PegeceS| American Tales, {Soa Price Fifteen Cents. A Great Story i Dr. J.B Robinson! New York News 0 Oo 88 5 eee ———————____. THE SEA ROVER: In ‘the coming issue of the cheap and delightful American —— No. 4i, ) issue Saturday, Sept. 16th, we lay before na lovers of sea and shore romance - ste remar oe eee of se viz: Le Rift and the ihient , BY MALCOLM 3. MERRY. The many Hawes of interest: in this fine production will eet Sot Sitention. A boy is to be forced into smuggling and piracy, but, os is placed in a peril which only his brave soul could withstand, _ a ee is ae a desperate game, Hunted ashe ‘is by the government essen Uctien:< Gomes’ hes the drama the Ege datt Captain, with his beautiful. yacht; and soon, becomes deeply involved in the smugglers pursuit—not because he is a smuy se es for a ee child Jeads: him thither. That renee is Grace are the siete chief, the captain of the ae his mate, | old ees Bowline; ia steers ‘man, old Martin; Captain Macquet, a French prisoner, and his lovely daughter, Mar ae : Joseph, the shore. signal man, ete., ete—all are splendid dramatis persone, — ' The rapid action; the heroism ; the love and devotion; the pene passion; the gran a ee all vests Bree to make a i rece work, Ae ; mr 20. The Gotdeguidie (21. The Death Track, 22, The Blue Brotherhood. _ 23, Alapaha, the Squaw. _ 24, The Border Bandits. = Assowaum, the Avenger. — 2%. TheTexanSpy, a7. The Red Trail, _ 28, The Sea Bandit. — ; » 29. Old Tiger, the Patriot 80. The Bush Ranger, » 31. The Outlaw- -hunter. hae Giant Jake, Patrol of the Mountain Bh. Long-armed Sampson. ore 85. The Smuggler. ee : Z The Giant Tr¢ , Doon SCOTTO, THE SCOUT: SS eee See arte /A ROMANCE OF THE NORTH AND SOUTH. BY DR. J. H. ROBINSON. NEW YORK: BEADLE AND COMPANY, PUBLISHERS, 98 WILLIAM STREET. A 1 i ' Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1871, By BEADLE AND Company, in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. ] rton. © 2 SCOPT Os EEE “SOU: PPPLPS SL SL LLL LLL SLL LL LPL LPL LL LL PDP LPL PPL CHAPTER I. THR gITUATION—IHE LOYAL PICKETS—THE HORSE- MAN. : Washington was a military camp, and its’ usu- ally quiet streets echoe to the measured tread of armed men. ‘Ihe +tar-spangled banner Waved tranquilly over perturbed and fluctuat- ing Baltimore, and Federal’ cannon bristled on Arlington and Georgetown Heights. A long ine of loyal bayonets gleamed brightly on the troubled borders of Virginia. McClellan and ‘atterson were advancing; the impatient col- umus of McDowell faced Fairfax and Manassas ; 1 the extreme left, Fortress Monroe frowned ay on the defiant approaches of mad rebel- on; while the blockading squadron swarmed the Gulf. The disloyal States were beginning to feel the faret of the Government, the strength of the nion, the wrath of the North, and the glowing Patriotism of the awakened West. The uprising of a free, brave, and industrious hate is a grand, yet terrible spectacle. Others wept over their gallant sons, and sent them to the glorious field. Sweethearts and Wives kissed lovers and husbands, and hurried them to the great battle for freedom. Gray- eaded sires girded the sword to their stalwart oys, and blessing them with uplifted, trem- bling hands and ;husky voices, reminded them °f Washington ; that wounds in front are the glory of the soldier; that to die for ones coun- oy 1s to join the world’s army of commemorat- e heroes and martyrs. Never was‘such a sight seen since the Revo- lation, Party lines were forgotten; partisan iferenées died the death, and the discordant rhgue of demagogue-clamor was heard no more. here was political peace in the North and in he West. ‘The spirit of unanimity possessed all carts. “ A new crusade was inaugurated. Fair Women, stirred with a nobler enthusiasm than erst inspired the daughters of the conquering pilgrim Cross, prepared laurels for their sol- dier-heroés, aad cheered their hurried, eager march to meet tle insulting foe. The coldest blood grew warm ; the most stagnant currents began to flow, and all thought as from one mighty brain. If here and there Treason dared to mutter, low down in its throat, tle quick ver- diet of the People sent it, silent and shamed, to its own place. There was no conscription. Neither threats, nor Wheedling, nor bribery, were resorted to, to fill the ranks of the Union hosts. Tlie Govern- ment was amazed and. embarrassed by the swarming multitudes that hurried to the nation- al standard at the first blast of the bugle. The despotisms of the Old World, that, had, at the beginning, laughed at our calamity and mocked when our trial came, wondered beyond measure at the spectacle of a mighty army, gathered in a day, by a power inherent in itself, stimulated neither by hope of pillage nor love of conflict, but by pure patriotism. This great Army of the North and West rest- ed quietly on the Potomac, awaiting calmly the shock of battle. General Scott, strong in’ his integrity, faithful to the Union and his soldier- instincts, in consonance with ‘his carefally- studied plan of the campaign, was now drawing his strong cordons more closely around the black heart of Rebellion. The rebels affected to behold these vast prep arations with contempt, Intrenched behind masked batteries, they raised and struck the war-post, boasting of their achievements ‘in the ast, and vain-gloriously breathing speedy de eat to the barbarian Yankee hordes. But noth- ing came of the semenaces ; and Washington, in- stead of becoming a “stone quarry,” as threat- ened by the potential leader of tlie Conf'derate forces, Was ee ‘gay and attractive. In the various skirmisie Southern chivalry showed more haste than he- 8 that took place, the’ Sn at a 4 roism. Indeed, their legs were their best arms, the former taking them from that danger which the latter could not, or would not, manfully meet. The rebels occupied Fairfax and Manassas, and an advance upon those places was talked of by those in authority, greatly to the satisfac- | tion of the loyal troops. ‘The retreat of the en-| emy had been so uniform that many dreamed | of an easy victory; but there were cooler per- | sons who shook their heads, and talked of Gates | flying before the charging squadrons of Corn- | wallis at the disastrous field of Camden. , Weary of inaction, and incited by an earnest but over-zealous press, the Army of the-Poto- mac was impatient for a decisive forward move- ment. Such was the situation of affairs at the time our story commences. Late on a soft and pleasant summer-night, some weeks after the magnificent moonlight- march over the Long Bridge, and the oecupa- tion of Alexandria by the, dashing Fire Brigade, &® map, mounted on a powerful horse, was ob- served by two. of the feat pickets slowly ad- vancing in the direction of Fairfax, unconscious, apparently, that he was near those whose duty it was to demand his business and dispute his right to proceed, unless dnly vouched for by a military pass. The pickets, on making this discovery, drew closer to each other, and, sereen- ed by a cluster of intervening bushes, quietly awaited the horseman’s coming. When he was sufficiently near for that purpose, one of the men stepped from his covert, and demanded : “ Who goes ?” ; The horseman, instead ofanswering this chal- lenge in customary form, instantly spurred his horse and made a bold attempt to rau the pick- et. So sudden was this movement, that the guard had neither time to cock nor present his musket; and had it not been for his, compan- jon, the determined rider would have effected his purpose. The former, as the latter was passing near his concealment, and, indeed, al- most upon him, had the presence of mind to throw himself forward before the plunging horse, and seize it by the bridie, with a force and energy that effectually checked the animal, which, however, made a spirited effort to shake him off. The man making this decisive demonstration was tall and athletic, and elad in a plain suit of national blue. While his right hand grasped firmly the tightened reins, he held in his left a rifled musket, surmounted by that terrible weapon, the sabre-bayonet, which, in the soft moonlight, glittered like burnished silver. A heavy dragoon-sword was girt to his side by a substantial leathern belt, which also gaye sup- port to a bowie-knife and a brace of revolvers. His strongly-defined and sun-browned face was singularly calm and unruffled in expres- sion, a3 he nervously pressed the horse back- SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. ward upon his haunches, and controlled his fiery spirit. Pa Don’t hurry, stranger, don’t hurry! You'll sweat your hoss, if you ain’t keerful. There’s time enough for any honest business, without heatin’ your blood.” The horseman had reached down to the saddle, and half-drawn a pistol; but, on hearing this salutation, let it fall slowly back into the holster. “My haste is urgent. Do not detain me. I should even now be several miles from here,” he answered, looking uneasily about him. “No doubt on’t; but, them severial miles aug’: to be torard Arlington, ’stead o’ this way. I'd stave you comperhend,. impatient stranger, that nowhat done up in the shape of flesh, be it the flesh of men, women, children, or animals, can budge this way without the countersign or a written parss.. I'll take one or t’other of ’em about this time of the Jone starry hours ; which means, young traveler, about as quick as you ean cleverly git at ’em.” The horseman glanced downward at the fea- tures of his interrogator; ‘they were quiet but determined. “T thought,” ne said, searching his pockets, “that I passed the loyal pickets half a mile back; but it would seem that I am mistaken. I hada paper,” he added, hesitatingly, “from one in authority ; but—but I fear I have lost it.” “Sorry to hear it, sir! Am afeard it'll put you to a deal o’ trouble. You'll obleege me by gittin’ off o’ this hoss. It's a slashin’ fine un, and ’ll do for the Boys to prac-tise the calvary movements,on,” “You surely don’t mean to detain and rob me!’ cried the horseman, in evident alarm. “I warn you that any violence offered to me will be resisted. Who are you? Call the corporal of the guard !”” The man Jaid his hand again upon a pistol. “To confiscate the spiles of an inemy, is no robbery. Your resistance I keer nowhat about, inasmuch as.fightin’ is at present my perfession. As for the next question. consarning who I be, my name is Scotto, independent eap’n of an in- dependent company of star-spangled critters. I go for the Union, the whole Union, and constitu- tional liberty. If I don’t eat my bigness into rebellion, if I don’t cut and hack, bash, slash, and gash, right and left, it “Il be because my hand forgets its cunnin’, and my arm loses its strength, my heart its patriotism, and my brain its sense! That’s who J be, and that’s the ground on which I stan’ on, and, with, God’s help, will stan’ on while I stan’ anywhere. on the airth. As for the cor’pril of the guard, I'll send for him when I need him. Havin’ answered all your questions, I'll take the liberty to help you out of the saddle.” _ Captain Scotto dropped his musket upon the grass at his feet, a was abowt to drag the young man from his seat, when, making a virtue 7 TS no ut, on. be, itu- nto ash, my , its rain yand will irth. him your 1 out n the ; the jirtue ' at his head. . SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. e of necessity, he saved him that trouble by dis- mounting; but not till he had looked ‘at the other guard, and perceived his weapon leveled “Everything you have asked has been replied to by me. It is now my turn to be inquisitive. What name did you say ?” added Scotto. “In times like these, names are of little eon- sequence,” responded the person interrogated. “However, I have no objections to telling you a name that has never been disgraced by me. Tam called Ralph Girdwood.” “A good name and a good figger by natur’,” returned Scotto, appreciatively. “ But names and figgers don’t parss pickets without the docky- ' ments. We've suffered enough by being too easy with our inemies. Our Gov’ment has hard work to b'lieve that we’re in an actooal state o’ war with them as will show no marcy. © Mistaken kindness has got to stop somew here ; and as true as my name is Scotto, it shall go hard with the apy that falls into my hands.” * Spy!” exclaimed Girdwood, quickly. “Spy I said, and spy it is!” said Scotto, sharply. “ Down on the grass, mister! Barney Malone”—he turned to the guard who stood near him—“ off with this chap's boots, and-see what’s into ’em.” ‘‘ Jist as your honer plazes! If ’twasa leg or an arm that ye’d have pulled off, I’d pull it of all the same; tor obajence to orders is the fust juty of a bowld soger boy,” responded Barney, advancing upon Girdwood, with alacrity. “T protest against this!” exclaimed Girdwood, retreating behind his horse, which Captain Seotto still held. “L warn you not to come nearer. If I am to be detained, take me to head-quarters.” He drew up his person and showed Barne Malone a figure straight, athletic, and witidh some, and too formidable to be lightly approach- ed. “Is it to Barney Malone ye'say it? Is it to & thrue Union soldier that ye’re sp’akin’ 2” re- torted Barney, throwing himself into an attitude of defence. “ Mind these two illigant bunches © bones, now!” (Barney held up his fists like 8 prize-fighter.) ‘Down on the grass, as ye’re towld, ye murtherin’ blackguard! ‘If ’twasn’t for the likes of ye, we might ivery “mother’s son- There isn’t one-on’em but is,able to eat his bigness into rebellion. They re true men, gath red from all parts of the North and West ‘Llicy’ve seen all sorts.o’ sarvice, and Jove the Union,as they do their mothers. They're boys arter my own, Leart! For, liberty. and the nation, they'll Lack, and cut, and slice, with the bravest fighters in the land, Not that they natrally love blood-and slaughter. Not that, by no means, whatsomeyer, Tn civil. life they're as tender-hearted ag women, and indus- trious agants. But the sperrit of Suventy-Six is into em! The patriotism of the fightin’ fithers swells in their bosoms like new wine in bottles, No plun-Jer, no filtly-luere, no pay for the In- dependent Union Rangers, They're m nobody’s saryice but the country’s; under nobody’s com- mand in particular but mine ; in forsio time, but for the war, Jong or short. We ask nothin’ of Government but tho priverlege of bein’ pnt face to face wilh the foc. We want uo clothes, no *qni oments, no-hogges, no rations, No money out © Dnele Sam. We.can take keer of ourselves, and do it cheerful, all for the sake of the glori- ows old Stars and Stripes that our ancestors fought under at. Bunker Hill, Lexington, Con- eord, and other places, It’s ‘a fine.old rag,” he added; casting-hig eyes, upward to the flag that floated over his command, ‘It's a fine old rag, 7% woe, Woe.to the traitors that. betray it!” erbaps the patriotic Scotto thought of a white-headed old man, once Known in America SCOTT'0, THE SCOUT. &% as General Twiggs, but remembered now only fur tle enoriniby of his treason. By this time the Union Rangers ‘had drawn up before their leader. ‘Vhis company of inde- pendeut men was composed of the best materia! jor hard wud efficient service. They numbered a hundred and ten, including officers, and lai! rallied around Sevtto beeduse fie had seen serv- ice in Mexico, and in: the wild warfare of the West. ‘they knew that he would not flinel:, an: was tle man to lead them to victory, if it were within homan attainment. His hardy frame, well- seasoned miugeles, and universally-aceredited courage, gave promise of great effectiveness ; while his unquestioned loyalty and many good qualities, secured the respect and friendship of his, followers. ‘‘Lientenant Scarlett,” said Scotte, “have you seen auybody stirriu’ within our lines?” “Only a man on horseback, who might, for aught I know, have been one of our pickets Seeing us, he quieckened his speed, and we soon lost sight of him. He should have reached the picket somewhere hereabout,” replied the officer addressed, “He did reach it, and run it, too!” returned Seotto, biting his lin, “ He's a good two mile on his way to Fairfax, by this time.” * A detachment.of the Black Horse, Cavalry has been, popping at our pickets a few miles aboye,” 1 ee the liewtenant, looking in- quisitively at the face, of his leader, “The Black Hoss Calvary!” repeated Scotto, quickly. “ We must haye a dash at them, boys. Black hosses or white hosses don’t make no dif ference in a man’s fightin’ qualities. The black hoss idee may seare children, but it won't go down with our, Northers and.Westers that are big enough. to buckle on a sword, or sight a rifle. There’a nothin’ in color, but everything in pluck. We'll move out our lads, aud make a reconnoisance torard the inemy's adyance- guard.” At that moment a man spurred from the rear in considerable haste, and, approaching Captain Seotto, said, with a scandalized look: “Them twins are fightin’ ag’in L” “ Fightin’ ag’in ? iu cour-e they’re fightin’ agin. They?re_allers, fightin’, ag’in,” returned Scotto. Then raising his voice, he shouted.: “ Peleg | Pickerin’! To'the front, you little ras eals!” : - After some delay and commotion. in the, rear rank, two boys, about a dozen years old, dress- ed as Zouaves, mounted on mules, made their appearance iu front, They were somewhat dis; ordered and blown, evidently from. a recent brush. ; “Been at it ag’in—haven't ye?” queried Scotto, Without a particle of apparent wrath. i One of the Jads grinned, the other looked sul en. “Clapperelawin’ anch other, weren't they Me i rear »taia htin’ rned ited.: eras rear dress- their ib dis: recent cotto, sadsuk » they ie SCOTTO, THE 8000. 7 Oo'p’ril Keith?” turning to the man who had preferred the charge against the culprits. «They was! | They was at it, peggin’ away at each other arter the old fashion,” replied Cor. poral Keith. “It’s into’em! It's nat’rally into ’em, and has been into ’em ever since I found ’em a hang- in’ in a basket at my door. Prehaps you all may or may’nt know,’ he continued, looking at his command, ‘that that was the way that I come into the possession of them belligerents. Yes, my men, them critters was in a basket, done up in some coarse sackin’, with never so muéh linen on’emi a8 would kiver a pin-cushion, They-was very new babies. They was too new to be-balloouin’ ina basket. Iwas a single man then; as I am now, and as I'm like to be through lide ; and knew no more about new babies tlian a Thomas-cat about kittens. . I was a good ’eal exercised in my feelin’s, I thonght, at faust, that I'd slip ’em slyly aboard the fust stage-coach that passed-along the rvad, and send ‘em, sackin’ and all, to seek thei fortins otherwheres. But fate ordered things different, for jest’ then they »begun to claw each other and scream, Their -eries went through my ears like the shriek of .a fife. While L stood starin’, onsartin what to do, my housekeeper, an old maid aunt; come out of a suldint. When she seed that basket, she bristled up liké!a: porkypine,!aud looked at: me awful, “< What's into it?’ sez she. © ¢Rey'lar live uns! sez I,-edgin’ away. “4 Lake Scotto, you're a depravity!’ sez she. «Who'd a thought a respectable house would a chad babies! hung onto it! “*Nobody, I. guess, that’s acquainted here- #bouts.’ sez I, maliciously. . With that she toss- ed her head and went 1n, leavin’ the basket.on the door-step.. Butshe dida't stay long. There was a womin's heart into her, notwithstan:in’ her sharpness: She come back ag’in and:told mae to fetch in the basket,” “Were they twins?” asked tho lieutenant, _ Smiling. * The ‘Lord he only knows! They was about the same Jength and: bigness.: Their featur’s was as onlike-as two Hinde idols, and they fou't éach other; theerfore we thonght it best to eall ’em twins; though [ ginerally styles'em the Basketeers. Individooally, they’re named Peleg and.Pickerin’. Like many. other brethers—tak- in’.it for granted they're brethers—they don't agree. There is m: tendency into ’em.to pitch in. There hasn’t been ia: day. since I brung ‘em up, “that they haven't pitched in. more or less often- er more... I reckin they come, of a fightin’ fam- ily, and these be: the instinets of the second:and itd ginerations.” Scotto paused, and various comments were made by the Rangers, some .of which were bv No means flattering to the subjects of this short history. “There bein’ so much fight in ’em,” re sumed the captain, “ V’nr goin’ to turn it to.some acoount. If they'll tackle ‘the inemy with half the spirit they do) each: other, they'll doimis- chief.. There’s been. a good ’eal of cur’onsty ond ‘quiry, and: some innooendo. about these boys, and I’ve taken this oceasion to set. ye all right. They’re fo’ndlin’s.. ‘There no more nor less than basket fo’ndlin’s, Cv’p’ril Keith’—he turned to the corporal if they git to fightin’ agin, let me know it. Boys; fall back to your places 1? 3 The Basketeers, in obeying this order, pur- posely backed their mules together, which fell to kicking furiously, tothe great delight. oftheir riders, who clung to their backs like monkeys, “The mules are twins, too, I allow!” said Corporal Keith. Peleg :and Pickering finally effected a retreat, creating confusion in whatever: direction the went. One was presently heard singing *‘ Dixie,” and the other “John Browa.” ; Attention! Now, my star-spangled ‘crit ters, we'll look arter driftiu’ squada of the Blick Hosa Calvary. Rightiace! File left! Mare!” Previously to giving this order, Gaptain Scot- to mounted his horse, which: had been tied to a ‘tree near by, and which Barney Jed forward. The Union -Rangers moved off at. actively pace, the fighting brothers cantering in th.rear, their red caps atnl red trowsers rendering them conspicuous long alter Scotto’s columus presente ed bat a dirk mags. “The blissings of God and all the saints that iver..was, go with ’em, and with the ould flag that floats over ‘em! said Barney Malone, fer- vently; as he renewéd his rounds, “ Bad lu¢k to the Irishman that won't fight for the Stars and Stripes, and the country that gives him bread and batther, and more liberty nur he-gits at si The Sixty-ninthis the boys fer’em, say 1!” : Thinking of the Sixty-ninth, Barney stepped off more firmly, and held up‘ his head bravely. At the moment when the Rangers swept out of sight, he was singing, sturdily : |» > “With my sprig of shillalah add shamrock go green.” CHAPTER Ill. THE CAPTAIN OF THE BLACK Horsr, Meantime, the man who had’ a0! sueoessfully passed the loyal picket, kept on! his way unin- jured. by ‘the, bullets that whistled after him. ‘One of these leaden messengers pierced hig.cap, doing, fortunately, no further, damage thau ear rying away a Jock of:hnir. i} I “Close shooting for night practice!" he mute tered, °4T'll warrant yond: stent: Yankee cap. tain aimed that missile, -I-wonder what isto be the end of ali this?” 3 at Ralph Girdwood fell into n fitiof musing, and, heing out of rifle ranqe, allow-d his horse to slacken its speed. He had proceeded buta short ee distances in this manner, when the sudden clat- tering of iron-shod feet startled him from these reflections, put him upom the alert, and caused- him to gather up the lose rein with a quick and energetic hand. Before he had time to ques- tion or draw pistol from holster, he perceived a man at his side, riding a coal-black horse of tru- ly-wonderful size and symmetry. To glance sharply and searchingly at the per- son who had so unceremoniously joined him, was the natural and quickly-obeyed instinct of Girdwood. » The inipression he received by. this eursory, instantaneous examination was far from reassuring. The horseman was of athletic pro- portions, sat firmly and at ease in the saddle, while his countenance was of a cast stern, dark, and thoughtful, cto vividly to. the young ‘man’s mind pictures he had seen of Cromweli. “Friend or foe?’ exclaimed Girdwood, al- most involuntarily, simultaneously cheeking his horse, and reaching for a pistol. o<¢ Either, young man ; according to your own election!” answered he of the black horse, bluntly, and in a voice by no. means soft, giving Girdwood an inquisitive glance from beneath his heavy and sombre brows. “ Your answer is most vague and ambiguous,’ returned Girdwood. ‘‘Jn times like these, all -men are friends or enemies. There is no neutral round, We are either mortal foes or sworn rothers,’”” Girdwood’s hand remained on his pistol ; but the other made no motion toward his weapons, of which he had no lack, being literally armed to the teeth; a heavy cavalry-sabre swinging at his side, with a bowie-knife and revolvers for its neighbors, while a short rifle was slung across his broad shoulders. a Right, sir, right !”” he replied, with the same harsh brevity of annunciation. .‘‘ Had you not been followed hither by Northern bullets, as well as by:a Norther accent, your business would have been settled ere this.’ 3 . “ You saw-me break through the loyal pick- ets?” said Ralph Girdwood, quickly: : « -The -horseman ‘knit his brows,-and: darted a suspicious glance at Girdwood. “T like not the term ‘Joyal,’ sir! Call them Yankee or Federal pickets, if you will; but the » word ‘loyal’ falis not pleasantly on my ear, I, - too, am loyal—to my cause!” “ It matters little to me,” rejoined Girdwood, ‘after a pause,’ “what they are called: Their “lead will kill'as quick by one name as another. In justice, they owe me a'cap.” He pointed to ~ the bullet-hole in the article named. “Better acap than a head. But sufficient of ethis... What. brings you, young man, upon the sacred soil of Virginia?” "7. 8°) S96 t oTinight give ‘you the oldsaw upon words, -that:my horse brings me,” said Girdwood, will- | ing to'gain time, and evade a.direct answer.” * Young man,” retorted he of the black horse, vo uched for: SCOTTO, THB SCOUT. sternly, “trifle not, upon your peril! If your heart isin the right:cause, you have nothing te fear from: me. I. belong to the Confederate States, soul and vere for life, and perhaps for death: My name is Hurdlestone—a name that shall yet become. fearful to the Northern hordes that, like devouring locusts, swarm our border. Wherever you hear the tramp of the Black- Horse Cavalry, you:may look for me!” The man’s brows contracted vengefully, and he oe the bridie-rein fiercely in his clenched hand. “I have heard of that: formidable body of men,” auswered Girdwood, “ but did not so soon expect the honor of meeting one of them.” “They are known to tive: Pacers lines !”” said Hurdlestone, grimly.: ‘Then, turning quickly to Girdwood; added : ‘“‘ Why is your fora head toward Fairfax? I tell you, frankly, that you are treading dangerous ground, unless well Our general shows slight merey to prowlers and spies. He does not imitate the weak and vacillating -policy of the Federals. We have staked all upon the sword, and we are not the men to falter at hemp and steel. What are a few paltry lives to the success of our ter- tible venture?» Now, sir, you know who J am. Who:are you ?” “ To tell you the truth, Mr. Hurdlestone—” “ Captain Hurdlestone,” interrupted the man, blufily. “Vo: tell the truth, Captain Hurdlestone, 1 think of taking service: in the Confederate Ay- m 7? “ Others have had the same thought, and been hanged for their pains!” sneered Hurdlestone. “J trust to better face; sir. I shall never pull hemp, if Iean help it. Besides,” he went on, ina different ‘tone, “I swear to-you I'll shoot the luckless person who shall make a proposi- tion of that: nature in my hearing. You will find me one no more to be trifled with than yourself |” ‘ “ Humph!” muttered Hurdlestone. ; «My business,” “continued Girdwood, with im- creasing steadiness, “IT make known to no per- son not entitled to the knowledge!”, -o You flap your wings well for so young a chicken!” said Hurdlestone, dryly. “You may have them: elipped, for al] that ’ “T-bear dispatches, which must be delivered as goon as may be,” continued Girdwood, with- out heeding the’ other’s remark. 3 “To whom ? «From whom?” “To an’ officer high im command. “But your Jast question; excuse me if [do not answer.” “You have # prudent tongue. What off- cer 2” . “Hurdlestone’s clear) old, gray eyes were fixed intently upon the a vit eS Beauregard,” ‘waid Girdwood, quietly.