hour, or perhaps a little longer, when they tivity, pretending that it was beneath his came up with the main body, which, having dignity to fight with a private. The name of artillery, the carriage of Doctor Glover and this miserable poltroon was Major George several forage-laden wagons, and carts which Barrett." they had confiscated along the road, was "By Heaven, I've half a mind to hang you obliged to move more slowly, although the on the nearest tree," cried the Major, black train was kept at as much speed as possible ; with rage. for Barrett well knew that his safety depend- "Try it, and ten of the first Rebels which ed upon his reaching the fortified line on the the Mounted Rifles catch will hang in my Blackwater before a pursuing force could place !" said the Sergeant, fearlessly. overtake him. "I have no time for delay, or I'd hang you The newly-made prisoners were at once in spite of the threat !" said the Major, bit. conducted to the head of the column, where terly. "Guard, keep constant watch on that Barrett was riding, man, and if he makes the slightest attempt to In passing, they saw awl were seen by Doe- escape, shoot him down instantly." tor Glover and his family. but looks of sym- Then lie again turned to Captain Radford, path y only could be exchanged, for the officer and spoke once more in his sarcastic tone. in charge passed on with them, at a rapid " I presume. Sir," he said, " that you re- IaUop- ceived the invitation to my anticipated wed. TIn' look of exultation which brightened ding, since you have availed yourself of it so the face of Major Barrett, when he saw the soon." pisoners, can hiardlyx be described. "I received your premeditated and cow- You have done well, Sir !" said he to the ardly insult, sir," said Captain Radford. officer who had captured them. "And if "And I doubt not that a day will arrive when ever influence of mine can aid in your pro- I can properly resent and punish it. And I motion, you shall have it." would also remind you that God does not Then turning to the prisoners, lie said i permit a union of devils and angels, or that sneeringly to Captain ladford . the wedding you alluded to, never will take " I ani very happy to have it in my power place." to extend to you the same kind of hospitality, "You will soon see, Sir, that you are mis. Sir, that von lately extended to rue. I can- taken, for you shall be a witness to the cere. not promc von as good fare, but -ou cer- , mony. I know how to touch such animals tain y shall be as earelully guarded. see, too. as you, on the raw l" by his uniform, that you have one of the ! Captain Radford's only answer was a look celebrat I Mounted ltohers in your coin- of ineifable scorn as they rode on. pany. I wish him joy' in his prospects. lie The killing pace which hiad been kept up, will receive con-iderab'le attention from my now began to tell on the artillery and team- in ', for they know his regiment well." ' horses; and, as night was approaching, the That is strange !' said Clifford. full as ' Major knew that he must halt for a few hours, sueringly as Harrett had spoken. "I could or his horses would be too much used up to seldom get icar enough to any ot your Rebel go on. So he sent his Adjutant in advance cavalry to g't acquainted with them. They to look out a good spot, near water, for atem. ate te be tnon on a skedaddle that I ever porary bivouac. s" This was found in a short time, and a halt ' Shut vir mouth, you dog of a Yankee, was ordered near a stream, which ran slug- cr I'll shut it fr you,' cried the Major. gishly along, across the road, just in the edge "if you ani three of your best men will , of a growth of hard timber, of a far differ. dismount and let me have a sabre, ill fight ent nature from the open tine-woods they the four at once," said Clifford, indignantly. had just been riding through. " It will do for you to boast, who surren- "Keep the Yankee prisoners here, close by dered without a blow," sneered Barrett. me h" said the Major, when they halted. LIFE IN TH "I'll keep an eye on them myself. Orderly, take my saddle off my bay horse, and put it on my gray. He is fresh and must take the next turn." The Orderly obeyed, and led up a magnifi- cent ray stallion of powerful build, whose clean limbs, small ears, and lithe frame be- tokened the purity of his blood, upon which he placed the trappings which he took from the tired bay. Sergeant ~Clifford, who stood near where the horses were, and close by Captain Rad- ford, whispered to him: "I am about to make a bold trial for escape. If I get clear, keep up a good heart, for I will rescue you, before you reach a Rebel prison. Say nothing, but keep cool, and you'll soon see a bit of horsemanship which will rather astonish these graybacked bunglers." "What the devil arc ydu two Yanks whis- pering there about?" cried the Major, an- grily. "Stand apart, or I'll have you tied to two trees, back to back t" Clifford stepped away quickly, as if startled at the rebuke, and his stride carried him within a few feet of the gray horse, which the orderly had just finished saddling and bridling. The next instant, with an astonishing bound, lie leaped into the saddle, and driving the spurs which were permanently fixed into the heels of his cavalry-boots, into the flanks of the horse, lie gave a yell, which nothing but a Camanche brave could have approached, and the horse frightened, gave a, wild leap directly over the Major, who unfortunately for him stood in the way, felling him sense- less to the ground, and dashed off down the road with a speed which defied pursuit. A few scattering shots were fired after the daring fugitive; and a dozen of the best mounted men rode off in pursuit ; but they might as well have chased a feather on the breath of a whirlwind. He was free, and, knowing the country as he did, there was little danger of his recapture. It was some minutes before the Major re- covered his senses sufficiently to know (is- tinctly what had occurred. When he did, his rage was terrible; for he was suffering the pain of several broken ribs, inflicted by the hoofs of his horse as it had gone over him, besides the thought of losing a horse valued as one of the fastest and best in the Southern Army, for which he had been offered very large sums, but had refused, preferring to keep so good a horse for his own special use. For well he knew there were, and might for him, be times, when life itself depended upon the speed of a horse. His curses were neither few nor select, and he instantly ordered every prisoner to be bound hand and foot. And he sent a party 80 of men out to seize carts to carry them in. after that ; not daring to trust them on horse. back, even with his own men. And well knowing that Clifford would speedily carry the news of his whereabouts to the nearest Federal forces,'he soon after broke up his bivouac ; and, tired as his men and horses were, moved on in the gloom of the night, knowing well that there would be no safety for him on that side of the Black. water. CHAPTER XXXV. The instant that the Commanding-General at Suffolk received information of the cap- ture of Captain Radford and his party, he ordered out a force after the Rebels. The Mounted Rifles were already in the saddle, their commander having been instructed to proceed with his regiment to see what was going on below, when the guns of the gun- boat and battery were first heard. He, there- fore, was ready to dash forward at once when the information brought by the gunboat ar- rived, and having been permitted to see the brief note in the memorandum-book of his scounting-seargeant, he comprehended in a moment the route which the Rebels must take to get back to the Blackwater. He therefore, asked, and received, permis- sion to move on as fast as he could, without waiting for the artillery and infantry force that was ordered out ; being in hopes of over- taking the enemy and holding him engaged until more force could come up, if lie should find him too strong for his own regiment to handle. Therefore, while the shallow waters of the Nansemond were yet muddy with the arrival of the steamer, he, with his well mounted regiment, was speeding swiftly over the draw- bridge and on through the region of sand and pine beyond it, on the way to intercept the enemy, if possible, before he could reach his fortified lines across the meanest swamp. line, liver-colored river that ever was known in Virginia. At as much speed as could be kept up with- out rendering the horses unfit for service, the regiment moved forward, the usual precau- tions of strong advance and rearguards be- ing thrown out. Night came on, but they did not halt. Forward, no sound but the jingling of scabbards and the heavy breath- ing of the horses-forward in a column of fours, over roads already well known to them all, passing here and there a deserted house or some miserable plantation that had been sacked in turn, alike by Rebel ant Federal- ist, through a country in which nothing was left worth fighting for, apparently. It was about two hours after sunset, per- haps even more, when the advance-guard E SADDLE. L I I, . t I" i i 1 page: 60-61[View Page 60-61] I,. ii LIFE IN THE SADDLE. heard tie clattering of hooft ahead of them, "With onl one squadron between it and and in a moment more the form of " a soli- the rearguar ,Sir.' taryhorseman" came in Msight. "Then if wo can come suddenly upon halt t"thunder el the sergeant in corn- them, we can take it by a charge before they mand ti the advance-guard, as his men, with can use a gun. Ride forward, Sergeant, to rifles at a ready, covered the horse and its the advance, and keep a sharp trot. Yo rider, know the roads and will guide the column. The latter halted, but his speed had brought I will have your scouts ordered up to you i4 him within almost a sabre a length of the once, with arms for you also." advance when lie did ho, and both parties "Thank you, Sir, we will find thme euiatm were near enough to reornize each other. before daylight." "Sergeant Clifford!" sail the non-commis- And the Sergeant touched his captured sioned officer in charge of the advance, steed with the spur, and rode back to the ad- "Yes, Barnes, where is the Colonel? I vance, happy to be once more with his own have mews btr Oin," replied, the scout. well-proved and well-loved regiment. You'll find him with 'I'roop A, at the bead of the column, I reckon," said the Ser- geant. " Is there any enemy close to us ?" CIAP'ER XXXVI. "No, not very near. 'this horse goes like The Rebel force under Barrett, wearied by the wind, and lmis run the wimil out of any- their long and rapid ride, both from their thing that was alter time, I guess. Keep on ; lines and back toward them, made but slow 1 wi11 ride back to the Colonel. What 1 have progress after night-fall. and more than once to tell him will not be apt to imaLke him slack the Rebel Major received hints from the up any in s 1" Captain in command of the battery, that his Tine advance at once role on, keeping, as horses were pretty nearly worn out. ordered, just about t wo inuiihed yards im ad- " I would like to halt," he replied on one vance of the lhad of the column, and so con- of these occasions ; " but the escape of that nected by nmessengers in sight of each other infernal Sergeant annoys me. Ile has got a that a correct distance could be preserved. horse which, for speed adnd bottom, has noa The Colonel ut tered an exclamation of master in the country ; and he will have the pleasure when Clitlrd dmsied up on his news of my route and my precise force into' oam-covered horsey, and instantly ordered a the Union lines long before midnight. And halt while he listened to what the escaped then their Cavaly, Deodes Rites, And &er ant had to say. Spears' Pennsylvania )eviis, will be after H ow did you get way, Sergeant ?" was mime at full speed, It they overtake us before his first inquiry, we get under cover of our guns at Black- o y borrowing the fresh hore which Ma- water Bridge, we11 get worse handling than jor Brret t. the 1tebel commanucder, hand just we cver have had before ; for we'll be out- cause to be :ad lie dloms own use, Sir, and numbered by men far better armed and better' a splendidI heat lie is. I have ridien him at mounted than we are. And I should lose my [Y full speed f r a hog distance, and he shows prisoners, to say the least ; mid I had rather sis o n armes yet !. lose my life than lose the party I have got in T le is a nt gniicem amimal-would match that carriage, and that internal Yankee Cap- m own Araiddan !'' said the Colonel. "But tam. I owe him a grudge, and I'd kill him w ere is tie enemy, and how strong ?" before lie should be retaken!" 1 left him, Sir, on the Isle of Wight road, "If I were you, Sir, I would seize fresh l about seven or eight Iniles from Chuckatuck, horses at the first plantation we pass, and, where he had bivouacked for a few hours' rest. putting them to the carriage, send it and the But I doubt his staying there long, since I Captain on ahead with a select guard eo have got away ; for he will know, of course, trusty and well-mounted men-then, if we that 1 would not be long imi conve'ing news have a fight, they will be out of the way of into our lines of his whereabouts. recapture, at any rate." "his force-how large is that?" asked tine " You're right, Captain. I will adopt your Colonel, plan ; and then, if we find tine horses too N riot more than seven or eight hundred, mucha used-up to proceed, we can select a with one battery of ligit artillery." good place for demce, pnt your battery in "Not too strong fir us, then Y' position, and let both hor-ses and men rest. "No Sir ; if we can only overtake them, If the Yankees come then, we can at least .hey are ours. 'ihey have a lot of forage- take care of ourselves I" carts and wagons along, and cannot move as " Yes ; and I am glad to hear you say 0, fast as we.'"-Major ; for my horses will be utterly ruined "Where did they keep their artillery on if they have to haul the guns live miles the march ?" further without food or rest I The drivers have to keep their whips going all the time now." "Very well- Sir. There is a house close ahead owned by a good friend to the Confed- eracy. I hate to take his horses ; but he has some good ones, and my necessity knows no law, and must be any excuse. If tine Yankees follow us up, when we've whipped them I'll return him two horses for each one that I take !" And the Major resumed his march, sending his Adjutant on again, to look for a defensible position. Upon arriving at the 'plantation which they were then in sight of the Major seized four fresh horses for tle carriage, and took the tired horses from it. After having the fresh horses put to the carriage, he caused the Captain to be taken from the cart where he had been thrown unceremoniously with his men, and had him laced in the carriage with Doctor Glv -er and his family. Then selecting a faithful non-commissioned officer and a strong guard of the best-mounted macn, he ordered them to hurry forward with the prisoiers to the Rebel camp across the Blackwater, and it they heard cannonading in the rear, to report to the General that he was attacked by superior forces, and needed mounted re-cniorceneents as soon as they could get to him. "I suppose you will like the change in your mode of conveyance, and especially our company, Sir !" said Barrett to Captain Radford. "Make the most of it, for your en- joyment of it will be brief." The naval officer made no reply : the das- tardly treatment he had already received from the iRebel Major's hands had so angered him that ie felt no inclination to bandy words with such a brute. Therefore the carriage rolled off without the occupants either looking at or speaking to the uniformed villain who had them in power for the time. But when once they were beyond his hear- ing, the Glovers hastened first to cut the fast- enings which bound the Captain's hands and legs, and then to express their indignation at the unmanly treatment which they had re- ceived. "It is only lent !" said the Captain, quietly. "My time will comie- yet, and you may rest' msured that Major Barrett will he repaid with interest for his abuse. If I cannot scupe, they must soon exchange me, and I will never rest after I am free until I have founi and punishei him I" But what is to become of us ?" sighed Annie. "T'I'here is no exchange for us ; and I dread to think what they may do with our dear father. Our cousin has dared to say that they will hang him for treason I' "I "I hope they will not be so errel as to add to his or your sufferings. And I pray you to keep up a bold heart. The Sergeant that escaped will soon reach the Federal lines, and his information will bring a strong force out after the Rebels, and we may yet be res- cued !" "Oh, I hope and pray that it may be so. It is terrible to be in the power of a con- scienceless and unscrupulous man!" said Annie. " Hark ! there is firing in our rear !" cried the Captain, joyfully. "Our friends are near. Oh that I were free and armed now, or that we were yet with the main body instead of being away from them !" "Whip up your horses and drive on fast- er !" cried the Sergeant of. the guard to the driver of the carriage. "lurry up, you black imp, or Ill give you an inch of my sabre by way of a spur !" And on dashed the carriage at a rapid rate, away from the heavy lire now heard in their rear. - CIIAPTEIt\XXXVII. The column under command of Major Barrett proceeded about four miles from the place where the carriage had left it, and then caine to a halt at a spot which tie Adjutant had selected as a very defensilde position. A narrow but deep stream, bordered on either side by a swamp, crossed the road, being bridged by a log causeway through the swamp, and the single span over the stream being covered with fifteen or twenty planks. As the swamp was inpassable for some distance above and below the road, the Major agreed with his subordinate that their rear was well guarded, when the planks were thrown off the bridge so as to prevent cav- alr from crossing. Therefore, planting a couple of guns so as to sweep the road leading to the bridge, the Major halted his commandl in an open field just beyond it, and ordered the mcn to feed their horses and to refresh themselves. A slight guard was thrown out in front, more as a matter of form than necessity, for no enemy was to beexpfted coming from that direction, when theirown lines were within a few miles. A single sentinel kept a lookout to the rear, though the cannoneers were directed to remain near their guns while they ate and drank, so as to be ready for instant serv- ice. Fires were lighted for the preparation ot food, the forage-carts drawn up, and soon the whole command was busy in refreshing themselves and their weary animals. But they were not destined to.