“ “ Beauregard !” repeated Hurdlestoné, “with evident surprise, but incredulity, * The same,” answered the young man, un- mowed: ern shlteoqes Sct “It's a trick that’s: been dried before, and ended here!” »Hurdlestone drew his hand across his throat. d “ Trouble not yourself, Captain Hurdlestone, about the ending of my mission. We should, in courtesy, believe that every man. knows :his ewn business best. I request you to conduct me to your commander-in-chiet, fully knowing what I do, and willing to take the responsibility of the same. I bring that from Baltimore which he will, perhaps, be glad to-receive!” Hurdlestone was silent a few moments. “ Be it as you will,” he said, presently. » ‘The Federal bullets are, with me, your letters of recommendation. Itrust.no man’s word. Ae- tions are my standards of judgment. If you persist in seeing General Beauregard—” He paused an instant; then added, in a voice a shade less harsh, as if a more mereiful thought had struck him: “And yet I would-bid you hesitate, young man, before taking this step.” His keen, gray eyes again flashed coldly, upon Girdwood. j “The subject is. fully considered by me. I am not a boy, to change my mind without,cause,” he answered. y “I spoke from a feeling of humanity. fer;one so young and full of life.” 2 dubious smile flitted over the lips of Ralph Girdwood. 20 29 “In a moment;”.¢ontinued Hurdlestone, “you shall pass the Confederate picket, after which there will be no return till you haye looked our general in the face, and passed an examination too rigid to be lightly hazarded,” I “The kindness: of your. motives. T-.certain] appreciate. Lead on. Fear. is a feeling, wit whieh I do not feel: inclined to; be, inspired to- night. Iam of that:dull and phlegmatie:tem- per, that I must see danger absolute and immi- nent, before I shrink from.it.” The Confederate officer made no reply. Pricking his horse, he.soon reached: a: picket, and, giving the —— in a low voice, entered the Jines of the Confederates, fol- lowed by Girdwood. ‘ 5 “Presently,” said the captain, when they had ridden some. distance in silence, “we shall reach Fairfax—a place much talked of by. the Federals, and about the strength of which they have indulged in much speculation. In passing throngh it you will learn, perhaps, what Mr. Lincoln and the commander-in-chief. of the: Northern vandals would be glad to know. But TI assure you, that whatever discoveries, you make at this, or any subsequent time, will never reach the ears of our enemies.” “T protest against these suspicions!” rejoin- ed Girdwood, with spirit. As I have informed you, I think of taking aervice under the new ’ SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. 9 flag; and I am not one to suffer my motives to be called in question,even by you sir!” © . Ralph Girdwood spoke with more determiba- tion than he-had yet exhibited. °- 02 .~ + Hurdlestone. quickened his pace, which was his only response to-this remark. The young man readily accommodated his own speed to that of. his companiort: — ’ we “Phat building, I apprehend, is Fairfax Court- Tlousé ?” said Ralph. 3 i “Call it what you please,” replied the other; briefly. & It is not a strong position,” eontinued Gird- wood.» “A regiment of Fire Zouayes ‘wonl readily. carry the place.” j eal, ‘Be silent, sir!” thundered Hurdlestene;his swarthy: features still blacker with wrathe. * Do not talk to me of,those demi-savages — those brawling thieves—those midnight prowlers and assassins |’” jon f ‘You do wrong to a gallant body of men, sir. Let: ue not underrate our. foes.-. Eliaworth’s Zouaves are brave as the bravest; and, should it be your fortune to meet-tliem ia the shoek of battle, you will remember my. words, -I tell you, Captain Hurdlestone, they will ight!” ‘“« Qowards! cowards, sit !”. muttered the. cap- tain. ‘The blood. of. Jackson. eries. for ven- geancel” ; |. : 2 ; : “Speak not. of that!” retorted Girdwood, hurriedly... “ Whose blood, think you, will ery the loudest? It was murder, sir—muider1”’. ; “What. was murder ?” demanded - Hurdle- stone, fiercely. ; ; b oy - The: killing of Ellsworth !”, replied. Ralph, in a suppressed voice. y OLY Lone arse Hurdleatone’s. gloved. hand; toyed. nervonaly With-the: handle of his.revolver. | elncen {37 ‘Death and hell, sir! How dare. you say it tome?” gol Rails S otk ‘When I-dare not: speak my mind, I shall not dare to live,” said Girdwood, steadily: | Aso sassination is not honorable warfare). To shoot a brave and promising young man, outside-of the heat of battle, in an unexpected moment, by total surprise; does not: in the least affect the eetetnediod at issue, and is, in my view, ownright murder. Our troops fled from: Alex- andria, and the Federals were in;quiet posses~ sion when that unmanly deed was perpetrated. There, sir! I havé liad: my say’; and-1 trust never: to be so. blinded by partisan liate, as to be- unable to distinguish: between things naturally heinous in themselves, and things naturally hen- orable to human‘nature! |< pit mad Hurdlestone compressed his lips, and repress. ed; with evident effort, some impetuous thought that leaped from his brain to his lips,/for ex. pression. 7 Ae 4 -* Talk not thus south of Centreville,” he said, coldly and sneeringly. » ‘Warrenton: Road and: Manassas, will, speedily cure sueh views as you. have expressed. You cannot, Mr. Girdwood, ee 10 SOOTTO, THE SCOUT. teach chivalry to chivalry itself. You are in Virginia, sir? “Virginia had a history under theoold flag!” And shall’have ouc under the new !” “ Dark and bloody, perliaps.” # Dark and bloody let. it be!” The two now continued their way, in! nearly anbroken silence. Putting their horses to a gallop, they passed Centreville. . Girdwood had yet-seen nothing: 'o impress “him with the strength of the Confederates, whose cause he seemed rendy to espouse. Indeed; he had ob- served little else than a few feeble, and, obvious- ly, hastily-constructed iitrenchments, mounte:l by threw vr four six-dund howitzers, Centre- ville ‘wascin no state of defences ‘There’ were men there in considerable force; but without'tlhie means of making an efficient stand, Ralph could not forbear expressing astonishment, A grim smile—the first he had seen upon his sombre visage—appeared a moment upon Hur- dlestoue’s lips: ® We have’ no daily press: to ‘betray us,” ‘he snidj quickly; and with an energetic gesture. * Gencral Beauregard.tieseup the tongues. of fools-and the neeks of knaves: But blabbing folly reigns supreme and rampant in ‘the camp of our enemies. We know when they: buy aw battery, and wheres tliey place ity We ktiow when they coutémplate a movement, and whew it takes» places—The» Northern «press tells us their-weak ‘places; their: poor generals, and, in short, their doubts, fears, and expectations, “We'} have! spice: and:eMissaries, friends and! sympa- thizera in all the departments at: Washington, Weewillseonguge: the ‘Federals; as much’ by se- eret agents and cabal, ase by the sword and niasked batteries, yo... ; ms dint He stretehed out his gauntleted hand,‘and, lsying it sudden] von Girdwood's:arm, added, in a paised ani exultant voice ; “ gvii etsy Tho fatal mistake! of the Federals: is; that: tliey cannot believe themselves:seriously at war, an'l'play the magnaninsous while we are masking: batteries, and:playing the devil with the: Union: T tell you; sir, that war ia a terrible: giant, with jrom remors: lese fingers, and no May-day queen, tesbecdecked with wreaths and erowned. with laurel!” ; 3 * Trne—-most true!’ said Girdwood, so fer- vently, *that: Hurdlestone fancied ke had’ fired him witly his‘own dark enthusiasms Sentry..after sentry was, passed,» to ¢ach of hom Hurdlestene seemed well known, 4¢W hat roaJeis this?’ asked Girdwood, “The Warrenton Road, over which the Fed+ erals will. march :to Manassas!” replied) Murdle-: ot Confederate officer: with stone, shrugging his shoulders, “hat ravine and wood: is ‘this, stretehing away. before us ?? queried the young: man,/gz- ing throughthe moonlit’ mists broken iedwhtry around him: © Soe reo se “Tt is ealled Bull Run,” answered the officer of night; atthe: with a peculiar lighting up of his eyes, “ where tlie Federal troops will’ stop: to refresh them- selves in the cooling shades, when weary of their tramp down from Arlington, previous to their triumphal entry’into Manassas;” Hurdlestone Jifted his shoulders again,iand a grim ghost of-asmile appeared to give a mexn- ing! to his: face that Ralph could not fathom. mystified: with the tider sof the black. horse. He was, clearly, a man of strong prejudices, deep and ever-eonsuming” passions, of a charac-- ter bold, resolute, and unshrinking, and inex- orably wedded to a -purpose, disposed, like many others, to hold the prowess of lis enemies in contempt. “This position is a strong one, by nature,’’ Ralph remarked, “ You tell me no news, young man,”’ answer- ed Hurdlestone, turning trom: the main road into. a well-trodden path. Crossing a few rods of rolling table-land, green with foliage, they reached, anon, a spot remarkable for its quiet and secluded beauty. Trees peculiar to the soft and luxurious climate grew there in native perfection. Here were: more sentinels,: with whom the Confederate officer communicated in low tones, and passed on. Avride of twenty rods through the trees: took them to a neat farm-house, near which, on the vrags, ino the now! waning: moonlight, severa, blacks were sleeping. *Haimond Dagon !” said Murdlestone, sharp- ly.» This: way, lazy) fellows; and! take thise * horses,” Then: to Ralphs) Dismount, : sir. Hereour journey ends,” z Two of the blacks arose slowly! from! the soft, ' green‘pillow of Nature; and, after) rubbing their heavy ¢yes an instant; came’ briskly forward and took charge! of ‘the ‘hor-es, favoring Giriwood Fwithomany inquisitive glaudes as) they led the ‘animals away. oh sue CHAPTER IV. PRISONER. ‘Come in,” said Hurdlestone, with that cok ness of manner which had thus far marked! his d/portment: He led the way throughian opex piazza, followed by Girdwood. Opening»a door at his right, Hurdlestone entered -an apartment Fon the first floor, invwhieh: a lamp was: dimly burning, ‘The same air of neatness that! had sim pressed him. without, was apparent within. Bot Ralph, as it happened; had no time for general observation. A feminine figure, arisingsuddenly quick» steps aud: out’ stretched hands, erying >: . ‘Father ! father)? S200 3 ; = 'Poreeiving’ that he was’ not alone, butvnccom=> of panied’by a stfangery she pateed in girlish'com: F P 6 was this hesitating and blushing usion, Jn truth, he was becoming every moment more _ me eer he ec Ee tee Ot HOPE HURDLESTONE—-DOCTOR BENEDICT—SCOTTO A frony the obseure ‘background, apjroached*the * or: oe eS = [> is y et 1a ve th in ok hoe p- 86° iv. ? ft2 oir nd od Vue“! tie his: eM | oor ent | nly Bit oral nly the? Ute erenture that now involuntarily drew Girdwood's attention.” He experienced a singular yet nob wipteasing ‘sutprise- “Her figure, her face, her éyés, her warm and “glowing expression, were each and all instantaneously impressed upon his Sonseiousness. So wonderful appeared the per- ' festness of her womanly composition, that he Could not particularize any part as being pre- eminently lovely, but could only admire her as a faultless whole —a creation to which ‘nothing ‘Was wanting to givéigrace and»beauty. Her ad- Veit was, to him; like the sudden lifting of a curtain from sah exquisite: painting, «It was an Inexpressible relief to.turn:from the: stern reali- ties of wwar.to the contemplation of ssuch an ob- Jecti. The enthusiasm of) twenty-five. years: of manhood was agreeably excited, and” Ralph's blood thrilled with a: miagnétism new, and, situ- Ated asche was, embarrassing. d ‘ * You have returned safely,” she faltered: _ “Bat not alone,” replied Hurdlestone, mak- Ing 2 motion toward Girdwood. Then, stoop- ins, he kissed her forehead, -butwithout. the least enthusiasms ©’ : “Mr. Girdwood,” he added, “this is my daughter. Her name is Hope.” Ralph bowed. Hope Haurdlestone ! ..The mame had .@ eu- oeae sweetness for the ear, and fell smooth- y from the tongue ‘ . “My frequent absences trouble her not a lit- tle. he girl is affectionate; though something of n traitor,” continued the officer, in a. voice divided between gentleness and rebuke. “ A serious charge!” said Girdwood, smiling. “For some reason,” réplied Hurdlestone, with a moody drooping of the brows, “ her-heart is not with usin this work.” — . “T love the old flag, father,” sighed Hope. “ Let it wave in the North!” retorted Hurdle- stone, with a flash of his recent ficroeness. “J. am no politician,” said Hope, timidly, glancing at Ralph, ‘ but. the Stars and Stripes to me seem sacred; and, if: am not much de- seived, there are: thonsands:in the South who Teyere them above the Stars and Bars of this new-born: Confederacy. If there’s treason in that, I cannot help it” “Treason enough, girl!” muttered her father, “Has our guest retired ?” he added, immediate. ly, giving Hope a meaning look. jvoa | A think he ‘has, - His room has ‘been quiet for ti@last two hours,” she replied. I -® Very well. | He requires rest... He must not |: “You be disturbed.” Then, turning to Rina il you eat are doubtless weary aud hungry. V before sleeping?” “T want no food. An hour's sleep were worth a day’s feast,” answered Ralph. «Phen I will show you to a couch, not luxuri- us enough for a pampered civilian, but good enough for a soldier.” “I would not intrude upon your hospitality, SCOTTO, THE scour. ii nor in any manner disturb your domestic are rangenivita,: A blanket -betieath the: trees will atfurd ‘me all the ense and comtort IT require,” said Girdwood, faring that he might give ine eonvenienee to his host, ; “Tam no-churi!” said the latter. | “You are welcome to what I offer.” ; Hurdlestone lighted a lamp, conducted him across the narrow hall, up a.stairease, to-a-small chamber:in which was a bed. ; “ It wants an hour of. daylight,” said Hurdle- atone, “but you sliall not be aroused until the éun is above the tops uf the trees.” boast With ‘these words he left Girdwood to.wateh or sleep, as “he saw fit. Sleep would have been his' choice, had: he been free to choose > but the ‘circumstances eurrounding -him, for atime ef- fectually prevented the approaches of the gentle angel of repose. He thoughtof the warm which the country was involved; tlhe blood shortly te flow like water; and he.thought of Hope Hurdle- stone. The latter had brought into life new feelings and aspirations, which surprised’ and bewildered him. Her inspiring eyes were look- ing at him while his were closed ; and while bis voice was silent, hers was vet speaking. ©» The golden rays of daylight-were creeping into the chamber when he, finally, lapsed into ‘slumber; and even when’ sleep had sealed his sight, dreams tossed him to and fro, as waves toss a ship at sea. . He was awakened. brn voice he well remem- bered ; a voico still cold and brief. oo%-« oc. “ Awake, sir, awake! The san is higher than the lofticet/ pine in Virginia. Breakfast is waite ing you.” 1.8 4 ¢ s . Girdwood sprang from the bed to his 'feet and felt for his: arms; but seeing “his. eutertainer, smiled, and- greeted hint with : ‘ “Good morning, sir! [have slept over long, I think ?” : suas ots - And in your clothes, foo, and pistols within reacl:,” observed Captain Hurdlestone. “It is quite the-saine to: me,” ‘responded Ralph. “He who sleeps in hisolothesssoonest dressed. It is not the firet time, sir, I huve roughed it somewhat of late,’ 0-62 vce “Where and’ whorefere ?” asked Hurdlestone, “It would séareely be worth your time t6-vall vou,” answered Ralph, coloring, and regretting directly that-his teply savored eo much-of dis- oourteay.” © ie POLEEEE lo Without minding it, however, the captain con: ducted him down stairs’ «On the way; ive tee marked: + a2 Wee B le tard OL “A friend of mine will breakfast with us, wha need be no restraint wpon your actions. -At my table, you may express yourself freely on auy topic.” : : ; The young man threw look at the Confeder ate officer, but observed no change in the firm ly-drawn muscles of his face, : ke | » to .expectsas a guest. - his, coffee, leisurely, “swered Ralphs guardodly, 2 scorro, THE Seour. -,4“J£I am to appear before ladies, my toilet is scarcely presentable,” said Ralph, glanoing st. his fravel-worn garments. j “ These are times not to be over-particular. It is not the outside that. should commend you to the favorable regards of Southerm dames and ~daniaels. You will see none of the gentler sort, save my daughter.” These words were not uttered with-that gra- ¢iousness which Ralph. believed he had a nght Entering the room to which he had: been condueted a few, hours-before, ‘he lookéd for Hope and the persom whom Hur- dléstone had mentioned. : Neither were. visible. A table was spread in a neat and inviting, man- ner, and, two black servants: stood. waiting: for orders,» A moment after, Miss Hurdlestone.ap- peared,-and, greeting Girdwood. in a friendly manner, seated herself. behind the coffee-urn. Almost, simultaneously, from, another door, a man walked gravely in, “ Doctor Benedict, this is Mr. Girdwood, re- cently from Baltimore, through Washington and the Federal lines.” i The man bowed slightly to. Ralph, and took the seat to which his host pointed. The young man, sitting opposite to Doctor Benedict, was. impressed by his person and manners. slight: in form, but compact-in the economy of musele, most skillful disposition of material, so that the whole structure should possess the greatest ef- -ficieney ‘¢ompatible with the per-centage of weight... His features were regular, with a strong Anglo-Saxon cast, and a noticeable firmness about the mouth and a prying quickness of the eyes, His hair was somewhat gray., The upper Jip was covered with a moustache. He wore a plain military coat... eet The commencement of the meal was some- - what stiff; but presently Doctor Benedict began to talk, and the constraint gradually wore off. - * What do the people ef Washington think of this rebellion, Mr. Girdwood 2” he asked, sipping Just then Ralph saw Hope Hurdlestone look at him,,. Jt.struck-him that her eyes warned. bim of danger; at least he so construed their lan- f verb rs 7 ; eit “ ora tas cass minds at: Washington,” an+ “ The President and Cabinet assured that the Union will be pre- «served; and the rebellion crushed. - There are others who predict, with equal confidence, that the secéded States will never return to their al- ndegiance.”.. : f .“ And. what, do you, think?” The eyes of Doctor Benedict were. now Jifted full upon Girdwood, who funciéd pie beamed with a wild and-ambitious light. . Before he re- plied to this home-question, he glanced at Miss Frardlestone, and saw the same warning lan- He. was | Strength seemed combined. with the- stone. guage in her face. ty. opinion,’® he.said, disoreetly, “ can. be worth little to persons of more years and expe- rivnoge than myself. I. will say this, however, the South undexrates. the power of the North.” “How many men has General Scott within a day’s march of Washington ?” continued Dootor Benedict, deliberately. “A hundred . thousand,” promptly: ‘It’s false !” ‘exclaimed Hurdlestone, angrily. “© Patience, patience, Colonel Hurdlestone! I thus the young: man is right,” said Benedict, witn easy self possession. : : Pardon me, sir)-You shave mistaken wm ranx, -[-am simply a captain in the Blac Horse,” messed Hurdlestone, pettishly.: » Nay, my friend, it is you who are mista%en. You were a captain yesterday ; but -you aren colonel to-day. I have it from good authority.” Doctor Benedict heldup a hot roll in his white hand, and looked tranquilly at his host, who for a moment was confused: - i ; “My blunder, I trust, is pardonable, doctor, if you bear in mind the eiréumstance that I have been absent more than twenty-four hours. ‘The general has, no doubt, judged my ability by my zeal, and, thereby, done me too much honor. On him be the consequences of my inefficiency.” Hurdlestone’s voice had its usual hardness ; but ever his stern visage could not conceal his inward. satisfaction. » j i ‘+A: responsibility he will readily accept, no doubt,” said the doctor. “* How is Baltimore, Mr. Girdwood ?” peti “Under the heel of the Union. The guns of Fort. McHenry are turned upon that devoted city, and at the first-rising of the people itwill be laid in ashes,” responded Ralph. “T like not such talk,” said the colonel. “ The truth,” interposed Doetor Benedict, ‘is always better than falsehood. Baltimore, in- deed, lies panting at the feet of the North; but when the-grand army of: the South moves for- ward, her shackles shall be broken,’ : > . os Ralph looked up’ from his coffee, and per- ceived that:the speaker’s face was flushed with some strong feeling that wasat work within him. ‘““ Will they bring’ down those pet lambs of Wilson’s ?” he continued. « G “ T see, sir, that you have fallen into the com- thon error concerning the ‘ petilanibs,’ so called. Wilson’s Zouaves are notin the Graml Army of the Potomac, nor have they been=there. By this time they are im: Fort Pickens,” answered Ralph. ; “That cannot be, sir!” exclaimed JIurdle- answered Ralph, myself, at Alexandria.’” 4 «Pardon me, colonel! -You saw Ellsworth's Fire Zouayes ; quite a different body of men,” added Girdwood. i “They are Northern barbarians!” muttered, Hurdlestone. “Let me tell you, young man, “JT have seen the red-capped ruffians — ee ree of d i Lle- ADS th’s cada ae ared LAD, ss SSeS SOOTTO, THE SCOUT. et) Seat If you haye come here to land our enemies, ou run a thankless errand, and one that may bring you to sudden sorrow. But, till those fa- mous dispatches are delivered to General Beau- regard, F shall bear with what patience I may your evident leaning to’ the Federal ‘heresies. Oall those red-legged Satans what«you! will Ellsworth’s or Wilson’s Zouaves—yow cannot change their natures; or my views. ‘Their rally- ing-eryvis: * Booty and Beauty.” i “I give you my word of honor,” replied Ralph, earnestly, tliat such a rallying-ery: was never heard within the Federal lines.” i “T have! never “believed it for a moment!” said Hope, with suffused face. “ Traitor!” snarled Hurdlestone. But wheth- er he meant Hope or Girdwood, was not quite apparent. ‘“ Dagon!” “he ‘added: ‘Here massa colonel!” answered the: black, promptly. 3.9 “ Do you know what’ the’ abbdlitionists are try- ing to do?” : t “Yes, massa. Dey’s comin’ down to play de mischief wid de poor rigs. I»s’peet we'll have a hard time in de corn-fields ob de North.” I’s heerd it’s drefful eole there, massa. \ Dey ‘say dere’s icebugs in de nigger’s wool de hole time.” Doctor Benedict smiled. a i * What are the New York Fire Zouaves, Da- gon?” “ Bress you, massa colonel, dey’s de debbil hisself! I’s tole, yés'day, dey eat de little nigs fast °s dey can cotch em, and make nottin’ ’t all ob it. Begins to be skeered, I does !” While Dagon stood winking and blinking’ be- hind his master’s chair, '@ great deal cast’ down in view of the calamities hanging over the curly heads of the juvenile blacks, the colonel’s eate- ehising was brought to an abrupt termination by the hurried tread of feet, and the sudden en- trance of armed men with a prisoner, with: his hands tied behind him, pushed forward by bay- onets and swords. The surprise of Girdwood was not slight: in recognizing in the luckless te shat Captain Scotto, the tall and muscular Federal whom he had encountered the night before on the line of the Union pickets. The eyes of the prisoner, after wandering around’the room a moment, fell upon Ralph. “We've met afore, I reckin?” said: Scotto. “You's under a cloud, then; my turn now.” » “Do you know this man?” asked Doctor Benedict, turning sharply to Ralph. © ~ “TI narrowly escaped his bullet last night ; but I bear no hardness. He had me fairly: at his’ merey for a short’ time; but, thanks to a quick hand and eye, and a good horse; I made my es¢ape.” E “Tt was harnsomely done, if you be’ a p’ison- ed Secesher!” said Scotto, planting his’ k the stomach of a soldier who had goaded’ him beyond endurance, The fellow fell upon hia oot in | back, with his guw‘aeross him, ina very gro- tesque fashion. ‘Lay there, you mean critter ! Can’t'you let a man alone when you've got hin snug and fast?) A-brave man don’t exult over his inemy when he's got: the better of him. | If Lionly had my hands untied, I’d make sickness‘ for some of ye!” ' Scotto looked at-his captors threateningly. “Tell ye what !.:some;ofeyou Black Hoss Ltiptiles Mose the number of your mess, if you ain’t a leetle keerful. Ive got a handful of cab vary myselfpthatihave got some’at to say about thisyeré)sbusiness. ‘You cin: hang me to ‘the nearest tree; if vou want to; bub that won’tex- tarminate the IndependentRangers. I did want to live.tlie-year out, !thatL might eat my big- ness linto-this rottei tebellion ; that; I-might hacky hew, and sléw ; ‘that bmight see the old flag take the place of the new secession rag? But, if T can’t fight, [-can:hang; or: knock under in any way whatsomever you niay light onl? Scotto drew himself up véry straight; ‘and flashed on his enemies: bravely. ) “ What is your name?” asked Doctor Bene- dict. ) I * Scotto,” answered the:eajitain, with honest boldness. 1 WOT 3 f “ Scotto, the Scout !) exclaimed Hurdlestone. “ You rebels may have called me so,'fust or last. Ud rather be Scotto, ‘the Scout, than Beauregard; the: Traitor !"!: retorted the, prison- er, fearlessly. 3s “Up with: him, boys of the!Black Horse ¥” cried) Luirdlestone. «You'll fisid:astree hard b 24 f rope ’ es I think I’ve heéerd: that voice afore:, Ain’t you one of the shovelry that rin away at Phil lippi? (I's in that bit of a skrimmage myself,” said Scotto, coolly. ' hi Hurdlestone seowled, and biti his’ lip/ The seldiers began to drag him away! “Stay !’ said Benedict; in a Voice :of authori ty. “always like to have a hand in hangings and’stich. things. 1 Wish to question this Yan- kee.) Fall back!” y i The men fell’ back to the door, leaving Scotto in the open'space between them: and the table. “T breathe better,” he said. “This rebel air isn’t good for Northern langs.”” “Are you willing to take the oath vf allegiance, sir 2” asked Doetor Benedict; whose sharp, im- pérative: manner somewhat perplexed Girdwood. “T can’t:talk, gineral,or cap’n, of whatsomev- er you may be, with strings onto me,” answered. Scotto. “If you think its oncommon danger- ous lettin’ my hands Joose, you can jest shet down the winders, and let» your seceshers cock their pieces and bring ‘em to a charge; though it's been thought, hereaways, that one of your rebels was ekal to five Yankees.” “Untie him,” said Doctor Benedict. of One: of the: soldiers obeyed, with singular alacrity and silence. Girdwood marveled that 14 5 SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. Colonel Hurdlestone showed so much defer- | him to undertake. ence'to this Doctor Benedict. ¢ “ There!” said Seotto, stretching out his long arms. ‘“That’s more like life, liberty, and the pursuit o’ happiness. Your the only. decent Cornfederate I’ve seen. If you's fightin’ in a good cause, you mought be a gentleman. The old flag, sir! The old flag!” Scotto looked up as if he expected to sce the dear old Stripes above him. “Take a cup of coffee, to warm your heart, sir,” said Hope. “That’s woman, all over!” “Bless your pretty face! my heart’s warm enough for four. Do you know what makes it warm, lass? It’s loyalty to the Great Repub- lic! There’s Bunker Hill into it, and Leexing- ton, and’ Concord, and Ticonderoga. | 'That’s where I git the fire, gal.” Then to Benedict: “Now, sir, fire away !” “Will you: take the oath?” asked Benedict, somewhat moodily. “The which ?” “The oath of allegiance.” “ Allegiance to what?” asked Scotto, tartly. «To the Southern Confederacy.” “Afore God, I know of'no sich institution! May the grass grow over me afore I know it!” eried the scout, with a burst of enthusiasm His interrogator frowned darkly. “ You will not swear?” he aie “Jf all the trees in yender run was men, and all the branches and leaves on ’em was bago- nets, and all the grass growin’! round ’em was dead-shot rifles, and if all the sunbeams Jet down from heaven was rebel halters, I swear to ye that I wouldn't swear allegiance to your one- horse consarn! « You wince, do ye? Prehaps you ain’t, in the natur’ o’ things, dead to eon- demnation and remorse. Think of what you've lost! You've lost the Revolution ; you've lost your history ; you’ve lost the Cowpens, and the memory of the Swamp Fox, and the San- tee !” : “No matter what we have lost,” said Bene- dict, after a pause. “ You are about’ to. lose that which makes loss and gain the same thing.” Then to one of the men who had brought him to the farm-house: ‘‘ Where was this man tak- en ?”” “Within our picekets, not far from Fairfax Court-House. He tried to pass himself off, when surprised and iabtinnect by our cavalry, as a Confederate scout, and resisted when told that he must go to head-quarters,” was the re- q. There need be little waste of time in exam- ining this man,” said Hurdlestone. ‘He was with Scott in Mexico. His business. there was to obtain information of the .enemy’s moye- ments. He was the most efficient seout. in’ the service. To please the then victorious géneral, there was no secret service too dangerous for uoth Scotto. | He would have been a good man on the right side; but being on the wrung, our duty is plain,” ‘Pity that some which went to Mexico hadn’t died there! I have a man in my eye ”’—tho scout advanced a step, and looked sternly at Benedict: I haye a man in my eye which onee hada good name. I have a man in my eye as went to the battle-fields of Mexico, a ris- in’ and accomplished officer, but whose name is now so black with treason that. all the waters of the Gulf wouldn’t wash it white !”” Benedict recoiled. A burning blush redden- ed his face. He gnawed his nether lip, as if in pain, and when he again ispoke, his yoice was husky with anger, or some other emotion. “ Life is worth something to. every one,” he said. “Honor is worth more,” interposed Seotto. ‘Death and the devil!” roared Hurdlestone, “Do you presume to teach us what honor is.?’ “Too late for that!” sighed Seotto. “Enter our service; serve us as faithfully ns you have General Scott, and your life is saved,” said, Benedict. “ Never! never!’ “Luke Scotto, you will be hanged !” “ If you are not hanged, it will be a singular thing in the history of nations!” retorted the scout, emphatically. “Your face, name, and fame are alike known to me. In days to come, the names of Beauregard, Davis, anda few oth- ers, will be recorded with that ‘of Benedict Ar- nold, and held in the same econtempt.), That's prophecy, you may depend on’t!” Girdwood, at that. moment,...ound himeelf standing near Miss Hurdlestone. .. While the at- tention of the other parties was fixed upon, the prisoner, she whispered in his ear : ** It is Beauregard!” Her eyes a intelligently at Benedict. Another steadfast look at the compact figure of the latter, fully assured Ralph that' he was, in the presence of the distinguished rebel general, and he comprehended at once the significant words)of the scout. The .deportment of the man had perplexed him from the first, but he was no longer a mys- tery. He mastered his surprise, and his grate- ful eyes thanked Hope Hurdlestone. While she was presetit, he was forgetful of bis own posi- tion ; and he felt that her silent influence threw a protecting shadow over the prisoner, whose fate he now watched ,with/ the deepest interest. “You are mot here to,’ talk polities,” said Beauregard, whose assumed name.we-shall now lay seo ‘| We want .money,nad, ammunition more than Yankee sentiment. I will give you yet another chance for life. Your,shrewdness, will soon tell you in what that chance consists. , You might, not have any objections. to telling me how many.men General Scott has. on the Po- tomag 2” ; | { CES a 5 oh RNR itera foe pe eh eae eee ee Se , ill “T mought, and then ‘ag’in I moughtn’t!” an- swered Scotto, with préat self-possession. “Think not. that any recollections of Mexico, on my part, will save you,” added Beauregard. “ We are engaged in a desperate struggle, and a'singlé life is as the fall of a leaf in the forest. Way will have ‘its terrible dues: We will pay tribute with our own blood and the blood of our euemies. Valuable information, however, shall be rewarded. You hold in your hand the bal- anee of life and death; turn the scale which way you will. You have free access to General Scott. You know his plans. Make a clean breast, and a colowel’s commission in the Con- federate Army shall be yours, as soon as it can be ratified by the proper powers.” Beaurégard folded his arms upon his chest, and looked steadily at the scout. Scotto stood unnioved and‘ miotionless. His sun-burned face kept sacredly the secret of his thoughts till his lips were ready to speak them. Every eye was fixed on him. Hope Hurdle- stone, with parted lips and suppressed breath, waited for his answer. _ “You are silent,” said Beauregard, impa- tiently. - . The scout drew himself straight and firm as a Virginia pine. ; “T live.and die under the old flag!” he said, slowly and distinctly. “I want no commission among rebels, 1 despise both the Treason and the Traitor.” The*secrets, that. are within me, You'll have to cut out with Your bowie-knives ; and I’ve heerd you’re mighty handy ‘with them things.’ You Hew down Union men like savages, because they “dare to have opinions of their ewn: Tf you'd stop there, we could look upon i as half-civilized Ingins; but you don’t. Lelpless women have been whipped, imptison- ed, and insultéd.) The North has no*such rec- ord of shame and outrage. Do you spose, sir, Heayen’ll bless sich a cause? Will the God of battles shet His éyés and let'the bad’ passions of Men run wild? No,’ sir! No! He planted this Republic, and’ He'll keep it, though'it run red with blood! What's’ death? What’s the hangin’ up of this six feet of flesh of thine, com- pared with the mighty interests at stake? Bring Out your halters. “ String up’ such loyal men as You can lay hands on, and see what the end ©n’t’ll be. “Come’on, traitors! I am ready - MA You shall be Hanged in ten minutes !*” said eauregard, with compressed lips and scowling Tow, : ; “Thank ‘ye, gen’ral{’ That's’ nine minutes More nor I éxpected,” replied Scotto, compos- age “I dié for the Union!” Filled with admiration for the scout; Ralph irdwo0d' could no longer resist the impulse to ‘ay soniething in his favor. “Let me entreat you, sir, to save this ‘brave fellow,’ he said; addressing Beauregard. * | “Spare your breath, sir!” replied the gener- eee ane - SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. . 15 al, with freezing coldness and a flash of the eye that was far from encouraging. “Soldiers,” said Hurdlestone, in @ voiee in which no sympathy could be’ detected, “ make ready outside there.” Two or three of the mén touched their caps, and hastened with great'apparent satisfaction te obey tliis portentous order. “For humanity’s sake,” began Ralph, with much earnestness, when a keen and menacing glance from Beauregard stopped him. “T am obleeged to ye, young man,” ’ said Scotto, “for daring to speak a word for me; but its no use. A man who betrays his country won’t show marcy. Benedict Arnold, you re-. member, was the worst’ on ’em all, arter he went over to the Britishers. Should you' ever happen to see the old hero, Scott, tell him Ive kicked the air at last, and shan’t bring him no morenews. ‘Tell him, also, that there’s a couple o’ boys that I’ve took care on for about a dozen year, that may or mayn’t be brothers, who'll need lookin’ arter, I bein’ hung and gone. They're with my scoutin’ Rangers, Peleg and Pickerin’ by name, and full o’ fight by vatur’. I’ve no doubt the old gen’ral would help ’em, some’at, should.they eonie to want. I'd like vo be decent buried, but I don’t s’pose it’ll make any great odds whether one’s body rests atop or aneath the airth.” He paused an instant, and looking sternly at Beauregard, said; interrogatively : “There’s no sich thing as shootin’; Is’ pone 2” i “The fate of the spy is fixed from time im- memorial,” answered Beauregard, lifting ‘his eyes with strange intensity upon Girdwood, whose lips and: cheeks grew white. “Major André was hanged,” mused Seotto. ‘Fle was’a'fine fellow, too. I know'a brace of critters, travelin’ that road, that the same ean’t be said on.” “All ready !’” said a voice at the door. “ Away with him!” ordered the general, per- emptorily. efore a hand conld be laid upon Scotto. Hope Hurdlestone sprang between him and the soldiers. “Perpetrate not such a’crime!” she cried. «Add not cold-blooded murder to your disloy- alty. This man’s death will aid you not. O General Beauregard, hear me, hear me!’ She sank upon her knees at his ‘feet. | ‘Woman’s natur’ ag’in— woman’s ‘natur murmured Scotto. ‘“ Good'gal! good gal!” Beauregard gentl — her, but she grasped his hand a held it. «You pain and embarrass me, Miss Hurdle- stone,” he said; with some displeasure. “Hope Hurdlestone,” exclaimed ‘her father, sternly, “ you disgrace me!” © « General—general !’” added Hope, “heed my- request,” 2747" 16 SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. “He must die!” responded Beauregard, de- { cisively. “So must youand I. Sentence is passed upon all. .Let- not human wrath cut. short the ap- pointed time of nature.” hi ‘ : Beauregard shook his head. “ At least spare him till to-morrow,or, the day } following ?” she continued, with: touching elo; quence. ‘Do not this murder, now... You will | sleep. better to-night for listening to the voice of merey. You. have shared our hospitality. These hands have ministered to your, wants. Will you refuse this—the first favor Lask? (Re- flect that you may sometime be without power, and lie, at the merey of another, as he at yours.” Beauregard was moved. He could not. look with indifference at the beautiful, pleader, at his feet. “Say yes. Countermand the cruel order. The prisoner. shall haye my room. You, may guard the house with a hundred soldiers, if | ou will ; only spare him. till to-morrow. Cooler judgment, may give wiser counsel.” “You plead so gracefully, Miss Hurdlestone,” he replied, “that I ean refuse you nothing. I yield to your wishes.” Then, to the colonel: ,.. | “ Colonel, let the prisoner. be closely guarded in your house. I make you responsible for his safe-keeping till to-morrow. It will be,as much as, your commision is worth to let him escape,” urdlestone heard this order with;a clouded brow, and, with a rebuking glance at Hope, gave the necessary order for the safe-keeping of the prisoner., CHAPTER V. GIRDWOOD’S.. MISSION. Luke Scotto heard,the degision,of the, Con- federate general. without perceptible emotion. A. life of vicissitude and danger had so seasoned his temper that the most startling episodes scarcely ruffled, the surface of his soul... He was a worthy type of that class so useful in.great crises, and whose deeds are historical. Though rough in, exterior, he was. able, to appreciate things honorable to human, nature, aa to hold in equal detestation acts of treachery and eruel- ty. Fas “For this short reprieve, young woman,’) he. said, “I thankyou kind, and, hearty. To be sure, one more day and night on the. airth, an- other sunset: and sunrise, mayn’t be of special sarvice to me; yet the intention.on your part was noble and generous.” , Then, to Girdwood : j “ Por a South-downer, there’s, more marey in ye nor I expected..to light, on, I’m glad my ullet didn’t go.no, nearer.a head, that, not’stan’- in’ the p’ison doctrines which areafloat, has some remains of sense and reason jn’t.:, But tlie. debt, isn’t allon my side. Comin’, upon. me without a countersign, it was my duty to stop ye; and resistin’ me as you did, J mought have shot. ye without violatin’ the rules of the sarvice, or be in’ called in. question for it,, As, it, has, turned out, I feel none the worse for keepin’ my. revoly- er in my. belt.” f sie Hurdlestone -was , pointing | impatiently,.to a door which a soldier had thrown, open: The scout, before. moving, looked. at Beauregard. Sorrow.and indignation seemed to be struggling in his countenance. j “Touton,. Beauregard,” he said, .in a, tone strikingly, impressive. ff “ General Beauregard !”, eried: one of_ the Black Horse boys, striking Scotto with his sabre. “ We -shall,-haye to teach you, Federal mudsills good manners.” _, onze fo7 Scotto snatched the weapon from him.with a sudden flash of his brawny hand, broke it in twain, and threw, it through an open window, with»a silent scorn, and dignity that rebuked themall.... . ; “Touch him not!” said Beauregard, shamed by.an indignant glance from Hope Hurdlestone. “Touton Beauregard,” resumed the scout, with precisely the same. tone. and, manner, with which he had commenced, “I have refrained from speaking, your name, because it leaves a bitterness ou my tongue and in my heart., It must be a rebuke to you.to see before. ye a man who has, fou’t, with you under the,old flag... It] go. ill, with ye — ll,enough, with ye, arter a while... Prehaps you,can tell me where and how Benedict Arnold died!” . Take: him: ayvay,!” said ‘the general, with his. eyes bent upon, the floor. Then added, as Seot- to walked erect. toward the room where he, was tobe guarded: “ At ten. o'clock, to-morrow morn- ing !” oe iotind bs Hope abuddered., asad ave aseow esolaiod Colonel, Hurdlestone bowed gravely, and. an orderly immediately posted.a strong guard about the house. Sa aaittths “Young man,” said:the general,,with a slight gesture to. Girdwood, “come with me.” .. Ralph. followed the man, of authority to an apartment that. he had not seen, opposite slat in which they had breakfasted, and in the front of the house... This apartment was about ten by fifteen feet, and contained writing-desks coy- ered with papers, plans, and specifications. The walls were hung with, maps and charts, , The whole arrangement was business-like and order- Y: SEES yc of tL It was the head-quarters of the Confederate General., Clerks had, evidently, recently, been busy there; but. their places were now vacant... Stepping to an open window, he said to_an officerron the piazza + o Info; 1 him presently.” He then elosed. the. window and. rew the curtain, 4 tn7 Ie “Ralph was now alone, with bim } ag a ae mm the provost-marshal. that T may need cea IR Nanermede eR SCOTTO; THE SCOUT. Y sat, down at a table, and resting his head in his hands,’ seemed for a time Jost in, meditation; forgetful, apparently, that any one was present. Girdwood remained standing, waiting: patient- ly to be noticed. Presently, growing weary of inertia, he began to move about, believing that the general had, in truth, become so speculative that nothing short of sound could arouse him. He paused beside a. desk, and his gaze mechanie- ally rested on a folded parchment, on which were written these words: : “A PLAN ov THE MaskED Barrerres at Burs Run.” His eyes were irresistibly drawn to this docu- ment. “ Young man!” said the general, sharply. Ralph looked up in some confusion, and per- eeived that. Beauregard was observing him. He approached the table and stood full under the serutiny of the officer, who now appeared a different personage than Doctor Benedict. “Do you think, sir, we are in earnest down here?” he asked, with searching severity of manner. “Without doubt!” answered Ralph, recover- ing his equanimity. “Do you think we can keep our own counsel ?” added Beauregard, in a firm tone, depressing his brows a little. “T think yow ean, sir.” “T ean, sir—I can! I would burn my: coat, sir, if-1 thought it was in sympathy with my secrets. Men may come here on frivolous er- rands, thinking to go back with my Jans; but they are more likely to return to mother earth.” He pansed, with his’ penetrating glance ‘still fixed on Ralph. “What is your business, sir?” he asked: ab- ruptly. . “J bring lettérs and dispatches from ‘Balti- more and Washington, from those who. sympa- thize with our cause,” replied Ralph,’ with promptness. : : “ Your cause I have yet to know. Give’ me the dispatches.” “Lend me your sword a monient, general,” said Ralph. ©» i : The general gave him another of those looks that were like the sharp thrusts of a bayonet. “J never surrender my sword, though I may sometimes lend its point.” : The general’s sword was lying on the table, at his elbow.’ He unsheathed it, and presented the hilt to Girdwood, allowing the polished steel to slip slowly through his fingers as the young man received it with a bow; but thosé eyes never left him. He smiled, too, somewhat dis- dainfully, as Ralph held the shining {blade ex- tended, watching with admiring eyes its exee)- lent workmanship. ro “You are nos over-modest, sir,"in -your re- ests, as you leave me unarmed,” remarked uregard, eareless , i “A thousand pardean, general!” answered ‘| the friends of the new Confederacy. eo Girdwood, coloring. “I was quite unconscious of the construction that might be put upon my words. Heaven forbid that I should assassinate even an enemy; much less one to whom I come for preferment.”” LW 4 “Use it!” said Beauregard, briefly. Ralph cut the lining of his eoat and cap, and drew therefrom papers ingeniously concealed ; papers of a fabrie so thin and light, that they almost floated in the air like gossamer. He laid them before the ‘general, who opened and ex- amined them. “These, unquestionably,’ "he said, “ are from Do you know their contents ?” “T may- guess oftheir nature, but of them def- initely and ini detail, I know little or nothing,” answered Girdwood. ' “T can do little for Maryland at present,” said Beauregard, thoughtfully. “There are many ready to take arms if:the flag could be planted there» with sufficient force. But the time has not yet come. Let'them wait patient- ly, and we will, perchance, send them aid and comfort from Washington itself.” Girdwood remained silent.* “These papers,” added the general, “ vouch for their writers ; but'scarcely for the bearer of them. » What is your purpose?” Do remain within-your lines and take service, if any offers agreeable to ‘imy wishes ” he’ re- sponded.: ©: : “You think you ‘can carry a sword better than a musket?” returned the general, sarcas- tically. ‘Wellj'there‘are many that think so. T could soon form an army of officers: But there is more merit in being a good soldier than’a poor officer. » You seera inclined to take this matter very coolly, Your heart isnot enough with us to fll into the ranks, I dare say ?” m8 “T confess that I am, like others, desirous of preferment.’ I believe I can do more efficient duty than’ in’ the ranks: That, however. sha” be judged of by those in authority.” “You are strangely without enthusiasm. We want those who are willing to meet the Northern foe in any capacity, however hunible. You ean remain here till I know more about you. ButI must inform you that you cannot wander at lib- erty among our works. You will keep within the limits of this farmhouse, nor attempt to pass the guards on any pretext whatever.” : “You mean tnat I ani a prisoner!” exciaim- ed Girdwood, in real or affected surprise. “mean not exactly that; but—” he addea, significantly — you will transcend my wishes at your own personal risk. I do not’ say, young nian, that ‘you ‘are not what you profess to be; but we cannot afford to hazard the fortunes of war of a'mere matter of courtesy: The daugh- ter of our host, I dare say, will make you some, amends for the restriction I lay upon you.” May I ‘ask how long I ain to be'a prisoner?” EUG) “ES sis ea eis See elOuT: Wes" ee =< ee ee 18 SCOTTO, THE SCOUY. “Till those arrive who will pronounce on| Hope. ‘Then, in a lower tone : “ I suspect thay your good or bad faith. I daily expect some of the writers of these very letters.” He struck the missives with his white fingers as, he spoke, and a slight flush ‘appeared upon Girdwood’s cheeks. “You will then,” he deliberately add- ed, ‘go hence to an appointment in the Con- federate Army, or—”. He stopped, his lips curled, and he made an imperious | motion up- ward with the forefinger of his right hand. Ralph Girdwood affected not to see or feel this pantomime; but, in truth, he was much im- pressed by it. “There, Mr. Girdwood,” said the general, anon,“ we have done with one another for the present. When next we refer to these matters, may it be with more satisfaction. You will find Lopanes Hurdlestone where you left him, doubt- ess,’’ He waved his hand toward the door, his cal- culating manner came back again, and Girdwood passed from the apartment much more thought- ful than when he entered it. CHAPTER, VI. ; HOPE AND RALPH. Returning to the apartment where he had breakfasted, Ralph found Hope Hurdlestose there. The colonel was absent, attending to his military duties. He was glad of this meeting. Under’ ordinary circumstances, there , would have been a charm in her presence ; and,,situ- ated as he.then was, hemmed in with embarrass- ments, suspected, and watched, the charm was greatly.enhanced. . Her face was the only, friend- ly, os gentle one he had yet seen in the rebel camp. He instep atively turned to her for sym- pathy and strength, Some restraint, however, was upon him, for they were yet, but strangers; and, in times.of strife,; when the caldron. of. human passions seethes with hate/and death, too much confidence is often of the most. serious consequence. That. they, should. regard each other a moment in mutual uncertainty, was a matter naturally growing out of the situation. For, Ralph Girdwood to gaze at Hope Hur- dlestone, was to endanger his safety—not his ersonal safety, but the peace and quiet of. his fitnertetneapiivated heart... He felt that he had discovered. one at. whose feet he would cheerfully cast, all the loye-treasures of his soul. This feeling had come upon him at the instant ef seeing her, and grown stronger with every hour; and he feared that he might shock her by a sudden betrayal of the same. ; “T have to thank you, Miss Hurdlestone, for your efforts for that. poor fellow,” he said,,ad- vancing. . “‘ Howeyer, much I, may, belieye -in the Confederacy, I cannot see the necessity, of such summary dealing with a, brave man??,- “ Watch the windows, Mr, Girdwood, for\sen- tinely have ears as well as eyes,” anawered | you your own position may not.be a safe one.” “ May I ask why, Miss Hurdlestone ?” “ Because I perceive that you! are an object of suspicion. ‘My father;evidently doubts.your sincerity; and I marked thatieven the com:non soldiers frowned uponiyou. Some of the Black Horse dragoons, talked of you and shook: their heads while you were with the general. I hope your interview has been’ satisfactory ?” She watched his countenance’ anxiously. “I cannot tell, you what the general thinks. He is remarkably reticent.’ * And you will find him cunning as a serpent, also., You need not, confess, in words, your loy- alty to the old flag';, but ir you would have my poor assistance, a look, a motion, may suffice.” There was a modest, drooping of her eyes as she spoke; but, her earnestness was: manifest. “7 know which way the vane of your own heart turns; it points. to the North, like the magnetic needle. There is both truth and beau- oe your deyotion to the starry banner,” he said, Ralph looked down, He dared: not meet‘ her too inquisitive eyes. He felt sure that if-liethad a secret, however important, if. would be en. dangered by her questioning glances; **T have nothing to,confess,” he added, a mo- ment after. “‘ My purpose has already beén: de- clared,”’ , “ Nay; Mr. Girdwood, there is no nedd that you should ‘sully; your «truth, with me. Say nothing—-admit ‘nothing; that there. may be no falsehood between us. Excuse my freedom. | In affairs of -life and death, somé -liberty must be allowed. I know what you are. I tioe why you! ate-here...I know you are’ in that. most dangerous character of a—’’ .She.stopped, look- edi at; the windows. and Girdwood, and: added : “You ean supply the word ; three letters spell it. Your changing: cheek, tells that, I have touched the secret. Be assured’ that) you ‘are playing a most;hazardous game.y I:know not 10W you came into possession of those dis- panies referred to by my father, but yonder am- itious and crafty, man will ferret. it ont, you may rely uponit.. His agents come and:go like invisible spirits. His’ messengers, are always astir, Copies,of documents written! at Washing- ton in the morning, are. often in his hands at night. He has. spies! in every department,.and in. every camp, and fortress.’ A daughter of Vir- ginia, true to the Union, adyises you to improve the first, opportunity of escape.” Miss Hurdlestone spoke ina! voice low and guarded. “ You take much for granted,” replied Gird- wood, with a:foreed: sthile; but the motive is so pure.that-I am. flattered, by your fears. » If what» affirm were true, to pass these trebly-guard | ed. lines. would be an undertaking of extreme danger. For the kindness and aid that I may he pelovge oe Oe ek a D> SOOTTO, THE SCOUT. expeet at your hands, without any particular elaim: upon:either, I am most deeply grateful. Will you permit: me to think that we are friends ?” 8 “Tf you love the old flag, we are friends,” she answered, with a flush of enthusiasm. ‘ But about this brave fellow,” she added, quickly, pointing to the room where Scotto was, secured, “He must eseape !”’ “ Exactly my own thought, Miss Hurdlestone. I see no necessity of sacrificing such a.life. How to assist him, however, is a matter of much per- lexity. Ihave great faith in your sagacity, and his cool judgment and quick hand. Once-out- side this house, there wiil be a strong probabil- ity in his favor.” “There is another who may be useful in this endeavor. You will distrust my judgment, when I inform you that.I trust the fidelity of the black, Dagon.” Hope Hurdleston smiled. Just then the shadow of a sentinel moved slowly across the window-panes. “Your opinion is of more weight than mine ; but I certainly should be disposed to doubt him, after hearing, as I did, his grotesque views of the North, as drawn forth by the colonel, your father.” “ Believe not half you hear from Dagon and Haimon. They are wiser than they seem. Duplicity is taught the blacks from childhood by the stern lessons of servitude.” Both Hope and Ralph now stood facing the widows that opened on the piazza. Whenever they%fsaw the automatic figure of a sentinel, they stopped speaking, and went on when his Short rounds took him out of sight. “Dat’s true, Missy Hurd’stone !”” said a voice behind them, that startled Ralph not a little, * Dat’s true as the book of the Gospils! But, Missy Hope, what makes ye for to go on in dis yer way? This ama ha’nted house. Dar am ghosts in the body, that walk ’bout and has ears. You’s been talkin’ treason a heap, and I Jist crep’ in and heerd it by dar back door.” It was Dagon who thus surprised. them. “No matter, Dagon, so long as you were the only listener,” said Miss Hurdlestone, without Apparent apprehension. “Dat yer a’n’t no s’cuse, missy,” persisted agon, in a very serious manner. ‘ You’s too good for to be found out and eotched up by the ceshers. I knows I’s a contraban’; “but the children o’ darkness is sometimes wiser nor the children 0” light.” : _ Ralph heard these words with secret consterna- tion and.dread. His confidence in the black Was not equal to the influence which he beliey- ed he might exert on Hope and himself. Nor fould he forget the catechism of the morning, | . 1 which Dagon had expressed his loyalty to his | . Master and the South, Miss Hurdlestone, perceiving his. apprehen- 19 * sions, and suspecting rightly their cause, hastcn- ed-to allay them. 3 i “Fear not Dagon,” she said.