- remain long undisturbed- But few had got a meal cnok- LIFE IN TILE SADDLE. *k i I '1 F' f i t '. . page: 62-63[View Page 62-63] ,I 4' l LIFE IN TIDE SADDLE. ed, much leis eaten, when the musket of the ' manner to do much harm, took matters very solitary seitinel in the rear rung out the easy ; for he expected that the Commanding. alarm as he field upon the Union cavalry- General at Blackwater would soon send him advance, which c:sn it a gallop close up to re-enforcements ; and he knew that, while his the dismsauled biide rctbfore they di-covered battery was at play, the Federals could neaEr its condin. cross the swamp and stream. And c: ni !h ty would not have done, So lie ordered all but the batter':men to had not theLttiminen on the other batik continue as before in taking care "of teier lighted a lireIy Go to cook by-the friendly horses and themselves, and waitelI qiie=y light of ul li enabled the advancing caf- for his own cook to broil him some chickeas airy to hel t ir danger Letore they had and prepare a supper from the choice tois pluneel inmo tihe tiry waters of the creek. te had stolen from Cedar I'oint. Clitlord, vto was in the extreme front, sat le w as quietly seated, with the rest of his the danger f r t, and also the guns which )fiicers, enjoying the luxurious supper whIch command l te road, and instantly ordered a dhad been got ready, when the blast of a dozen rereeat:t f ii 1h exio."el position to a bend bugles sounding the charge at his very ear in the i ioi a W rots in the rear, where they came upon his astonished senses ; and the would be t' mp o ily out of range of the next moment, yelling like so many wild guns of tih Hc'M '. Camanches from the plains, riding on and And it was hone juit in the nick of time ; over everything in their way, swept the for, in a milnt itallr the two guns poured a squadrons of the dreaded Mouited Riides. heavy cbaon ge of shrapnel down the road over Scarce a shot was fired, either oflinsive or which they bal s v.itly ietrograded. defensive-the keen, glittering steel did the . What ha. e ei ii nont., Sergeant Y' ask- work. So completely were the Rebels sur. ed theI him i, atie he op to the spot to prised, that hardly any resistance was made. which the moh ince guard had fallen back. Those who were armed threw down their The u hole body of the enemy, 1 think, weapons and cried out for quarters; the gun- Sir," replied ('lidonl. "1 think their horses ners fled from their guns into the creek and are about c-u I up. an. ithey had to rest." the swamp; and, in less time than has been "Do you knosi the ground they are on ?" taken to write it, the whole Rebel force, ofD- "Yes, Sir, well. I have often looked at it cers and all, was either captives or fugitives when I have been out this way. It is a capi- in the swamp. tal place for them to make a stand at. We "The tables are turned in a hurry, Sir!t" cannot get at thema in front now, for they cried C~Ilford, who had singled out Major have taken the planks rom the bridge, and Barrett for a little private sword-exercise, in we could never replace them in the lace of which he was disappointed by the Major's their artillery wuen we have no heavy guns unresisting surrender. ourselves !" "Yes, luck has flavored you horse-thieves s "Is there n way of tlanking them and this time," said the Rebel Major, bitterly. getting to thiet r am- ' "Perhaps you will oblige me by inorminn { "Yes, Sir, by itiding about fouraniles around me where I will find Captain Bradford and through somle lainy- that I know of; that can Doctor Glover's family. I wish to congratu- be done. late them upon their freedom froni your t: Good: I will keep a company of men tyrannical thralldom," said the Sergeant. T here dismomohm I to keep firing on them in '" You will have to ride a good deal farther front, to nake them believe we are all here, to find them," said the Major, with a sareas- and try the 1:aiikinllan with the rest of the tic smile. "Some hours ago, I gave them and regiment. You xx ui agidn take the lead on their guard fresh horses and saat them on the route you lop, a , and the column. withi ahead, and by this time the, ame safe from the exception i01 Company B, will follow your pursuit, on the other side of the Black- you. water, where I only- wish y -ur commander 'Thte orlei v e si cedily given, and while would try to go. He would meet a welcome one company. eating as skirmishers, kept up which would prt bably induce hint and the an incesant tiring on the Rebels across the most of his command to remain there." creek and sw amip. making a good deal of "Gone ? Then I must see ii they cannot noise but doing very little tarn, the rest of be overtken," said Clitford. as lie pi hits the regilemimn ole iou in a by lane at a gallop 'prisoner in charge of one of iis scouts, to be after Clihoid and his scouts, the noise ot their taken to his Colonel. movements c implelcy drowned by the boom- And lie rode rapidly over the ground, and tag of thm 1k 1 t'em v, wx hieh wx as now ini made inquiries of other priisonems, to satisfy lull plaiy upnihr~Io enecimy in third tear. Idimiself that the .Major bad really told the Major hrm ett riding that the Federal; trtith in regard to Captain IBradord and the Ritles did act cumumand hits position in a Gloiver family. Finding that this was the case, he at once applied to his commander for, permission to take eighteen or twenty men and press for- t ward to try and overtake the unfortunate captives. 'his permission was readily granted, for services such is his had been were not suchI as his ever-generous commander would un- dervalue or overlook; and in a few minutes he was moving at a rapid rate along the road which had been passed over by the carriage.1 The lat words of his commander were ae caution not to rashlry un into the jaws of' the enemy ; and if hoe foud that the occupants of1 the carriage had really been taken beyondI the Rebel lines, to return and trust to him for negotiations, which, with tie crowd of pris-j oners he had on his hands, would effect their release. He remembered this when, after riding as fast as he darel, lie reached the vicinity of the Blackwater, just in time to see the car- riage disappearing amid the ranks of a large body of troops'which were crossing the river to come to the aid of Major Barrett. He only waited long enough to see that the force which was crossmig was numerically far too great to render it wise for the Rifles to await their attack, encumbered as they were with prisoners ; thei hLe hurried' back to let his Colonel know of the new danger which menaced them. He found on his arrival at the late battle- ground, that the bridge had been repaired, the prisoners moust-ered and mounted, and everything made ready for falling back toward Butlflk. His information caused the Colonel to move on with his column at once, leaving a strong rearguard to again destroy the bridge, and place other oht ructions in the way of the pursuing enemy. This was doino barely in time to check them before the Federal force was out of shelling- distance; for the Rebels, with a heavy force of cavalry nid artillery, reached the demol- iahed bridge, while the rearguard of the titles were yet ito sight. But the (olonel conmmnanding the Federal forces knew that lie was safe, for it would take the enemy a considerable time to gather material to iebuild the bridge; and he well knew also that a heavy force was on the way from Suffolk to aid him, and that the delay of the enemy would probably give him time to reach the ieiinity of that force. Had he nt been so encumbered with pris- oners and wagons, he would have remained at the bridge and foaghit the Rebels. But there was very liulet aunnmmmition left for the use of the Rebel bauery which he lad captured; and brave as Lie was almost to rashness, he would not risk time 1.. ui is tysoners by staying, when he could fall back upon a sure support, which would fearfully punish the Rebels if they persisted in following him up. And his judgment proved good, for when some hours after he met the Union force of artillery and infantry, the pursuing enemy had just come in sight of his rearguard. CHAPTER XXXVIII. Finding the Union force too powerful to be attacked when united, the Rebel pursuers of the victorious Mounted Rifles fell back, with all possible speed toward their lines, their mounted men being able to out-travel the infantry who were ready and anxious to engage them. Nothing therefore was left but for our forces to fall back to outl'olk, the ob- ject of the expedition having been completely and gallantly eflcted by the cavalry regi- meat alone, the recapttire of Captain Rad- ford and his friends being the only thing which lacked complete success. A day or two after the return of the troops, Bruce and Dolan entered the tent of Ser- geant Clifford. "Well, boys, what is, up? I see you've got something important in your minds by your looks !" said the Sergeant. "You'd like to get your friends, Captain . Radford and the family of )oetor Glover, out of Rebel hands, would you not ?" said Bruce. "Yes, indeed ; I'd give all of my pay and two fingers off my left hand to accomplish such a tilng I" said Clifford, eagerly. "Well, Dolan and me have been thinking over the matter and trying to plan how that could be done, and something else which we have set our minds upon. We've found out . that old Barrett is living near the Rebel camp on the other side of the Blackwater, and that he has got Elise and her mother back from Dashiell !" "how did you learn that ?" "From some of the prisoners in Major Barrett's command. And we've determined, if allowed, to try it ; to run all risks to free those poor women once more, and with a little more help we may be able to get the rest away at the same time" "Ike idea is good; but to succeed looks as near impossibility as can be !" "I ve heard you say before now that there was no such thing as an impossibility ! said Dolan, in his usual quiet way. "I acknowledge that," said Clifford. "Since you have been thinking over this mat- ter, what plan have you formed ?" "Why, we find we can buy up some of the Rebel uniforms; for they, poor devils, will sell anything they have got for rum of tobacco !" "Well, what thenY" LIFE IN THE SADDLE. 1tj 4 6 IA f' I -/ $ i . page: 64-65[View Page 64-65] i ; ' if P LIFE IN THE SADDLE. " Why, with them on we could get into the consequence of the great speed which their Rebel camp and once there, we could go to guard and driver had kept up. They were work to get our friends free !" delayed for some time upon the bank of the "Go to work to get yourselves hung as river, while a large body of Rebel troops spies, you mean ; for the very'uniforms you were crossing on a swinging bridge which wore would be recognized as those of the could be drawn over when needed for use men recently taken by us,, and you would and it was long after daylight before they got be seen to be strangers. 'liat plan is too over. risky." When they were across they were driven " Well, Sergeant, you re good on plans. at once to head-qua terms, wheic the Sergeant Give us one ot your own aIclug-" in charge of the guard reponed them to Gen- " How would you like to play d"terter ?, eral Pickett. "'That would be just as ii,;y, if' they once Upon learning the relationship of Doctor found out that we were not real deserters !" Glover's family to the Barretts, he ordered "It should not be ihun I ittby Iherim it the the ladies to be taken to the house of' Mr. Bar- part was played well. We could go on a rett, but the Doctor and Mr. Radford were scout, some twenty-live or thirtv o us, aind placed in close custody, in consequence ofa ride within siglt of thimer p:ketI and when note front the Major, tiit through the hands there, those selected to play de~crters could of the Sergeant, represening theta as deeper. suddenly rile out bro tle ht, show a white ate and intent upon making their escape. flag, and ride inside of the 1Reiel lines, while 'I'lie two girls pleaded ii vain to be allowed the otlhems chased them, tiriui all fhe while ; to share in the imprisonmiat of their father; but careful i shoot wile of h hemurk !" the Rebel general, with a show of gallantry, Ay, w c understand. Itfhat ; but what sort of saying that ho could not for a moment think a tale could we tell the It ll. to make them of putting ladies under restraint. believe we had c:aune to uete:r." "Are we free then to return to our desolat- "Oh, that is ea;y enough;' Tell them we ed home, Sir," asked Annie, when the (Gen- have up start otlhe:s, and vou rhne been eral had rendered his linal and positive do- abused, un I got too ma ito 0-i i lIit :'' vision. " Will you'r un the ri, S'rgeani ?" " Hardly, after having been within our " Yes, I wouni never ulvitio others to do lines, when, as I understand you are sotunfor- what I would not atte:mt m elf. If I can tunate as to be disloyal to the Confederacy," get permission 1 will run tie ilk I sipeak of: said the General, mildly. "A longer sojourn We three know chwl oticr, :I I could all with your friends on this side of the line may that could te done in such a ca.e. Will you alter your opinions and make you convertsto go if I (10 ' the justice of our caused. If such should be " Yes, to be sure we will, anmd be glad of the case, every proper liberty will be cheer. the clhnce. if' u c an ' vthe thing fully conceded to you." through," replied Bruic, fir' bimself anI " We shall ask no further favors, Sir," said friend. Annie, proudly. In refusing us the consola- For what one of them cngaged in the tion of sharing our father's confinement and other was sure to share -hoth1 prils and sue- sulfering, you refuse the only boon which we cesses. would be thankful for. And were we to so- "Well, then, I will pro if we can get per- journ within the Rebel lines until its leaders mission to htar.ar the enw rrise. it we sue- became Christian men and gentlemen-a mat- ceed in it. the rik will be uell repaid. If we ter scarcely to be ho)ed for-our principles of fail, the fault shail not be our=. lut we must loyalty to the Union and its starry flag never keep the secret well to oars lves. Were the wouldbe changed. We may be held captive secesh to get hold of it in :m way,', our lives in our persons, but our minds are as free as wouldn't be word h asnn ti !''~ the air we breathe." " I know that !' ai ' lruco. " But if I " You had best beware, ladies ; a too free use could oily t seiepor Eli-l ite once more, I'd of your sentimntns may produce trouble for agree to v : ip iay lease ci lite 'in rthourt a you. The Governmncut at Rtichnmond does nt murmur . pause to consider sex when it lumnishes trea son. The signs of your education show list ChIA PTEl XXXIX. your father fins not been arrested any tot When tih' carriage whim Captain Radford soon." and )ocor Glover uid his honily arrived in lie will not be your prisoner always, iltnk sight of the Rebel lines on tire Llackwater, God for that !" said Marvelia, indignantly. their hope of rescue failed. although they saw, " It is not likely that he will be a prisoner by getting a glimp e of C'liiford s pursuing very long, if the reports which have reached party, easily recognize I by their uniform, mme of lis treasonaible conduct and opinion that it had been atteimi)poad, and only failed in be true,'' said the Geineral, emphaticiilly- 54 9 -, 1- - UFE IN TILE SADDLE. a Traitors to the Confederacy have a short you, I suppose, will be regarded in a different shrift and a strong rope for their reward, as a light ; for you were not taken in arms against general thing. And your contumacy will not them " h enattemt to make aid him any in his trouble, you may be well "Yes; ,hcy may even t ' ak assured. He will hang all the sooner for mine a e of treason against their false and having inculcated his treason into his chil- rebelli Government, and they eertniuly dren as vell as practiced it himself." can no make meiout friendly toward it.ex " Treason ! treason to whom Y" cried Annie, - oppos-d it before it was formed, when it ox flushed with indignation. " He has been true isted, and will oppose and denounce it to the to his God and to his country. It is you, hour of mydeath hen you are chaed Sir, and such as you, who wear the brand of I fear you b folt lt tme Arnold and of Cain upon your brows. You It shall not be my fault if I do not see you whose hearts are black with the taint of trea- again, for I never will rest until you and son" your faunily are free. You are well aware "Lady, your sex alone is your protection. how precious one of that family is to me, You will be conducted by the guard to your and my regard for the rest is more than mere future quarters, where -you must remain, friendship, I assure you f" without I give you permission to leave them, "I know it, Captain; and I feel honored and only good conduct will ever gain that." by your regard. But here comes old Barrett. "We would perish there, Sir, before we I wonder what he can have to say." would ask your permission to leave them. The planter was halted by the armed sen- You call yourself a Southern man, and you tinel who paced to and fro before the tent, ought to know the spirit of Southern women but he produced a pass signed by theCoin- -it; indeed, vou ever have associated with mantling General, which allowed his visit to ladies in your previous career !" the prisoners, and was allowed at once to "Sergeant, remove those ladies at once. It proceed. Is not pleasant for me to listen to their "How areyou, Doctor Glover ?t hesaid, as abuse 1" cried the General. he entered the tent. "I come to bear the " The truth is ever painful to a villain's regrets of your sister, my wife, united with ears !" said little Marvelia, as she followed my own, that the General will not permit her sister from the room. "If General Pryor you, as well as your daughters, to accept the expects to frighten us, girls though we be, he hospitality of my house '"- is lost in his reckoning. We will yet sing a "I am very comfortable here, Sir-fully as song of triumph over his downfall and the much so as can be expected under the cir- success of those who arc in the right. Cheer cunistances I" replied the Doctor, calmly. up, sister Annie ; I feel as if we would all get "Doubtless, my quarters are as pleasant to me out of this scrape yet." at this time as those are which, your son "So do I, Marvelia ; and I will not let my is probably occupying at Suffolk!" heart sink, no matter how dark things look There was enough of sarcasm in the tone, at present!" as well as in the concluding remark of the Doctor, to nettle the temper of the planter. CHAPTER XL. "He at least is suffering in a good cause!" The news of the complete defeat of Major replied the latter, testily. "He is loyal to the Barrett, and the capture of himself and all of State of his birth, and to the noble Confeder- his men, except fitteen or twenty who had acy of the South 1" succeeded in hiding in the swamp, reached "You might better boast of his loyalty to the Rebel camp in a tew hours after the ar- the devil !" said the Doctor, with a sneer. rival of Captain Radford and his friends. And "his connection with the cut-throat band it gave them some pleasure in their sadness robbers and thieves, who would destroy the to know it. Union which Washington led victorious and "Major George will not be made much left glorious, should rather bring the blush of more comfortable this time than we are, I shame to your cheek than words of exulta- reckon !"said Captain Radford to the Doctor, tion. Iis act in robbing my henroosts, and who was confined in the same tent with him. burning the house in which my children were "I hope not. Ile deserves to be repaid for born and raised,.is but a proo' of what such the wanton destruction of my property, and I company can sink him to. Better it were hope that he will. 1is treatment of you, in that he had died in his cradle than to have binding you like a felon and throwing you followed ithe footsteps of Benedict Arnold; into the bottom of a cart, would insure retali- for the me t that you miserable Secessionists ation if it was known in your own lines. can do in the end will be, to offer your coun- I wonder how long they will keep us here ?" try to some foreign monarch for a province, "I think that as a prisoner of war they will selling your bodies into slavery, even as you not keep me long," said the Captain. "But have already pledged your souls to Satan!" E . page: 66-67[View Page 66-67] I r f R r i f 4 t E j . t i P j F F t . E i I= "Doctor Glover, I did not expect to be thus insulted when making you a friendly visit. I came, indeed, to make a propition which, if acceded to, would at least have given you the liberty of residing without restraint in my house, and ultimate y given you freedom." "Indeed! Perhaps you will make the prop- ositions which are to produce such unexpect- ed-on my part-results. That is, if my truth- laden words have not