“ He is one of the faithful among the unfaithful. I would trust him with my life.” * Bress ye, Missy Hope, you might well say that yer!” interposed Dagon, with ‘a visible deepening of his voice and feelings. ‘‘ You is the only cretur that keeps me ’mong de ’cesh, anyways. You see I isn’t what I was. I’s no longer a nigger, nor a chattel, but a contraban’. Now these yer contraban’s, missy, can go any- whar they wants to. I ’spect we’s allers been centraban’s, but nobody tole us.. Abe Linkum was the fust man that give us the ’telligence, and I pray the Lor’ in his massy to bress him for it, whether he be black or white; though Mas’r Hurd’stone says he’s black as the ace o’ cards, and that Missus Linkum isthe same. Though,” added Dagon, with a puzzled look, “I don’t see how that 1s, as she’s got a brudder in the ’eesh army, white as anybody.” : “Ts it possible, Miss Hurdlestone,” asked Ralph, smiling, “that such absurd stories are circulated in the seceding States ?” “Not only circulated, but. believed,” replied Hope. “Ii was hardly good manners, Dagon, to steal upon us in this fashion,” she added. “If I did not know your fidelity, I should be serious- ly displeased with you. You heard our conver- sation ?” “Bout every swyllable, missy—bout every swyllable, I should reckin’!” answered Dagon, coolly. “ But it’s safe—safe as a sigger in a swamp afore he’s missed. Dis yer contraban’ was jist on the look-out for ye, and that’s the truth. The colonel hisself, might come ‘pon you onawar’s ; but he eouldn’t do it while dis yer nig was watchin’.. Then the sogers, with the one-pronged forks on dar guns, might been put- tin’ dar ears. to one place and another, whar they hadn’t no business.” “Well, Dagon, since you know what we were talking of, what is your opinion of the matter?” She looked toward the room in which was Seotto. “T's drefful “feard, missy, he’ll wear the hemp collar. 'F I's found tryin’ to help him off, shouldn't stan’ no chance ’t all. Foiiges and juries isn’t. for colored folks, It’s the drawin’ of a pistle, the runnin’: up of a rope, or the whizzin’. of a.whip; and that’s all the law we gits. Don’t ’spect it’s Abe Linkum hisself, shut up dar, does ye ?. That, can’t be, nother, cause as’r would knowed him. But, that don’t make no odds, He’s in trouble, and I’s boun’ to help him. So, missy, you can count on dis yer con- traban’.” “What with General Beauregard, what with your father, and what with the sentries that sur- round the house, the chances of the prisoner, are small,” obseryed Ralph, reflectively... “No one, Miss Hurdlestone, can gain access to him 0 —-- 20 “aes so readily as yourself, You are familiar! with the house, the. various doors and windows, the habits of those. who. come and go, andthe situ- ation of the adjacent grounds. That door, I belivve, does not communicate direetly with the scouts 2” , eet ay} fo “ A narrow hall lies between it’ and the door opening into the room where he is seeured,’and which is ditvetly in’the rear ‘ofthat o¢eupied by the general. A sentinel, you observe, paces’ ths open'piazaa, where his eyes can at any time be taraal towarl the’ prisofer’s door.” At night, the diffisulty will’ duubéléss ‘be’ increased by a svatinel in the hall)” answered Hope. : “ Noshin + will ba overlov¥el or forgotten that oai consribate to his safe-keeping,” said Ralph. *Toere is bat a single window in the room, anl that, unfortunately, has wooden shutters fistoning ipsa the outside, and which, for ad- ditioarl secarityy have been nailed. Even dur- ing the day, his little’ prison ‘cannot be very light; wails in tle night the darkuess will pre- vent himfrom makin a successful unailed ef- fort. Wits all these obstablés in the way, his liberation, I confess, seems a task of no easy aco pin plishiment.” ee ; Hope looked “inquringly ‘at Girdwood, who shook his head with undisguised dubiousness. Dagou stuod musing profoundly. He chafed his sooty forehead, plaited down his wool with his’ coucive palm, rofled his eyes, rested his weight on one foot, then onthe other, and labor- od heavily in thought. While ‘the black was thas mentally ‘sweating, the parties were star- tled bya rough voice outside, exclaiming : “Stand away from hyar! Git out o’ my day- light, you Virginny ¢oons! Make room for a live wildeat! Your ‘kurnel’ sent me hyar, and I'm gwine in, if [ have te» use my claws for't: Vm Kentuck,’ South Car'line, Texas, and old Missip b’iled down,” : Before Girdwood had reéovered from the ef- feet of these words, a singular-looking man en- tered} followed by two boys. ‘ OHAPTER VIL. os ZADOG MURCH: . ‘The man who thus unceremoniously presént- od “himself: to Miss! Hurdlestone- ‘and Girdwood, owas’ of low staturé, but sturdily built.’ “He was’ ofa remarkable breadth’ across the shoulders’ and chest, with-an unustally largé development} of musele, which was specially poticeable in the arms and tawny hands. His face was broad, mostly covéred by a long, red beard, shagey and unkempt. His mouth, in extent, might be eompared to a cruel, transverse gash between the nose and chin. His eyes were small and sunning, far back in their sockets while the lashes. and brows were nearly White. ‘Tis fore- head was not’ of the Northern schoolmaster type, but low and determined. His head was a | upon: his»head: .|muss.” .. Then turning from Dagon, as if he SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. : , } swamp of hair, and anvutter stranger to the bee nign influences of ‘a careful toilet. ‘The cap mounted upon his matted poll, and which seemeil permanent fixture there, was of a conical cut, doubtful age; and drawn tightly He wore'a greasy gray blouse that ‘lung loosely upon his burly Badly: while his baggy trowsers naturally suggested Turks and Zouaves; and ‘other loosé people. His arms were'a short riflé, a brace of Colt’s navy-size pistols, and a long bowie-knife. The boys that followed this strong decoction of “Kentuck, South Carline, Texas, and old Missip,” ‘were very simply-clad — their . entire wardrobe consisting of four articles: cap, shirt, trowsers, and brogans, each in an CF eaitcol state of sérviee. These Jads were thirteen or fourteen years of age, of the same height, but bearing no resemblance in feature and expres sion. One had a drum slung over his shoulder, and thé other a fife tueked under his arm. - The man in the blouse dropped the butt of his rifle’ upon the, floor, stared a moment at Hope and Ralph, and cried out, in an explosive Voice : “What ye doin’ hyar?” This was an. unexcepted and novel salutation, and neither of the parties to whom it appeared to be addressed were prepared to answer it. “Humph! —strike up! Give ’em Dan!” The drum began to rattle, and the fife to squeak, and the nondescript to sing: i * Old Dan Tucker come to town, » With one Jeg up and t’other leg down—” “Hole up, dar! hole up!” shouted Dagon, advancing, with remonstrating gestures. ‘‘ Mas'r Hurd’stone don’t “low no sich gwine on as dis Tera The drum and fife became silent. “ Bow-wow !” barked the free-and-easy strang- er, in A Yet. abrupt and stridulous manner, diving ‘atthe negro in a grotesque fashion- “Go ‘way, nig! Don’t speak to white folks. It’s you Jong-armed apes that’s kicked up the were too insignificant for contempt, even, he again ‘addressed Hope and Ralph: "Didn't expect me, did ye? war comin,’ I s’pose?”” * : : “We certainly did not,” answered Hope; smiling, now more amused than alarmed. “Prehaps you don’t know me?” he contin- ued, looking at Miss Hurdlestone inquiringly: his small eyes twinkling with rough humor. ; “Not in the Jeast,” said Hope. , “Wall, I'm sev'ral States D’iled down! I’m) a strong tea for abolition sickness! I’m 4] screamin’ .wildeat. for ketchin’ Yankee mioe! | I’m a Conféd. I’m Zado¢ Mureh.” ; Dumb,.I allow,” added the in-” truder.. Then to the boys: ‘Strike up, chaps Didn't knowl | | | | | | | | ) | | These formidable announcements did not Li pn } 4 SS ey ee ae a ony | ist c » dis ng? | ner, jone | \ks- | the | » he |} he | Ww 1 oper | ntin- a gly | rm} m a) ioe | ‘ re 42 SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. mueh confound the young woman as the man had anticipated. todd yw Girdwood, Lowever, was less. pleased with this familiarity, and was about.to rebuke him; when he dropped carelessly into a chair, adding : “Give me sometuin’ to- swaller, gal; and some’at to chaw.” The cool assurance of Zadoe Murch chased the gathering shadow trom Girdwood’s brow, Perceiving that a character was before him, his better sense brought him good-humor, 4 “ Druni and ‘fité,” quoth Zadoc, looking be- nigttantly at thé lads, “down on your haunches and rest. Make yourselves to home. This is a Confed shanty, and we'ré’ Confed ¢ritters. We'll all one. Theré’s no distinction, ‘cept with niggers. We're brothers all, from the lee- tlest to the biggest. He's a brother, she’s a sis- ter”—he* pointed at Hope and Ralph—‘and were all fightin’ for wool and cotton—nigger wool, and nigger cotton. These toddlers ”’—he made a suggestive motion to the lads—* these toddlers, white folks, are game chickens. Knowéd "em when they’s jest from the egg. They've come up from Richmond to see. the fun, and pound aud squeak for me and the so- gers.” He paused a moment. “ Whar’s the kurnel? Whar's the gin’ral ?” Just then, Colonel Hurdlestone entered. He exhibited surprise and some confusion on seeing Zadoce Murch, who stretched out his hand, with- out rising, and said : : “Give us a shake, hoss !”’ They shook ‘hands, Hurdlestone performing that ceremony somewhat stiffly. “Sooner nor you expected, I allow. Pre- haps I’ve traveled, kurnel! Prehaps I’ve been to places!” Prehaps not !” He shook and nodded his head mysteriously, then looked steadily at the floor. * All’s well down hyar, I reckon ?” ““Bxcellently well,” said Hurdlestone. “Most ready to fight? Can't stan’ if niuch longer without a scrimmage, kurnel,” continued doc. ‘Here comes one who can tell you more of these matters than I,” replied Hurdlestone. As he spoke, the Confederate general crossed ithe threshold, seeing no one in the room, apparent- ly, but Zadoe Murch; who thrust forth his big brown hand as coolly as before, and, not in the least abashed, said : “TIow-do, gin'ral? Proud to see ye. All tight! No ceremony atween friends. “Two lit- tle Confeds—them be.” Te nodded at the lads. “ Leetle vessels, but runnin’ over with rebellion. There's fun, fight, treason, and musie in ’em. They'll play ‘March to Boston’ for ye, or Buukum Hill, nother. We sha’n’t keep mueh longer, gin’ral ; we're sp’ilin’ for a fight. Have je ebrinkle a trifle of cheercoal’ over us, I al- We ‘ r ramps pe 4 ai |.) “Be-patient, good: fellow! You shall have enough of it, by-and-by,” replied Beauregard with great good-nature. “Let. them first gte, on our trencher and spring our trap, man” . “Lhe springs Il rust, af you let it set tog long,” said Zadoe. Hurdlestone lifted his’ shoulders | peculiar fashion. ; * We're enough for them—quite enough for them, Mr. Murch,” answered Beauregard, quiek- ly. “We feel, already, the prestige of vieto- ry.” He glanéed’ at Hope’ and Girdwood. “McClellan is rushing to destruction in West- ern Virginia. I am “hourly expecting to hear that he 18 eut to pieces.” ' Zadoe grunted very gruffly. .. “What do you mean by hate said the rebel leader, sharply. ~’‘Garnet' and Pegram will rove a match for McClellan and Rosencranz. P hold the skill and ‘courage of these Yankee of- ficers in light esteem.” ‘That's whar you’re wrong, gin’ral. Garnet and Pegram won’t lick ’em !"’ added Zadoe. “Tl stake my epaulets on it!” interposed Hurdlestone, glancing contemptuously at the last speaker. pec “And why won't they whip them?” asked Beauregard, studying the brown visage ‘of Murch. : “Look ’e hyar!” ered’ the Jatter, stretching out the bundle of muscles that composed his right'arm. ‘ Look’ hyar!” The arm subsid- ed to its former position. “ Well,” said Beauregard, uneasily, while the colonel gnawed his lip with impatience. — : “Thar’s a reason for everything, gin’ral. They can’t whip ’em, ’eause they’re whipped theirselves. The Feds has swept Western Vi. ginny! Garnet's dead, and Pegram’s a prison- er!” : : Zadoc cast his eyes quietly about the room, to observe the effect off his news on the differ- ent parties. , The rebel leader stood silent and dismayed. Hurdlestone flushed with anger and unbelief. “Death and fury!” he muttered. ‘‘ Tt’s false as hell!” $ ii, : Murch arose to his feet. “ Look ’e‘hyar!” he shouted. “Whar's the lie? I take that’ up! T take it up now and hyar. Go outside along o mét’” " * _Zadoe took up his rifle and started for the (door, as if everything were fully arranged for a deadly settlement. aoe Beauregard stepped forward, seized the burly fellow by the shoulder, and faced him abovit with a single motion. It was a display of strength that filled Mureh with admiration and surprise. ‘ eee . “Wall, that beats old Missip! You're a ram un, B’uregatd! You're the hogs to lead us! I declar’ if you ain’t some persimmons} Le’ me Look at that arg?) wom. 4 in his own a 22 Zadoe laid hold of the seu arm with as little reverence as if it had been a fire-arm, felt the muscles, and examined the small, white hand carefully and ouriously. ‘ 5 “Thar’s a mistake hyar!’” he said, shaking his head skeptieally. ‘This war not the thing that done it. Hook hold on me ag’in.” The Confederate chief good-hunioredly took him by the arm and spun him round like a top, « Adl right!” said Zadoc, manifestly quite satis- fied ae relieved; as well as forgetful of his wrath: toward Hur.llestone. +‘ Them’s the pat- ent double-action fingers, though they ain’t big- ger nor @ Wotnan's.”’ i A momentary glow of pride appeared on Beauregard’s face. He had been noted for his strength. ; j “Friend Murch,” he said, his mind instantly reverting to the intelligence he had just heard, “ are you sure that you are not deceived ?” “Sure as a rifle-caunon! If thar war any doubt, I should told ye. Kurnel Garnett was shot while tryin’ to rally his men, and thar war bad work. Soon arter, Pegram, who. was wan- derin’ about in the mountains, caved in, and trotted into the Yankee camp with a thousand men. They did so, gin’ral !” Girdwood saw. Hurdlestone frowning at. his danghter, whose face expressed anything but vief. : if thousand prisoners !” muttered Beaure- ard. : Oe Which were let go on their peril of honor,” interposed Zadoc. Looking up, the general saw a smile on Hope’s tips, and tried to quell her with his eyes, but was discomfited, and smiled hinrself. “The oath of allegiance!” sneered Hurdle- stone. ‘ They hanged the officers, I suppose?” “No; but they embalmed one on ’em, and sent him to his friends in a nice box.” Hurdlestone. was confused. “T believe little,” he said, <‘in Northern cour- tesy and mercy.” “Nobody axed you to!” retorted Zadoo. “Who keers for their courtesy or massy ? _ But the Feds war fools, though, in p’int 0’ common sense, to let their prisoners go arter takin’ a sw'ar all round. Why,I sometimes sw’ar by the hour together, and think nothin’ on’t. They call this the peril of honor, the Feds do, ‘cause if they’re cotched in arms, arterward, they'll be shot.” 7 “Their patole will not, in all cases, be re- spected, I think,” said Hurdlestone, with a shrug. “What are you going to do with these boys, Mr. Murch ?”’ asked the general. “Tm gwine to )’arn ‘em to be wise as sar- pents. J’m gwine to train’em up tv thump and squeak right among the cannon-balls. private band, you see, I have ’em the same as lt's a SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. tle, they’ra to trot arter me with their drum ana fife, playiu’ ‘Dan Tucker’ for dear je. That's why them’s boys is hyar. Long's | kin hear the tap o' the drum and the squeak o’ the fife. there'll be mischief and motion in me. It a Minié ball or a round shot ehould tumble me over, jest squeak and pound a ieetle louder, and Pll up and at 1t ag’in.” “Come with me, Zadoe,” said the general ; ‘and you, also, colonel.” The Confederate chief lingered 4 moment on the threshold, looked searehingly at Girdwood and Miss Hurdlestone, then thoughtfully retired to that apartment which had so many secrets, and kepi them so well, followed by the colonel and Zadoc Murch, CHAPTER, VIL. _ THE MASKED BATTERIES OF MANASSAB. Girdwood passed the day as well.as, he conld in the circumscribed limits assigned him. Some- times standing on the open piazza, he watched the streams of Confederate soldiers flowing and fluctuating this way and that; sometimes he cast his eyes inquiringly up the Run, wondering why so much animation pervaded it ; sometimes he noted officers, in gay uniforms, appearing and disappearing mysteriously in the woods; sometimes he listened to the yague murmur of camps ; sometimes the blast of the bugle echoes through the hills.and valleys, with a wild: yet stirring effect; sometimes he marked messen- gers coming in hot haste to the head-qnarters ‘of the rebel chief; and sometimes. he, listencd to the light step of Hope Hurdlestone within. Random pistol and muskol shots ; oceasion- ally the boom of cannon, with near or distant voices; the sound of busy axes, and the crash Pof falling tre:s far in the depths of, the forest, all conspired to give him a lively impression of the realities of war and the zeal of the Oonfed- | erates. ~ He saw the sun set, at length, with a feeling of relief on the imperfectly-seen and comprehend- ed activities of the Run. As the dimness of evening fell, the guard was doubled, and their vigilance increased. A sentinel was stationed in the narrow hall, near Sevtto’s door... His hope for the scout waned as he beheld these recautions. He mentioned his fears to Miss urdlestone, whose despondency was greater than his own. From Beauregard he had re- ecived no further attention. That important personage, on whom centred so many thoughts and expectations, had been busy several hours with his clerks ; while the colonel was alsent, scouring the country with thesBlack Horse Rangers. His absence might be protracted through the night, or he might. appear at any moment. One of Zadoc’s boys was. found asleep in the you bave your bottle o’ wine at dinner, In bat- hall. The sentinel shook him; but he was so bursts of martial music, mingled with mufiled — | OM 6 x in cot ee, SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. ® Pitiably weary and drowsy. that, after-being | Zadoc's wide gash.of a niouth seemed to grow shaken awhile, he was allowed to ‘slumber on, with his drum beside him. Ralph breathed ‘a few words of encourage- ment to Hope, but with so litfle enthusiasm that they failed of their purpose. He Was conscious of being little else than a prisoner himself, and this feeling was equally well understood by her. Whether within or without, he knew he was ob- served, and that knowledge was so annoying to his pride, that he sought solitude in the chamber that had been allotted him, utterly despairing of being of. any service to the unfortunate scout, whose firm tread he could occasionally hear be- heath him. Although his. mind had much to occupy it, his own safety among other consider- ations, he could not help thinking of the pris- oner doomed at ten in the morning. .Earnestly he deplored the stern usages, of war that rén- dered sich “sacrifices necessary, or, at least, Sanctioned them with belligerent powers. He did not think of repose, but sat with his face buried in his hands, pondering upon the’ dark §cenés about to open upon the old Dominion and other hitherto peaceful States. Once or twice he heard a fife squeaking shrilly various negro melodies, but did not heed it. Several plans for the rescue of the loyal scout came and Went, but he was painfully conscious that his position was too eritical to compromise it by ; “2 possibly apparent. interference. n the quietude and darkness he remained Some hours, without any particular realization of the passage of time: Some one entered his chamber, Raising. his head, lie perceived a figure, dim, and scarcely distinguishable in the obscurity. This figure: Must have stolen up very softiy, for he heard Nothing until a moccasined foot tapped lightly %n the floor. * Are ye hyar ?”’ asked a voice, which, though quite recognizable, was pitched on a soft and, Seemingly, cautious key. ‘Tam here,” answered Girdwood, falling in- to the same tone, and feeling quietly for his ‘Sde-arms. “ What do you want?” “Jf I'd a wanted to harm ye, eould done it— Souldn’t 1?” responded Mureh. “ Stood look- in’ a minute afore I made a noise. Thinkin’ a 800d deal, ain’t ye? Prehaps it’s the gal; pre- ae in, it’s other things?” ph knew not whether to resent this’ famil- ——_ *. larity or pass it over; the latter course seemed e wisest. He was about to give a careless re- Ply, when Zadoe added : “Why don’t you ‘air your legs, some’at? | there's a bit o’ moon in the sky, a shimmerin’ like pale silver on the woods, Let’s walk.” a Sally Mr. Murch,” said Girdwood, consid- ‘ably embarrassed in view of the restriction laig upon him, ‘I searcely feel like walking to- Aight, 1 am not well, I believe.” + wider with a cunning smile. “I know your health’s awful delikit-: pug 1 thought that prehaps a sight of our works moughtn't do ye no harm!” he answered. *] should like-to see them ; but—but—” Ralph hesitated, for it was revolting to his pride to confess the truth, “ Look’e hyar!” Murch dallied with his huge bowie-knife.. The’ young’ man looked, but caw nothing unusual. A bushy figure loomed up before him, and that was all, “Now is your time! Come with me! I'm wildeat! I’m Kenttick, Carline, Texas, and ojd Missip b'iled down. Imi a bitter tea for any one as molests me. Come along !"’ “Te’s impossible!” answered Girdwood, im- patiently, arising, and standing face to face with Mureh. : “Thar’s no sich word as that ar in my Choe taw dictionary,” answered Zadoc. my mind on, I do, and nothin’ on airth can stop me. Trust in a Mississip valley crocodile, and come arter me without fear. And, stop! Look ’e hyar! If a guard a to ye, say ‘ Warren- ton. Warrenton will’ take “em down. ‘Thar’s nothin’ ean stan’ Warrenton hyar to-night.” Girdwood was surprised; but adjusting his arms, he followed Zadoe Murch, who added, as they crossed’ the thr2shold : : “You néedn’t take pains'to step louder nor nat’ral, for B’uregard is at his dictatin’ and writ- in’ yet. He’s allers late to bed, and thar’s no need o’ disturbin’ him.” : Girdwood ‘descended thé ‘stairs full of doubt and uncertiinty, and treading Very lightly. “A bayonet’ stopped him'at the door. He whisper- ed “Warrenton.” The glittering steel quivered an instant, then dropped, and he passed on. Another line of ‘sentinels was passed in the same manner. _ ith “Now,” said Murch, “we'll go up the ravine. We shall now and then be challenged ; but you know what to say.” Zaioc, leading with ‘steady, ‘assured steps, crossed thie Warrenton Road and struck into the woods: “The ground was uneven, lying in irreg- ular swells, with ‘o¢casionally sharp hills and deep valleys. They réached'a stream or run, dry in most places, but with here and there a pool of stagnant'water. e Girdwood began to feel a strange hum of life around him. “WhatI sets / > “Look thar!” said Zadoc, pointing with his brown finger, ; : “T see nothing,” replied Ralph, “but an in- distinct maze of shrubbery.’’ ue “Do you hear nothing?” pursued Zadoe, “Yes, voices, and the hum of human pres- ence,” said Ralph. “eae eh Se Lae he eee ae, a a ee “*Y' smell' the smoke of smouldering esmp- fires,” said Ralph. ne 24 “ Who goes there?” cried a sentinel. e Frievds,” answered both. “ Advanee, friends, and. give the. connter- sign.” “ Warrenton!” “ Warrenton goes. Pass, friends! “ What do ye see hyar?” asked Murch. . His great arm lifted slowly, and fixedly indicating a certain point. ( “ A masked battery!” replied Girdwood. Zadoc Murch turned and strode on. “ Look yonder.” “T see a wall of brush,” replied Ralph, and his eccentric guide, stalked on again. The word ‘* Warrenton” seemed omnipotent. “ What do ye see now?” «A Reseed intent, and dying camp fires!” The broad figure of Zadoe Murch pushed for- ward through the oak openings. The white moonlight fell upon him as he moved on. A hundred—two hundred yards, were traversed. “Thar!” said Zadoc, abruptly swinging his chubby arm in a certain direetion. ‘‘ What now ?”” * “Some dried limbs, and the tall, undulating grass,” said Ralph. . ” Another short walk and another pause. “ What ag’in ?” “Masked batteries, camps, and dying camp- fires 1” ; ‘Zadoe glanced at his eompanion, filled his mouth with the strong Indian weed, and chew- ing it savagely, resumed his steady course on- Wa ses J [of ots Soldiers started: up from sleep. and fell back heavily.. A;few restless ones eee after them dreamily ; while now and then an acquaintance gave Murch rough greeting, or sent after him words of badinage. To these the man gave little heed... He seemed absorbed. Some over- ere woe” was evidently working in his mind. win ‘What place is this?” questioned Girdwood. “The why to Manassas!” replied Murch. The young manfelt a chill ypon him. Think- ing many things, he followed his conducter. The position appeared fortified by nature. “Look once more,’”’ continued Zadoe. '* A’phalanx of trees,” responded Ralph. “Come on! Now what ?? eee ' The suggestive arm was again raised. ‘Ae masked battery, camps, and dying camp- fires !"" ~~ ne ee The moonbeams fell in white-threads upon the silent guns. “The Confederate soldiers turn- ed unconsoigusly: in their sleep, dreaming of sistant friends.~ The brands smoked in the rough and, now-deserted kitchens., And thus the woodland walk continued, and battery after battery met thé eyes of Girdwood, ~ Miles of broken wooded-couritry, rolling. table- Jand, hills and yale were traversed inthis man- | SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. ner, with the constant recurrence of batteries and camps. y Ralph was greatly impressed with what, he be- held. He was perplexed, too, with the strange conduet of his guide, whose taciturnity was un- looked for. They finally left the forest, to re- turn by a different route; first, to cross some swampy ground, then through open fields and occasional clusters of oaks. f \ “ What have you seen?” asked Murch,” “What may be called a zig-zag line’ of forts, extending between two and tlireé miles,” answer= ed Girdwood. F z “Can the Federals take it ?” Zadoe turned a curious look at the young man. “Not without the advantage of numbers, and terrible loss of life!” replied Ralph, thought. fully. Fes) so! Now do you know the name of that thar place? It’s called Bull Run, here- about.” “A place I never heard mentioned at Wash- ington, or within the lines of the army-of the Potomac. Tell me, Mr. Murch, have our ene mies no scouts ?” F “Oh yes! Touton B’uregard’s goin’ to hang one in the mornin !” : “Can it be possible,” said Girdwood, continu- ing the same train of reflection, “ that the Yan- kees know nothing of the masked batteries of Manassas ?” j “ You'd better say nothin’ about what you’ve seen down hyar,” added Murch. ‘If B’urégard knowed where — been, you’d be treated te clost quarters till arter the advance of the inemy. That's a seoret he gards like the apple of his eye.” P ’ , “Why, then, have you led me through Bull Run ?” queried Ralph. : ‘“Look ’e-hyar! Thar’s things that musn’t be talked about, nor meddied with. This is one on’em, You’ye seen what no livin’ man can see, not in fall fellership with the Conféds, and pass that thar line of sentinels. Youre one of us, and ’tan’t no matter "bout motives. But I ean tell ye this: the Fed’s "Il be eut up cruel, if they go down thar without, knowin’ what they’re goin’ into. I predict for ’em a bloody. rout, sich as was neyer seen in these parts. I, Zadoe March, say it!" ; ‘By this timé they were near the farm house. *'@o in,” he added, “and keep your own counse).. Breathe not a word of this breach old hoss. Look well to your own neck. © Good. bye, till we meet ag’in.”” © ae, With this closing exhortation, delivered in a friendly tone, Zadoe Murch turned on his heel, and went his way. Se in —_ q 1 | |} | | ~? oo” -~f Os Co ee ee B re SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. CHAPTER IX. OHANGE OF QUARTERS. Girdwood went quietly to his room. It was midnight ; and, soon after, he heard the rebel chief retire to his chamber; but, apparently, not to sleep, for his restless footsteps were audi- ble for a long time. i The young man stretched himself on his bed ; but thoughts of the eve below, and Hope Hurdlestone; banished repose, and when he at length slumbered, he dreamed of masked bat- teries. He met Hurdlestone, and Hope, and the gen- eral at the breakfast-table, at alate hour in the morning. He was treated with marked coldness by the latter. He watched Hope’s countenance, hoping to get good news from it respecting Luke Scotto ; but her expression was downeast and anxious. The meal. passed in comparative si- Jence, and Ralph was heartily glad when it was ended. The guard still environed the house, and a soldier stood leaning on his musket at Seotto’s door. “You'd better leave the room, Hope,”’ said the colonel. . ' The young woman shook her head, and re- mained. Low orders were given, and preparations. of some nature, were made in the clump. of oaks before the house. Girdwood tried to get an op- portunity to speak to Hope. Gradually getting near her, he whispered : “ Has anything been done, Miss Hurdlestone ?” “No,” she answered; ‘“‘no chance has been pre: The surveillance has been so close that found it impossible to move. Poor fellow!” Ralph sighed, and, perceiving the eyes of Beauregard upon him, colored. A file of men appeared. ‘Take him out!’ said Hurdlestone, in a sup- ressed voice, glancing at his daughter, and eaving the room. “1 meant,” said Hope, addressing Beaure- gard, “to have appealed to your magnauimity again; but see, by your expression, that the gates of merey are closed. You are fortified, in advance, against the attacks of pity. “You are right, Miss Hurdlestone. yourself humiliation, and me a scene.” This was uttered in a manner that offended the Spare _ pride of Hope. “If your bandit ancestor were brought in from the hills of Mexico.’ she added, with a slight toss of the head. and a sareastic glitter of the eyes, “I would not put up ery nor prayer: for him!” The face of the traitor-general reddened with: anger. “You shall regret this. Miss Hurdlestone !" To cast at me the foul slanders of the Northern press, is something you might have spared me, Without detriment to your cause and wishes.” 25 “Nay, the ‘story eame from your a... .ral hills; and you will find it inthe Diario di Mejico; also, translated and copied into sundry Anglo- Saxon sheets,” responded Hope, glad to see that her shaft had taken effeet. “There’s no military discipline for you, Miss Hurdlestone. The tongue of your sex is a weapon that cannot be guarded against. And yet,” he added, frowning, “even women have sometimes suffered for political sins.” “ They have ‘been whipped in Southern lati- tudes,” murinured Hope. ‘“‘ Death and the devil!” cried the colonel, at that moment. ‘ Where’s the prisoner?” A corporal had just opened the door, wnd was starring, with open mouth, into Scotto’s room. The colonel, seeing him, dashed through the hall, with the foregoing exclamation. He look- 'ed into the dim, little apartment ; he searched | every corner with his troubled eyes ; but Luke Scotto was not there. He had escaped. ‘The window was fastened, nothing was disturbed, and Hurdlestone sought in vain for a elue to his mysterious disappearance. ““We have been cheated and eajoléed!” he roared: ‘There are traitors among us!” {| “Colonel Hurdiestone,”.: said Beauregard, coldly, ‘bring out your man !” General,’ answered Hurdiestone, his voice husky. with anger, “he bas escaped! I know not how; but the fact is obvious. The guards — tampered with, or the devil helped im.” “A fair devil, I'll warrant!” retorted Beau- regard, looking at Hope. . ‘IT understand you, sir!” said Hope, with quiet hauteur. “Nor do you deny the implication,” resumed the general. : “The will, sir, I do not deny ; but the oppor- tunity I most certainly do,” she returned, with dignity- Yo “ She shall take his place, and feed on *bread and water !” protested the colonel, in great ex- citement, “ Ini with’ you; missin with ‘you! Pll teach you that I cau’ punish traitors of my own -househoid !”’ r f Hope stood, calm and unmoved. She glanced at the Confederate leader, with an expression that said : “ See the storm you’ have raised!” Girdwood. remained, astounded; in the back- ground. , Hurdlestone seemed determined to enforce his hasty menace. ‘ , © Do you hear me, gitl? You are no daugh- ter of mine, if you aid and ¢omfort traitors!” raged the colonél, striding with angry géstures, about the room. ~ me * eer eoee “f will obey you, father, if you do not chiange your mind after a moment's reflection,” ‘an- swered Hope, unruffied and dignified. { “Be silent, sir!” exclaimed the general, au- SS 26 thoritatlvely. “The word of Miss Hope ie suffi- cient, for her mnocence.” z : Miss Hurdlestone bowed slightly to. Beaure- gard. ‘« Her denial may satisfy you; but I know her disloyal leanings too well.to be deceived,” mut- tered the colonel, in tones less fiery. ‘“ Her heart is not with us, sir, but with the Federal cause. ‘It grieves me that a child of mine should cherish such sentiments.” “ Her sentiments do not ill beeome her, col- onel,” Girdwood ventured to remark, “ Your opinion, sir, is of little value: re- torted Hurdlestone, with sneering brevity. Ralph saw Beauregard’s eyes lowering: on bim ominously. The file of soldiers that had come to take Seotto to execution fell back, grumbling, and dissatisfied, » A: universal feeling of sullenness prevailed about thé head-quarters. “ Where are them d—d boys ?” asked the col- one}, suddenly, regardless dike of grammar, and anemphatie word. This question referred to Za- doe’s band. Drum.and Fife could not be seen ; théy had disappedred. A soldier reported that he liad observed one of the boys sleeping under a tree, at daylight. “The other cannot be far off, then. Besides, Murel: is ‘sufficient: guaranty for their honesty. But there’s an-infernal leak somewhere,” added Hurdlestone. “Send up a corporal’s guard!” said the gen- eral, to the soldier who had spoken. Hope and: Girdwood looked at each other in- area The more prophetic instincts of the ormer foresaw something unpleasant. Her cheeks grew pale, and a lurking. fear disturbed hers»: An awkward silence followed. It was the lull that precedes a fresh outburst of storm. ‘The guard. came, ata double-quick. “Corporal,’ said the rebel leader, pointing to Girdwood, “that man is a prisoner. Put him in there! «If be escapes, I’ll know the rea- sob why!” “ General Beauregard, I protest against this treatment!” said Ralph, ‘quite confounded. “When I entered your lines, I brought vouch- ers that should: have satisfied:every doubt.” ““T know my duty,sir !”” answered the Con- federate general, sternly. Then, to the corporal : “Place a trusty man at: that: door, and see that the prisoner is seen, or spoken to, every hour.” The corporal touched his cap. “Look: you, sir!” he continued, sharply. “A fellow gave us the slip last night. Nobody can explain the mystery ;, but if we haye anoth- er, such mystery, somebody will suffer. for it.” Then, to Girdwood: ‘‘ Not a word, young man! IT know well what I do. You will oceupy the, quarters of Scotto, the Scout, during my pleasure.” 5 The stern fnve of the rebel chief was turned SOOTTO, THE SCOUT, threateningly upon Girdwood, who saw in its rigid lines little to hope and much to fear, CHAPTER, X. THROUGH THE WALL. Girdwood’s imprisonment proved rigorous. It was no pastime to be immured in a little dark room, day after day, with no prospect of relief, and an uncertain fate before him. His: mind was.ill at ease. There were reasons best known to himself why he should feel disturbed and alarmed. Ie certainly would have escaped had an opportunity offered. Of his food, whieh was placed before him in silence, he did not com- plain, and. he thought he detected, both in its quantity and quality, the friendly hand of Hope Hurdlestone. One day a folded paper was thrust. throngh a crevice into his room. » He seized it with eager- nesss. Upon it was written: “ You are believed to be a spy. I tremble at what may happen. Hors.” His blood thrilled with gladness. He was re- membered by oné whom he never could forget. Pleasing consciousness! Ilere was a ray of light shining upon his darkness. He kissed the paper, tore off a piece of it, and wrote with his peneil : “T care not what others think ; but your good opinion is priceless. I dare not write what my heart feels.” This he slipped through the crevice, and awaited anxiously an answer, It came, and was as follows : “Think of your own safety. T am scarcely worth a thought.” With nervous hand, Ralph wrote ; * To me you are worth the price of a world! In all the solitary hours passed in this room, the remembrance of you has been my solace. I am no longer myself; Lam posessed, and by you, kind and loyal Hope. Will you not Sorgive this from one whose unminent peril renders him incapable of deception?” ton: This well-freighted s)rap went. after its prede- cessor. Girdwood's bioo:d was. in strange per- turbation. His uncertain position, the conven- ient tree, and the dangling cord, were lost sight of.. He only thought: Shall I bo rebuked or encouraged? Will this be.inet.with indifference or maiden modesty ? He placed his impatient ear to the wall. He fancied he could hear above the throblings of his heart the rapid tracking of a pencil over paper. A woman often knows her own mind, but seldom, save in moments of peril and trial, speaks it. How long were the seconds! low tardy was every pulse! Love, the enchanter, being there, changed all things, into one, .A white dove at length flitted through the wall. It said: ‘ “ Think of Hope Hurdlestone whatever gives you pleas- ure. Lamwaiting for an opportunity to serve you, But this arch rebel, Beauregard, 18 ™m earnest. hat can t dot Lamwatched mostunmererfully. It 1@ rumored that the Grand Army of the Potomacts advancing. 1 hope, 1 al Oe SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. 2T believe you are loyal. ¥. General McDowell could.receive | are .m 0 @ word of warning ! u must escape. I hear there is fatal eudence against you. f can writs na more.” As Ralph received this friendly messenger, he heard the light footsteps of Hope, receding... He read and re-read the assuring and gentle: re- sponse.. The love of Jife was. stronger within him than at any previous time- | More, sincerely than ever, he deplored the unhappy difficulties in which the country was plunged. But there was one feeling that ran parallel with his love for Hope Hurdlestone. That feeling, for the present, shall be nameless. 5 CHAPTER XI. IN IRONS. While. Ralph Girdwool’s heart was: beatin with the mew and delicious sensations inspir by-Hope, he received a visit of a less exhilarating eharacter, Colonel Hurdlestone and two men entered, One of the latter brought irons and a hammer, and the other a block, ; Girdwood arose and looked at them inquiring- rm ‘* Put them, on!” said Hurdlestone. The block) was placed on the floor, and the man with the hammer motioned to Ralpl to sit down and put his feet upon it.. The clink of the fetters made him start, “ Am I to be ironed, sir?” be asked, * You are,” replied Ilurdlestone. £ “J will not submit,” protested Girdwood. “Will you compel) me to. use foree?” xe- sponded, the colonel, grimly. “This is undeserved. and unlooked: for,’’ ad- ded the young man, preparing to resist. * Unlooked for. it; may be, but undeserved it is not!” said Hurdlestone, with severity. ‘Is this the reward of my—my—” “You do well to hesitate for a word, young man! Jveachery is the proper word to en your sencence with. Spare yourself needless Isehood.” “If I were not.a prisoner, Colonel Hurdle- stone, that.is a term I should resent,’ retorted Girdwood, flushing to the forehead. i * A truce to this! You are unmasked. Your eharacter is known. The device -was-ingenious; but, like other weli-matured schemes, bas failed. General Beanregard is aware, sin, that the legiti- mate bearer of those dispatches is a prisoner at Fortress Monroe, while the spurious, messenger is ina fair way to meet the punishment meted Sut to spies and secret emissaries of the enemy.’ “In this position, affirmation or denial would haye little weight; therefore I am silént, and rest, for the present, under your imputation,” answered Girdwood, slowly, but with some em. arrassment. “ Nevertheless,” he added; a moment after, Tecovering his firmness, “I protest: against those tters. Being wholly in your power. itis'a:hu- Miliation that you ean afford to forego. Here hands; puton: your locks. Better’ men than | have worn them.” : He held out his handsyand the hendeuffs were rBnpes on, Closing upon the wrists with a sharp click. “There! Am Inotenough at your will with- out cramping my'limbs in those odiows mana- cles?. l.appeal to your magnanimity, Colonel Hurdlestone !”” ; ‘ The latter signed to one:of the men to take away the tetters, bre 4 q “You have little elaim to consideration, Mr. Girdwood; but in view of your youth and the pein fate before you, I comply with your Wishs’? ; Both tone and manner were gioomy. * Beaurezard will not—dare not” began Ralph, impetuously,and as:suddenly stopped. “ He will—he dares !”” returned Hurdlestone, with sombre brevity. “* What has he not dared ?” Impressed by the gloomy dignity of Hurdle- stone, Girdwood pause, and was silent some minutes. He clearly realized his perilous posi- tion. It flashed over him, too, with: startlin foree, that Hope’s father stood before him, an that consciousness staggered him like a'blow. Was there not one secret the stern colonel had not yet fathomed ? i : : “Colonel Hurdlestone,” said: Ralph, present- ly, with impressive voice, “you are:nona man to, trifle, ~If!worst shall-come -to: worst, and I should fall a vietim:to misapprehension or rask- ness, [should be glad:to die the death ofa sdld- lep.’: Mi ifT have no, control over that, young man; While I regret your rashness, I can. promise nothing.’ i “He, turned to gow, * One question; sir. vancing ?” ‘Itisiso rumored; but I advise you to hope nothing from that circunistance.” Hurdlestone retired: slowly, ieaving Girdwood in.a state of mind not to be envied. 7 be CHAPTER: XM. AN" UNEXPECTED * PRESENCE. Ralph Girdwood looked ‘ruefully: at! the’ irons on his» wists. Following the pleasurable ex- citement, produced by: his’ singular interview with Hope, was this new misfortune. ‘The visit of. Hurdlestone shad: stunned and confounded him. He appeared to have’ been quite unpre- pared for the commaunieations that had: been made.| Here, apparently, was ‘an’ end of’ his ambition. Solfar‘as he could appreliend his situation, the door! of eseape was ¢losed. He was, doubtless, to'fall a victim to this cruel and bitterly-raging civil strife. at “Have I-not®eountéed: the’ cost’? he asked himself many times.’ With *the gloom | peak. ties of death before him, hé-was forced to an- swer this query in the negative. That stern, Is: the Union Army ad- {i Bk i eold conqueror of men, when seen at arm’s length, is a far different thing than when beheid at a distance. Even brave men’ reluct and shrink from the approaches of the pitiless ty- rant. Girdwood wished: fervently for life and ite enjoyments. He sat down, and: his head sank into his hand- euffed hands., The. love of. Hope Hurdlestone had given a new charm:to existence. He-heard, without, the hum of camps, the challenges’ of sentries, the octasional. tap of: the: drum, the blare of trumpets, and now and then the rever~ beration of the distant signal-gun.. “He sensed more fully than ever that he was ‘living inthe midst, of war. But, strange inconsistency ! he did not regret his visit to Manassas; for it was his introduetion to Hope... Suggestive name? It_kept ringing in his ears. It sounded:again and again. Jt made music in the mystic cham- bers of his brain. Could he wholly despair while Hope was in his heart, touching, with in- visible fingers, its responsive strings ? Hours rolled over the bowed head of Gird- wood. 9: : When the night fell, a candle and writing-ma- terials were brought and: placed beside him, in ominous, silence. In defiance of his strong nerves, this circumstance shocked him not @ little ; for it was full of meaning. Itsaid: “If you have any parting words to leave, you are permitted to write them.” f At first, he was tempted:to comply with this mvitation ; but reflection changed his mind. : “Tf this is to be,’ hesmused, ‘I owill die without sign or witness. Besides, it may be a snare to entrap me: If I have secrets, I will keep.them.” ino Se he pushed the pen“and paper from him, und the night flowed slowly on. The candle or the little pine table dimly burned, flashing and falling with melancholy light. i A sudden vibration startled ‘him: It came from the floor under hisfeet. Presently. a board began. to lift, rising gradually and noiselessly. Ralph watched the phenomenon with lively in- terest. It portendedsomething. What was it? A human hand became visible, the board was pushed entirely aside, anda head arose to view. Girdwood sat fixed and mute, staring in won- der at this sub-mundane.appearance. The face turned silently toward. him. As quickly. as he could, with his manacled: hands, he seized the light, and held it downward;,and it threw its: pale rays on the features of Seotto, the Scout! The surprise of Ralph.was complete.» Of all the faces he might haye expected to see, Luke Scotto’s was not among them. Doubt, hope, and strong ¢uriosity possessed him. . He waited for the key to this mystery, nor was he. kept long in suspense. The scont laid his finger on his lips, then, ele- vating his arm, beekoned him. to follow. At that moment, @ scrap of paper fluttered to the SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. floor. Girdwood eagerly picked it up. Upon it was written, in Hope’s handwriting : ~ “ The countersign, to-night, is. Richmond!” . He handed it to Scotto, who nodded with a satisfied air, and signified, by another and nore imperative motion, that le should immediately lower himself through the opening: ~ It was not a time for questioning or explanation, and ‘he instantly obeyed the admonition. He found himself standing on the firm: éarthen-floor of a cellar. ‘He would have taken the candle, but the scout shook his head, and ‘he left it burning. Scotto then replaced the. board, and they-were in total darkness. Taking him by the arm, his guide led him several -paces, and presently he saw the moonlight creeping through an opening in the wall. i ‘Be quiet !” ‘whispered Seotto ; and, mount- ing a box, looked out cautiously. «‘*When/you hear the sentinel say ‘ About,’ be within reaéh-of meyt-« i Bess i With. these. Jow-breathed instructions, the scout’s body darkened the ‘hole, and Ralph wae conscious, an instant after, that he was lying in the grass outside. He stepped upon the box, his heart beating as he had never'before known it to beat. «Just then; a sentinel:said “ About !” A strong hand grasped his shoulder, and he was dragged through the narrow: outlet, and pressed hard and prone-to the earth. His émo- tions were. indescribable. . He tried to ‘bring every muscle into subjection, and to hush his respiration: .Another life was staked, and for him. ‘The sentinel passed’ the corner of the house, and for a moment was hidden from view. The: garden was a few yards distant, and in it was a trellis, covered with vines. ‘A ‘gentle pull admonished Ralph that the critical moment had arrived. .Scotto half arose, glided across the in- tervening space, and: sank down «behind - the trellis ;, and the young man imitated his mové- ments with wonderful fidelity. : () An approving pressure signified the scout’s . satisfaction. They lay there, entirely screened by the foliage, till the sentinel passed and re- turned again. About ten yards from this sereen-was some - shrubbery) and trees beyond. ‘The distance be- tween was rather open, but darkened by the shadows of ‘surrounding objects. ‘ * Now!” whispered Scotto ; and they ran this dangerous ‘gauntlet in safety, then crept awa’ vamong the oaks. All seemed to go well till they came upon a figure lying upon the ground, — asleep, apparently. Girdwood was seized with‘apprehension’; but | Seotto advanced without fear, and the figure cautiously arose. It was Dagon, to the un- speakable relief of Ralph... : ztoN “Take off tlie ruffles!” “said Scotto. The’ - black applied a key, and relieved’ the young man of the handenfis. « Here’s the clothes,” said Dagon, drawing a afor forr; Hur higg he'll ®py ' 8me] prea Jist 1] Noth ow. press slut’s Tf Ma ye—’ “ ny B b0%n4 darke oe B Went, y ‘ SM oC = = ss dant loeks of Ralph: wears such ha’r. the _ do well nuff to draw up a’ tree; but it. don’t _ Spy as cuts and runs. Now, dat "yer slut will | 8mell tracks like de debble! _ preachin’, ‘cause I brung her up from a pup: _ dist like a streak—she is ! pressed the deepest eatnestuess.: to. “Dll tell “Well, if you can get me some’at that he S8COTTO, THE SCOUT. suit of gray garments from a hollowtree. “ Put | ’em on, Mas’r Girdwood, and the Lor’be 4 friénd: to ye till ye git out o’ dis yer trouble.” Ralph threw off his clothes, which Dagon de- posited in the tree, and:put on the army-gray. “It’s the color of the Confeds,” added: the friendly black, as he dexterously assisted: Ralph: “Here, mas’r, is the fatigue-eap. What's. dis yer?” bus .saimn The sooty fingers of Dagon lifted the redun- « Some o’ dis must come off. No soger feller It’s a heap too long,! mas’: Dis yer. contraban’.’sidered about it aforehand.- Hole steady, mas’r, while I clip.” ' Girdwood felt cold steel tracking around his neck, and his Jong, brown hair fell rapidly to round, ; Here’s yer pistles. Missy Hope said you'd want ’em. You've got ’em, bress de Lor’! Don’t be tooken—don’t -be' tooken! . Better be shot than drawed up a tree. De poor nigs ‘ll ‘gree with white folks... De Contrabans is: used to it, Mas’r: Girdwood, and a mighty heap of *em ?Il go up afore another eorn-plantin’.” “Come!” said Luke Scotto. | Welve got but a short start. There'll be a hubbub afore an hour, and the Black Hoss boys ’ll be rampin’ round like mad.” : , “ You are running a fearful risk, my friend,” ebserved-Ralph, impressed by the evol courage of the man. r “ Not the fust time—not the fust time! I've been on the border, Jad, and in Mexico. I don’t think I’s'born to be stretched. Ib’lieve in God and the Union, and revarses don’t put me down: Our course is thereaway—into the timber, and across swamps, so’s to steer clear, if possible, of the sentinels. A weary tramp is afore us, but it’s better nor hangin’; theerfore, forrard !” : #‘Jist. one little word, Mas'r Scout. Mas’r Hurd’stone has gota bloodhoun' that's awful on niggers, and with a little ‘couragement would put her teeth in white folks. I hearn Mas’r say he'll put her on de track ob de next abolition I knows her like You ¢an’t’ stinguish Nothin’ but a little white Jinewhen she bolts. Now. look yer!’ Dagon’sivoiee and face: ex- ** Dat ‘yer slut’s name is Jule—called arter my ole woman: If Mas’r Hurd’stone should put: her to scentin’ ve"? : : “Hold up, boy—hold up!” interrupted Seot- ye what to. do.. Has any of the darkeys run away, lately 2?” “Bress de Lor’! dey goes every day! One Went last night,” answered Dagon. and his;eharacter |) ‘ 39 used to wear, we'll manage it. A hat, eap, bro- gan, or rag: of any kind’ll do,” continued: the »| seout, hurriedlysJo 90a» YON YER OuaooTS shes “JT sees de joke, mas'r! Wait: about sten® winks of yer'eye!” ' Dagon, glided away like ‘a black phantom, and was back again before oné could count fifty, bringing a ragged shat. e “Dis yer is what ye want. Go yender:to- them: yer trees, ‘and Iti bring: Jule.” » “ Yes, that’s whit Iemean« Di take the dog along; and.if we'te. questioned, we'll tell ‘em we'ré huntim’ runaway niggers.»That'll be bet- ter'nor a letter 0? recommendation to. the pie soned seceshers.::: With the countersign and nig- ger-huntin’, I reekon we'll stan’ia smart chance. Harry, Dagon—hurry!’? « b8linre The black disappeared again, and Scotto and Girdwood:made their way cautiously to the spot indicated; whéretliey waited anxiously for the coming of their faithful ‘ally, who eame,’ pres- ently, leading a beautifal hound, which looked at-them, at first with'suspicion, then with euri- osity, and finally, encouraged by Dagon, with . complacency. : 1 3 ‘sYou're to go ‘long, Jule; with’ de white folks,” he said, patting the sleek: animal upon the head,‘ and-do jist what they tell ye. Be- have yerself, oleogal— behave -yerself!) I'll meet ye t’other side-o’ Jordan one o’ dese yer days, bress de Lor’!”” Dagon placed the leash ‘in Scotto’s hand, who held the crushed hat to her Jong, sensitive nose. She smelled it, snuffed the air, and emit- ted low, menacing sounds, ‘CAll right! osaid Dagon. gal—good-byel™ « 5! Dagon took along,:parting ‘look at the ‘dog, sighed mournfully,:and: the ‘next moment was’ - out of sight. Iyer ‘ i ‘s Good-bye, ible CHAPTER: XII. Sia AWAY FROM MANASSAS. : Skillfally, and-with steady pace, Seotto pick- ed his way across the country. Onee, they came suddenly upon aisentinel, but: upon giv- ing the countersign: and affirming that they were hunting a runaway. they were allowed to pass. The ragged hat and the hound gave'such an air of probability to’ this’ statement; that it could searcely be doubted. a 4 They traversed :swamps, woodland, and neg- leeted:fields., Girdwood's emotions were inde seribable.. He felt. like:/one passing. from. the portals of deaths! He found it difficult to real- ize that he had:escaped.. His gratitude to»the many who had conferred upon him» liberty ‘at such a personal risk, was deep and earnest. The motive that had. actuated ‘the seout was yet-a perplexing mystery. Ie wondered by what means he -+had gained: knowledge’ of him While! he. pondered: these things, ‘the dog! Jules trotted quietly “by the scout, now looking up wistfully, now depressing ‘her sharp: muzzle to the ground, and now scenting’ the chance odors of the air. “Tam greatly surprised at what has happen- ed,” Girdwood. remarked. » ‘‘ Your appearance, to-night, was certainly a most unexpected event.” ‘No doubt!” said Scotto. “TI couldn't nat’- rally been looked for. But that’s: my) disposi- tion. I’m allers goin’ where I ain’t invited.” “ Your own escape produced a great deal of conjecture. Miss Hurdlestone was anxious: to aid you; but your escape seemed to surprise her as muchas others,” added Ralph. Scotto smiled with satisfaction. ‘I had help, Mr. Girdwood,” he answered, “and very good help it was. The Basketeers proved theirselves worthy 0’ their bringin’ up.” “ Who are the Basketeers 2” : “ Tlshow ye pretty quick,” replied the scout. Jule pulled on the leash, thrust out her nose, and raised a ery. ‘Hold up, pup, hold up!” admonished Seot- to,‘ What's into ye? There’s nowhat herea- bouts to harm ye.” They had entered a swamp of serub-cedar, of @ growth so close that it was nearly impervious: They were often obliged to stoop in pushing on- ward. “ Peleg! Pickerin’!” cried Scotto: “Hark! Where on airth be they ?” He paused, and list- ened, Girdwood heard boyish voices in:altercation. “That's them! They’re pitchin’ in ag’in. They'd fight if they’s goin’ to a funeral.” Walking a short distance farther, they carte upon two boys, who were squaring off upon each other. Girdwood recognized them as Za- doe Murches’ band—drum and fife. “Stop it, my banties!’ said Scotto. ‘ Keep your surplus knocks for the inemy.” Then to Girdwood, explanatorily. ‘ These be the Bask- eteers,” ‘ Basketeers?” repeated Girdwood. “Cause found in a basket, thirteen year ago and up’ard,” “ Twins?” : “ Twins, every inch on ’em,’”’ answered Scotto, with a quiet smile anda touch of pride. “Same height, you see, and not a grain alike in featur’. One took arter, his father, and the other arter his mother; Lreckon. . Theerfore they're twins.” « Excellent reasoning,” said Ralph. Jes’ so!” responded Scotto, dryly. ‘tI saw them in strange eompany,’’ observed Ralph. firs +The same may be said of yourself, I consid- er?” retorted the scout. ‘You must’t expect to, understan’ all. you seein this world, young man. I don’t, and never did. I didm’tsunder- sian” why;you run the loyal pieketss | Iv didn’t understan’ why youwent down to Manassas,anil: straight to the head-quarters of Touton Beaure- 8COTTO, THE SCOUTY. gard. \\ I don’t ask to understan’,eyther. I don’s want to understan’, nyther. \ I’m only part of a machine.‘ ‘Ido my duty ’eordin’ as I know it. I go-here andJ go there like a jack-o’-lantern. Sometimes I lead the star-spangled critters to scour the kentry, or to»a squirmish with the *ceshers. Sometimes we water our hosses at the Potomac, and ag’in miles away into rebel waters. Sométimes I’m in the saddle; sometimes afoot. Sometimes I’m plenty, then /ag’in I’m seurce. Sometimes I’m found absent, and then *twould puzzlethe Old Nick to track me. I’m one as is willin’.to- all kinds o’ work. I don’t take an affront ’cause I ain’ti app’imted colonel or a brigadier. I love the flag, and, if need be; 11) knock under for’t. If I can’t do one thing I’li do another. In some capacity or other, I'll eat my bigriéss into this here rotten rebellion. | Tl hack, hew, and«slew!” Luke Sevttd spoke in a calm and‘even voice, as if he had reflected thoroughly upon the mat- ter, and these were! the innmost feelings of his heart; which no possible pressure could change. “‘ Dheerfore,” he added, anon, ‘I am as I am, and don’t keer to be no different. 