barred the propositions out, of which you speak." "They are enough to justify my silence ; but I will not hold anger against one so near- ly related to me as you are by my marriage with your sister. The General wil permit you to reside with me unguarded, upon condition of your taking the oath of allegiance to the Confederate States of America, and upon your proving yourself loyal to the said Confed- eracy; he will give you freedom to go any- where within our lines that you desire, ac- companied byyour family." "Did the General send such a message to me by youY" mUponin representations of your rela- tionship, and the interest I felt in you, he did so." Well, you can take my answer back to him. But, by the way, perhaps he made some threat of doing something else if I re- fused to take the oath you mention. Do not do your errand by halves." "Ho said that if you did not choose to ac- cept that clemency, he should send you, at an early day, to ,Richmond, to be tried fox high treason." "How kind in him?! Tell him that I de- spise him, the oath he proposes, and the mes- sen ger he sent his proposition by ,more than I do the dust beneath my feet. Tel lhim I owe no allegiance to any Government but the regular Government of the United States of America. That I detest the Rebellion, its supporters and abetters, and abhor the assassins who com- pose its armies. As to his threat of sending me to Richmond, lie may carry it out when he pleases. I glory in opposing Rebels I" "Doctor, you tioe mad I Think of your family, and the position in which your death will leave them; for die you will it you utter such words at Richmond as you speak here." "I leave my poor girls to the care of Al- mighty God, Mr. Barrett. If I die, my curse will remain to wither and blast my murder- ers. And in due time the vengeance of a just Providence will fall upon the heads of' my persecutors. No fear dwells in my breast, Sir; no craven thought which can make me untrue to my country. Go and tell Roger Pryor so; and tell him that I fear him less than lie feared the man who accepted his challenge when he was in Con'ress, and whom he dared not fight when co:i steel was to settle the question of courage between them." "Doctor, in spite of your insult I ask you to reflect before you positively refuse tal offer of clemency. My wife sent me with her tears to beg you to accept the offer made." "Did my daughters tell you to bring me such a proposition? You hesitate to atlswcr that, Sir. And I know the noble girls did not. They know me and my feelings too well to wish that I should ever enjoy life at the sacrifice of principle. You need not re- main here any longer, Sir: all the words that you are master of could not change my de- termination." "Very well, Doctor ; it is painful, but I must tell the General that you refuse his offer, and the consequences will be upon your own head. Farewell l" "Farewell, Sir. You need not annoy me by coming here again," said the Doctor, turn- ing his back upon his departing visitor. "What do you think of that, Captain ?" asked the Doctor, when they were lell once more alone. "I think, Sir, that your decision is as noble as your own more than Roman soul. And that a just God will not permit your enemies to triumph in your death. I shall endeavor to plan our mutual escape, if it is a possible thing,,before we are sent from here. Be cau- tions in every word and act, after this, end we may find friends even in this camp. It looks dark for you now, but it is always dark- est just before dawn. We will hope-it is the last shot that is left in life's locker. When all else is gone, despair will not enter where one breath of hope exists."' "''rue, my good friend-most true ; and for the sake of my (lear girls I will hope, and act whenever a chance for action occurs CHAPTER XLI. Where what was known as the "old Black- water Bridge" stood, before it was burned down when the Rebels evacuated Norfolk, there was at the time of which we write a strong picket-guard posted near some earth- works and rifle-pits, a short distance in ad- vance of the main encampment of the Rebel force. These works and the guard were on the western side of the river, which was now unbridged, except when they wished to cross troops, when their floating or swinging bridh'e, as it was termed, was drawn athwart the deep but narrow stream. The Rebels held this river as their line, and had fortified every feasible place where it could be cross- ed, so as to retard the advance of our forces toward Petersburg, only a good day's march distant. Night and day, at this as well as all other crossing-places on the river, a strict watch LIFE IN THE SADDLE. LIFE IN TiltpBADDL. 67 was kept for Federal forces and scouts, and officer, "but you must be examined by the the sight of a blue uniform on the opposite General. Hel look right through you; if side of the river was as certain to draw fire you mean well, he'll do well by you. If you as thunder is sure to follow lightning in the do not, he'll swing you up to a tree before bummer-time. you can say the first part of the Lord's Pray One afternoon, about a week after the cap- er. I'll send you to him at once." ture of Major Barrett and the Rebels under "That will suit us, Sir, for we are honest his connunid, the guard at this post saw a in our intentions, I assure you. We've run body of Union cavalry, twenty or thereabouts risk enough in getting off to satisfy us. with- in number, riding slowlyy down the road tow- out risking ourselves any more," said Clifford. ard the river, evidently bent upon recon- The officer at once ordered a mounted es- noitering the position. cort, and sent the three men with it to head- The guard at once opened fire with their quarters. long-range Minnie rifles upon the Federalists, General Pryor had just dined, and felt in a who rapidly fell back out of range. But sud- remarkable good-humor over his last glass of denly three of their nnnmbey were seen to turn grog and cigar when the party were brought their horses and ride at full speed toward the up and reported to him as deserters who had river, just escaped across the river, hotly pursued The Rebecls were about to re-open fire on by their own men. these daring adien, when the foremost of "Deserters, e e Fine-looking fellows, too, ihens tcas seyen to wave a white flag in his better than the ordinary run of Yankees ; no Inid wonder that they wanted to get out of bad Tuis, coupled with the fact that the rest of company," said he, cyeing them over his half- the Federal soldiers fired on those who fled, emptied glass of grog. What were your rea- madec the omeier of the guard believe that they sons for leaving, Sergeant ?" he asked of Clif- were de.ei ters trying to get to his lines, and ford, recognizing his rank by his uniform. he ordered his men not to fire upon the three, "Bad treatment from officers who knew but to aim at their pursuers if they came with- less of their duty than we did, and used us in range, worse than they did their stolen nigger-serv- The three horsemen never checked their ants," said Clitord, boldly. speed as they neared the river, but rode at a "Ah! that was reason enough for you to headlong rate down the steep bank and into leave such company. Do you wish to serve the river, which their well-trained horses in the army of the Confederacy ?" swam very easily. "Yes, General, if we can be placed in some Their pursuers after getting again in range position where we are notin danger of recap. of the guns of the guard, fired one fruitless ture. We are neither of us afraid of. bullets olley and fell back out of sight. or a touch of cold steel, and know well how By thunder, that was close shaving," said to deal in both articles, but I have a horror at ergeant Clitihrd, as he rode up the Western the thou ht of a rope, and so have my com- hank of the river, showing his white flag with rades. And General Peck has sworn to han tvo bullct-holes in it, and hishat with another, any men who desert from his division, an wich must have gone very close to his he'll keep his oath if we should be taken." -10111. "Well I'll see thart you are kept on duty ti dii not tell the officer who advanced to aboutthe camp and head-quarters, where you receie hitmi and his comrades that the bullet- will not be in danger of recapture." i;-es had lbsI aide before he left camp, but "Thank you, General, you may depend on left him to believe that his escape from Yan- us." Lee bullets had indeed been almost miracu- "I hope so. And Sergeant, as you seem to tous. be a man of intelligence, you can take a seat Who are you, and what are you here here for a while, and inform me of the state tor ?" was the first question of the officer in of things in the department which you have command of the Rebel out-post. just come from, while your comrades go with "We were soldiers in the Federal cavalry," the escort to their quarters. Tell the post- id Clitford, acting as spokesman for himself quartermaster that I have ordered a tent for and the rest, "but we've been treated like these men, and tell the Commissary to see that dogs by a set of black republican upstarts, they are rationed, Sergeant Whittlesey." who think more of a nigger than they do of a The Sergcant of the escort went off with white man, and we mane up our minds that Dolan and Bruce, while Clifford remained to we wouldn't stand it any longer. So here we reply to the questions propounded by the are; but I shouldn't like to have another such Rebel General. a shower of bullets come after me as that It is doubtful whether General Pryor learn- which we had a little while ago." ed much truth from the Sergeant on that oc- The story seems straight enough," said the casion. I . t' 4, i page: 68-69[View Page 68-69] T? r 3 i LIFE IN THE SADDLE. CFIAPTETIXLI[. Sergeant says that sentinals almost always Captain Ritadtfrd and Doctor Glover had have the countersign!" been more than a week confined in their 801 "That is so, and the plan is excellent, i italry tent without having a visitor except Mr. time is allowed for them to execute it before Barrett, whosecall and business we explain- we are removed ts ed in the fortieth chapter. They were then "You can make time for them, I think most agreeably surprised one morning by the father!" said Marvclia. vi-it of the two daughters of the Doctor, who, "JHow, my child fur rcasons wiich will soon beexplained, had "By getting too sick to be removed. iBoth {, oveIcomt their repugnance to asking fav- of you get sick, and then we can nurse you. U1' of the generall as to request the permis- I know the Captain wants the nursing o. ion whic lhe fhd granted, to be allowed to sister Annie very much !" said Marvelia. cetheir fattier for onc hour. "A hir shot in return for my joke about - I am glad, very glad to see you, my dear Cliflbrd !" said the Captain, laughing o"An irua,' toal tthe Doator. "But I am sorry I acknowledge, that I cannot see lPiss Aunie o o hal to a k the favor being allowed to any more often than I desire, if it is every couitt hone the Recbel General." hour in the dlay ! Father, we would not have (lone so had it '" Well, get sick-you and father ; andt we nit been c necc-nar for us to see you," will be the most attentive nurses that you said Annie, in reply. " We have friends in ever saw . said Marvelia, laughing. this camp, ohwhone presence it wvas very " We can easily do that, it you will find c. tarvsn on should be aware, lest your ime some ipecac in your uncles plantation uddieu iorpri. e at seeing them by-and-by, medicine chest," said thee Doctor. titirite W Ltlibeay them !" "I will try.!' said Annie. tF friend us Who cmbe so o1l as to try " What shall we tell the Sergeant for r .ind us hot c asked captainn Ratl- you.:" asked Marvelia. "He will expect t. sercant ('lit'1rd, your friend, and one of "T'ell him for me, that I will never forget the beravest and noblest inca on earth .' said his kindness, and hope yet to have him for a Muir v ita, 'thusiatically -brother-in-law !" said aptain Radford. S A lihw caine he here !" "Tell him, that probably, my life depends "lie andtwo others of his brave scouts, upon his success, but he must not risk his have luietenlled to desert, anti are here as own to save it. If he saves you from cap- deserters, only to try to rescue us all from tivity and insult, I am contented. You will captivity. hi, is it not noble? I could die be free from persecution until George Bar- ter the rgave, good man.!" rett is exchanged, and I hope you will be 1' hail rather hear his praises from your away from here before he returns, for lie is lips tian timoe of his sister Annie !. said the a fiend without conscience or heart !" said Captain - ithe a snile.'I am afraid that it the Doctor. he freesor body, Miss Marvelia, your "I hope so; and now farewell for a little hcart will shillremain captive !" while, dear father!" said Annie, looking her Ilhe bluus of Marvehla were her only farewell to the Captain at the same time. rep . " We will soon see you again; and when you towy lid you learn of the arrival of these get sick, you will find us the most faithful tri it.hs L aske I the Doctor. nurses you ever saw !" We u litt- ha l two interviews with Ser- "I know it, children-I know it-God g :nt Cltird. wihi it app ears has quite won bless you the liavr it itht GeneraI by his revelations of natters on the other side. how truthful CHAPTER XLIII. th h as-- eti, the says, the General may The camp of the Rebel forces, and their it i outb r *;ti--hy, but not while he is here, lines also, being too well encircled with senti lie i i. rl' di I AAnnie. " And now he nels to permit the escape of persons under w .ntt us to t1 u thtet lie will ei'ect your surveillance, without great dauger, and all -tle" ;use! it urse and hlis own as soon slaves being of that ctass, Mr. Barrett hild b l ie waits tot to bt ready no hesitation ' putting Elise and her mothEr tit' itati, aumttent, for ie and his cone- to work, at the duties to which they had it'a itlltae ithe lirlt opportunity that formerly performed. ot itis. 'Chian ill be th te watchl for it all 'Tis caused Elise, in tier attendance upon tt m h yua. ' ei ticatell gini on duttin1he eiir young mistress, to be very frcquentlIy (untt lettind to gam the conhi'eee of thrown into the society of thte Misses Glover the IRtbel othietrs as on '; tihsy can. so as -'They att fir.t dlidi not seem to notice her any tC get a turn at gute' yon. WVhen that murm than they would any other servant, but oci t-i, th-eel I F. - a C . ' fort' all a: onc 2 a cthange came over' theme in their LIFE IN THE SADDLE. 69 demeanor. As they seized the first oppor- "You have grown to be positively good for tunity they could, of seeing and speaking to nothing since you were away with those her, when they were unobserved by other wretched Yankees. Why are you not sew- parties, she soon learned the cause of this ing; tell me, you lazy witch ' alteration in their manner. "I sat up until two o'clock this morning, "I believe, Elise, that you are acquainted mistress, and finished your new dress. Ido with young mni in tie New York Mount- not knowrof any otler work being ready ed Rifles, known there by the name of George for me," replied Elise, blushing under the Bruce !" said Annie to her. unjust reproof. The beautitul face of the young octoroon "Then you should lave told me of mt flushed up in an instant, and leer voice trem- when you dressed my hair, and I would bled whteneshee replied, have found other work for you- before tinle "A young gentleman of that name was time. You have been indulged somuch very kint to inc antimy another, Miss that you have grown lazy and worthless Annie! client a friend rescued me from I want my snufl-colored silk taken to pieces Major Barrett, and carried my mother and and altered. It is an odious ugly dress; I myself to Suffolk, where we were fee until leate the color, but I can get no better at some ie tl drugged us, and thus were able present; for the ankees laye ruined our to carry us past tie Union lines, to the house merchants, and dresses cannot be had for of Mr. Dashiell. lie wts going to take us to love or money. Where did you get that Riclemond to sell us, but Major Barrett saw pretty blue of yours, Annie ?" us, md our oldi master claimed us again pr"et was bought for me at Norfolk, by a "how would you like to see Mr. Bruce ?" friend, not long since," replied Miss Glover. asked Maveia- "Do you know what it cost ?" asked Miss "Not Iere--they would kill him if they Barrett. saw himn cere, I oul ratherr lie titan to " Only half a dollar a yard !" replied the mice harm come to hiit "" said Elise, quickly. young lady. "Ie is here, and at present sate from "Only half a dollar? Why, this misera- harm !" said Annie. "Ifyou should happen ble calico that 1 have got on cost ten dot- to see him, youmust be very careful not to lears a yard in Petersburg ! I wish I had appear to recognize him; for lie nd two such friends as you avha ed." other frieitds are hieme, xkho will try once If you and your family had remained true more to set you free " to the Union, you would not havee been "Oh, dear lady, I am so glad to hear it, wanting such friends," said Miss Glover. yet I tremble for their dumer lt'" "Balh ! Where are your friends now, "'There is no cause of fear at present. when you are forced to remain in our lines, Warn your mother to be ready to go with and your father's life is in danger Y" sneer- you at any time when you are called for, ed the Rebel's daughter. for the earliest chance will be taken by - "We have one friend who will never de- your friends." sert us, or the.cause to which me and our "I thank you, lady, for telling me, for it father adhere," said Marvelia, proudly. has put new life in my heart. 1 have wish- "One friend I If you hadl.twenty they ed to die ever sime they brought me back ; could not do you any good here. What do but now I would live-live to prove how you suppose our General would care for your grateful I cant be to my good friends. Do biend -" you think that I will see Mr. Bruce soon?" '-"Not much, for I hear that he is a grace- "Possibly you may. I can send him a less sinner, and no believer in the God in message if you dc-ire. What shall it be :" whom we trust," said' Marvclia, "But we "Oh, please tell him to be careful, and trust, and fear not,-but that all will be made not to run into neclless danger. Ills life is right in His good time. Come, Annie, let Oa very, very precious to-to those whom he take a walk over to father's tent ; since we befriends."- have permission to go there once a day, we "lie shall have your message, and I will may as well improve it." try to arrange it so that you can see him "I will be ready in a moment," said the yourself before long." sister. "I do not feel very well, and. I have "Thank you, kind lady; whenever poor Uncle Barrett's permission to get a Seidlita Elise can serve you she will be but too hap- powder from his medicine-chest. Wait for py in doing it. And now please excuse me here till I get it, if you please." me, for 1 hear my young mistress coming, -- and she is very cross with me since I caine CHAPTER XLIV. back to her." It seemed singular, but B3ergeant Clifford "What are you standing around here for, in some way seemed to have become an isa- EliseI" cried Miss Barrett,, as she entered. mensefavorite with General Pryor. Whether ft r+ i page: 70-71[View Page 70-71] tF At I f7 I 7 r0 LIFE IN THE SADDLE. it wa because he had given him full and un- said the General, as he read the document reserved information iout the Federal for- " I must sec if te r i ob eoe. ces, post, fortifications, etc., which the Rebel And he sent aneorderly for the Surgeon. General helievedl to be true (which was more " How nre those two prisoners, Glover and than Clifford did), or whether it was that his Radford " asked the General, when the Sur. conversation and remarks proved him to be geon came in. exeedin gly well posted on military matters, "Both very sick. They had what at ft is more t an I can m ; but my private opin- seemed to he an attack of cholera inorbus, ion IH, that a little judicious flattery about his violent vomiting and cramping pains-how it former political position had the most to do seems to be followed by pver, and entire with it; the Sergeant having fortunately got prostration of the system !" said the Surgeon. posessi.n of a fi e of old Richmond papers, "Then they are not in a state to in which the General's former speeches were removal and a journey ?" a obear printed, and so prepared himself for aptly "By no means, General-by no means. quoting striking passages from them. Their removal would be dangerous in teans- So far had he got in his favor as to be treme." ex- placed on duty as a Sergeant in the camp. "I am sorry to hear it, for I have received guard, and to be promised a commission if an order to send them on to Richmond. the General's influence could obtain it from Have the kindness to report to me the mo- Richmond, and, when it came, a position on ment they are fit for removal." the General's staff. "Certainly, General ; they are well nursed As he possessed an excellent education, be- and attended by the Doctors daughters; and ing well versed in languages, sciences, etc., with such care and a judicious use of mcdi- the General did not consider it at all beneath cine, it will not be likely to be a great while his dignity to send for him occasionally to before they are convalescent !" do a little writing for him; for ie was sure to "Very well Sir; spare no pains with them, alluded to, with which he had in former them away. Ser meant Clifford, draw meud times electrified thu cars of his party in Con- a letter to the department at Richmond, gr ' stating the cause of my delay in sending them Of course, as the Sergeant vouched for the on." loyalty and ultra Southern feelings of his "Yes, Sir." friends (I)olan and Bruce) they we; it placed And the Sergeant hastened to write a letter duty as he advised ; and thtey took great In the "high-flown" language which lhe pains, by their attentin to duty and their know suited the General. litter and frequent denunciation of their " Will that do, Sir ?" he asked, as he in a tirer comrades in arms, to win the favor of few minutes presented the letter for the Gen- the lkeloffnicers and imen with whom they erl to peruse and sign- toiw"pitall well, Sergeanteapitally well. Thus matters with them were soon in a Y ou are invaluable as a secretary. t must very golmitr. Their only tear was the re- have you on moy yatf, for I have no one near t urn of :iajor B rrett. whn, if exchanged, me who is so read ywt i e syusl. i od know them s sirecent captors ai with his pen as youself. as scouts, and, of course, the most trusty CIIAVI'E XLV- me llnc in the Union ranks. Therefore, On the very nextmoritg aler th rival thter watched every chace for forwarding of the order for their being sent to rieaond treir plai to rescue those whom they came to came, the sentinel placed over Doctor Glover s te. They famiiarized themselves as much and Captain tadford was John Dolan-a a porsitle withthe grounds, the stables matter managed easily by Clifford, who was h e thietl'et(.t hrscs were kept, the post Sergeant of the guard durin that day. at which every sentinel from the camp to the ie had purposely avoidechaving an inter- picket-guards wa placed. view himself with the two prisoners, so that klinford lie unusual advantages; for the no Rebel could gather a suspicion of either kindness of the General was such that he his acquaintance with or friendship for them. was often mounted on one of his own horses, His messages had all been conveyed through and allowed to ride out with his orderlies the daughters of Doctor Glover, whom ie when the General rode out for exercise or to had managed to meet in their evening-walks isit the outposts. about the ground, and to speak with without lie was present in the quarters of the Gen- being detected. erl one day, when an order came for him to But now, as the time for putting his plans tend Captain Radford up to Richmond for for their escape into execution drew neces exchange, and the Doctor for trial. sarily very near, lie commenced his arrange. "They are sick, the Surgeon report !" meats by getting one of his confederates upon LIFE IN THiE SADDLE. 71 post there, so as to let hin know who the shall be off in two hours from the time i came persons were that lie was to aid ; for neither on than to say to him that we Bruce or Dolan had been before acquainted Nothing more thnever he tat we with the Doctor or the Captain. are rads to move whenever he says the Dolan had not been a great while on post, word. Our sham sickness will soon passed standienaged t.o toss a note inside, in which Very well, Sir; I willet him know. Here was a statement of is name and business, to come the young ladies. I will resume my the Captain, and that he could be trusted, as beat." tie knew of all the arrangements which Clif- And Dolan moved a few taes far.therps back, ford was making for their escape. when the young ladles, exhibiting their pass When the Captain saw the note fall on the to him, entered the tent. floor,he rose from his cot with remarkable ".Are you aware that the order has come alacrity for one so very sick, as the Post-Sur- for our removal to Richmond, my girls," ask- goon considered him to be, and when he read ed the Doctor when they cane in. ot, e communicated its contents to the Doe- "Yes, Sir," replied Ane, " Sergeant Clif- tor. e then in a low tone commenced ask- for told us of i Ias n bu e a sa lag Dolan a few questions- that the Surgeon had pronounced you too ill "How soon does the Sergeant propose to to be removed." make. the attempt ?" he asked. "Yes, but it shows how anxious they are Upo th frststomynigtSir, when to get through with my case. But I may, the rain will make the srmy niels ttake shelter with God's help, give them the slip yet." if they can, ard wash out our tracks. The "Yes, Sir, we feel sure you will. f he Ser- soonerye can get off the better, he says; for geant has picked out the horses which we are the order her your removal to Richmond ias to take, and got everything planned for our coe, and only your sickness keeps them escape. He only waits now for a stormy from sending you away I" night--the sooner it comes the better." "Then we shall keep sick till it storms, the "Yes ; for only every hour increases our Sergeant may rest assured, and you will so danger." tell him. Do you think our escape can be managed Faily ?"CHPE XVI "Perhiapd not very easily, Sir, but it will be At last a day arrived which seemed to be managed. When ergeit Clifford under- propitious. A chilling rainstorm, with the takes anything he generally goes through wind at northeast commenced early in the with it." day, which promised to continue apparently "You seem to trust in him, as he says in for some considerable time, as storms in that his note lie does in you, fully." section do, when they come from the North " I ought to, Sir; for he has led me into and eastward. many a scrape' which I never thought to get It was a day of intense mental anxiety and out of, but out I caine all sate under his man- preparation to every one involved in the plot agemnt.' to escape. Each understood the part which "Well if he gets us away from the Rebels they were expected to take, for Clifford, as '.lis time, I'll w orkik c1 l)power at my corn- chief manager of the entire affair, had instruct- mand to get him and those who aid cu liro- ed every one how to act, and where to meet auted, the others at the designated hour. "riat will be a hard matter, Sir, in these Elise and her mother were, at a few mm- times. Neither of us are politicians or party- utes alter midnight, to leave the house of Mr. men, we arc only soldiers, and commissions .Barrett secretly, in company with Doctor are too valuable as political bribes and re- Glover's two au hters, and proceed to a wards to be given to men of our class. I thick piece of woods, near the corner of which know a General, Sir, net a hundred miles in a narrow lane, they were all to remain un- from here now, in the Federal service, who lii joined by Doctor 0 .loer, Captain ladford, eed to mix my toddy before the war broke an the three soldiers, with horses. out, and another of the satne rank who was The Doctor and the Captain were to offer thought to be only a second-rate ward-poll- their sentinel, soon after the midnight-relief, tician. But he had big influence ; so he got some liquor to keep out the wet ; and it had a start." already been well drugged, and provided by "It is too true that party begets favor, Clifford, who was, in ease the sentinel refus- where merit is never seen," acid the Captain, ed the liquor, to steal upol him and gag and indignantly. "But this state of things will bind him securely, where lie would remain not last forever." unnoticed until the next relief came around. I hope not, Sir. Have you any word to Clifford, acting as secretary for the General, send the Sergeant when I leave the post? I had no difficulty in getting the countersign, fl l page: 72-73[View Page 72-73] j I 'I 1, ; 72 LIFE IN THE SADDLE. and he had picked out the horses of the Gen- sign is Zollicoffer-and here is a pass for each eral and his state as thosc he intended to take, of you to pass bearer and company. It is they being the best in blood, speed, and bot- written on head-quarter's paper, and I doubt tom at the post. if Pryor himself would not believe it to be lie had also secured arms and ammunition his own signature. You know where we all for the males of the party, so as to be ready are to meet, and the road we are to take is for a desperate resistance if their recapture that to Joiner's Ford on the Blackwa'er. was attempted. For he well knew that, if he There is only a picket there of a corporal and 1is two companions should be taken, and six men, and en a night like this it i3 nuLii would save them from being hung as not likely that they will keep any guard at epics. all. If they do not, and we cross there un- As the day wore slowly on, he managed to seen, this rain will so wash out our tracks let eaci oUC know that he would assuredly that the Iebs will have no idea what route attanpt to get them off that night as pre we have taken, and we will get into our lines iously agreed upon, and he again and again scot free of pursuit. But if they are on guard passed the stab es where the horses were there, we can cut our way through ; we have stalled which ho intended to take, making no other course to pursue, and if then we are excuses to look at them, and marked well in followed, speed must save us!" his memoomy where and how every horse " That is so. If the women can stand the stood, and where the saddles ad bridles fatigue, I have no fear but what we will get were, for he knew that he must take them in through!' said Bruce. the dark, and delays orgrrs would be fatal "They will stand it, no matter how much to succ . they suffer," said Clifford. "A true woman As uoon as it was dark, he stealthily lkft has ten times as much enduring perseverance his quart rs v ith implements which he had as a man, when she sets her heart upon it. g.,t r a ly, and spike'i every battery and If we find we nre not pursued, after we get l.argeg:n it the post, so as to prevent any across the river, we will move at as easy ii a'arm 1t og gis en at out posts by the firing gait as possible. for their sakes. If it did not t tcnn':! make so much noise and was not slower, I in at. he tmitted no precaution, let nothi- would for them take a carriage. But that is .ag ce a e his mind which could aid him in out of the question, for we could not pass the u hit h kn w as a risk as fearlul as the lines in one without too close questioning for attema ut w as daring, our safety. By the way, boys, have 'ou It n as about ten o'clock, when, having tilled your canteens and haversacks? You founI out at the guardtent who was to go must not forget that food and drink will be cn the midnight-relief at the prisoners' tent, useful on the road, to keep up strength u a dI te hiis joy that the nina was a yitlh." e ;uI l ruini-ueker, who would never he "'We have filled our own and yours too,' yo refusing a gh s of grog under any said Dolan. .: uLi -taz itford returned to his quar- "Thank you. I have a bottle of prime ..tl hour w en the attempt w.as liquor here which the General made ime a . -present of this evening, that we will take dLBruce and Dolan both there. con- along to use as a restorative when needed. n . and ready to move, but hitting Ah! there is an arrival in camp; Isee horse- r. ter it wais alter the "taps', and a men going toward the General's quarters. L i ay whet e acept in an officer's I'll creep over and see who has come. Keep r would hat o excited suspicion, and esv, until I come back, and lon't get sleepy, preLe inquiry into the cause of its being for~I think it will soon be time for us to be theregetting the horses ready." H Uiw do you feel, boys ?" asked the Ser- The Sergeant now stole away silently tow- gfen', i entered the tent and learned ard head-quarters, to learn who had ar- by their low-toned conversation that they rived, for there appeared to be an unusual vccre there bustle around the quarters of the command- "I feel as if I would like to be once more iugGeneral. in the saddle, riding at a swinging gallopat ie was gone only a few minutes, and there least a mile or two beyond the I&bel lines !" was that in his tone when lie spoke to sis laid Dolan. comrades that told them he was alarmed and 4"And I feel fit to fight fifty Reba, if they had cause for it. should try to stop us from getting off!" said "Boys!I" said he, "that infernal devil. Bruce. "Is everything right so far, 8er- Major Barret, has come, and is at the Gen- !eant" erals quarters now. If he finds out that we " Yes, I believe so. If anything happens ,are here, I'm afraid it is all up with us , for to me to-night, boys, remember the counter- he knows too well how we were thought of LIFE IN TILE SADDLE.175 In our reghnent, to believe in the tale of our said Annie. " Oh ! do not think of going desertion." without them . "How the deuce came he here just at this "Of course not, lady 1 of course not b" said time ?" asked Dolatn. Clifford, in a low tone; "they will be here " Why, he has had the luck to get an early soon. It will take them a few minutes longer e ange this time, just as lie did before, I than we, for they have to use the drugged su ose. There are four or live other officers liquor on the new sentinel; and it will take with him, at the Generals, and they are all some little time for it to take effect. I will drinking and talking. Perhaps we can get go to meet them. In the meantime, my off before our names happen to be mentioned friends tere will getyou mounted as silently in his hearing. 1 hope so, for if he does hear as possible; for not a moment must be lost" of us, I don't believe he'd rest until he had a And the Sergeant hurried off in the dark guard over us, to carry out his own spite, it ness and the pelting rain; while Bruce and for nothing else. I wish he had been a day Dolan assisted th women to moun e m later, at any rate, and then I wouldn't care gentle of the horses. what had become of' him." Clifford had1 to g1 all the way to the prison- "You will not hesitate in our plan, will era' tent to find thm, and it was well that he you ?" asked Bruce. did; for alhon they ad succeeded in " No, indeed ; not for'an instant. We may drugging their sentinel intodinsensil)h ty, as well get our things on and creep toward they were lot how to proceed to reach the the stables now as not. It will take us some rendezvous; fur, in the darkness and storm, time to get the horses out, and to the place they had lost the course which they ought to where they at wanted. Aind the noise they take to get the pine-wood which had been are making at head-quarters, with all this pointed out to t,:it in the daytime. wind and rain, will keep any one from hear- '"Are my daughters at the point agreed Ing us, I reckon. Be careful of your arms upon :" asled the Doctor as soon as Cliford and keen their in order, for if we are diseov- joined hum andhis companion. ered we hiave nothing on earth to save us but " Yes, Sir, iod 'unted before this time. fighting. It will be rope for our necks, you You must ma he haste to join them, gentle- know, if we are taken. And now, follow men, for there is :(ew danger abroad. That me, boys, and be as silent as a mouse-watch- nuicrable lien!, Major Baurett,r as-just got ing cat i ' into ecaip, :ut 1 idriniking over at the Gea- gemal' cqua'arnt e n he gets excited with liquor, he inmy t ' it into his brutal head to CHAPTER XLVII. visit your quai ; audt' ie does, we shall The flrt prisons at the reudervous pointed find Vumsuia both huisty and httt." out by Clitlord, the corner of the pine-wood "'1 rue! true! Lead on and we will fol- near the Rebelt camp, were the two Misses low," said he )n c;or. Glover and Ehise and her mother. All of I wou- 1 l ic .3 11my pay forthis war, If them were disguised in men's clothes, which we hdl no 'o ui;umwith us, if the infernal had been provided for them by Clitord, and rascal would iel ow1u 0so that I could mna- the gloom of the night concealed blushing sure swords with m iteon fair ground. I owe cheeks caused by their strange ppar'el-hin a gd ohi nothing but his blood There they stood shivering in the drenching can era-c-. 