1 move-as I’m moved; and ask no questions. Your’ business is your own, and not mine. I’ve got no euros ity.” “«“ Tet me ask you one thing, Luke Scotto,” said Girdwood, perceiving that the scout wished to make no explanation. of his recent conduct. “ Are you acquainted with the defences at Man- asses?” : “Some’at; but I. should knowed! more, if things iad worked to my mind: I-found it im- possible to git down to what they call the Run. There's awful secrets thereabouts, I reckin.”” “ Youware right ; and General McDowell can- not be:warned too soon. I have important in- formation for him.” “ You're a ’cesher !” said Seotto, smiling. « “No matter what lam. There are two miles or more of masked batteries at Manassas.’ “ Are you in airnest?” asked the scout, with a start. “Most seriously,” responded Girdwood: | “1 hope the Army of the Potomac has not moved.’ ‘It is movin’ now, I allow,” answered the other, uneasily. * Let-us hurry.” “ No, let us: rest’ here till they reach Fairfax or Centreville, when it’l] be easy to jine ’em.” ““Tt’'s a fatab mistake!” exclaimed Girdwood, ‘much agitated. “Mistake or not, I know: they’re comin’. They’ve been pushed on and worried on, and a’ battle must be fou’t. “Ilongto-be in it! You'll see me with the star-spangled critters, lookin’ sharp for the Black Hoxs Calvary. We shall cut; hack, gash, hash, hew, and slew! There!” he added, after:a momentary piuse. “ That's Lwhat Lhadto say. It’s nigh mornin’; let’s down and sleep, and be ready for the stirrin’ work of s an ae oy = 4| a |e sto 2 earns Pe eh fant tet iy ae te ms om A at > S See od ee Pet ap os SOOTTO, THE SCOUT, 31 | to-morrow —if work there should be. Boys, »stop bickerin’, and take good keer of this. dog. Feed her‘ and pet her, and she'll take to ye Kindly.” |. The darkness that precedes the dawn now lent - Adeeper gloom tothe swamp. The hum of the | Confederate camp had long since died away in the distance. Peleg and Pickering spread a couch of cedar ughs, and Scotto and Girdwood. stretched their weary limbs upon it. OHAPTER, XIV. IN THE SWAMP. When Girdwood awoke, the sun had reached the meridian. He was surprised that his slum- ers had been so profound and protracted, but Weariness and relief from anxiety had contribut- ed to his repose. The hound Jule was watch- ing beside him; but Luke Scotto and the fight- ing brothers were not to be seen. He wonder- 8d at this desertion, and at first was inclined to _, | Tegard it as a breach of friendship; but re- 3 flection brought different feelings. He believed that Seotto would return, and resolved to wait & reasonable time for his appearance, He was Very thirsty, and searched for water. Finding Some dark, brackish pools in the swamp, he drank from them, and the warm, thick fluid was More grateful to his parched. tongue than the yD * Berge water he had ever tasted. ~ Leaving the, cedar jungle, he endeavored to obtain a view of the surrounding country, but on account of its inequality, could see but lit- tle. In a distant field, however, he discovered what seemed to be a company of Confederate _ skirmishers or scouts, and retreated to the » Swamp, the cover, of which he had scarcely | pane , when he had reason to congratulate imself on his prudence; for a small. body of horse, a moment later, crossed the open space 8pace beyond. Keeping the hound crouched beside him, he observed the progress of the riders, who were evidently a squad of the Black Cavalry, either searching for himself or reconnoitering. They ‘paserd slowly. by his hiding-place, The ground ing soft, the horses sank to their fetloeks, precluding the idea of speed. When directly / opposite, and within a dozen, yards of him, he tecognized, witha heart-throb of apprehension, the stalwart proportions of Colonel Hurdle- stone... . He pressed the delicate head, of the dog .to the earth, to prevent,her from seeing her master and bounding after him, as she might be likely to do. “ These escapes have been yery)singular,” he heard Hurdlestone remark. ‘Secret enemies .are.the worst enemies,” a | horseman, wearing. the. badge .of , lieutenant, replied, : 4 “T know of no secret enemies at the general’s head-quarters,” returned the colonel. “ They may be in one’s own household,” said the other, moodily. ‘‘ Lieutenant Storrow,” answered Hurdlestone, haughtily, “the Confederacy has no active enemy in household of mine, 1 throw back your insinuation with scorn, and its repetition will call forth my resentment.” “I meant no offence,” responded Storrow, with the same dissatisfied manner. . ‘I but know that two spies have mysteriously slipped through our fingers, and.are now laughing at the hangman, and carrying I know not what important infor- mationto the Union Army.. Prisoners can’t get from under our very noses without help, especi- = when they are in irons and Jacke guard- aioe “T like not your tone!” retorted Hurdlestone, with displeasure. ‘I was made responsible for their safe keeping, and these two escapes touch me more nearly than you or any other officer. To the general-in-chief I am accountable, and to no other.” “You know best, sir; but if Ivyhad my way, there should be no more escapes between sen- tence‘and the halter, I'd hang ’em right up, sir—right up! I had my suspicions,of that oily fellow, Girdwood, from.the beginning. |The bul- let-hole through his cap didn’t deeeive me. I wouldn’t give that for his dispatches!” Storrow snapped his thumb and finger contemptuously. “But he’s had a fine time among us,” he went on, now addressing his conversation apparently to a man on his left. ‘He has fared well and fed well, and it is rumored-that he has found time to toy with the boy Cupid. If certain parties do not belie him, he has not tried his arts of pleasing in vain.” “Forward!” eried the colonel, spurring his horse and dashing on. i The horsemen ascended the ridge, and soon disappeared on the other side. Girdwood. was infinitely relieved by their speedy, passage from sight. Going back, to the spot where -he had slept, he awaited the return of the seont, some- times gazing up at the sky through the broad, dark-green branches of the eedar interposed be- tween him and the hot rays.of the sun like a sheltering hand, sometimes caressing the hound, and always thinking of Hope Hurdlestone.: Presently he heard quick, light steps in. the swamp, and Scotto, long looked, for, came at last. ‘ i “ What news?” asked Girdwood, impatiently. Just then heavy firing was heard’ in the diree- tion of Manassas. | yi _ “Hark!?..said Scotto. | “General Tyler has waked up some rebel batteries, I reekin, down to the Run.” i tom eaieg ¢! “The attack, then, is premature!” exelaimed Ralph. ), ; in tt ‘i “They're not goin’ to attack In force to-day. They’re makin’ a strong reconnoisanee of the énemy's position,” replied the scout. “ Strong indeed, if one may judge by those heavy, rapid discharges of cannon. J am fear- ful that! their patriotie ardor has outrun their prudence. If I’can judge correctly by the’sound of the firing, nothing less than crushing’ brigades should be thrown upon them at that ‘point. Single regiments will not do. ‘See! "Wreaths of smoke are curling up to the sky.’”” ” “There'll be! more smoke to-morrer. Our army has‘ passed: Fairfax, and now rests at Cen- treville; stretching to the right and left like bats’ wings.’ To-morrer.’ll be the 21st, an dSunday ; and a great battle will be fou’t.. God he only knows what the result’’ll be!” “Disastrous, I’m afraid. They don’t know what they’re going to fight: There’s a' great differen between’ meeting an’ enemy in’ open field, and: intrenched on ground of his own choosing. Even undisciplined volunteers cau fight behind breastworks. Then they have the vantage of knowing the eountry.. There’ is not a cow-path they are unacquainted with.” “True!” responded Scotto. “But if our boys were well commanded, I shouldn’t have no fear for theend on’t.” : “Av! -There’s the rub. Many of ‘tlie’ Fed- eral officers have never smelled gunpowder, ex- cept in woodeoek and snipe-shooting. » There’s a vast difference between mustard-seed sliot' and cannon balls: Let us hurry to Centreville,” an- swered Girdwood, with earnestness. ‘ “Be patient,” ‘said Seotto, coolly. “ The Black: Calvary are out’ in every direction, and *twouldn’t be pleasant to fall into their eluteles. In the mornin’, airly, there'll be work in airnest. If there’s no accident, you'll hear the thunder of eannon with the risin’ of the sun, when, ‘if you've a mind for sarvice, you ean fall in-with the Six- ty-ninth, or ‘the Tire Zarves, ‘or whatsoever rigiment you like.’ The Sixty-ninth, I’ve hearn, will have the post of honor, and lead up'to the batteries. Their time's’ out, and' they can go home, every ‘man ‘of "em; but they ain’t the boys to show the white feather in sight of an tnmemy. I wish I could say as much of the Pennsylvania Fourth, which; in the mornin’, ’lL take the back track.” > “Tarn their backs on their brothers-in-arnis ? | Impossible !”” exclaimed Girdwood. “When the Sixty-ninth and other gallant lads march to danger and death, the Pennsy)- vania Fourth will left foot, right ‘foot, ‘torards safety and home.” \ nods jet Luke Scotto contracted his brows, and me-’ chanically tiglitened the belt around hia loins. “Tt pains me to hear it. Every regiment will be needed.) 050" Cond BOONE GAL | s “Ay! They might stay with the ‘reserve foree, rather’ than tarn back, if they don’t keer to snuff gunpowder. Howsomever, let em go, SCOTTO, THE SCOUT, ‘heavy aécount to reckin. We'll foot up ‘the |- ‘sponded Ralph, eager for the affray. " ‘said, in reply to the young man's ‘impati They'll git a’namé by it that nobody “Il eovet. What's into’em, I wonder ?” “Not cowardice, I hope? Not want of patri- otism, I trust? Where are those singular lads ?” gee Che tod! “Couldn't Keep'’ém, ‘théerfore let’ ’em go They was off like sky-rockets soon’as never they heerd the big’ guns ; for there’s been firin’ at~ odd jobs for’a ‘long spell. “What day of th month did I say it was‘? “The 20th.” “Then the 21st of July will be a day in ou history. Prehaps a dark, prehaps a bright one On the 21st, the star-spangled critters, if they have a chance, will try their steel on them ai have’ plunged this land into poverty, distress and war. ‘As for myself, I keer nowhat for the terrors “of battle. I've fou’t under Scott, in Mexico. I’ve seen the old flag carried triumph: antly hundreds 6’ miles into the inemy’s coun try. I’ve seen if Wave over cities, and forts, and bloody fields,” : y Scotto looked up, raised his right arm, and | ' his face glowed with enthusiasm: Re ‘““They was the pride o’ nations, the Stars and Stripes was; they was‘the hope 0’ the misera- ble’and downtrodden everywhere. Theré’s # | whole on’t presently. I said I didn’t‘ ngfid th battle for my own sake. But 'there’s young lad in the army that ain't’ seasoned to the malan choly sights o’ war. Their hearts *I] fly up into their throats, at fust, but they'll get used to! arter a little, 80 that 'they’ll hack, hew, and slew with the veterans. | Many on ’em won’t go back, in course not. Their bodies "ll enrich this sile but their names won’t never die.’ ‘ Scotto; the scout, continued to gaze at the sky, and his brown face was calm and earnest. “Even so!” résponded Girdwood, impressivé ly. Andeach felt that the morrow was big with events. ’ 4 CHAPTER XY. : At MANASSAS. : With the first burst of artillery on the even! ful morning’ of thé 21st, Ralph Girdwoo# sprang ‘to his’ feet. The scout was ‘already the'alert. 4 “It's Genetal Tyler's division,” he’ ‘sal “They've had a long march, and: are'directlJ| atween us and’the inemy.”’ ; i? “The guns speak loudly. They are mu nearer than’ I supposed. | Now is our ‘time,” ‘“ Stay sonie’at ! There’s no hurry You'll have enough on’t afore night.” Girdwood looked at Seotto inquiringly, chafed at his inexplicable delay. , “Trust an old fighter,” and’ don't fret,” glance. The hound Jule arose from the foliage wh ot Phe | fc +e . Ione itt | the ‘had; been sleeping, snuffed the alr, and, a ri- | "Moment after, the fens of horses waa heard. | lar | ° “They’re comin’!” said the scout, taking tome hard biscuits from his pocket and offering yo. | themto Ralph. ‘“ Eat,” he added.“ An empty ey | ‘tomach is a bad thing. .He that’s faint, athinst,. at | nd hungry, is poorly prepared for work!’ | he | | While Girdwood was masticating this dry. f breakfast, the tramping drew nearer, and Scotto ed the way from the swamp. i ‘ yur | “It's my mounted scouts,” he said, quietly. ne. | “The boys have told ’em where to find me. ey re they be.” . . j as The Independent Rangers crossed the soft »38, | Stound, and now drew up around their leader, the | the. fighting brothers foremost among them, in | Mading two horses. 13 : : pb- | | “Glad ‘to. see ye !”” said.) Scotto, ‘shaking 5 hands with the nearest, and regarding all with and | “itisfaction. ‘‘ How d’ye do, Lieutenant Scar- | lett? “How be ye, Co’p’ril Keith? The bull- { are barkin’ down there.’’ | , “We thought we’d lost you, captain,” replied and | the lieutenant. era- | . “Well, I did git pretty nigh the edge on’t, "5% but, thank fortin, didn’t tumble over.” the “Them twins has been @inchin’ ag’in,” of- ‘the | “erved Corporal Keith, with a seandalized loow. lads | | “'They’re allers ‘clinchin’. Let ’em clineh ¢ lan » We'll give ’em a chance’ to climeh some’at of an. into | ther natur’, soon... Fall in, men, and foller met to it | Bring them hosses here, boys. Where’a the ri- slew | hy 2” vacks| “Brought ’em along. Here they be,” an- ‘sile, | Wered Corporal Keith. | “Mount, Mr. Girdwood,” said Scotto, ‘‘ We ; the} 4te well pervided for. That hoss has'got some est. m, 1 reckin. Peleg; pass that rifle to him. sive ckerin’, bring mine. | How’s the ammunition? with) Plenty on’t—eh? All right! We shall want a. p of the stuff. You must use your weep- | 8 to-day, lads. Cut, hack, and slew!” | , Scotto spoke very rapidly as he mounted, ad- "| Wsted his tall person in the saddle, and eagerly ven taped the rifle placed in his hands by one of Xe bo woo? | 8. f ; dy |. itlwogd observed his haste with pleasure, | ®d could not conceal his joy at being mounted said’) 2d armed. i i rectlf| . The Rangers were in motion. A cannonading ‘the direction of Manassas, which had subsid- for a, brief space, was now heard, erash on e" hin rapid succession. The horses pricked } “tir ears, and responding willingly to the of their riders, went forward at a can- The hound, which had manifested. a decide ’ ap ; ° ° "todd Preference for Girdwood, ran beside him.) t,” DY) “Bo keerful,” admonished Scotto, addressing patie?” )™ conversation to Ralph, “not to fall into the | tds of Touton’ Beauregard. Findin’ you in " uch, company, it might be: diffikilt for ye to °ve your innocence of loyalty to the old flag. ““scorTo, THE SCOUr. | cheered... Otie poor fellow, fatally shot, 88 Them: as:fight with halters, round their nedke, should fight shy.” ; - + 5 ‘ “The same advice may apply to yourself,” said Girdwood. ., preunetl “It mought, and then ag’in. it. moughtn’t,” returned,the scout, musingly. They. passed rapidly across ‘the country, and reached, presently, some ‘rolling fields, with a ridge beyond: . rey sr Scotto pointed to the ridge, and remarked : “The Warrenton road is, onto it. It crosses Bull Run by a stone bridge. . There’s two fords above the bridge (which they say is guarded by artillery), one defended, andthe other not. General Tyler, is gone to. the upper ford, I-reck- in, to turn the inemy’s left, See the, columns of smoke risin’ -yender !. I like the looks on’t! The wind’s bringin’ it down to usw J’m fondo’ the’ smell on’t!” fi By this time they were in sight of the len stretch of woods through which Girdwood had enjoyed, the unusual favor of a necturnal wali with Zadoc’ Mureh. /White clouds. of, smoke were rolling oyer it. The ‘roar, of musketry mingled with the thunder, of cannon: . The air was hot and sulphurous, iWovod? dots “To the upper ford!” eried) Scotto; and touching his horse with)his heel, dashed ahead. The Rangers swept onward, withont much re- gard to order, their enthusiastn increasing sa they approached the- scene of action. passed the Stone Bridge at a hard gallop, and the enemy, thinking they designed. forcing a passage, let fly a charge of grape, which passed harmlessly the rearmost of the Rangers. With every step the din. grew louder. They met ambulances bearing away the wounded, but no cowards in flight... Across the fields, from various directions, columns of infantry were seen hurrying to the fight. Every passing breeze bore the sound of shouting) and cheer- ing, drowned occasionally by the boom, of the heavy guns. yottor Seotto drew his sword. His swarthy face was flushed all over, and. his usually mild eyes beamed with the fires of battle....In a moment, they swept into the stormy circle of the eon- flict, shadowed bya hot, black canopy of smoke. Although it was early in the day, the ground was already strewn with the dead. Some,lay in the attitude in which. they had fallen; some had: erawled a short) distance, and died. painful- ly; while others, placed. by, their comrades against trunks of trees, had said. their prayers, thought of) home, ‘and. o— uietly away. The wounded looked at them ‘as they went. by, but made no complaint. Some of them feebly raised a heayy and stiffening arm, and cried: 9») “ Stand by the flag, boys!” j ont of When. Girdwood went back that way, that brave heart was cold, . iM yootad buiwe The Minié and musket balla flew like haik a8 _S00TTO, THE SOOUT.” | stones, hatte whirling globes of i iron and leat the seout, who had eo and ‘ieee from rifled cannon” ed the branches from girths of his saddle htos Ralphy:!] trees, or Lomi their way’ thieotghi) fake -of | hold of ‘his: bridle-tein =: aan yemy} . erin the mame.of ithe Prisident of; the. ni The Rangers shot into the tempest of death | States.) -Ohy 4 “ye murtherin’ saceshér !: Yerpi " fast: as ancoverpowering clarge'was being made | et-runnin’ blackguard ! washes a ‘ribel!: upon a loyal battery, and our:men Were being | me'the countersign immaj 1 ' forced slowly ‘backward bythe mereyprepon-} — ‘* Holdeuy there, Paddy Malone.v. interpo ' dérance of ‘physical weight,’ : Scotto waved his) Scotto. «He's been — awidst of «me nas sword andshouted : “ Forward!” Iman instant three hours.” 4 i Girdwood: was im the ‘thickest: of; phe strife,| All that may be,-eap "ag Some} butL wit which, like the sea; flowed, and-ebbed; and flue- countersign that’s honestly due:me:: E remit tudted to and fro, now breaking: on a shore lof | ber aswell what it: was, ‘as though it was give D ' dead"horses and men, now rolling: Haeckwardinto | the last night that iver was. i want! im . the forest over a beach of batteries, now desert-'| bedad !? -- edvand silent, now turned and: vomiting: fire ono! “Fairfax itsis,” said! S@iedwood, amilings: q the retreating foe. ’ ~ © Albvight. Now Pik accept the cap’n’sret The green grass and newly-sprung: foliage was|immend. But I never like to be ch’ated ! slippery with blood. what ‘belongs till me. The top of the day ! irdwood kept near the scout fi every charge’ ye, misther.~If ye wantto know more ofth » thatwas made. Wherever his talliand swaying | Sixty-ninth,° I’m the boy: to. ax ye question figure was seen, there was hot work and) bine Them yender is. the Highlanders,’ hal Seventi blades around:him. » Wherever he saw. the flag | ninth, under Cameron. ‘Heaven rest -his -sow! wavering and sinking, thero-he ledvhis Rangers,:| They say he: fell fightin’ like a liom at: ‘thie h -and*broke on the traitors ‘like an angry-wave, | of his men,” { “hurling them back and decimating theit ‘ranks. |‘ Gallant Cameron,” sighed Girdwilodi - Ralph thought of the two boys, and’feltteom-{ - “ It’s the fate 0’ war,’’ said: Scotto, : idiods b! ‘passion for theireyouth ;' but, by-and-by, when } fully. \“ He:as'goes to ‘battle: takes shis life 4 re ‘battle Iulled) and: both the assailed and as- | it were,/in his handy. A. battle-field is.2/g00 sailants drew ‘bavk to rest, heowas'surpriséd to | place to die on? if one™falls-with his face! to tl} ‘see them unharmed, : riding ' ‘about with entire-| foe, and‘his back to the field » Andsthere’s 61 vel composure, loading and firing like veterans. Pother thing. God. knows the:true a from } As they stood on ‘the margin of the wood, and traitor?c 6" 1 ® the smoke gradually lifted, Girdwood looked é - Tsolemnly think 80: 2 Tell me, captain; y you -savound atthe torn and) blackened columns that | opinion of the* day 2~ Shall: wé win’ ordll ‘se had beenvenghged. | His eyes fell on'a- regiment | asked Girdwood} that ina particular manner: drew’ his attention.|\’ A troubled look passed ’ over: Scotto’ s Bice. Themen were stripped-to'shirt and pants, their} _« It depends,” “he ‘answered, carefully we igh varms bared ‘to the ‘elbow, every powder-smuteh- ing his ‘words,’ on’ the: length’ of time {we a ed visage ee — determination and obliged: to fight! olf ‘the pmen tareY kept >in th “eourage,: : field a’ few” itis} longer, without re-enfore) de What: ‘regiment: is that ? asked Girdwood iments, hunger and thirst will nen Jem, at of w man who was busily em loyed:in —e not the rebels. Anveinpty storhach is worsen) a handkerchief about his left arm. an eniptyigai.:yThe last’ three days have bee /“Whatrriginent is it? That was the ques-| deadly hot.¢ The sogers have saweltered, blisté % ‘tow ‘ye axed. Bless! me, if Icthought there'was'| ed, and faintedin the suni ‘This db de ie) mmantin Aimeriky but’d-know the ixty-ninth ! ! | mate has a. eal em of strength, and: wilted. *é answered the soldier addressed: ' / like mown ' This'sultry air! goes mto th ot¢The Sixty:ninth 1! ‘repeated* Girdwood: | lungs like Site Pe tiaekiy ender atithe Fire Zarvel They: are ‘brave boys. Honor to the. green They lay pantin’ on thre ground like:dogs,:ay) ~ flag) What: officer leads them so: gallant] x 2” —bthey’re men’as are used tothe smoke land” he o* It's the! Pader ye wants to know? «He's a ‘of utnin’: buildings. See lcthey: :phiok up: ‘true:som of Old Ireland — Major Meagher — } grass and'eat it to get a little moisture fox th Cap'n Meagher: ‘we eally him, for the rason! it pongnes. If it was. sabre! Mr. —— ‘sounds more!intimate-like.” > {it wasvautueney! Poggi : The Irish sdldier looked hard‘at Ralph ‘Hie {sc Thos soout struck ‘the’ perspiration” in ‘gre’ ‘émutehed face lighted agsnniet giéan of Fecog- drops from his brow, while his ore, snapp y thitionse: | 16 9 on o! voraciously: at the green leaves. | et std isthbw Béott xedp'desy 9 TE mnane—willye | The roar of cannon was’ heard, ete othedi pe jist elap oe two eyes:on this ¢hap!?: Bad: ig ‘of the field: 's Lhe batteries. ahieg had: hageeon to me if ’tisn't the same intirely that’run the |'defend began —— again. : Rire:Zouav > -- picket with iniver ‘a: countersign at all; at/all !?)| sprang:toctheir-feet,: cheeréd:the: flaunti i ssl Barney Malone, direeting:t ‘his remarks to and 8 igionsi and: rere: in: siae ms co tion! env) sow! het ug ife # b LO 0 to tl 3 OF ym, tb 7 lose Lee, weig! we rse 1! re bel rlistes false) bed.’é! ito th 8; dhe! ott the’ 1 gre nap’ p pe fisted in’ thi _ characteristically unconcerned. -- SOOTTO, THE SCOUT. black and flitting shadows, rolitvéd only. by the glitter of'sabre-Dayohetsandunsheathed kutives. ot w time; thé clamor of huinan voiées ceased. | Both :infaritry and horse!stodd silent, while the 4 rifled guns poured in théir-hortible hail jof shell, and spherical shot, tut 100% sfo% Vol Then there arose # yell that made the forest reverberate with a thousand thrilling echoes; The Zouaves shad erept ipon battery andtaken it. Immiediately after, there waaa terrific crash that shook the arth, andi madé the air vibrate in sulphurous waves. “Another concealed: bat- tery had opéned tipon the gallant Zouaves; who were flung backward in»bleeding: masses. :j >| “ Aslfeared! As I feared!” exclaitned:Gird- woodijes#'Thie is thé Valley off Déath.” * "Pod Jatetothink ont,” added: Seottosde We mustifight it: out.” Then tovhis Rangers : “ Boys, stan’ your ground: and .strike: Whenever there's: {chanees Cut, hack, and:dlew!. Eat your way into this p’ison rebellion. Let ’em see what's into yes” | Atthit moment Major Meagher was séeni riding to and fro:on aspirited: horses waving ‘his hat, ‘and. cheering: the, Sixty-ninth»to the onset: Sheriian’s battery replied as well as it could to ‘the'tebel fite;sand the) battle again became gen- eral: Scotto, at therhead of his command; rag- ed oto./and | fro; seeking in vain for the: Black: Horse Cavalry ir O18 e@e7BD 3 And thus:the conflict went on; © The sun went swimming ‘past the meridian, red and: fiery; ob- ‘soured by clouds ofsblack:and stifling smoke. Men fell:dowmand ‘died. without: wounds, from’ heat and:thirst: * \ The énemy ‘gave ground: slowly at first, but With a xéuteatilast. ‘The victors cheered, and thé wwounded:and dying lifted up their Voices with thé vest.) ‘The word passedup and down the lines ‘that:the day! was won. Comrades im arnis shook hands and congratulated each ‘other, and weary, officers talked of a)victory.. Every Joyal heart beat high: Soldiers forgot: ¢ight hours of! I another destroying. storm. of lead. was, poured fightitig and a harrassing marely beneath sultry skies, and fasted their'reward in the triumph of themoment bait _ «(CHAPTER XVI. . boog sith Black Horse cavaLRY: re Whileithe troops stood panting and thirsting, there came an order to fall back. No one could definitely tiace the origin of the order, bit such an, orderthere appeared tobe ; tind various regi- ments that had been most: hotly engaged, much; thinned’ and) disorganized; "‘inadé a retrograde movementto' the ‘open fields. ' ‘Much surprised Girdwood: ‘aid; Scotto followed ‘them. When: they ‘reached. thevope ey’ found the Fire 'Zouaves ‘alrea mi cé,! débris of other regiments;-were retreating slow- ly, without hurry or flurry, toward their camp at Centreville. | Sasi = ert "space, ! they: there, cool} collected; and’! re cnoerted, lied cman’ 35. : bsheestua Wakes. scesze 0} botid gosto: '» Girdwood: otly dieatd fherwondes: “John: ston! Re-enforcementa!” which raa from:mouth to ‘mouth along: the, broken, lines... Just, then clouds of dust, were seen, indicating. grand flanking) movement of. the, enemy. The troops quickened their paces, Scotto rede among them, entreating them to.form, again, and fling back the foe, but the worried tides of men and horses rolled‘on,,. Anon there. was'a ery: ‘The Black Horse! ‘The Black Horse!” )..5..... i The. officers made, a, desperate effort to! stay: ‘the ‘xeflex current; they:ishouted; persuaded, threatened. Scotto. and Girdwood aided them in this éndeavot;.and finally the Sixty-ninth, a Wisconsin regiment,.and.a portion of the Fire Zouaves, formed to receive the charge of the Black :-Hors¢ Cavalry. ! 