1i, herthe sake of the ladies, I rain and the chilly northeastern wind for hope we s i hi, e no pursuit," said Rad- near half an mhour, nor daring to speak kfor ford. fear some Rebel sentinel might be in C'if-ord miii o tn wer, but led thertwo hearing, and trembling with dread all the gentlemea awihtiy toward the place where time lest something should occur to prevent, the horses weie waiting. the other prisoners and Clitford and his in a few itn ile utall were mounted, and ar- parmty from coining to them. ranged so olitm' Captaini rode directly by But f a little while after they had heard the side of A mio ani next to Clifford, who, the guards go the rounds for the midight- as guide, ledt ime w.). Marvelia rode by the relief which they could distinguish by the side of her lather in time column, Elise beside loud "Halt I who comes there '" of the vii- Bruce, andi her mithiser by the side of Dolan, rious sentinels, the trammp of horses on the who brought utiletl'rear. sandy ground close to them was heard, and, "Now, orard tt a walk until we clear a moment after, Clifford and his companions, the camp-lines, ant keep up with me," said with nine led horses, reached the spot. Clifford. "Be careitl to keep me within "Are you all here 2" asked Clifford, in a sight or lein-lg mll the time. Sit firm in low tone, as he halted by the fence, close to your saddles, keep a steady rein, and don't which the women croucheth. straggle." "All but my father and Captain Radford," These words uttered, he moved on at a fast I' 'I T 3 page: 74-75[View Page 74-75] I I ] I :3 74 LIFE IN THE SADDLE. walk, for some hundred or two yards, and on me to show that I offered them any resist. then struck into a trot. ance," said the Doctor, in a tone of stinging At that moment the report of a musket was sarcasm. heard ; and, upon lo king back toward the " By the God of War, Sir, (10 you dare t Rebel camp, lights were seen fleshing from impute cowardice to me Y" thundered e point to point, and bugles could be heard Major, springing to his feet. SOun(ing the assembly-call. '"Take lily remark as you chose, Sir ; I "Forward at full speed, close together !" a Georgian, and never eat my words," said cried Clifford, " they have discovered our the I)octor, coolly. escapee in soein way, and will be alter us in a "'ihen eat that !" said the Major, thorough. few minutes. All depends on speed now, if' ly enraged, and he threw a bottle at the head they should discover our track ; but it rains in of the Surgeon. torrents now, and it will be hard work to do The latter was sober enough to dodge the that." missile, and he quietly remarked as he did And on at a full gallop swept the fugitives, so: confident only in their guide for it was utter "I will give you something harder to darkuis all around them. dodge than that in the morning, Sir. You - - may consider yourself challenged ; I will send CIIAPTER XLVIII. a friend to you in due time." Clifford was correct in his statement that "Very well; I am ready for you and your Major George Barrett had been exchanged friends at any time," replied the Major. and returned to camp, for although it was "Gentlemen, gentlemen! Yiu seem to for- nor midnight when he and several other get where you are," said the General, sternly, oflleei s from Richiiiond ari ived, the General " This matter must go no fort lir. The Con- w asstill up in his quarters, anid only too glad federacy has better use for its oilicers than to to have eoinny to join im over his bottle. lose them in dueling General matters at the capital and war- "'The Major, Sir, inipngns my honor when news from the various parts 1 the Confeder- lie insinuates that I do not know my duty," icy was the ti nme of conversation for the said the Surgeon. irat houror o liilelhes and to ldies, " I did not mean to insinuate anything of hot an lcoil, accordin; to the taste of the the kind, Sir, for I know of no one man who Gener al' guest., lt lt it ir tongues in good stands higher in your prioion in the Army running older. than ou ho," said the Major. who began to At hut, iittcrs in thit xljinity came upon feel that he hind gone too far itr his own safe- the carpet ai I1 then Mai r Barrett asked how ty, for the Dahctor was well known as a splen- his prisoners, )octor Glover anti Captain d itshot and practiced duelist. flatitord, got along. " Then if you (I not mean that I did not 'They ate both very tick," said the Gener- know my duty, I willingly withdraw my of- al. I lul or des to sent them to Richmond I fensive remarks, made only in a spirit ofro- t wo weeks ago, but the Surgeon pronounced t:aliation," said the Doctor. them unable to be novell' " h'At is right, gentlemen ; I had rather see I'll bet ten dollars to one that they are ;one reconeiiation than a dozen duels now, shimmning .ick, just to keep 11rom being sent though I weas once exceedingly belligerent in' tliec e" sald Major lhtrret, who began to feel that line myseh," sail the General. " Fill the liquor he ha h takn. " The Captain is your glas:e, all hands, and drink to friend- ont r .ea I un h ears in love with Annie I ship forever, among ourselves at least. Gloi cr, .a.:i Iihe i 1 tr news well enoughlm " I will do so willingly, and I am very glad, t ti "it ri e ih h l op for his ti eason if' lie 'Doct or, the bottle which I threw missed your oat e ti I R: nn ' bonit. "Ill bet twtnty head. I would not have hurt you for the . at t .: ' i)more sick thin 'I world," said the Major. S . .rar"'The contusion of glass vessels, especially I b'ke ve, Sir t I know my busincs if attended with abrasion, is very unpleasant," ra!r to) nf el to b' insisted on by any man said the Dictor," and I am glad that we have or non, ' sid the 1'at-urgeon, who usually no wounds to heal on this occasion. I drink nt his evenings s itth the General, over a -our health, Major, and if you go with me as lit of cards and his liquor, and whose pride I pass their tent on my way to my quarters, s lather tanched by the insinuation that we will look in on Doctor Glover and Cap- L , patients could deceive him. tain Radford, and see how they really are." - You don't know Yankees and traitors as "I will go with you with pleasure," said ;l 'Il as I do, Sir,' said the Major, tartly. the Major, all his anger having passed away. "Piobably iit, Sir; I haven't had the And now the reader probably can guess konor of being taken prisoner twice by them how the absence of the prisoners was discov- iu as many months without having a scratch ered. I LIFE IN THE SADDLE. 75 CHAPTER XLIX. on hand, and the Major ordered the camp After taking the "making-up glass", the searched immediately, and the bugles of his Doctor and the Major became so friendly that own regiment to sound the call to boots and they left the quarters of the' General arn in saddle, while he and the Doctor hurried to re- nn, and proceeded through the drenching port the escape of the prisoners to the General. ra under the same umbrella to the tent The General, who was just taking a" night- where the two prisoners had been confined. cap" glass with his guests, was astounded at - The sentinel is devilish negligent, or else the report. he is asleep," said the Dcctor, as they ap- "They must have had help ; for I will swear preached the tent without being hailed. "if they were too weak to move without assist- hey were not so sick that there is no danger ance," said the Doctor. of their escape, such carelessness should be " I wonder where Sergeant Clifford is ? severely punished." said the General, a suspicious thought corn- "Thunder, what is that 1" cried the Major, ing into his mind at that moment ; for he had as he stumbled 'against the body of the drum- been told by one of his orderlies that the 8cr- ged sentinel, who lay prone upon the ground, geant was very "thick" with the daughters nearly falling, only being saved by the hold of Doctor Glover. which the D octor had of his arm. "Clifford - what Cli-ford ?" asked Major "Either a dead or ar sleeping man," cried Barrett. the Doctor, bending down 'and feeling the "Why, Sergeant Clifford, a deserter from the body. Yankees, who has been in camp these three And then he rushed forward into the tent ; weeks. He and two men, named Bruce and and, seizing a small "sick-lamp" which was Dolan, deserted to us at the sane time, and always kept lighted on the table, without ran a good deal of risk in getting off." waiting to look at the beds or their occupants, ." Bruce and Dolan ?" cried Major Barrett, he hurried out to see what was the matter in gaping wonderment. with the man, protecting the light from the ' Yes," said the General, "do you know wind and rain with his hat, anything of them? Your surprise betokens " Dead drunk, the miserable beast "lie that you do." amutlred, as he rolled the man over. "lie " 1 reckon I do know them," said the breathes like a porpoise." Major. "Why, General, those were the two "Too drunk for this duty ;lie's a case for men who surprised and captured me the first riding a wooden horse to-morrow," said the time. And this Sergeant Clifford is the fel- Major, picking up the sentinel's gun. "ill low who stole my horse and escaped when I have him relieved before I go to bed." was bringing Glover and Radford in, and who "Let him lie in the rain until the rum is afterward piloted the Yankee force which soaked out of him," said the )octor. " It surprised and defeated and captured me the won't hurt him a bit. Now we'll go in and second time. The scoundrels were the trus- see the patients." tiest scouts the enemy had,,and instead of "W here the devil are they ?" asked the being deserters they are spies. They un- Major us he looked at the two empty cots doubtedly are the ones who helped the pris- when lie got into the tent. oners to escape." "Jupiter and Mars ! where are they indeed? "Orderly, go to their quarters and see If cried the Doctor, staring in stupid amazement they are there ; and if not, have the long roll at the empty cots. "They are certainly gone beat at once. Searching-parties must be sent from here, and 1 could have sworn that they in every direction to look after them. I will were not able to walk across the tent. Why, give a thousand dollars' reward for them If they've not eaten a full meal of victuals in they have played so hold a trick on me." two weeks." 'Ilie orderly hurried away, and soon after 'What is this in this flask?" asked the the long roll was heard, alarming the whole Major, uncorking a large flask, and smelling camp and announcing,o ven before the order- Its contents. ly returned to report, that the supposed de- Drugged liquor, by thunder !" cried the sorters were gone. Doctor, as he placed the neck of the bottle to "Have all the cavalry mounted at onee; his nose. "That is what is the matter of the Sir," said the General to a statl-officer, who sentinel. The poor devil has been drugged, hurried into his quarters. "I will have or- and these men have escaped ; but they cannot ders for each' regiment by the tune they are be far off, for they were miserably weak, I in the saddle." know." The officer hurried out to obey the order, " We'll soon see," cried the Major, as he and at the same time the father of Major Bar- went to the entrance and tired off the musket ret came in. and shouted for the guard. "You here, George ?" he asked, st he saw The Sergeant and-a squad of men were soon his son. "What is the matter ?" page: 76-77[View Page 76-77] t T= 7t LIFE IN TUE SADDLE. " Why Doctor Clover, the infernal old . take the road to Jonier's Ford for it is curse, and Captain RIlaiord have escaped." blind track to one who does not know it "The deuce!. and I just came to tell the well, which I happen to; and the crossing i General that the 1)octor : girls and two of easy, which Clifford may have thought ot; a my nigger-wom.n are gone from my house." he has women aloug." Il1 bet filly tdollirs Elhie is one of them !" - Very well, Major. The parties shalb isaid the Maj01'. sent as youtdvse how manyme'ae}c; " Yes. She dnt her mother are gone." going to take with .-o ma 1You are a sharp set all around to let three " Only a few ; not more thtan a dozen, fr Yankee scouts come into camp and get off we have only live imen to ofier restxance.' ever prisoner we h 1 worth keeping !" cried " But they will be desperate, Major ;f the Mfajor, in dlisgust. " I must get into the they know that there wi1 be no mercy icr saddle ; for 111 Inev er eat until I have the them when taken. Take at least twenty whole lot back here an I in irons. They Iwith?-on!" wouldn't have escaped if they had George " rciy well. General,-I will do so. Iere Barrett to watch over theni" comes my horse and aims. I will be oe the "General! all your horses are gone from road with my men in ten minutes. if the the stable " cried one ut' his orderlies, rush- rest are off soon, the fugitives must be over- ing in. taken somewhere this side of the Yankee " Hell and fury ! the best stud of horses in lines." Virginia gone!' cried the General, in a rav- ing passion. "I'll have every man in camp, CIIAPTER L. foot and horse, out after thon. Ill give five Fortunately for those who had to follow thousand dollars to the party which will him, the sia and powerful horse which bring back the priusoners ant iy horses. Clitford rode on that night was a light ;ray Major. what itmt ee mid yeu old uadie to send and thus, cxen in the goon, the riders next forces out on? ' to him could tee his horse, and the others fol- Upon every on' that reaches a place lowed, trusting f tr more to the instinct and where the Ilackwa:er can U crossed ! re- sure-footedness of their animals than to ti plied the Major, who 1n-1 just sent, an orderly rein. after his houre and arm,. " That Clithord On swiftly, without a word being spoken by knows every part of the country, fhr scouting any one, they rode for miles ; now brushing has been li b.uiut ssalt)gethter. llow past the wet limbs of bushes itin the narrow long can they tt v een gone ' road, then coniing out in cleared spaces ; but Not more thuami an hour at thie turtliest," without seeing a light or even a house, though said the otiler of the guard. " I wient the more than once they heard the baying of grand rounds it iidnigt, tind then the sen- watchdogs near, whose quick cars or keen tinels w ere changedI. Ihey had c, uudouh- scent had detected strangers on the road. c:lly, gone snce then.' At last, after a sharp) gallop of nearly two Ye1. ilhy eaiunot have a great deal the hours, Clitford dew up into a walk, and salid start ; but hit -they Iave the tet horse that to the party, in a low tone were at tNil i t,tsail th tGeneral. "I nev- "We tiust proceed more slowly, and with cr i as su acctive I i mty life au 1was in that great silence and caution now, for we arc Clitifrd. I would havec staked my life oin his near the place where we must ford the river. devotion to tie Cont' lerate cause. He must Keep firm seats, the water is not over four be taken. dead or alive , fhr he has secrets oh flet deep, and the bottom is good. If tlie sea- ours i hieth 1m-t ill". er get into the Federal tine should happen to be on his post, and give lines. Major Barrett, 'iose for yourself the the alarm, follow mae anl regulate your speed route which Iu think he has taken ; and if by mine !' you get him, look tor a coloaclcy, if my inilu- Obedient to his wishes, they now moved CC ue an g t it ' slowly on in a compact column, their horses' " ('an ) ou nt track tihe horcN from the heet hardly heard timid the heavy falling of stable ' aie ti'Major tf thme orderly who the rain, anti the roar of the wind through a had rcxn toed them as :;one. forest which they were approaching. No, Sir. 'hl' s'tes are running fetloch- It was so dark that none of thiei saw the deep in sater, and no track will lie a inn- river until the horse of Clitford plunged into bntt."it off the rather steep bank. "Then we must go by guess-work. If you At that instant a loud voice on their left will take my advize, General, you will send shouted : one party to the Zuni crossing, another to - "Halt, who goes there ?" Blac kwater Bridge. anl two more to Frank- No answer was given, and the sentinel in and South Quay, for they may go a long shouted again: way around, to put us oil the track. I will "tlit, or I lire!1 Who goes there" 4 LIFE IN T lE SADDLE. 75 "Forward, keep close up to me !" said knew how much depended upon their being Clifford, just loud enough to be heard by his able to bear up against the fatigue of riding own party, and his horse plunged rapidly so rapidly and in a style so utterly new to The next moment, the flash of a gun was ie saw that, in spite of their endeavor to seen-its ball went whistling over their show a cheerfulness which they did not feel, heads, and the woods echoed and re-echoed that the Misses Glover were very tired; and, to the report. upon arriving at a house by the roadside, None of the party were hurt, however ; and where two or three mangy curs, a half-dozen in a few seconds the opposite bank was gained red-headed, dirty-laced, and seantily-clothed in afety, and again they were gaf)oping children, and a gaunt, sallow-lookiig wom- tong a sandy rowel through a pine-forest, as an appeared at the door, he called a halt, for they could hear by the sound which the wind a smoking chnney betokened that there miole in sweeping through the tree-tops. was a tire within. " Ilow do the ladies' stand the ride ?" "\We will halt and rest here for half an asked Clifford, after they had got a mile or hour,' he said. ; the ladies need it. and the 'two from the river, speaking for the first time horses will go all the better for it afterward. in a loud and clear tone. Open haversacks and canteeus, boys-this ""I can say for myself that I stand it well. will be our only chance to refresh before we I am scarcely at all htigued!" said Annie get inside of our liues. . (,lover, cheerfully. ..And I can ride for ten hours yet, if this As he was the chosen leader of the party, noble ioro don't get tired out!" said Mar- to whose care and management all of them veli. implicitly trusted, no voice diesented from this " how far is it to the Union lines ?" asked movement; and soon all hut Clifford and his Captain liadtord. two men, who remained outside to watch the -About tw enty one or two miles from road and attend to the horses, were ensconced here, by the route which we iust take!" said before a huge blazing tire, drying their steam- Clitford. lug garments, md partaking o aSme food "Do you think we will be followed ?" most necess-uy to invigorate and strengthen asked Doctor Glover. their bodies. "Of course, we will. But it is not conse- Seemg how jmichi good this rest was doing qluent, however, that we can be overtaken. both- the party and the horses, and having We have excellent horses and a good start. found some good green corn-fodder for the if we had not been seen, or rather-heard, by latter to feed on. Clifford allowed his prom* the sentinel at Joiner's Ford, I should feel no ised rest of half an hour to extend to an anxiety whatever. But if a party from the hour; and then, having the horses bitted Rebel camp comes to the ford, his report will again. lie got his party motintetl 011C more. send them along this road after us to a cci- And it was done just in the nick of time ; tainty !" for they had not moved a rod from the door "Then we had best keep moving as rapdi- before a loud shout was heard in their rear; ly as possible !" said the Doctor. and, looking back, Clifford saw that a party of "Yes; but not so fast as to disable the Rebel cavalry, at full speed, was in chase of horses from makin " a dash if we have to call them. on them for it. Whey are good horses, but The policy of hat in rested awl fed their the muddy roads and slippery going is telling horses was at once nat e apparent now. For on them. How do your parties get on there a loose rein was given to them, and in a few in the rear?" , moments they sped completely out. of sight of "Very well'!" said Dolan. " But I wish the following party. this 'rain was over. It has soaked into the "1)id you recogize the man who was at very marrow of my rheumatic bones !" the head of the party in chase of us ."Clifford I hope it will continue for a while longer, asked of Captain Radforl. at least !" said Cliford, " for it washes out "I did piot-did you ,ndgeaMt a our tracks." " Yes, it was your parteular friend, Major But as day began to dawn, the rai de- Barrett !" creased ; an(l when it was light enough to dis- "'Then he hal better beware how he comes tinguish faces plainly, it ceased altogether. within range ol my 1it0l !' said the Cap- And when, a Half-hour later, a warm sun tain. rose to take the damp chill from their thor- "Or my ruile either, for I think this Eng- oughly-soaked persons, no one felt the worse lish-made Entield will carry true to its aim.!" for it. said Bruce. Clifford glanced anxiously at the ladies when the light enabled him to do so, for ho II Mv i I ,' II ' page: 78-79[View Page 78-79] S t{ 4 41 f ii CIIA PIlERIC I. Clifford wasC i high glee when he found how easily his rfreeed horses made awnj from his pustues ; an I told the ladies, that with such yci "tidihy aeed not fear any dan- ger of ye atl1n, ifr two hours more would ets, Wlic \i \r':.iways liotimi one to two Coi paine tsit twn: a the oiit t iere is i sp t which I think Major Bar- rett will reiwrhir in el r " lie laughingly bald, as thee ci.' tot ato 0peni ldidith a forci pcWhy lt ut i 'I lLtlford. " Is there any "geciaty aloutyi Iiahit'r to ! it was here where I guided the Mounte I Iil ;into his ear, and where he was la-t uoret I.'' "lie will ciiiniher it then, I reckon raid RItt i,.jitiltin iithe laugh. TheI'e mi t t Till b, li p lily ca e ein si lit of the stream i. aiiti te l.1-aui died r Clittorl s lips, and tm Li ecrlfor a moment, Went slim his face. utt Inn ti iv tmt the brige was ne. 11 hal eapeete i tsthe rcbl troops had rehu :t it to cro upon, that it would have beeni l st. ttit they, in their retreat had aaiu te tivJ 1lit. - Tih is i, o Ve thin I dreamed of!" he saiJ, in a il tine, to R idiord. Do you think you eto:1 i mike a raft and ferry the ladies aer i .; aih- Bruce, lDolan, and inyselt; go up the inui an I try to kee the enemy in check? For ue has e to ri e a mile back on this roiadii (lim, before we can take the lane which leads irounil the swamp !' "If there is any fighting to do, I must be in it !" sid the Captain, firmly. But the ladies must be saved-if they were once over tlit creek, it is but a few miles toa our icke:. If there was a landing- place on the iothr side fitr our horses, we could ass oEitis r but ltre is not" , "bSermmt i 'a vouhI'd tiny the road back !" san 1 Dol.m i " Yes," liat irBice, "the ladies can keep togehier in te m ir , aind ii the Rebels should meet us loure u ict to the turnout, why, we can drop t be ilet at long-range, and cut our way throu h toe ret. There are not more than t acci ': of tiein, and we've gone through i trs t' i titan that beire now ' '" es, but ne liii no helpless ones tto watch. lth iiocr onl b chance now. 'I' the front I hii: ~ oU -' ue, and don t spare youir lom , tipa And tic h tc uct tot n"-I and led the way back up tii riaim :i i s sti e'hita. Clo leilI li m cllowe lDolan, Bruce, and C'a'p: ,: i . 4 while l)octor Glover, special ii'"u. !ti t d ti) so, rod with th ais m me i ii. e- "~~~~ Tnm ,.live minutes moure- andy wewillcbed h the lane before they camp I cut us off!" cried Chiilbrd. Five minutes-breathiles minutes--passed Sand hie wavedIhis hand to the Doctor, and -criedh," The lane is close ahiead. '1urn, wit 1 the ladies, to the leit, at yonder big tre twli we cover your rear ! ' Nttt term seconds passed crc they s crc .t . hamnc, and there Clford andh his'comi:m:W eheeked their horses in the mami se til octo aid is companions wetnt doe i Ithe ine at full speed. Thie lane was gained only- just in time , ir. at the moment time ladies tn ned ito it. tie liebehs were in sight, ani came rushing on it anild cheer ;for they evidentlhy were iiso rued about time condition i' the bridge taithought that they had the fugitives in a trap. ('itlbrd ant ahiscompanions fired a volley wihtheirl ong-range rules at tie advancing horsemen, and turned into the lane just as a withering volley was sent after them. Both Clifford and Bruce were hit--the former not very badly, but the latter most deerelys-though both still kept their sad- dles. ltadford saw it, and asked Clifford if they hai aot better turn and fight. "No, they are too nmay for us ; we must try to reach our pickets .' said Clifford. "If we can keep poor Bruce in his saddle, we imust do so; for none of us must be taken alive. You ride by his side and steady him if he reels. Don't let the ladies know that any one is hurt. Dolan, reload your rifle, msu I aimsdoing : we must pop off their leaders when they come within range Thc chase was now tearfully exciting. Both pariaes were urging their horses to the utmost-the Rebels so near that their fiendish yells could be distinctly heard-now in sight- then hidden by sonic sharp turn in the road. now tiring a wild shot or two, sending a whistling ball terribly near the ladies, bit. fortunately, hitting none but the two brave men who were bleeding fast into a weakness which would render them helpless. twicee Clifford and Dolani, getting agcxl range, turned in their saddles. and, though at foil stet, tired, with a practiced aim, which. at each shot, emptied a eiel saddled; and thus they made their pursuemrs rather more cautious than they were at first. But time fiendish blood of George Barrett was up, and still unhurt hiimself lie urged his imin on, encouraging them with time General promise of live thousand dollars for the pris ones ams the horses. And tihey, eager to win tim' reward and revenge the tli of somie halt ot n of their number, swept on, their bleed- hu spurs telling how hicily they were used. How inr are we rmi time pickets now ' LIFE IN THE SADDLE. LIFE IN THE SADDLE. esked the Doctor, when they had once more ful styptnics, in chekepve ng a hemorarhagce owhich gained the main road and advanced some ould soo hav derid e service o o miles aloni. valuable lives. "Not oer five or si miles !" cried Clif- While these operations were going on, ford, faintly, cr he could hardly keep the Barrett, sullen, angry almost to choking, stood saddle. "l)o not. for an instant slat your looking on. speed, even it' you seeC us dlo SO, but get to the ," You seem to have a fondness for Union piceedeveCi d us help as soon as you can 1" company, Major," said Captain Radford, iSergeant, yo .are iettin i as white as a " you visit their camps so often." -heet-you cant stand t much longer gs and arrett scowled angrily, but did not con- h yor Bruce, here, ha to depend onme to descend to make any reply. keep him in the saddle!" said Captain Rad- So the naval officer thought he would try ford, shortly after. another touch in even a oreunrbl " We must keep up as long a~s we can !" point. said Clifforl. "Our only hope is in some of "You invited me, not lon ago, to attend our men being out on a scout. That alone your wedding in Petersburg, major. it gives will save us, for I n evertcankeep the saddle me pleasure now to reciprocate your polite- to the pickets. if 1 can only see the ladies ness, by inviting you to witness my marriage . and the good old Doctor in sate, I don t care; which is to take place in Suffolk in a few for I've gosix good shots in my belt yet, and days. You will, of course, feel interested I'll have six Belal lives to pay for mine, when I inform you that Miss Annie Glover is if they do get men'" to be the bride." "Cheer up, theer up, Sergeant! I see "Curse you! Iold your tongue, you in- blue-jackets on theroad, yonder, as sure as I fernal Yankee !" growled the Major. "Isn't live " cried 1)olant. it enough that I'm a third time a prisoner in "Then, tank God, we are saved !" cried the hands of your infernal nigger-worshipers, Clifford, clingig to his saddle with renewed without being taunted by you 1" energy. "It there are only tea or fifteen of 'I but return you such compliments as them, with fresh houses, we I turn the tables you gave me, only you are receiving far bet- on that cursed Major, and bag him for the ter treatment than you gave me. You tied third time. Thank Heaven ! there is a full me hand and foot, an(d pitched me helpless squadron out !" lie added, as a solid body into the bottom of a mule-cart." of Federal cavalry e une in sight, their bright "Did lam know your rank when he treated starry guidon flashing in the rays of the sun. you soY" asked Captain erwilliger. "Check up, Captain, check up ; we'll give "Yes, Sir; I was in uniform, and he knew the Johnny Rebs one more dose of lead on me well; for I took him to Fortress Monroe our own account-there will be less prisoners on my boat when lie was a prisoner the first to be troubled with," he added. time, and treated him then with all the court- And Clifford drew up side by side with esy of a gentleman, though.he acted like a Dolan anti, taking deliberate aim, tired into br-ite rather than a man." the mass of advancing Rebels. "Then he shall know how a person feels Two more of them tumbled from their under such treatment," said the Captain. saddles, and the rest halted in confusion; for "And he ordered the Major tied hand and the bugles of the advancing squadron were foot, and had him pitched into a mule-cart sounding the charge, and its horses and men which his men brought from a neighboring plunging forward at their topmost speed. plantation. Barrett saw hip danger nod turned to fly ; While all this was going on, there were two but lie was too late. IIis tired horses had persons standing by the side of the doctor, run their wind nearly out, and in less than vatchling his every motion, as lie dressed the ten minutes he anti ten men-all that was left wounds of Clifford and Bruce,,listening with out of his twenty-were prisoners in the almost breathless interest to his words, as he hands of Squadron A of the Mounted Rifles, told them they would get well if great care the allant 'I'erwilliger in command, was taken of them. Clifford had just strength enough left to One of these persons was Marvelia Glover, see the surrender, and then fainted from loss of whose whole heart seemed to have yielded blood. itself suddenly, with all the fervor of its Poor Bruce was even in a worse condition. Southern birth, to a passion for him who had Fortunately, the surgeon of a volunteer in- risked so much for her and her friends, and fantr-regiment - the gallant Boyd of the had so daringly and successfully brought One Mlundred and Twelfth New York-had them through the danger.- come out with the squadron for a ride, and The other was Elise, who, willh tears stand- the detachment coming to a hit, lie dressed lag like diamonds in her great black eye the wounds, and succeeded, by using power- knelt near Bruce, and watched his white fc _ page: 80-81[View Page 80-81] 1 80 LIFE IN THE SADDLE. and low breathing, as if her own life depend- "I have something here for you, Clifford, ed upon his recovery, which will do your heart good and help your And most likely it did ; for the poor girl, wound amazingly, I think," said the Captain. despite the sli ht taint of African blood, not " What is it ?" asked Clifford. even perceivable in her veins, had a heart as "Your furlough for sixty days, my dear warm, as devoted, and all as truthful and boy, and a strong letter with it recommend. loving as any other woman could boast who ing you to the governorr for a vacant com- atxxl upon God s footstool. mission in the reigiment." And when the Doctor said that with good "It is a surprise, and I am all the more narsinr the brave soldier would get well, she grateful for it," said the Sergeant, as he re- iiwarly vowed that if allowed, she and she ceived the document. only would he his nurse. " And I have also received a furlough for And when a carriage was brought, into the unic length of lime," said the Captain. which the t wo other ladlies were put, and seats ")So, il' you please, we will be traveling-coin. offered in it for her and her mother, she he'- panions in our journey to the North." ged to have ClitTird and Bruce placed there, "Nothing could please mse more," saidl saying that she and her mother could more Cliflord, and then lie looked anxiously at easily ride in the cart, where Barrett lay Marvulia, as if another thought had just enter- guashing his teeth, than they could ; for the ed his mind. carriage, which was a planter's coach, had "I have not yet emptied my budget of easy sp rigs, and the 'art had none. news,' contmued the Captain. " The Doctor And it was so arranged-the two wounded lhts received permiion also to go North with men being place! in the carriage with fie his fimnily." ladi's; and Barrett, lying us sullen and m'ody " Iiam very very glad to hear that, for the " as a sore-headed hear, in the bottom of the too will travel with us, I hope," said Chiffon. same cart in whleh rode, on a comfortable " There is only one slight dilliculty in the seat, li r former servants. way," said Captain RIalford. " have made And now, before the sun had yet reach cl a solemn vow and registered it, never upon its noonday-height, the whole cavalcade, all any occasion to travel in company with a joyous but the Rebel prisoners, with General single lady. I once traveled in company with Pryor's valuable stud of horses led along, an old maid who took snutf, and she made a moved triumphantly into the Federal lines. dead set after my heart and hand, and so ter- rified me that 1 never have recovered from CHAPTER LII. the shock. I feel absolutely like fainting at It was one week later. Clifford, attended the smell of snubf, and I must keep my vow." daily in his own quarters by his already-be- "What did you do with it when you rode trothed lady, who was none other than Mar- away from Rebeldon in the company of sis- velia Glover, had so far recovered from the ter and myself?" asked Marvelia, with an effects of his wound as to be able to take gen- arch smile. tie exercise. "Oh, you were all dressed in a masculine Bruce, who had been hurt much worse, garb then, and it would have been the height having one bullet through his shoulder and of impoliteness to have pretended to look another through his leg, was doing as well as through your masquerade. Now you are in could be expected, though far, very far from your proper costume, and I cannot but look being well ' He, too, liia a careful--almost upon you both'as the most lovely and amiable too watchful-nurse for her own health ; for of your sex, and lament that you are yet Elise was sleepless in her care of him, and single." had been ever since the surgeon, kind-hearted "Is there no way to dispense with your Doctor Bennett, had seen how beneficial her vow ?" asked Clitlord. nursing would be in his case. "None, I assure you, and but one to rem- It was a sunny morning-as sunny as that edy the distressing case " which had dawned upon them after the ter- " And what is that, my dear Captain ; pray rible gloom of the night when they made enlighten us." their escape from the Rebel camp beyond the " I left Mr. Bartlett. the chaplain in his tent Blackwater. a few minutes ago, and lie promised to re- Marvelia had called early upon Clifford, as aiu there until-i returned," said the Captain. was her usual custom, and had been at his " He has it in his power to make Miss Annie quarters an hour or more, when Doctor Glover Mrs. Ratiord, and Miss Marvelia lover and his sister Annie, accompanied by Glover Mrs. Ernest Cliflird. And as Doctor Captain Radford, carme in Glover has already given his consent to the The latter had two official-looking docu- union of all the aforesaid parties, I see no just meats in large yellow envelopes, without red cause or impediment why the ceremony of pape on them, in his hands. marriage should not be performed, and I be I S . a N LIFE IN TIIf SADDLE. 81 tiL u believedd from the painful difficulty of ly talu. Sergeant, altl in with your convoy, and w"keep step on the imu ch of felicity." SIt i ;o sudden." righed Annie, thiatly. tThe happy party were soon in the tent of . And we are dressed no poorly," added the excellent egunental Chaplain, in which M'u elii.- the witnes es alicady alluded to quickly ar- . irant-e'-wrcaht hacelll i:a2 .can t 'ivcd, having alrea ben invited by Cap- with 'hi p n :d, Capain Hd- trmnlladlord, who well knew that his prop- ht'r. " There will bI buht lw witn. a. Vh" ost10o11 woul beaccepted before he nde it' eiwul inumh-d t tin' (it thelI'ur1 co Cute;l ia the htughale excSi' of his vow. him hitltr iauilyv will be killed .iu, and I 'he Captain now sent a note to the officer cailoit con'cientiuslyoego thavimg your of the y. i.equesmting him to bring Major aniale relativt'. Major Barret, present. As George Barrett to the tent, without informing lh it'etndd I should se ' hat he ian utto be uhi why he iS i M o uerdhor. a fore'tdl m1ari'iage n ih 'you, Anie.l hie must The monient t1e lIbel Major entered, th se' Low willingly you cti 'onie yli li utr'. It partit rose, snd te Chaplain proceeded first i~ il tit i'~('2041 Atii li'et. (on".hoililulCaptainlihrtto i5 Annie, and i' ill the ires entge 1 ek :in hist tca. ('un. to uinte p lifftord to Miss Mrei hv, we h 'aveyour consent lli t we not .'I then Sergeat Clitford to Miss Marvelia " Yes, itather thinks it is hat,'pd't' ceremonyy ocu pitd but a few moments, mnliM elia' bIluhing ilnce gave her con- ni( he1 l -'ll\lajo.' looked as if le was ready me to Fi io the earth all the time it was going S'I1itily say' in that. stated as I alt, at Ot. bull' lie Lhit'W titi ny a ysoiiftil eye [ rtent an1 \exile (ton lily hoie, 1 at unitl ton wt bent (luiIinhu; it being known how hi her1y il Viullig mt) ove dau ttltegiltcr titiiidit iregal to the lady, whose good br mln wot) yive already prlo0 ve l('in-± 1frttllitt1been to 'SdipC troii his power. tiv.u aile and w killing to protect thi.' said ' Vit'l the mnaarrialge-cerm('ii0iies were over. h)uetor (ove'. " And as we are so somi ) toiaud the iathes and gentlemen l)resen1t united North togthi'r, the h sl'ty marti ; nill in ont'gralhtttin the hihap pcotples, lie st)o not sti'm to anl 01n at al nuu-illilopei'. gio w'ming on one side. looking, as he was, i "'lhen. AMi" nit', allo' lii t mi to escort you mt lIihganllllit ht'ntl in hum shape, a fit servant tU the Chtiaplai l 1taent. ' said he happy C p- of a Ihel imt iii.; .' - c - page: 82 (Advertisement) -83 (Advertisement) [View Page 82 (Advertisement) -83 (Advertisement) ] r NEW BOOKS J3T ISSUED BY Frederic A Brady, PublisliG, 22 ANN STREET, New York, Mailed free of Postage om receipt of Pries. DUMAe' NEW BOOKS. foyaltats and Republitcansa or, The Com- t'.sionsofuJ.....-...-..----.--------....$50 inee his famous "Monte Christo," no work of 5his great novelist has produced such a wonderful eneation. It is an immense book. Every chapter Is instinct with life. Every incident is full of reality. There is not a single dull v-ae in the whole book The Guillotine; 50 Luomas take 'a pone of the most thrt1iff inf- desT's in the wclh's history-the war of LaVendee --and interweaves with it a story of the most in- tsnselyin*tereetirg kind. It surpasses in absorb- er~ faacinatroxairny pavges ever written. The Palace of lee.-------------------.---.. . 50 This is the latest, and, in the opinion of the tanistn critics, the very ablest romance that Du- mras has ever yet penn e. Certain it Is, that a bet- bar romance has not appeared for many years. The Orange Plume; or, The Bride of the lastie.--.... ... ................. . ... - .. 0 An admirable tale. Told with all the brilliancy and power that have made flumes recognised as t'as I 'rnooflRomanciste. & new Book, by the Author of "The Romance of a Poor Young Man." The Marchirtness; or, A Marriage by Will. ly Octave nu.lnet--.-... ...---- -............5 In this Bcok, ins gifted author has far surpassed leis world nrrovned "Poor Young Man.' It is a mect bri-i tirturn- othe intrigues and nia ef that fat- nunstrcnss of the .tdriatic, where - Here ued irne the naked vens. rees, AdSt nidas rids tei uns rathI earp.. WOVELS BY LADY CLARA CAVENDISI. The Woman of the World.------.--- se A faithful career of a Lady Gay Spanker style et woman, who allows nothing to stop her in her career of fashionable folly and dissipation in order ds gain the necessary means to attain her ends. Lisa; or, the Mesmerist's Victim...... 50 Onue of It'inipal characters, Menti, uses or rather abuser this wonderful faculty to lead a lively but gertr' gr:ied girl into the power of tesnilese Irbartines- The Divoree. ATa!e of Fashionable Life .-- 50 This tale is founded up.n one of the darkest transactions that has ever dltraoed the highest &sciee of English fashionable life. 5iar ret, Marehioness of MlnIwer..... 50 ui of eautres, and with hardly a fault in this t'r-eluetmon of lad~y Clara's. Chle Fallen Star......................_.-..-0 This story appeals strongly to oar "heart of hearts,"r and we cannot praise it too highly. ita hall of passage of thrilling descriptions and heai. roving pathos. Lai nfCaendish'a novels are alsotnip t alc ta ag at 7) oenes a volona. 7$". Out of the Depths. A Story of a Wennan's Life-------------- .--------------.... A woman's story and a woman's book. "Out of the Depths" will interest mans and terrify some, but it can disgustnone ; it is a book written with a tender and delicate hand; and even the foul things of which it treats lose much of their revolting nature by the method of that treatment. Almost a Heroine. A Romanoe.-......... 511 This is one of the most original books in every particular that has appeared since "Jane Eyre." Florence DeLacy; or, Qutokands and Whil- pools A Tfale of Youth's Temptations. Dty ercy B. St. John. Illustrate-.....------- e Never have we read a work ao vividly real, so hihly attractive, and yet sofree from imagination. e above three novels aro also pubites da cloth, at 75 cents a volume. ifarry Berfori ; or, The Girumbler of the 1mr.- sissippi. Iey Jack Brace-------------------- t The Pirate's Jganghter.-.