65 26 voomtesnnn « Scotto and his Rangers‘drew up onthe eft, glad of an opportunity to meet that -redoubt- able body of men. They came with thunder- ous noise, the heavy tramp.of six. hundred horses shaking the ground like an‘ earthquake; , They came in their pride, and insolence; and contempt of Northern courage. The clank,andjangle of their »spurs (and ‘sabres) were ‘like the dim: of Workshops. os! 10 ae Foremost among those charging squadnonie Girdwood, deseried the grim.and stalwart figure of Hurdlestone. He was leading the onset, and his voice rang outistern and.clear. Girdwood thought of Hope, and anj,inye}un- tary. shiver.went over him....5 5). o// : ‘A terrible. silence fell upon, the devoted, negi- ; ments. Each. man grasped, amore firmly oJiis musket, and turned. a face of iron) resolution ito the rushing foe. The front) rank, sank, upyn one knee; and with those in the.rear;, formed,a fear ful wall of glittering bayonets... Not.ajgun was fired till the Black Horse rangers were. within twenty;yards, then;a,sheet of flame. met them in the faces, and the. head, of the column: stag- gered and fell. shart ai? While dizzy, and.reeling, with the first shock. upon them, and the nextin .order.went down, to embarrass and obstruct those behind.., » For a.few moments there was, a, continuous and deadly hail) of Minié. balls,,..Prond. steeds fell by scores. There was;a frightful 1nass of men, and, horses, struggling. in.,the, threes: of death. O} #miaee 1 gti Dire ex led 4 ds buutls “Come on!” shouted Scotto,;,and leaning for- ward in -his) saddle; he; led; bis, men» into, the floundering chaos; of the, nearly-annibilated optalrss . Dhe, Zouaves,, with Jowd: yells, plung-! ed after them, and when,they eame-out: of the melée, their, long sabre-bayonets were :nolonger bright, and horse and rider, on that. fieldy. were found thrust; through: and, through, . when, the dead werejburied: Some,of.those dark-haired spent me rA oom to Washington by, the) lads... the Eleventh. . ? 8% From the writhmg mass, a small boay of. : : a tate lt ~ 86 ey lnorgemen: tried to escape; but few succeeded ; and/of all those who rode so ‘proudly to the en- counter, not @ dozen rode back.\01 Yet Girdwood looked eagerly for Hurdlestone, and began ‘to believe that he was among the slain, when he discovered him upen his large horse, leaping ghastly heaps of dead, parrying now a bayonet-thrust, now a sword-cut, now’ turning to the right or left, to avoid collision with over- a-——~ powering numbers.) Ralph and Seotto saw him |” at the same moment, and spurred toward him; but with very different motives. ¢ ;ed him first, and their swords were already ‘striking fire when Girdwood came up ‘Hold, Captain Scotto!” heveried. “Harm jnot this mani, Sheathe your'sword: Mr. Hurdle- ‘stone 1” ; The earnestness of Girdwooa caused the scout to fall back. ; “What is it?” he sharply demanded “This is my friend. I wish’ to’ save him,” answered Girdwood, hurriedly. “Friends among the’ Black Hoss critters! |What's into ye?” retorted the scout, evidently but little pleased. : “Be patient, captain. Colonel Hurdlestone ?” “Sir?” responded the colonel. with grim disdain. : vt “Surrender your sword, and yield yourself a prisoner.” Hurdlestone pointed with his blade to the bloody field. +. “Here,” he said, hoarsély, “lie my comrades in arms. They wete the pride of Virginia. It will be hard if I cannot die with them.” “It is the fortune of war, sir. I éntreat you to yield!” interposed Girdwood. “Never!” cried Hurdlestone, fiercely, gath- ering’ up his reins, and clutching his weapon determinedly. ; “For your own sake—for’ Hope's!” rémion- strated Ralph. ‘See! you aré'surrounded. To resist is madness.” : “Leare not for numbers,” answered Hurdle- stone, after an instant’s reflection ; “ but you have named a name that has power over me. Against my wishes, I yield.” » “ Jes’ so!” said Scotto. “You might as well surrender your sword and pistils, I reekin. © You took away my tools, if my mem’ry sarves ‘me, mighty suddint, when I fell among thieves. You talked about halters and hangin’, seems to me: Remember my featur’s, don’t ye?” “Luke Scotto!” muttered Hurdlestone. ‘The same as was down in Mexico,” respond- ed the scout. ‘The sameas knowed you and Touton Beauregard when you was better men. Co’p’ril Keith! Where's Co’p’ril Keith?” “Here!” said a voice. } “‘Here’s a-pris’ner, eo’p’ril; a colonel in the rabel service. Take keer on him! Take*him aafe 7 camp, or you'll die a co’p’ril, dépend oa ¢ ” sa Z if SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. ea aa Scotto reach-' gg OR “mt. " « Ay? ay cap’n tayw'lletch him™ ge or alive,” responded the worthy cor oe Ad y pora is : % At that instant thé hound; Jule,“whicn" had Ry followed Girdwood all through the fight, placed its fore-feet upon the flank of Hurdlestone’s’ horse, and licked his hand, whining joyously @ “Jule! Jule! s Poor Jule!” sighed the colonel,) a the sight of the animal made him think .of: ope. ; “Colonel Hurdlestone, I hope’ you bear me no hardness?” said: Girdwood, ri ing Yelose to thé ‘colonel.: “Where: is your daughter?” Is, she safe ?” > : “T know not,” he answered; gioteniion’ Sate farm-house is’ torn in pieces by your snells, I have heard.” | ; Lan? “T will look for her,” said Girdwood, hastily. “To whatiend ?” asked Hurdlestone, coldly.“ “ How ean you'ask; sir? To save her from, danger and insult); 'to assure her of your safe- ty 2” responded Girdwood, somewhat indignant-'” ly. ’ ; “Go, if you will; but I warn you taat you will find it far safer to» retreat with your flying) columns, than to engage in such an undertak- ing?» Yoware dreaming wildly, young man.) It’ I was blind ‘at first; 1 am no longer so. You are a traitor; sir! I detest traitors and spies!” — “You may change your mind; sir Iam con- tent tc remain under your displeasure till these | dark days are over. While I give miy love to your daughter, I am willing to give ‘my blood to my country.» I pledgé you my word.for good treatment while a prisoner among us.” “Think you I care for such trifles?” answer ed Hurdlestone, ecurtly. “Good or ill usage ie: the sdme to me. ~I have: cast my lot with the Confederates, and shall not) murmur. at the re- verses of fortunes: Should you goon this mad errand, and ‘chance'to find my daughter, tell her that Jam: not disheartened, and yét have faith in ‘the Southern Stars. Before we part, take this: advice from. me’: Crush the ill-timed and silly passion that seems to have oe up while you were an inmate of my house. ope will be governed by the wishes of her father.’ ‘Fall in, men!” cried Scotto. “No time to waste.” : The mounted scouts began to form. “ Lieutenant Scarlett; keep the lads in good orden added Scotto:: ‘‘Co’p’ril, where's then oys ?” q ; “T left em! clinched -with. a secesher, back yender a piece. | They was gittin’ the best on’t, guess, for he was growin’ black in the face.”” ** Let ’em clinch! :Fuat thing they ever ‘greed on.’ Forward, men! » Look:well to’ the’ prison- »}ers:, One colonel’s worth 'a dozen privates.” Girdwood waited to hear no more, bnt dashed off, a8 nearly as he could judge, in the direction of the farm-hotise. .' vi fr: ~~~ ee a he oe. Se “ee aT = ‘> “SS” oe pd ot ed Od et ee ee a a sb 6s ae i ee ee 8 Seco? ees, = vw @ * a ~_ oe. SE “ | oo. gr nArrerrm 4 Gloanl at ae FOR HOPhyse- z rer Ts gots . 0 As Girawood peteped away; he “passed tlic ont _ ®rave Irishman that hehad seen?leading’ and Sheering the Sixty-ninth. ,As-he swept by, him, jhe saw his gallant horse: torn’ in fpiécesiby a ; jeeraions Ball The poor beast fell uponiits rider, _ /& mangled mass. * ckless ‘of his own'fate, he: _ Made'for the Warrenton Road:;” There.was still | firing’ from the woods ‘and jon. the opentfield, @ud now and then a-.shot!or shell went whis- garments torn and stained, and his wah _ Ty part he had borne in the struggle. His ex- My time, for I’ve both powder and lead in this hol- . er-eonsarn.” Zadoe raised tie rifle:a little and jtling over his head, or near him.7 Leaping fences, and ditches, and fallenttrees,. the attained the road in safety, and: turned, his Rorse’s head toward ‘the Run. He {met cais- fons, ambulances, and, Union soldiers, in'mod- kate retreat. n “ Look ’e hyat !” said a voice. / Girdwood mechanically drew rein, and glane> €d around in search of the person who address- *d~him. His eyes presently fell on’ Zudoc . Murch. He was aa beside a erippled ' Stn, to which the dead artillery-lorses were yet SCOTLO; THE SCOUT. * oF TROBRs — eee a Se ae ‘ing*eoilyand “stretching to the right and left. Sttached. His: face was black with powder, his ap- Pearance indicative of the active and sanfuina- Pression, however, gave no sign of flurry or Perturbation. The formidable knife in his belt Was of an ominous hue, and he held his rifle in his left hand by the muzzle, with the breech Upon the Sete » ‘‘ Look ’e hyar!” “Ts it you, Mr’ Murch?” responded Ralph, Surprised. »- “Tallowit is! said Zadoc. “I want toshow HM asight. Don’t p’int yer rifle this yer way. f I’d meant ye mischief, I’d done it afore this » let it fall again. ; “Which side are you fighting on?” asked Girdwood, watching the man suspiciously. “ Fightin’ on my own hook, allow. . What's the odds, so long as I fight? Fightin’ is nat’ tal to the human animil, and it must core out at one-time or another. © But, mister, the fight: in’ for to-day is done. I tell ye, look ’e:byar!” Zadoe Murch raised his muscular right arm, and pointed straight toward Manassas. Gird- Wood looked. He dropped the reins } he rubbed his eyes and questioned ‘the correctness “of his Vision. Flashing out from the eriemy’s extreme left, far up the green slopes, a dense column of infantry, with martial music, with floating” ban- ee with a forest of gleaming bayonets; with easured and regular tread, appeared in view! Ytseemed a phantom host, adjured fron» bodi- less space, cr a startling picture painted against: the lurid sky On and on rolled the portentous "paveant, Regiment after regiment burst from the glitter- 87 with stern precision, formed three sides of & hollow square, with cavalry in the ‘centr os " ,Girdwood’s hands fell terveless:at: hie #idé-! All the blood in his body appeared crushing’ to his heart.“’ He gaspedfor breath. .: The! fearful? truth #rushed. upon’ his apprehension: ’ Johh= ston, with thirty thousand men, had eone.te~ rob them of victory, and” fling’ back»the weary. 9 and scattered tides ef the en It was a ° fine yet maddening spectacle! “Sod [ston ~ He threw an anxious; troubled took backward and forward, and upon such «portions: of: the field as he could see, andy saw a'diteful panie seize our broken, staggering columns. ‘ Pulleof-« dread, Ralph: continued’ his’ course valong: the road.’ It was then ‘he saw:a sight that cheered « him—Burnside’s Brigade forming, in’ otder) to” cover the inévitable: retreat. o' The: battériesiof the brave Rhode Islanders: were bélehing iforth! their deadly fires,.and the gallant Sprague Was conspicuous everywhere, when Ralpli‘shot ber: yond the scene of action: d boa ,asiarers He had not galloped fir, when he heard: the: clatter of hoofs behind: him; and looking over his shoulder, caught a glimpse of a black horse. in rapid: pursuit. He wheeled: suddenly ‘to bring down his fo¢ with his rifle; but thé. rider.» tumbled from the saddle before ‘he could ‘bring: his piese to his shoulder. Some expert: marks- man had shot him from the'woods. Ralph-re- » sumed his course again, and he heard, as he be lieved, the riderless horse galloping after shims» but a voice crying: “ Tieok ‘a liyie RY dispelled - the illusion. | D 2. EvOT o£ “ Look ’e hyar!” ‘ “hire 7 aghertc The black horse and Zadoe Murch sprang to his side. The young man knew not what to-': make of this strange character. il p* Hood “Where are you gomg?” heaskeds os: +.” “ Wharsomever you go: Makesnoodds. Pm» to home anywhar. Trackin’ the gal-ain’t ye? Yes! Thought you:was.. ’Spect to be shat— don't ye ?” responded: Zadoc, whose composure: never was disturbed. » » d venen-erow etod7 “I don’t know what I expect; but] must/find: > her,” replied: Girdwood, hurriedly, forgetful oof” all personal considerations in his anxiety for:» Hope iti) 220¢ 2 sro ¢ t mole? “One party or :t/other shelled the houserI-» hearn,” said Zadoc. .\.'t There war wounded folks: » in it, too, at the timé: ol allow that the gal can’t stan’ shot and shell’? 9» | os “Tt don’t seem to trouble totted Girdwood, eurtly, provoked at his ton- chalance. oowhsiD f ladon “ What dol want to be troubled for? ‘There's no good comes ‘0’ trouble, that I. knows on.» You're ridin’ by the:-path,mister. We tural up hyar.” Ooiet i had: ften. . Thank’ yoni Muroh.” ‘Z ‘never traveled but and fs never ‘ravlad this grexnd but one, aad ten . 38. A Exactly, mister) You brought. dispatches to B’uregard, remember,” » 7 Zailoe'glanced queerly iat:Gibdwood. * Didn’t:go! down; much, I -allow+them dis- ‘patéhea didn’t. Pity you.should take up'sieh a trade. , You mighit-a been some’at ino the .Con- fed» Army, if: yourde} en honest. /, You lost-a chance, mister»and your wind along: ofit, nigh- abouts: I’m strony tea for some kinds o’ sick- ness—~I be !” ! *I-don’t' uhderatand you yet, Mr. Mureh.””. “Shaller waters are: easy measured, . What do you th’nk o’ that, walk ‘movg’ the masked batteries?” 21: ; * There was the trotble. : We whipped ,the mén; but we! couldn tweonqier): the: battenés. My Godto Where was:Pattersdn 2”) (2: * Playin’ into: the hands: of Jeff Davis; I -al- low,” answered Zadoe; somewhat téstily. “He should lave engaged: Johsiston,.at all “hazards,: sHe might, at least) have:crippled his ‘energies, and kept him from Manassas. His in- -efficieticy lives’ éordin”*t6 your natur’. to do it. You a'n’t to® blame ‘for’ doin’ what you've “béen teachéd. “If I's *runnin® for ‘dear life, you wouldi't run arter me, would: ye,"dle gal ?” ef } } — Dagen dréw his léaden-bhued and/horny: palm tenderly.’ ” missy? Your dog-natur’ couldi’t tell me that, “sould #9" | oaoga _ ..The hound looked up viene and presently es tLe: ; began to stiell ‘around in @ cire : ; $ “Séents the boom-shélls, I *spect,” added Da- _ Ron. After a fe woods.’ ; a “Come on,” said Zadoe, following. “That pa v8 the “best guide we’ ean have. hen I’s F Ved thotthtains, [had a dérg that was so keen 0’ scent; ‘it’ could foller a rifle-ball; e’endmost.” _ Ralph movéd’ after Murch, Dagon trotting at his horse's heels, ' They passed” through an oak Rete on the negro shanties behind, reaeh- ig; afters five niinutes’ gallop, a heavier growth . of Wood, “into which Jule sprang lightly «and w gyrations, Jule started off into the a) ae te yh ae om ec & | eagerly. “Bending low'to avoid’ the branches, ll they managed to keep the lisuhd in sight, which ia presently Jed’ them to a small’ hut, ofa fashion ec | skceedingly primitive, atid in which she'vanish- e ed. UB ie idl expectation, Girdwood threw is | himself from tlie saddle, and followed? _ The first object thatigréeted his'eye was Hope. She was seated ona rude bench, while Jule, with het slendér “paws"upon “hér lap, expressed her 1@ | — joy'in various canitie wage: eg Why, Jule! I am glad’ to see you, Jule!” t’: Sried Hope: “She heard’ 8 »8, Ad looking up, Ka 7 _ beheld Girdwood. A’ming ed expression of'sur- ise and pleastre aw _ Ralf-aroge, then san emotion,” ee" _ “ Miss Hurdléstone,” he exclaimed, “T ami te- ; pied to find you! I feared 'tliat'¥ou had suf- tred-from. the casualties of this stirring day.” —& You might, well call it a dreadful day, Mr. Si respotided: rs her features’ She k-‘baek, quite ovérsortis by Girdwood,’ without exaggeration,” Hope.’ '“ But before more is said, tell’ rie if the rg arid ‘Stripes are moving ‘toward’ Manag 8 Alag) Hol "Phe arrival of "Johnstox has 800TTO, THH S00UT, 2 SET COTTON that ever was. But.the run is all tooken out of 16) nbwe” I Has nobody tovcar’ for! “Nol uselté |/answeted .Gird Ups e oulda'e ana nig’s “less you'd» been téached over the hound’s émootli héad, and°caressed:her *SOWhar’s: your missy, pup?) Whar's- your. | ds: nowdittle: better than’a rui ‘The Union army is falling book to Centreville,” ff ten bree Pop Drs ‘ 5 Uiibet asd ted » pod & Nomebring / m6 obade ner Mr. Girdwood My father is in the battle Yarred wid totregs ot She looked anxiously-at the young man. “T saw him notJongago.. He was unharmed, though he had stood “anid & tempest of destrue- tion, Thé “Black? Horsé Cavalry tent down, panend horse, before aneeping volleys.of mius- ef} TO £ the struggli ass he came, plied Ralph, glad to give her ancl “Thank, Heaven !” said. Hope, fervently. ee 3 «lf were, perhaps unkind not, to.inform.you that he is 4 prisoner,” added Ralph.) cs {A prisoner! »He will be treated; thenyas a prisoner of war. The Government at, Washing- ton, is'\a, merciful one; and: worse, than captivity might-have. befallen, him,” .answered:Hopeyre- dlectively, to oxgiils 6 the ““Meror,” observed Girdwoody “has been:the weakness of the National Governments» Coldnel Hurdlestone will be well treateds!: I deemmy- ‘self particularly fortunaté in: discovering ‘your hiding-placé, ‘The farm-liouse; latelpaooquiet, ne] wassterribly tervous*about you.”? foow ef iad? t'ad o Laws, missy!’ I thought you splodedawith the boori-shells.)«Gorry,’ Missy : Trurd'stone, them yer iron pots has give ie’a heap 0 trou- ble!“ Never éperienced sich’ worriment 48° has this “drefful “day. How'd °y git’ here, miasy, anyhow 2” ‘said’ Dagon, whose’ Jos? eae! #8 6 all over his black face!” HOLS eae “ Yeatte with Haimon,' when the hattle Began to roll toward ‘the farm-honée,* replidd’ Hope: “Where is he?” Dagon askéd. |’ “T sent him ‘to get tidings’ of ty father, if ossible. I have remained undisturbed.” J still ear cannonading, Mr. Girdwood» * © °° © “That's Burnbids coverin’ the retreat, T al- low,” interposed: Murch, et ee in Me v8 fone es : i: ‘“Zadoo Murch!" exclaimed Hope, much alarinet "Mis Rindmoor, balp care of your rr ““TLook’e, hyar, misa! If. you.want-to.jine your. father t’other side o’ the Gaomtod: fine you'd better be movin’. Young. man, why don’t you talk to some aggount, and not:benannin’ on in this, idle way 2. Take, up the galy ifvitis the gal you're arter,’and let us. off at: onse‘leas.mou have,a mind. to, be hanged, as,you-soon willbe if you stay hyar.”~ : {gif “Right, right!) | Miss | Aurdléstona,intrust yourselfto mex There's no safety here for you, or those-of| your séntimerits.) 9) Iiewot yal “He declar’sothe [plain truth): Migsy Huard’. stone. Jes mount dat. yer hos’, atid we'llitvake tracks for the only-lando” libérty-in ‘the: thrusting his begrim- amy Your fadervand: Abé' Linkumll’ ‘proper glad to see ye,” urged Dagon, earhestlyy 8 Poel vad ay | tisked the Iaurels of ‘victory from our "brows. 4 ‘Miss Hurdlestone” ardses hesitiited;: blushed, | i i i and gers her hand to'Girdwoed, who, with swall- ing heart, led-her froni the hut; and assisted hor to mount his horsey.: 83) 60) oi cot yt SEES § L) wee OLS | F¢ CHAPTER oN Tile MURCH GUIDES THEM. Murch vaulted to the saddle, and the parties moved on, Girdwood walking at the bridle-rein of his horse, well pleased to be near Miss Hurdle- stone, and have her in charge. : “T's héerd a heap "bout de Norf Star,’’ said Dagon, ‘and I should like mighty well to see er.””« i bobba C “It ig best -seen‘in thé hight,” replied Ralph, “It’s not the star of Dixie”? =" 9 =o" ‘“Dou':-know “bout that, ‘mas’r. There’s many’ ; down in Dixie as would be -préper glad to gts ae of dat yer star. Lots 0’ contra- > bas has struclkout for itright:through swatnps, alligator’ bayous; “across: tivers,':and «through much tribulation.’’: | ‘ ’ “You jest-lét the Nort Star alone, boy!” in- | { -by you tobe trusted with the care o t Zadoa. . ‘You've gota flat: foot, ® fiat nose, a flat forehead,thick lips, Jong’ hands, and ha’r that is wool. You belong, I allow, to.a flat tacé ;"and, the best-thing you can do is, to be happy with -hard: work and enough to eat and. drink. -Whatiyou want 0’ liberty-—eh?. Wouldn’t know. what. to.do with it if you had ever so much n't. Wish you’sall back ag’ in whar you come from!. . You’ vé jest fixed the Southerners, you nigs have ; ‘fixed ’em so they won’t- work their- ves, nor let other white folks work, ..But come on if you want to. I don’t keer much if ‘ou run right among the: ’bolitionists, and git nto all kinds 0” trouble. Be glad to git back in, I guess, if you once cross the Potomac. “If It's“your master, I wouldn’t have ye, if ye eome bac« never so humiple and whimperin,’” ‘Zadoc threw an inquiring look upward through “the branches of the trees at the smoky sky, and quickened .his pace. ‘Night was drawing on; but the sounds of strife had not ceased; they “reached “the ‘ears of the fugitives from yarious quarters. The boom of cannon and the burst- § tigof shells ‘were ever and ‘anon audible: ~ “Zadoe bore away across ‘the eountry, keeping in the woods' rg much as a “and avoiding, | ‘hot! proocedé@ far “the open fiélds. » They in ‘this: manner, when they fotind thémselves © wear. the ‘skirmishers “of Johnston's flanking ain and ‘were obliged to pause in their > Bquads of;'the Black “Horse, Cavalry which: dyad not.yet been dn »action, were seen «hurry- ing toward Centreville. ‘Their position:-was now: -extremely precarious.’ They could:néither turn! o back; vais foreward.,. Girdwood looked at Yadoo, with painful perplexity. eden “Onur. .embarrassment,’’ ‘he! remarked,:.“in- Creases at Si re 298 “If you'll leave the gal, you can git out o’ 'glossy steed by the bridle. _}smiled-atrthe quaintness of their guide. .|# round shot, and anon tripped on a fragment a ‘BOOTTO, THE SCOUT. , ae hyar,” answered Zadoc, glancing queerly MM Hopidlow es sit s gues = This not to be thought of!” returned Gird- wood, quiekly and curtly. 0) 0, 3 4 “You see, squire, that men-critters can go where women-eritters can’t, on account o’ their clothes and their, daintiness.. Gal's flesh - tender as s young partridge. The brush bushes of swamps and woods tears their age to-bits-in scureely no time.” . - “Whatever, comes. of it, I remain with Hurdlestone,” said’ Ralph, firmly. “Save yourself!” exclaimed Hope. danger is, not.comparable to yours. daughter of Colonel Hurdlestone, I with>the ‘Confederates; although I will bea severe disappointment if I my father, and lighten his captivi_ f presence. Reflect, Mr. Girdwood, on the. fate your re-eapture involves.” ; ; Miss Hurdlestone spoke with much* anima- tion.» Waa ; ; “I shall not-desert, you while shonghe worthy your per- son.” Then to Zadoc: “Come, “Ir. Murch, secure us a present hiding-place. Surely you are acquainted with this portion of the coun- try.” ‘Look ’e hyar!.. Keep that pup in, Dragon!” said Zadoc, with a warning motion to Dagon. “Can't haye that pup scoutin’ aroun’. Keep her:clost under your nose, or you'll never see the North Star till your ha’r is whiter nor your ivories. Come on, white folks! I’ma strong tea, Ibe, with bitterness for the mouth, and sickness for the head, Good for all sorts o’ complaints, this wildcat is. I’m a extract of © down South. Car’line and Kentuck, -Missip, Texas, and the border, is b’iled into me.” , Murch seemed infinitely relieved by this out- burst, and turned, his. horse’s head toward the darkest recesses of the forest, while the Confed- erates.were heard. sweeping through the glades on either side... Advancing to where the trees stood more closely, and the foliage was more compact, he dismounted and led his dark and . Softly, youngster, softly!” admonished Za- doc. .“ Pay a leetle attention to. your steppin’ as well.as to.the,gal...Dry sticks ‘ll Sak, i you-tread on’emronugh.” ee Girdwood blushed consciously, while Hope » It, now. grew suddenly dark. They had enter- eda swampy dingle 0 dense with folliage, that it well nigh shut out, the light of day. Even thia secluded spot had been. visited by destruc tive missiles, for the young man stumbled over of shell. ; : “Big Union gun!” ssid Zadoe, explanatorily, “ Awful range. Thirty-two pounder! No way o’ fightin’, that isn’t. If human critters want See Sheed os Sy lf d- les SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. to fight, let ’om eome up and tackle each other, hand to hand, and wéepon to weepon. What's the good o’ killin’ a critter a mile’ off, with a ball as big as a tumble'o’ hay! Look’e hyar!” Zadoc wheeled front face upon his auditors. “Them rifle cannon be damned! They take the legitimate business out o’ the hands, 0’ the nat’ral- born fighter. ‘Ihey’re like sewin’- machines to sewin’ gals. They throw the reg’- lar workers out o’ employment. , *Tisn’t.par- sonal bravery that decides battles. nowadays, but the cussed pees !” With a deprecating sweep of the hand, Murch went on again, to pause presently, and repeat his favorite expres- sion: * Look’e hyar!” Both Girdwood and Miss Hurdlestone looked, and beheld indubitable evidence of previous oc- cupation of the place. Upon a pole, supported by two sticks driven into the earth, hung a eamp-kettle over some charred brands. A little back of this was.a roof of bouglis, upheld by a scaffolding of poles, placed on convenient limbs, or in notches cut in the trunks of trecs. This small, extemporized covering, sloping on one side nearly to the ground,-with. the front and ends open, was, nevertheless,.a weleome shelter to Hope, on whom the .exeitement of that and previous days had-exercised a, deprese- ing influence. Now that the unnatural pressure was subsiding, weariness came heavily upon her. “ You can rest hyar,” said Murch, drawing. a blanket from beneath the dried: leaves, and: doubling it in folds for Hope to-sit upon, “I’m cin’ out to take a peep at. things, and Mr. irdwood 'Il take bode eare of ye till I git back, Don’t be afeard.. If there’s.trouble, I'll be hyar to help ye.” Then to Dagon: ‘‘ Dragon, keep your pup in, and a sharp look, out spr yon mis- tress. And by-and-by, if you ain’t, disturbed, build a fire under that thar kittle.” Zadoc took the saddle from his newly-acquir- ed black horse, and hitehed it within reach of a green patch of grass, and then, rifle in hand, stalked away. CHAPTER XIX. LIGHTS AND SHADOWS. Girdwood heard the concluding remarks of Mureh without fully realizing their import till he had left them, and disappeared in the dingle. Dagon; withdrawing a short distance, strete 1ed his dark proportions on the oe and, direct- ing his eyes upward, seemed to be looking for the North Star; while Jule, crouching beside him, watehed his unchanging visage through the deepening haze. ~~ © ae (7 Ralph, felt himself alone with Miss Hurdle- atone, It was the first time they had been thrown go entirely together, with such apparent immunity from interraption. Thenewness of the situation! confused him. Though brave to face an enemy; he faltered in the presence of 41 | Hope. He was not embarrassed for want of thoughts, but for the power to choose and press them as the proprieties of the position demanded. i oxy > Sie we Twilight was creeping into the dingle. ~The: atmosphere was yet charged witb sulphtrous vapors, ever aegeeetive of the direful scenes of the past day... ‘The shadows of the closely-com- pacted trees and dark-green foliage added ta the gloom of coming night. They seemed to in- habit an inner mystic circle of silence and som-: breness, while the outer circum‘ercnee, stretch- ing away over the battle-field, was at, intervals broken by a random gun, or an occasional, burst of artillery. The dead within that red-cireum- ference (brave fellows!) were at peace;, but the wounded (poor lads!) were pal ac the. tor ments ef thirst, with no relief. if Girdwood himself was weary, and began to feel inconvenience from various slight-injurics he had received in the action. He scorned to complain, while ready to weep bitter tears. over the loyal dead and dying. He sat down near Hope... Both, though busy with thoughts of that historical day, were strangely congejous, of each pther. a [* ests “The dirigle is very dark,” said Hope. “Tt might be darker,” answered Ralph, myth ically. was thinking how much darker tlie dingle would be if she were not there. -It-was a lover's platitude, . Girdwood came, out-of. lis, abstraction with a blush at his absurdity, . “Darkness, afterall,” he added, “ is.a,com- pacetieg thing, like happiness, Objects. are ark or light, as the heart feels dark or light, My. prison was, dark atthe farm-house till a white messenger dropped at my feet; then my prison.was light. I knew that you were. near ; that. thin partition only divided us.. But. you might have been near, and not. given me a thought. You remembered me. You beamed upon my sadness like avstar..