--------------- s A story of exciting deeus upon the ocean. Full of startling pictures, of the wildest and most te- rifle interest, varied by passages of the most tender pathos. The Count's Niece or, The Veteran of Mta- rengo. Thisis a $l,000 Prise Story-.......-- 35 Fanny Campbell or, The Female Ph-ate Captain.----------------------------------- Fanny Campbell, the heroine, is one of theemeet interesting characters ever delineated, and her ex- ploits surpass in boldness and brilliancy the most gallant exploit. over performed. This book Is ac- kaowledged by all who have resA, it, to be the very best romantic history of the stirring incidents of oar Revolutionary War ever written. The Naval Ofteer; or, The i-ates' Cave.... 15 A nautical tale, full of wid and stirring gd- venture. Incident follows incident, as fast as one blue wave follows another. Those who have read "Fanny Campbell," by the same author, won't need pressing to buy this equally gro. tromanos. The Queen of the Prairi ; or, The tunter's Revenge---------------------------0H This story, fraught with oon.tests analseemnr'e ispoasibilttrss, has unknown charms which trioea alous who have read the work, san comrrf end. Ronnens'o iTWar; or, Napeleo azmpsea m Rusiain 1812............................. Ta. Horse Doctor.-.............. - i \..) C't-. oectr.----------- ------ 5 I FREDERIC A. BRADY'S CATALOGUR, BRADYtS CELEBRATED MERCURYY ' S Y'RTES. $ i --. faid Sabberday ; or the Idiot Spy. A Ribera. " He wasted for tho return of the assa- tale of the men and deeds of '76. By Ned Bunt. sin. ' He had not long to wait. In a very feiw litre. Illustrated with several fell-page engravings minutes that individual came in and emptied out t-y Darley. The attention of the reader is led to the gold upon the table which Pedro, the fisber- the days of the American Revolution, when deeds man, had carried away, as well as otl er yaluables of great valor and heroism were enacted. Saul found upon the murdered scamp, who had desert pretends to be an idiot, and by that means gains edly niet death just when he has cons-.mmated his access to the enemy's camps and reports their do- villainy and received his reward." There are rig to American commanders. Saul renders much hundreds of very beautiful scenes and history iciJ service in those trying times, and was selected to incidents in this book that only such a writer as enrry inselligence to Gen. Washington ; mounting Buntline could so elegantly portray. I'ice $0 25 the horse of the lamented Ethan Allen, he gal- S eaWaif; or t lopedi to White Plaint to the camp where Wash- Be ai; the Terror of te Coas ington was giving orders to his Aids. Saul rush- By Ned Bunthne. Embellished with ten full page ed into the presence, and seeing the Commander- illustrations by Darley. This interesting story in-chief, shouted, "you are a man like other opens at the commencement of our American folks !" The chief hastily opened' the dispatch Revolution with Sea Waif being engaged, by old !nd a glad smile illumined his countenance. Saul Piineas Crimgle, as the Captain of the Tyranni is then employed on perilous services which he cide, a privateer. In his irst adventure he sinks faithfully executes to the perfect satisfaction o a-British Sloop of War, which is escorting some WVashirgton,who rewardshim. Saul finally mar- half a dozen transports, and captures them all and ries Luly the umutored child of Emathla, the brings them into pert, by vhich Cringle gets over dread Chief of the Seminoles, but now the fully a hundred thousand dollars pi izo money. Sea developed and educated woman of civilized life. Waif makes the Tyrannicide the terror of the Washiington is present at the wedding and thanks Blritishers and after many adventures is taken a 1 arl in the name of a Free Country. Price $0 25 prisoner. Sea Waif has been picked up whes quito a child, by some fishermen off Nantucket The White Wizard ; Or the- Prophet Sl'rhals and is adopted by a h'rmuit who names him of the Seminoles. A tale of strange Mystery in Edward Sea Waif, because he is a waif of the the South and North. By Ned Buntlin-. Six sea. At the time he is found he floated ashore full page engravings from designs by Darley. The - on an old sea chest, wherein were a number of ar- realer's attention is called back a period of near- tides vith crests upon tlemr, which finally leads ly forty years ago when Spanish pirates and to his identification as Lord Francis Eget on. Af American slavers infested our Southern coasts ; ter ieing released and exchanged he assumes his ahen New York Merchants, some of whom now position as a peer of the realm, comes brick to the wallow in their gilded mansions in our fashionable land of freedom where ho marries Kate, the Streets, were engaged in fitting out vessels to daughter of old Cringle and returns to England catch "black-birds," as well as "green ones." with her. All the characters in this beautiful sto- The White Wizrud is a Caucasian, who is leaving fy have happy lives and it finally winds vp by civilized society with his young wife and darling everybody being pleased and satisfied. Whoever child of two years. They are overtaken by a pi- reads this story will most assuredly have their full rate vessel, which pour shot and canister at the money's worth. Price ................ $0 25 small yacht upon which is the White Wizard. A Man-ofWars-Man's Grudge. By Ned shell falls upon the wife and she is killed. Buntline. A romance of tie Revolrtion. The Through the aid of some kind fishermen he man- chuntefAtromaed t o luto. ah ages to escape with his little yacht up one of the chase-the fight-the bafhed smtor-an alderman small rivers on the coast of Florida, whore he falls of tie olden trme-the tory-love ard duty-mis- in with a band of Seminoles. After consultation tress andservant-boquet-tete-a-tete-enemy in he is accepted by them as their "medicine man" sight-Cora Bedford-crime and misery-fate of and is named Arpiahlia the " White Medicine." war--surprise-cruise-love's stratagem-spy- They dig agrave frr his murdered wife beneath a right scene in Philadelphia-fiend in human tall magnolia. He carved upon tie tree, as he aipe-welcome visitor-ahduction-strange in- magnlia fi :seed pon th tre, a 1,E ' terview -- woman's kindness -- disclosure -- cap- sighed "Lost, lost, forever!" one word-" Ioixst" te -- wonor-kadnesit-tdilsure- 1 ' l h . - ture-parole of honor--a visit--two villains-so- In the morning, ris hair, which was a glossy cial dinner--storm at sea-fight-foiled and kill- snowy white t ig fre, een eanget to a ed--five beautiful engravinge by Darley. "The murderers of my wife, seek my blw d, li"''''''''''''''''''''''''''-$0 25 they would rob me of my child !" said Arpiaka. Stella Delorme ; or the Camantche' "They lad better put their hand in the nest of Dream. By Ned Buntline.- A wild and firaciful the hooded Cobra than seek my white brother story of savage life. Ilustrrted by six full page among the Seminoles!" cried Chikika. " %e engravings in Darley's best style. The author of will go half way to meet them !" The child Ona rhis Indinn tale has been exceedingy prolific in is stolen by one of the fishermen who turns trait- his descriptionrrf savage life as it is in our Wee- or, and taken to Ivana toSenor Ribera, who is tern Wilds. This is one of the very interesting authorize- to pay ten thousand dollars for it. Ri- stories that Buntline so well knows how to weave hera employs an assrssia to kill the fisherman af- that when once the reader begins to scan its pa- ter he departs from Ribern's house, and take half ges ie cannot leave it until he finishes its reading the gold fr his trouble and return the balance to -for every page Is a new scene. Price. $© 25 e Capiis of the above books sont te r addas in tire United States, free of postage. Seud Cash order, 'to Frederc A. ~drrdy, Putblihr.- No. '2 Ann Street. NeW-York. page: 84 (Advertisement) -85 (Advertisement) [View Page 84 (Advertisement) -85 (Advertisement) ] 4 FREDERIC A. BRADY'S CATALOGUER BRAtIY'S CEI.F RArEnr) "MERCURt70 STORES. Luona Prescott; or the Curse Fuilille. Torgan; r the Knight of the l cwk Fhtg A 'ai' of Iht Ame ean tvoluti. Bliy N A stran e tory, of by-gone tints. By Ned Burt Bri tine. W will give a short svnopsis of if linm. Illuatmat'd hyDo ley with ton full s.ee en. tnt , i/:-coise of the ding ui thmi. i gu tings. Tie author carries th tetlter to tlth t the lung hz- iltory otf wrol a'n deio(IPaitintm dlalV3 of the "Mr-Ii ty Monarch ," CharlesE!, H , rv for ven ti-snre. Military 'drill and fun-r). faithfully pito-i rsso-ime of the perrseclu ions of' t -' %will-pulpit twus pi A pictire--mnt..- Hebrews at that -iin. Mi & .gaitlt her of I he L u and rerrm ting. E1tn Alien tail the plot is a young We ini ttollltan eitpy in h ' " Morn ttii it v. Assault on Qu-hbc--M- n t. w . ith M iriam,!t i yotnti titd btittiful J-weps it :in-i kill. I.tie orn the like. At iom daughter of Siiliirio , srnaetd " Solomon the A nio ii aictio. .t and cold blood. Br-o uI JeW." The attention of the i-eider is called e i bt. A-nohtl I i Phlaelplia. Arnold's n at tie allowing extrtact to show the style of the ai Kf d- step aid lead--where W iigtii onant h ithor ithe exciting tale the reprimand. Fa'or asked and grant d. At-I "'fhou art of tlihse who believe that the glories. rol-'a tr 'on. Artiri's esptore. The t itt r's1 of the holy City will be yet revived ?" Tie warning ofL Lura. W n. rn " It is a prot of our creel. Were it not for e i'"th( treason, Arnobi 1awtiLensi ti rt- -'r timt hope the loom of the lbrew weredark, in Lo oina at htots. T+e acinlurio S. .i I-1 ded !fPerseett1Iby all tw t-reviled and ha- S is by I) -. Prico . . ....... . ;. $o 5 til--they know little of joy on earth i" " All mien do not butt n thy race .Se pit C a r Mess; or the Pirate iTuntters of the more tlhu they hate" ti If. A te of N ti i-ttiu01 " Pill iil~. ," ty' S r in tie Tr u~iir, lr N irIsntid, ItlMti tta t "TiteJet-black eyes of the' J.'wess flashed like tlvt er; rtt l"; }r l),: Ry. ithe is n' )E reias !she e'chumul this word. . tines's S aRtimancs, for which I' is so eti- Pity! she citid. " Give us hate and scttn utly prot'rhial, and into which he casts si nehl but not so batse thing as pity ! Pity the hound citing interest. This story is unsurpassed in which howls when you s'ourge him--pity the rilous advtenture and Nautical romance b any slave which kisses the band that smite. him; but o:hr author. Pric...-......................'25 udnaler we yet are proud amid all suffer- PngJlsh Tom; or the Smuggler's Secret. There are many excitng and interesting scenes A talc of Ship arid Shore. By Ned Buntline. l in this bolk that will chain the attention of the -trated w it h six eigravings by Darley. phe ii-to its very last words. Price .....0 25 adler is taken to, a New England villiage n.d D iiI Mr. DoUrmmdrt on 1..t the lookout fur the 'ci'i Nw D ah mystery: a Crimson Tale of life ese- crimstied by LFrank liewlet, a mst in-I i New York. By Ned Buntline. Eight elegant en- nitiatel rascal. li tt hasta wife in New Ymiki( gravings by Darley. This is perhaps one of the lriesitts the rlin if l-tsiy lunt, the tltaugl most interesting tales ever penned by Buntline. A ter of the tavern keeper of the village, andt also woman is the leader of a band of murderers and rttdseatin a to matrvy Rowlie Drotmmtond. P'ott cut-pus ; whom she visits in various disguises, iart- a tnluced to cmti to New Yoi kl, wh " .istiiar hir own band fail to recognize her. She ,r, mnyt a mockmanrtiinae i. p, frm. zntvtsithe amhng hells of New York; breaks a -st t'n bftoiher own resources and after be-I titner el the iiFiro Banks, inveigles her betrayer bi k d i.imi a l rthel in Mrcer street, ai k-es and cotues htis rtun. She exhibits the most re- her tail til ihmit h collusion with Min Drun- ittiens hat, and proves that a neglected woman -oil si t all m:i expopI- hu'wiet to is is the most to be dreaded of all characters. She asmne. Oil Il)Lumi'ntind has been an Englislh saves many of her sex from destruction; and final- i-t tglee, arid tie facts being kwgwn toi lea t ly winds up by cauising those who had persecuted i. tris to taki tld rvaitie of the a ,tr t , , itc, her formerly. to meet at her house, which is an plri lIttoI ih)1iumrnond, and is fmiall, r _ 'elaborate establishmtnt in one of our best loesli- in all las attenpra. HefIwlet's conilductt expos d R tice, and poisoning them with some refreshments, ti convicted of lit niy andise'rves the salt, at a ball which she gives for their amusement, S" espacity of a comiet. Rosali D uulnond1s Previmus to their deaths she informs them who she Snit to lbe the le-gitimate Ih ir-as to an em blolt is, how they spurned her with their persecutions, t E }il and only tie i pt-I diugrhtr f and sirnow condenils them to condign piunish- Dorum ild. Tie sieret I f lb ramo i th m mert. Price ... . o t er, is that le is s ipiloni i i t ave murlere il the Fat I Delo, tn--, (thu f'tthet of ltu:lie) whter h., Iilhare Henderson; or the Secret rt. haul in fact omy wiu-tld hn . Dilorne coins vealel. By Ned Buntline. This work cintt-dr,e ti An-riau still et nial sci Ifm17)f irn dorl ma j- a number of illusttiionrs lmy Darley and is -r r's tl and til-c Th ii. tirtontie antcedent of tht Dath Mystery. Here nwe en gmr an~ utlneI then inel'ne ptales i cn thlsd forth all the muae nationis of the chactenirs sps- give at lOutlute of tr iti r a in, ;tales iittis fotaltieoa ln orsothtctrct' s- little arringu', but fet-Is issurcd that the readers ken of in the Dt ath Myst-ry. To have a com- of these hocks will b," amply repaid for both time plete estimation of tath Dati Myste rywith alt - 'n t hxp-use bi ktbi -"eng. Price. - - - - --) 5 -excititg imciderts the reader must have a copy . (etih the book mail-d free of postage.) I IHillikre Iledtle-rson. Price............. O 9 - I C.pis ofIt'.s ailov btoiti, Drt Lit tiV pirt af thu' . te I Stat-s, free of pitaci.- 8 aJC' i o lin tr. ccI -. , it I). - l~ t2 ~a. tut i-ri FREDEBIC A.-BRADY'S CATALOGUE. BRADY S CELEBRATED "MERCURY" STORIES.- rossbea k Mansion- A Mystery of forests of otr almost boundless roitrisv 1s Nw Yort b y N d l1 rtin . Illustrated with elegantly delineated in this story, that to give eve s Newf Y pragby edri-ngt ly. Darley The u. a faint outline of these tales would appear to be a t 1 pagengr1vingsyDarleyiTt the iiluhliitins have work of supererogation, yet we cannot refrain ken' aodninedesignmt r+ferteatui rathave from telling just a little to give the general read- bhu reui of ninety c s l v pl i te t a gc . a i.s G oss - er en id ea th at he is ayin g th e trifling am o t t o f hW iok a rm tired c ptaiu n dtjt p ag ver,s -iling tw enty-five cents for som ethic g in tri sically w orth b;oek srtredt, cap tntandeshipgowner, r ing ten times the amount iii pleasure to himself anA in &o'ker street, somn twenty years ago-Gross- to others *hen he is- cated Thte first scene opens liakito is n of the ob-ashioned ily sort of Sua- by a trapper discovering that'sorne rascal has bes ti'al awd charitable maier. Old Levi Martin" pilfering from his stock of furs, which he supposes i n ! ndl - firt rc -rhar i t and S ip-ow ner in South ' are safely stow ed in a c u'-de-sa c min the w ilder nsa sti . t u-/in Nm r anrti an, his so - is introduced n h sets to w atch in the night but is unable to dis t . Yo-und g haptei. he is delineated as one of cover the thief. While he is on the watch for the ti - o nde hat r Pe He iarte sailors who is full of pilferers, he discovers five men approach a streak . a' - aind forphise h savlloas tIme weaker with-a burden from which afterwards is seen to f isfssion, aarise the form of a lovely young girl. These men ba fairer sex. Oil Mar-tin gets married for thle tie her up in the covering, and with rocks fasten- 'rind titn-, luringi the absence of his son on a ed to the bundle cast it into a river. The trapper, vloyage to the last *Lnilin-s. Th'is Mrs. t ittin, as . - t- tquc troves isaperfect she-rascal, who with springs into the stream. and1 being a hardy swim- th u"ol has isaipertl ol Mrin, no ter succeeds in bringing up the boly, to which nther, husmveigletl artin,iinthe p. he applies friction and stimulants and restores hetr on either killing thim themselves or iltiving him tolfaai.Sesrchsuterrmmpr- an suicide, that they may enjoy his property after- tife againm. Shesthetchpeout her rms, implo- as ui:s. Yuan;tri~ Matin upon his return fruntsirhis loing meryaichten: ~ e nsvr ntef limig voyage, Ihorutig which, at Calcutta, he wasos lowifg strain. et Is the American Consul, asks Youre safe, litt oman-y e sfe. T Is father swhtre his sister is ; to which the father wretches have gone, and you are wit a man'rea cnntr rut}, itna-mtuclh as the machinations of the to dw for you . No ore nee o asking hi -- td the mother-in-law, have driven her from n, gial r no mornoclispinig of them whie hic piiiittlhom. liredagtetowvena hands in despair, nio more turnxin' of that psate face 'ar""d """,.rue aoangrhter, however, hias tohe '" mrri-ud the object of her choice, lien husband, " Thegirl was assured-she felt, she knew, anrd leaves her tihe mother of twins, wiiiuln It-h elsn nw dt ian toavesier the tofitwin, wich that she was indeed safe, and seizing the sun- t' nu s to be sent to Mr. Grotsseak, without browned hand, kissed it and dropped tears upos telfing him whose they are, except that the twins. an- rrn in honest wedlock. Grossbeak receives it. thtn, and withi his daughter, a very interesting w There are ver b many to aching itrcieGnts in this and b-autifiul young lady rears them. Grossbeak work, of se apptr habits and avenitune. Graphtic hnts two ships left, one of which replaces under scenes and beautiful mrs, all of .hi. must in- tiu ucomnmand of young Edgar Martin, who manl-s terest every eater. Prico .......$0 25 a guat deal of money with her, and he fially The Rattlesnake ; or the Rebel Priva- ma ri--s Liiue Grossbeak. The sister of Edgar teem. A tale of the present day; by Ned Bunt- becmi a companion to ma lady who purposes na- line. Handsomely illustrated with six full page king a tour through Eturopi'. On the European e travels they meet with tmanty thrilling adventures; engravings by designs by Darley. This beautiful ar taketn captives by Italian Banditti. The lead story opens by the introduction of a Lieutenant er of the brigands became acquainted with the of Our Navy, having intimate relations with n lhdy at a large soiree in Paris, and he falls despe- highly respectable faily in Bosto, named Wine rityiv in love with her. He treats her well as a chester. AshtonW is the accepted intended bu- capltise, she is attenited lty time Chief's sisters, anid band of Fluta3 Winchester, who is entirely loyal" ca ves the nis atnen dbyite aChidy. hef s iste and to the American Union, while Ashton is a rebel. rscieives the treatment due a lady. The brigand Ashton resigns his commission in the Navy and isu itetrwrds surrounded by troops and he is slain succeeds in obtaining the command of a clipper and( she thereby escapes from hun. Finally the brgfoIcadSngaote eehcmp whole family meet in New York, and everybody TisfSnagg d Snaggs, another ereal Stamp. Is mnalt'hippy by the denouement. This is one This Snagf managed to get from Jell'Daivis n of madts' happiest de and will well repue T s Letterof Marque, and with that authority, Ashton of -tin ie hpuliest takes, anduwalyereays sails the brig from Boston ; endeavoring first to pruoninu The publisher takes much pleasure in abduct Fluta Winchester on board. The United recoerm ding this series of books to thegeneral States Marshal pursues the brig lint fails to catch reader, under the full conviction that theywill give her. She proceeds to sea and meets many adven- general satisfaction. Price .......... $0 25 tures. The cnaracter of Doctor Umbillicus, the Pathavay; or the Mountain Outlaw. A surgeon, is most graphically described in. Ned's ile of 'the Narthern Trapping Grounds; by Dr. J. versatile manner. The reader will find this boil Il RIinsen. Beautifully illustrated with eight full of exciting adventures and enough scenes ol tuL-pege engravings. The reader is in this high- interest to hold him "spell-bond , until "t,' ly interesting story given an excellent idea of end" is reached. This story is pleasing, interest- our Amrmicus Trappers. Some of them are white Ing and 'highly entertaining, leaving a direct so mehan ttd others of the Inditn stamp. The thrill- sation on the mind, hallucinating in its character. lng and exciting adventures of our heroes of the Get a copy, the Price is only-............$02 i' Copies of the abcve books sent to any address ha the United States, free of postage &uad Cash orders to Frederic A. Brady Publisher, No. 22 Ana Street, New-York. 5 , u page: 86 (Advertisement) -87 (Advertisement) [View Page 86 (Advertisement) -87 (Advertisement) ] 6 Ella Ad-ms ; or the E-amon of Fire. Al tale of the har hnston c nIcigrtion- By Ne Buntline. Illu-i ated with ix eantifui engrav- ings from designs by Darley. The author as will as the desi-nt r of the illu nations are so well hinown tin thegr, a read r that the publisher n.-nd minn ike no cmirnit +r their protductiins, an. therefmi iunly uinnunices the facts. Miss An- am. i a New Khgland school teacher in South Carolina in th pursuit of lie profession. A par- ty if the so-c'eed r-gnulntors have a chivalric an- tip ithny to New Englhinders and after persecuting hr in all the manifohl ways rhat such charaters dor, uses her to leave that tart of the coinnry , preni un to which they tie et to a tree and whip h'r in her naked riack. d'ivn escapes througit tn, sency nf a negrin anid goes to Charlhston where she is ihilden lac ciSpanshm Quadhion named San- cher S inche- h s s ni ed cr ciagreat tdeal y p r- ti +nan i Iitsi a indi I-a ii finally set fire to tie city. L InI AAts -cr-, s ft urnthite city tirou ~h the ageny o~f h ir love r, who comes there throngi the Iicm i-i iinnins 'ltrn. [lis is one on t it- lines iily wt ouaht sto in-. that wil piny l nn time spcct in its 1ersal. Price-.......--- 25 and glittering steel to close up a wafl In which is placed a live man in a state of comnolenoe. The enfortunate victim becomes partially cnsciOus of what is going on and in his agony makes a myste sign of distress, which Jean Louis ander,taudin drops inside of the tomb, a large jack-knire try whiih means the intended victim finally csca prs. About a year after the above event, tie rme would-beiassassins endeavored to make awa a nut Catholina, the daughter of the man supposed to be entomheri, h rv administering poisIm to hinr. . They call in Dr. Serigny, who instantly makes tii. discovery of the poisoning, The Dr. dlirects ts be left alone with the patient, and after explaining to her the state she is in, gets her-vonfidere. ie stains her fhee and arms to resemble yellow fever ann gives her a powrful dose that cansrs -e tio appear as dead. The same piersons attempt to as- sassinate him on his way home. He escapes, and with Jean Louis gets the body of Catholi iand retires her to life. There are a large numbreir if very interesting g scenes in this work ; among whih may be noticed that of the son becoming tic in- ted with the fI t of the sunpoed murdersIt fis cousin, the beautiful Catholinra ; her tether . I. - Mari gy ; the confederate in all th'-e crimt, as{ Millrose -r ; he- C- torn Pbcm titer's Dntzlh wile sid many others linving b-en commoinidby A t - r Sno luthiCarolicna. fly Dr. J. 11. his parents. We nwoihl likii to give a li an ii hii rsri -interih by ci ict finll-1r ngrn ie-ic~in line of th ii very plea-nut book, hutnh-w tn-ir ruIn f)r icry. "I tiisstory ir n t -1isuieif thertn- te make the reini vaintir of sote fur t i iroer. fnn cl war, imct ri y is lin erctnig trit ne happy The piice is nily . ............" ... - % c.. aun iacefulirictrv. ihe scenes, as the title inE iicates, is l- miin that net where first was hatchl frida it)entil1)veih5 DuttlitEr. A ed the nm if ntein-lion. It r-countan many tv- new mystery of New York. By Nid Bt"t-inn n-n- n. - I tic ni-c s nf iisiodi p Illu ttted by ten elrgant r-ngraviig ativ litnev. tihu- vi r i ri-il i tonidiffir ffrom them in opinion This story is vi nif sthu-n TcnTiies of M +tii vof ns ti th c-ni erness cf their proceedings. \Vhilb. New York,' i whichli itline cr .xc-ls all con- c wl i not ii-s clienter into the disi-e-sion of thins peers. It is w ttentii in a!lid anI vigorous ninet- ii c in, it 'it describes the mny hard- ncr, and the readver wil ine enrclhrniteid tio tie eitn, and li- been endured by th ire arn tnthen be filled ni ith wonder it the aUthoii v r- n Ior tc city. Tih hi-iroine of our tale is the satility in hi de itions of a t ii living titantic- nr ;, ip ,'.ti-r ani hciiri nof a lnrgr cotton ters. To rai this book is to b - highly Ilir.iI p1 a ten-, ii un ti thein gatlitnsiip of ieruncle,inni, 1 .- ------ - - - -- -''-'--... tnU a pen tiet tri t. Sit- is locked up in a chamber at th, tin pf tmi nmiinsion, and is rescued yiv nt mountain .Max; or-Nick ln In il tultie oYeraer -c yii -reliens to whip 'iggers anid Ie border. A tale of the Busihwacktrt int Missouri. with t his i empin nt in all his nettious purposes anch By Ir. J. II. Robinson. Seven hrtinume engia- teds, yt uticcisi in rescuing the oin han ftom vinngs finom signs by Dorley. In this work at- tine niteltinit, -ti lient gu hat/ ma tu r --hrthnb' ir - h ivut i ul iitures nf Ni k Ihiil s 'in Missrnio mnitatiitunonit i re carpe'nter anI mu Ild sla' I Rnlinsni ohi a inle thse boii-lr Bushwackuc who is devoted to her interests. All the vations quite ftnmouns, as every reader of th-se stories mni -enes and im ihrntIs are beautifutlly described in admit. 'inose who have nnot read this bhook hav ti Dcitcr's piciar, versatile anid intern-sting indeed missed a roost delightful and intteresthingn- +iilt", Falling to have and read this interesting tertninment. Don't fail to get a copy at once ati titty, would Ie an ibreparali lesos to tny render read it attentively. Price-..............$0 25 who de sires to be classed as such. 'rine. - $ 23 ThayondanOgea the Scourge ; I: I be Catholina ; or tlh Niche ini thne Will. A Var Eagle nf thin Mohtiwks. A thit of Mv tern- Til e of Liuisiarna. By Dr. J. EH. Robinson. 11- Riuth anI Wrong. By N dl Buntline. Svs n. lustratei with tin tfull-pagteo engravings from de- biautiti l full page illhistr-tions by )arley. Tin signs h Darley.Iny The reader is introduced, in the is another one of Buntline's tales of the "t + porn (twat scone to Jean Louis, a bricklayer, who is very indian." It is exn'edingly delighltind to urave-l wor, ind as usual, has a large family. IHe is through this beautit'ii story, with -.ch it de ,i. i-aPlod out of his o-use at midniight by two men in tive writer, and to follow the ihI nooft tire tale ai:i. sm whno seie frim an i ,lice a hoodwink through ill Iris manly hearings. The- stoicisn of abiut his ees, force -him iito a criri-ng andth nif- Thmavinidanegen lcave's a pleas*it rhrm-ill on the min ter imcci i~ nayuo tuirts innst i di ild hut tnn i of t lnrier onig after lie hnas councluledh ip mi vauit, w incer iih is coming iby nrc-ans of pito | il ing Price.. ....... ..-.......-.....---- $0 j Conie of the hrbev. bnrhioas asitt mn iav I'-s i c inot -t-in-d States, free of postage. ei1 Gtash ders to Fredee A Bradyiii, 'uli.or, N. 22 Air nuntrmeet, New-York. FREDEBIC A. BRADY'S CATALOGUE. BRADY'S CELEBRATED "MERCURY" STdRIES. SI Sootto the Scout ; or the Union Ran- This Giles Hilton becomes pcssessed of a very gers. A tale of the Great Rebellion. By Dr. .J valuable diamond which he has given to Mr. Meat H. Robinson. Handsomely illustrated with eight the dealer in precious stones, to steIl for him, and beautiful engravings from designs by Darley. This takes an advance of ten thousand pounds upon it. neat and Qhaste story gives a number of vivid 'hlile the diamond is in the possession of the jew scenes in the risil war of the United Stites, un- eler it is stolen and a false stone Put in its plate, der the adtniuistratiotin of President Abraham Lin- H hich is only discovered wvhen Giles calls for orus coin. This Seotto is a kind of Spy for the fede- ioney. He is arrested for changing the stone ral forces under that brave man Geo. B. McClel- ,and trying to defraud the jeweler. He Is finally jian; and gives much valuable information in refer- acquited of the charge by the confession of the Pnce to the position of the troops in opposition. actual thief and he is restored to fav r. This book He passes sever-al times through the confederate - pounds in interesting scenes and is recomnaided army, and while making observations for " home With much pleasureto the reader. Price...$0 25 use," meetswith many pleasant and some very un- . pleasant adventures. Scotto is taken prisoner by Patrot Cruiser ; A Story; of the Ameri- some of the Black Horse Cavalry and when asked can Revol'tion. By Sylvanus Cobb, Jr. Illustra- by Beauregard to take the oath of allegiance to ted with designs by Dailey. This story is printed the Confederacy, replies in following language : from good'large type and is therefore easily to be " If all the trees in yonder run was men, anit read. 'lhe opening scenes are during the dack all the branches and leaves on 'em was bagonets, diays of the American Revolhtion, and commence and all the grass growing' round 'em was(lead-shot in the year 1775. Vhile a British Naval force riles, and if all the sun-beams let. down from was in the harbor of Massachusetts an army was heaven was rebel halters, I swear to ye that Il quartered in the good city of Boston. 'he trou would'nt swear allegiance to your one-horse con- ble against English tyranny was then brewing, 110d ssrn! You wince, rho ye 1 Prehaps you ain't in little couki be said by either Whig or Tory ton-t eI the natur' 'o things. leadi to condemnation and re- other that was not termed menacing an Iut/llom morse. Think of what you've lost! You've lost mvab/e. the Revolution ; you've lost your history; you've " Either the English King must withdraw Inis lostthe Cowpens; and the memory of the Swamp troops and concede to the reasonable demands of Fox, and the Santee ! the colonies, or else---" There are very many such beautiful and hore- "What ?" asked the stranger, as Vincent Gray thrust in this work, which the author presents to hesitated. the readers. Pric--................-$0 25 " Else the colonies will make their own har- Nightshade ; or the Masked Robber of gai, even at the point of the bayonet T This Humslow Heath. A Romtance of the Road. By was sail i a low, firm tone, whicli told what the Dr. J. H. Robinson. This book introduces the speaker meant; and that it was the sentiment of others bieuides himself.° reader to nany scenes in the life of an English oCptain Vincent Gray with a siall sloop-reghed Highwayman in the times when the country was Capthermnin'sboat captures an Esglishlopigartgi, not gridironed over with railroads and traveling trutherith that vessel becomes the " Pati t Crntis after Steam-horses prevalent. As the weary wa)- ndwt That iseu ierestti" aturotirmt. atrer travels homeward ihe is halted on the road er. 'here ta much interesting adventure mnthm by "your money or your hifo " Butt that is in the cruising of that brigantineu nder Gray that wdl past. The interest of this story consists in des- pay the reader for its perusal. Price.....$(. 25 cribing so beautifully very many incidents of. dar- The Sword Maker of the Santee ; or ing as exercised siy it holtuad bya i e of fnr- IlirI, the Hunchback. By Dr. J. H. Rnbinson. mrtiesrvis sor isillustbyaDary m au- is Eight full-page engravings from designs by IDarley. tiful engravings from designs by D~nrhey antI its Thsh tlopninSut Crininhelty f price is-.............................$0 25 Th is tale opens im Soruth Carohnma in the days of - the American Revolution. The early scenes open Blanche ; or the Lost Diamiotd. A Title with arrest of an American who for British gold of the Lights an1 Shades of London. By Septi- became a tory spy. He is in prison, condehnmned mus R. Urban. Beautifully illustrated with ele- to die the death of a spy, when ie is visited by a gant designs by Diley. 'The opening scene is in loyal young lady to whom he had been engaged the Weaver's Home. to be married, but who, while sie pitins his on- " Husband-Gils-dear Giles. Oh, say a worth fortunate position, despises him for the part he to me--to thie little ones. God sees us yet, dear has taken-that of a Spy on his own countrymen. Giles, and will senits s help. I am not hungry General Marman is here presented to thet rund-r. -oh, no,no and I don't think Mary anti Luke Ihis Hirlis a loyal man and makes sw rds nf a arve ry hungry, dear Giles. They will soon sleep. superior quality for the Americans. lIe is hunp. I will go out and see if- if 1 can borrow-" backed and deaf, and is almost ahot for f;iling tno Hush, Emma, hush-no! no. It is not hor- give r'ie countersign to thdsentinelwheni emdt- row. It is beg-beg. You mean beg." eta There ir- very many scenes of dleepj- andi ab.n- iHere apparently is a weaver and his poor fTamt- sorbing interest ii this wmk that ill repanny the ty in a state of starvation. This is one of the reader for the outlay of money and i ilime rn-qnuire-d dnade pictures. Now for the lig/ one. in their perusal. 'rice-..........,'...o$ 25 ' Copies of the above books seat to any address in the United States, free of postage. 8-nd Cash orders to Frederit. A. Brad', Publisher, No. 22 An'm Street, New-York, F 1 FR rDERIC A. BREADS CATALOGUE. icUri''8 CELEBRATCu " MERCURY" STORIES. I. 4 . 7 , t Y page: 88 (Table of Contents) [View Page 88 (Table of Contents) ] 8 FREDERIC A. BRADY'S CATALOGUE. E RAJDY'S CELEBRATED "tMERCURY" STORIES. Kitty Atherton ; or a Broken Life. By Melpomene Surf ; or the Little Middy. Margaret BIlount. Illustrated with six beautiful By Septimus R. Utitan. Illustrated by full-page fulh-pige engravings fr om designs by Darl-y. engravings fromtn designs by- Darley. This is an li is is anuthe I ar interesting story by tlia gifted lit- intteresting series of tales of Saiilor Lift.. A child threats, in which are portrayed many incidents toff is found on the Surf by soite Of the crew of thi En +glisha Life. Meiptmene Man-of-WlVar's mani, and hence thei Broken Life!'' says one, '' must lhe either name" Melponene Stf:." Ve tatr I iii.given a tttnethring ncew, or ele tlt print hats rerad the description of how sailors are iit ressel into the 'copy' wrongly, and made a terrible blunder on British service ; anu the very many sttategena, tit'- very first page of his book !" which are resorted tat to place seamtnt int ait' Eng "'Nu ! 'Tis no mistake of the pritter's ; 'tiia - lish Navy. After ti atvare placed on board antdt thiwin I i ken lives are far more cmtmonat are once at sea they will do good service, and at- thin; than broken hearts ; they may he tend to their whole duty, evetn to fight for their s'enta ii every direction if you will but turn your entry's glory. There are the usual number at r) e uponthe world you livo in. They are simply chaarcters in this work that make up the whole atrows that have missed theit matk-treamas that of such a story,- ta wiho seem each andt all to h1v.failed at the fountain heal-ftir and smiling play a connecting part. There is that ol board- Sla-ns that have filln itinto harrenneass and levity ing-ouse-ktepir, iwho enle-avors to keep the -througha whose faults who can tell 1' ' St if " paid off mnt" as long as it is possible, so that 'y at tell, why a heart so faod anl warmta shiohl the may spend all tieir hard-earned money in the l torn to tath le-w ivhtope s irpur shl' -! fit-a house, and as soon as poor Jack is ot of the ad I.lia-why a nature a) inotcenit should11 b for- blunt he is gently assisted to the clutches of the a r 'poiled-why a spit it so eager anti beuyant Press-gang. This highly pleasing and interesting tah1libe content to fold its pinions, giatel on thu book is sold at only .................$0 '5 taL til lath aend(' of all -atthly athmgs' *** Anl ani the enda cihotmi nuiy it not l1+ poassille that Maid of the Ranche'; or the Regula- h Iltmi " cityq of r/ w ataillre opned to the' lutors and Moderators. A story of life on the "'ar ai-' s ibllir ed stloul, antl the great seerct of stchi Texas Border. By )r. J. II. Robinson. Illustra m i i swn-s he t vthal ? 1 hope so. - faronm designs by Darley. IHee is a story of lift 11av heauuiful is this language. And yi'ti the in Texasatut the time of its independence from L ~~wee boo1k is elegantly written mn thti is seet Mexico. 'The( vividneiss of the('sce'nes, and ilho It)-,in. A good lriet aabohook. P'iire.... $0 25 ele'gant style of its author in describing them isi ' ~'j he Shell Hunter ; or an Ocean Love w-ell worthy a careful p)erusal. Many of the char- h Si' A romance of land and se Bi Ntd alters ti-e under fcttious rinoas, yet the incidents o tii. This ark is inbaallishetda awitit tight tare almost entirely matters if the history of that a titfil iaenei-amgs ly I)alatvy, each tlustrati si beautiful country. Aty one waho has been in the 04th.promninent characters anal scertes in the " Lone Star State," can tell that this story is b ail bahiet art- alone worth more thanits matle up of some actual occurrences. At the time 'ue ITis Is al voyage ofa scho(oner tothe coast ofs organization into ain independent govern- ft aPa fi f-ha i1m- ; where it ennounter s nm t, marty flocked there from the States,hat aarb 's stoirnms, I can nibals. and incident that fast- found home too warm for comfort, and therefore a- thnin ot tlhe alt lit tat its hages. Btt. ssas forced in 'exas that tissciation called Reg- I .'s sea Sttts tart all a ritteit so cait fully that ittors and Modet ators. 'They, however, were iia te ia a ii intaedlwi tht nattagent t o t fve- it asivys fret- ftm talait, yet they succeeded in Sit s-a ws iaa latrn much in th+' life of a sailor. oltiig much good. Th'estony is well written and Price ..................... - - ... $ :5 will bear reading. Price ..............$0 25 ') he Owlet, or the Royal lighwaynmai. The Conspirators : or the Corsair of A tale of the Road in tis times of George the Cape Antonio. By Arthur M. Grainger. . Five Thinh. By Se1tiuns R. Urban. Thtirteen full- beautiful full-page engravings from designs by ag- tengravinga fo designs by Darlty. The DanaIy. This book contains a large number of raaai is eartiii heack to that- times of the mad adventures and cruises of a bucianeer among the an blind Kiing of England. Owlet is te noto- Vest India Islands, in the Cuban Sea. Captain rtiIuI i' hwiayman that baflies all the celebrated de Salit, ats he was called, (was in truth a Span.' itf-t a- f ta his day. Many interesting idci- ish Noble, and connected with the crown of Ar- da ,- e a t -related of him. A poor girl is innu- tagtton,) was for a time a terror to all Spanish ves- . -n a alrd for having stolen a diamond hace- sels, as towards them lie seemed most bitter nd t I«'aLt at a ,wweha y establi-hment in London. It implacable. Letting th empty ships pass around n.-.-. trds discovered that site was guiltless. to Mexico, and frtom Spain, he lay in wait for at t hit- 'had suffered death no reparatition could them on their return late with tlhe silver tre- b- i aba. I th-ose days the punishment for steal- tires of the mines. The story a swell written and in a- wyig t over torty shillings in value Ws gives an insight into " Lift in Havana anal Cuba," ha «. Thi' ohunk is confidently recommended both on shore and afloat. The reader will be well tet «l-tin tial reader. Price ......-.....0 25 paid for his pains in perusing it. Price ..$0 25 I" Copies of the above boks sent to any -.1dress in the United States, free of postage. Send Cash orders to "tmr-senic A. Brady Publisher, No. 22 Atn Street, New-'ork.