-You. put forth your hands to aid me, when every rational ex- pectation was eluding my grasp.” __ His enunciation was rapid and earnest... “ Your active imagination gives me too much oodness, These are troublove times, Mr, irdwood.” : “Troublous, truly! But I was thinking, not of the times, but of you. Or. rather,.I find it difficult to separate and disconnect the two. You and I have played parts in the drama... I little thought that-my nocturnal ride to Ma- nassag would affect so deeply my inner life.” ‘Is there not a glimmering of light. jnst above us?” asked Hope. J fancied the clouds pushed away a little.” “You oan’ turn those clouds into banks of golden light... Misa Wurdlestone, I have not, and shall not attempt to diegtise my sentiments. prospect of immediate This may not be well-timed, but, , Oppor- tanity ia everything,” ——— wdnaw «ol boassatisda ct sti SF ~s Tame sure; Mv. Girdwood; that the clouds switig less héavily to and fro.o Doxyou not see, the wefts of silver lining ?” murmuréd' Hope, softly. .0° 2 t 3 : ‘©May I Pa Seed the metaphor’as my heart Gictates?” cried Ralph, capturiug™ a lighter hand*than he ‘had that: day encountered in the fields Not the thought-of personal danger ; not tle war-itself, would abate my joy; if one short word by-your lips were spoken.” , “Our acquaintance is” brief. | Ask” not too aaueh, Turn your eyes upward, Mr. Girdwood. See the light steal through the narrow rifts! Is it note promise of future’ brightness?” ° Hope’s:voive was low and’ gentle. Her'eyes; whi¢howere upturned a ‘moment, fell modestly beneath the drooping: laslies. Girdwood pressed the imprisoned hand to-his* liv "Bis blood was ‘in’a pleasing’ commotion. i — was equaled only by \ v his’ gratitude. fed not trust himself to bellevé too much, orto give an overwrought coloring to her sim- ple words. : ; } is * It is the fault of man to be too sanguine,” he said, when ¢alm enough to speak with eom- posure. ‘I will endeayor to bear your over- whelming kindness with humility.” \ , “Speak vot of ‘humility! Iam but dust and ashes. In this world; words ‘are of Jittle worth. Be reasonable! ‘Hopé not foo taueli; for the exigencies’ of ‘the tinies are such, that’ évery- thing relating to’ us is involved in‘ uncertainty. Even our friendship may be rént tsunder by the terrible ‘vicibsitudes of war. Think ‘of my father "eo 26> & ; ue “ He ‘stands between ts; angry and’ stern !” exclaimed Girdwood. ° “ But the war nitist'somée- time’ énd.? “The ‘rancor of political feuds may not nibitter‘his aftér-life. "The réstored Union and»pénge May soften Lis prejudices aid temper hi@ hatred.” ° “Believe it not! "Believe “it ‘not'l” eried a’ voice, that madé Girdwood aid Hope’ spring to their feet. The lin “at ds powerhe” gure of Colonel Hurdlestone loomed before thie. © “My father’ ex¢laimed Hope, runnitig to- ward him, with’ outstretched hands, -Hurdle- atone repulsed her moodily, a . “You ure nédaugliter of mine P ‘he mitter- ed, with a‘gloomy brow. “If you: drew Jegiti- mate Blood from’ these veins, you would love what'T love,“and ‘hate what I hate,’ Father and daughter are ond? you'and I are not one.” He turned from his bréast, with sullen’ pride,’ © © “ Nay; fatlier}we are one in all but fhig mad- ness of rebellion,” answered Hope, with touch- iny tenderness. © "9° | pee eO Sth *7 “Madness! «° Who dares cfill it madness? he’ rétorted, sliaking her off , tle hand on his shoulder. “Call it what you will; Twill no But I think I know how it will end.” for she hiad Inid a gen- a t goticuay. ‘SOTTO, THE scour. ier, folding “his arms Upon’ ‘Hurdlestone turned slowly: upon Girdwood..: . : Soy sitel”oherbegan:’ -% ‘Dhisiis the wayzyou protect my daughter... This'comes of your mag- nanimity m seeking her after the battle.” «' Your ‘reproaches, sir; ‘have, some ‘point of justice ; yet Ioswear'to you thdtwhat [ lave said was upremeditated,” auswered:Ralph... “« Unpremeditated !” .sneered >the? «colonel. “The worst of. criminals. might: plead-that ex- cuse in’ extenuation of crime. lt was: for’ this you sought my daughter,/and decoyed her foot- steps hither !” to ¢ “ Colonel Hurdlestone, I must beg of: you to use no language that a man of honor may: not hear without offence,” r-turned Ralph, with dignity. If Miss Hurdlestone has received a disrespectful word or look. from me, I will not evade the responsibility, but shold myself’ ac- countable forthe satie.” 2 inte Pet ettacg “ Most kind! Most considerate!” murmured Hope. tle ao on “Too kind—too considerate !”” vociferated the colonel. “It is ‘this kindness and consideration, as you daintily term it, that I complain of »A fine time, girl, for love-mikingy when your father was & priséner, and’ your native soil overrun with Federal hiréling-hordes!"" 0-704) | “While regretting and depreeating your -an- ger, I rejoice at your escape,” observed 'Gird- Woda ee i : i “Young man; the bést advice Tecan give you is, to follow the retreating rabble of the Wash- ington Army. “As for my daughter; the pater- nal arm,’ I trust, will ‘be tound siffieient tio pro- tect her, Be wise, and return ‘no ‘more to’ Ma- nassas. Should you anbappily disregard’ this injunction, the reward-you have earned ‘will be rigorously meted’ out to you, °F go:to join my friends of the victorious army. Come; gitl— minion—ingrate! “Follow'me P09) 9° 2 “Hurdléstone lookéd'at his’ daughter’ as’ if he expected and exacted “obedience, RIG De irdwood stodd’ confounded ‘and ‘wondering. The man whom he had believed: a ‘prisoner* on his way to Arlington-was before (him, to dampen the first glow of his feelings, rob him of ae and -baffle* his“ plan. “An emotion of ? ‘| crushing disappointtiént came upon hin. The Nehe no longer crept throngh the drift of smoky clouds. “Darknéss ‘rolled’ im' “upon ‘the’ dingle. The metaphor of Hope liad, apparently, lost its- mesning, ‘The silver lining had depirted:’ - © aoe as Pore « nee AS s . - HOOK *8 BY 4 Rherl guivedsi’ “The dark-green leaves fluttered and rustled ‘in the stillness. A puff of hot afd stifling air swept) down’ from the battle-field. - For a moment it séeried to Girdwood that the earth was reeling under his feet. -- & ; odie °“ Follow me!? repeated the colonel: ‘As for you, sir,” he added, with a stern glance at Ralph, _S0OTTO, THE SCOUT. 4s _ “ as for you, sir, misguided young man, escape ‘°@hile you may2" setae! tntione geese He turned slowly to'go, and Hope» made a tap Keeward.et wSro tae comesod « “Look ‘e hyar 2" if The parties started, as if siwultaneously thrilled by a shock of-*magnetism. —Moviny from béneath the foliage that drooped over the camp, the short, stout personality of Zadoe Muréh advaiveed ‘quietly’and aid: his hand on Hurdlestone’s shoulder. Look'*ehyar 1” Never before had Girdwood heard this singu- lay: man throw words. é : ; : “You here!” exclaimed’ the oolonel. “Tin hyar !” said March, grofily. “Well?” quetied Hurdlestone, courtly. ““ Tallow that yowre a‘ prisoner,” said. Murch; ungraciously. oe Bh; “Not long since: T was @ prisoner, but now I am free,” aueweréd the colonel, with a flush of pride’and conscious strength. “Did-ye give your peril of honor? asked Zadoe, with increasing ambiguity of manner. “Not I! I gave a few lusty blows and the spurs to my horse and you see me here,” re- sponded Hurdlestone, who prided himself on his prowess. ““ Hope, take my arm,” he added. “ You're hyar, but not free,” continued Murch. 3 “What do you mean, sir?” cried Hurdlestone, angrily. “(I don’t’ comprehend your bearing, sit.” ' There was a stir’of feet on the dry leaves: Hurdlestone felt’ himself seized by the legs and shoulders. He shook himself ike a. rampant horse, but without freeing himself from his un- expected assailants. - Girdwood, who perceived the true condition of affairs, saw the fizhting brothers clinging about the colonel’s nether limbs, like young anacondas, and ,Corporal. Keith clutching him firmly by the collar. Luke: Scotto walked eomposedly from among the trees into the fureyroun:t. “This hyar is my meanin’,”’-said Murch. “ Traitor !” hissed Hurdlestone. “I'm the extract of sev ril States,” quoth Za- - doo, “and a strong tea for some kinds 0’ sick- smeas.. Call me what you will,” "sag “Give us the slip. didn't. ye, colonel ?” said Scotto, took ve to be.” _ “ As we’s ridin’ along,” answered the corporal, “the twins clinched, and I went to separate ’?em.. While I was a untwistin’ ’em, the prisoner rode down and knocked down the guard, and streaked it. I cut arter him, and here he is.” “ Stop shakin’ him! What’s into ye, co’p’ril? You’ve got him, theerfore be quiet. Colonel, don’t berampageous. Submitlikea man, The thing’s agin ye, and you can’t help it. There's 80° Much meatiing into these - ~| that could not ¢ Co’p'ril eith, you ain’t the man 11) as od o' the star-spangled eritters witbin eall,” ‘said the seout, with that yeas 6ell-eompos i osure that characterigéd |iims ¥ 7-18 Regiet “ You speak truly,” responded Hardlestone, with gloomy grandeur, . “Fate orders: it... Cail off these cirs,.and l.give, you;my,word that x will make no attempt to escape, unless. rése by.my friends.” d3: r “You do well,” returned the scout. .“.Your word is taken, although one;who-has proved false to the flag mayn’t,be fully treted.. Don't + flush up, colonel; for J. say it, as bwere, im sor- row.” ay ; * You know the fortunes of the day,:I. sup- pose 2” interrogated, the. prisoner, witha smile ; mistaken. “ AS “ Repulséd, but not-beaten..., It brings youno venrer® the eend, and ‘only lengthens. the war. Your masked battery, (Ingin, victory, ayails no- whaty for ‘tisn't follered:nyp by Beauregard, . Our troops ’IL reach their old eampin’-ground in safe- ty.j and urter this the army,’ll be made over und perpar. d:to'put down this.p’ison rebellion. This Ilewake up and: open the, eyes, of Goverment and People.” y aie seneh jas The righteoustiess and greatness of his canse shéd ‘a notable dignity over, the featnrea of Luke Scotto. « Hurdlestoné Jooked at him and -inyol- untarily! sighed. « Possibly.a. thought, of \Wash- ington, the Revolution, and the heritage of free- dom, lefta mournful, regretful track along the road of memory. ‘ ; “ Had you brought the.whole North down to Manassas,” he said, presently, with an obyious effort ‘to ‘shake off his. depression, +‘ we should. have whipped you.” . : es “You wought, and then ag’in you moughtn’t!” returned - Sotto, with gamnpenine. “Let's: be movin',” che added,*«‘ for the remnant. of the Black | Hoss is ragin’ up and down, sarchin’ for them ag ia’ unfort nately cut off from the. main body of our treops.” , 6 Bal od “Where's -that:trai!or, and: villain?” .asked Hurdlestone, glancing about for, Mureb. But Zadoo had mysteriously disappeared, and the colonel. was left iw ddubt: réspecting- bis charac- ter. ek i c 3 The parties followed Scotto a few rods, and found, farther wp in tlie divgle,a-dozen,of the Independent Rangers ‘waiting the, coming of tlieir leader: Zoe sox io pre's orade od'T - © §COTTO AND ‘THE, REBEL (LEADER. / “ Well*eaptain, what's: to be done 2” agked one of the iién. ‘!’Therebels.seem to. be pretty lenty hereabouts: I can hear them stirring on both sides of us2 190 “ Dismount, Jads, and let your horses bre:the some‘at, and wherever you see & bunch o’ grass, let the poor oritters ‘have it. -Itimay be safest to stay awhile where! we are. Arter-I've tiken our bearin’s, we'll make a fresh s@art, af gaings ‘ San “Took favorable. With women folke-along”—he looked at Hope—*’twould be foolish to: show, ‘ourselves unnecessarily to the rebils.” ~~ “T know,” he went on, reflectively, that.we might: hack,-hew, and slew, peradventur’,” but ’ the dainty body of the young woman ain't bul- let-proof; theerfore we must conduct ourselves accordin’.””* © “ Lét mé refresh your memory,” said Hurdle- stone to the scout, as he was moving away. “If there is an attempt at reseue by my com- panions-jn-arms, I shall not remain passive.” “JT understan’, sir,” returned: Scotto, ‘coldly. ‘“In'that/event, your word isn't pledged to stay with us any longer nor we oan keep ve. . South- érn’ honor mustn’t be tarnished, I réckin |” Luke Seotto shrugged his shoulders, and tiere was a quiet satcasm-in his voice that was suf- ficiently obvious, Then to his followers: ' “Men, take good care of the prisoner.” With this parting injunction Seotto walked away, and ‘was goon hidden from view by the trees. He ~ passed from’ the dingle on that side commanding the best view of the battle-field. Climbing a ‘sliarp eminence, ke strained his eyes in the di- ‘rection’ of Centreville and Warrenton Road. But the shadows of evening lay like a dim man- tla'ovéer the scene. Here and there lights were flashing, like faint and erratic meteors. Already had ‘anxious friends gone forth to search for. fa- miliar faces among the dead and wotinded. . It was the old, sad; and often-enacted afterpiece of battles. He could hear the sound of hurrving feet, squads of horsemen swept to and fro from various quarters. Beneath the hazy cano- y, scarcely distinguishable from other objects, fe cauzht phantom glimpses of fragments of in- fautry, flitting and fluctnating like the billows “of 1 disturbed sea. Borne on the passing breeze, the low and melancholy wail of the wounded came to his ears. He had heard that mournful music bafora, He had: grown acquainted with. it in bloody raids of the border, and on the red fields ‘of Mexico. | ; “They. wanted - war,” said Luke, speaking aloud, “and they’vo got it. We've got the “worst on't this time, butthe next time the Union -- bantiers move toward Manassas, they won't float over an armed mob.” 2) | ; The sharp clang of iron hoofs startled Scotto, and out short nis eoHis uy. A horseman spur- red up the. ascént.” Seotte prudently stepped behind a sturdy oak, while the headlong rider, Peaching the sunimit of the eminence, paused to breathe his panting steed. Giving a slack rein ’ to thevreeking animal, the rider endeavored to separate the realities before him from the pre- vailing< shadows: He, seemed exultant, yet dowbtful and perplexed. © «They'll make a stand at Centreville,” he muttered. | ‘Surely, they don’t mean to, run to Washington. This must be a ruse to draw us on, Johnston hesitates. He fears to hurl his _ SOOTTO, THE SCOUT. forces against them. Acoursed darkness that oovers both friend and,foe! The horseman bent over his horse’s mane, and looked with the utmost intensity. He saw the same objects that Scotto had seen, but with far different feelings. 7 “Vietory ! vietory!” he added. “The old flag flies! My name shall live in history. Be- fore me are power and dominion! The Great Republic is dead !” ; “ Touton Beauregard !” said a stern yet steady voice. I The horseman gathered up the flowing. rein and turned quickly toward the person who had thus addressed him: He: beheld Luke Scotto, with the barrel of his cooked rifle resting in the hollow of his left arm. The sight, for a mo- ment, paralyzed him. He knew well the man ; his integrity ; his stern patriotism; the iron rigidness of his resolves, when once formed. The triumph of Manassas, the glory ofthe hour, faded away. . The fresh laurels on his brow withered as by. the blighting touch of lightning. sient ‘© Touton Beauregard !” 3 The tones of the scout thrilled to the marrow of his bones. ; . Luke Scotto!” faltered the victorious geu- eral, “ How good is yonr memory!” said Luke, with ominous sang frowd. ‘If you hadn’t. seen me, you wouldn’t knowed me, I reckon. This isn’t like Mexico—is it ? We didn’t see no flag with seyen stars on't down there !” The Confederate officer sat silent in the sad- dle, gazing vacantly at Scotto. ~“Tisn’t long since you had me at vour head- quarters, with your secesh rabble: around me, talkin’ of halters and spies. My life'seemed as nowhat in your eyes.’ I was a Northern mud- sill, to hang atween the heavens ‘and the airth. Now T- have you, traitor! This weepon that’s leveled on ye, has brought down a.man at eigh- ty rods, and ean do the samé at a hundred, The muzzle, as I hold the thing carelvss in my hand, covers your heart.» Why should I spare you, Touton Beauregard ?” He paused, standing stiff and stirless as iron. “The world would be better fort,” he went on. “No true man would weep, but for your sins. In time to come, whén this twenty-first day of July has. passed into history, some'at like this mought be found in the record : “ Beau- regard, the rebel general, was shot the evenin’ artcr the battle by Luke Scotto—a man who sarved his country acordin’ to his abilitics, without hope of fee or rewar). His friends buried him in the night, and the grave of the traitor is unknown aud unmarked by stoxe or tribute of affection.’ ” ; A breathless silence followed. The distant occasional firing rendered it more impressive, | 6 The general's stunned faculties began slowly to react. His blood flowed and glowed again. “Jt is not my destiny!” he said, somewhat: hoarsely. “ You're the Napoleon of the South, I spare, le theerfore have a star? Don’t be mis by stars, Touton. There’s but one star worth the -mindin’, and that’s the star of honor. I’ve heerd of the North Star; but who ever heerd of the South Star?” answered Scotto, his. rifle still turned upon the chieftain. “The Southern Star,” returned Beauregard, “isthe star of empire.” - “And it rolls torards the Gulf!” retorted Luke, with dignity. ‘It rolls not West’ard nor North’ard. Not by no means! The light of your star will be quenched in the waters of the Gulf o’ Mexico.” “The fanaticism of the North!” sneered Beauregard, whose only hope was to engage the acout in conversation, and watch for the favor- able moment of escape. He had reason to be- lieve that his friends were not far distant. They might come up; his stern captor might be thrown off his guard, or something to his ad- vantage might in some way happen. He did not abandon hope. He would not and could not perish without tasting the fruits of victory. He wanted to hear a gaping multitude ery: ‘“‘ There goes the man who defeated the Union Army !” « Fanaticism and zeal are much alike, I allow,” said Scotto. ‘‘ Without zeal, a man’s nowhat. There’s nothin’ into him to give him energy. But I'll preach you a sarmon at another time ; theerfore, git off that hoss. A prisoner a hoss- back is a prisoner with the advantage of four hoss legs to two man legs.”’ “Luke Scotto,” answered Beauregard, with earnestness, “hear me! As you value rank, and riches, and a name, hear me !”’ “Go on, Touton! Go on, for half a minute,” a Scotto, still standing firm and straight and unbending in his simple integrity. “Go with me, Luke Scotto. Yield your ad- vantage. Trust your future fortunes in my hands.” He spoke rapidly and with emphasis. “To what end?” asked Luke. “To the end of riches and rank. Look at me! I am fresh from the battle-field. I am flushed with my first pre victory !” The voice of the rebel chief might have mov- ed one whose loyalty was less. “If you was flushed with a thousand victor. ies, ’twould be the same!” replied Luke, with- out the slightest sign of relenting. “To go with you, is to'go to the halter,” con- tinued Beauregard. “A prisoner to the Fed: erals I will never be. A rifle-ball would be far more friendly and welcome than such a fate. No! no! that may never be. As I said, you have me at an advantage; but tell me the price lof this advantage, and I give you my word of Mes : ‘SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. 65 honor as a man ae a soldier, that it shall be paid to the last fa — Ai ae A “Tempt me not! mpt me not, for I bear you no good will,” answered Scotto. “Give me all the:Confederate bonds, all the Confeder- ate cotton, all the Confederate niggers, and all the Confederate gold, and I wouldn’t let you go of my own will!” | The scout, in the pale- moonlight, looked really sublime. His rude eloquence smote the heart of Beauregard more than the sound of the Federal cannon, he had heard that day. His _ brave, words, gave ;manhood and beauty. to his character. : 5 “T believe in my destiny !”. muttered Beaure- gard, watching the dark-barrel of the rifle, re- solved to strike the spurs deeply into his horse and dare the. menacing bullet.. Had any other hand held the weapon, his fears for the result would have been infinitely less; but the quick eye, steady arm, and sure finger of the scout, rendered the, trial no, ordinary risk... He was about to lanee the reeking. sides of the animal, when the leveled rifle was suddenly struck up- ward by another hand, and, the contents were discharged in the air, and, to his joy; the Con- federate officer, perceived the well-known form of Zadoe Mureh...He spurred to aid him, ex- claiming, as he drew and presented a pistol at Luke :. “Die, obstinate villain!” “Nary die!’ cried Zadoc, interposing his burly body between the pistol and Scotto.‘ Put up that weepon, B'uregard.” . : “Nay, but the raseal would have. shot me!” remonstrated the general, provoked at the in- terference. “gg “Look ’e hyar!” retorted Murch. . “I saved your life. sata “ And it may cost ye some’at, too,” muttered the scout, leaning moodily on his empty Tifle. “No matter why | saved your life, but I sav- ed it; continued Murch. ‘Prehaps ’twas be- cause you sayed me from bein’ hacked to bits in a row down at the Run ; and prehaps ’twasn’t. Who keers? Be that howsomeveriit may, this man mustn’t be tetehed. He’s got the true grit in-him, he has. Whena man's got the true grit, I don’t mind whar I find him, nor which side he’s on. I stick to him, I.do!”. + ; ‘You aré a strange feliow!” said. Beaure- rs reluctantly returning ‘his pistol to the olster. ‘You must have your own way, I suppose, I owe you something for your time- ¥ interference. . A victorious leader should not ie on the day of victory... Come; will you go with me, or shall I leave you in sueh question- able company?” ” “Go your way, gin’ral. -Look arter that Star you war jist speakin’ of, and leave me to look arter mine. ou owe me. nothin’ worth the mentionin’. I trust. when I see you agin, it may be at Washin’ton, or Baltimore, or Phila. 46 delpby. or some. o’ them ere doomed cities !” said Mu rch, with ‘an éxpression not'easy Of ¢om-' prehension. _ gold Jah OH ELEY AS” you' will,” answered ‘Beauregard ; and with a flush onhis brow, anda singular smile on his lips, he ‘spurred down’ the -declivity and disappeared. The clatter of his ‘horse’s lioofs was‘soon heard in the valley below - CHAPTER ‘XXII. ALONE. Meantime matters dia not go smoothly at the - dingle. While the Rangers stood beside their weary horses, a volley of ‘pistol-shots suddenly startled them from their fancied security. “A few of the boldest plunged into’ the surrounding thickets and endeavored to find the enemy ; but not sueceeding' in this, the whole’ party moved quickly from the ravine, believing they could resist attacks more efficiently in the open fields than when hemmed ‘in by trees and shrubbery that gave abundant shelter to an énemy on foot, who could not be reached by mouated men. Two of the Rangers were slightly wounded, and several bullets whistled in dangerous prox- imity to Hope. Greatly alarmed for her ‘per- sonal safety, Girdwood hastened to her side, but tooked vainly for a foe. Colonel Hurdlestone accommodated himself to the movements and wishes of his captors in moody silence. Neither passing bullet nor fear for his daughter seemed to disturb him. His bearing was that of one who had determined to’ meet everything ‘that might Pees with firmness and lofty misan- thropy. The Basketeers, Peleg and Pickering, were the ohly ones who really relished the situ- ation. Wo them, evidently, it was excellent: pas- time. Running under the brush lke squirrels, they alone claimed to have seen the concealed marksmen, and given them suitable return for their leaden compliments. “Them boys,” said Corporal Keith, “will get shot, yet. They’re allers dodgin’ around ’mong the ’ceshers when the bullets are flyin’. But it’s the’ natur’ of ‘em. They fit in ‘the basket, when they hung on the door-handle, the cap’n says, and I believe him! It would be safer for ’em to take a little clinch ’mong thieirselves, than to be strollin’ about loose in that: way. There! they're firin’ ag’in. Some o’ the rebels got it then, I guess ; for if anybody can find ’em, it’s them twins.” Then to Hurdlestone : “Colonel, keep up clost to long side here, for you're a Slippery *un to take’ keer on. For your darter’s sake, I don’t want to harm ye ; but if I see ye makin’ a motion to run, I’ll be blamed if I don’t send a ball arter ye! Bear that in mind, and there’ll be no hard feelin’s if you get winged. Mr. Girdwood, have an eye on the gal. These skulkin’ fellers don’t have much respect for worien.” “No need to tell him that, corporal!” mutter- SE SOOTTO, THE SCOUT. ed one of the men. ‘He don’t see nothin’ but hérj’and no bullet could touch heryif he edilld get between her pretty body and it?! jose “Be réady and- steady, boys!:admonished the corporal. ‘Remember what you're fightin’ for, “ Here we are in the open.) Draw! wp in some kind of order, for I see ey heads ‘over yender.” : ; D wie “You may’ see their bodies, ifiyou ‘like; for here they come!” responded “his: tight-hand man, drawing a sabre that might ‘have answered very well for that stalwart hero, William [Wal- lace, in the olden days of Scottish: valor: |’ While the Ranger ‘was speaking, acbody” of a cavalry, outnumbering our little: party: three to one, came dashing toward them.) (yw let Girdwood’s first thought’ was of. Hope. He feared to leave her, and he could: not: remain idle while his arm was needed... Shé/perceived his embarrassment. wait. ol D + “Think not of me!) she exclaimed. ‘‘Do your duty. Yonder thicket wilkafford me shelter and concealment. | I haye only, to:ask, that.you will remember that syonder brave man dis my father... His escape cannot be preventedi: diam eae. hand—” ; > awords “Will never be turned: against) him; save in self-defence,”’ interposed Girdwood, quickly. ; “You aré loyal, youiare generous !?yanswered Hope, with emotion. noi 03 boduaw “ Miss) Hurdlestone, one word: Tf, 4) fall—if we are parted—if we never:meet again) know that Lloved you!” -His foot was in the atitrup ; he vaulted ‘to the saddle, gazed ‘at heran instant, waved his hand toward the thicket, and drawing his sword, spurred to meet, the enemy side! by side with the devoted little -band of dragoons! Hope looked after him, saw him ride into the fray, heard) scores of pistol-shots, whem he was lost to view:in smoke. » Her father, who seemed to have been forgotten-in the éxcitement; df: the moment, instead of joining her,.or seeking safe- ty in flight, hurried toward the combatants,:to cheer on his friends in» arms: and take part:.in the strife. : won? Sickened by the thought of what mightshap- pen, she paused to see no more. She fled to the woods, and still pursued by. the sounds o1 the conflict, continued to fly...It dppeared to her that. she was» leaving ‘the dire ameértain behind, and she favored: the delusion. | Panting and trembling, she stopped, finally,’ in /thé-dark recesses of the forést.» Resting upon the trunk of a fallen tree, she had time-to: reflect.on! the folly and cowardice of her panies: ». \) ~ When rest had restored her to something like calmness, she resolved to retrace her steps. |The gloom of the woods, which, at, other times, would have made her uncomfortable, was now. little thought of. She commenced her return, asham- ed of her weakness. But the:task proved diffi- cult of achievement. ‘To her inexperienced ap- prehension, it appeared an easy matter to pick ‘eat cee es oe 200 Pw se mee ee ea ne Bethe ee ee ee BO sO 2 RUS OF OT Kk <) 1e ld le n- fi- p- ok : faces of the slain. ty years, | Perceived that she held, a - §mall hands. , Seeing that, it. was-one of her own ‘her way back ;. but when she had walked a half- hour, she was'surprised that she had not accom- plished her purpose. She kept.on, till the con- |. viction that. she had lost her way stole gradually upon her. oF 36. o%8 When she, emerged from the woods, if was a place unknown to her, but a portion of the thea, | - tre of the day’s events, for it. was marked by the red track of. battle.. She believed that she was far, from the farm-house, and, was surprised at the Jong stretch of ground that had been occu- pied. by the hostile armies. Treading with timid, steps, she passed many mementoes,of the fight. She thought. she had not courage to look upon. the victims of war ; but..when.she saw the motionless sleepers, it Was. with more of solemnity than fear. It, was not. without. feelings -of patriotic sublimity that she saw the. Union dead in,their last, quiet slum- bers.’ She reflected that they had. fallen. ina good. cause; and that) the private who had yield- ed his life for the.beloved flag was as much, a hero.as. the gallant officer who. had died, sword in hand, at the head, of his; column. Such sensations. and, deductions were ,whole- ®ome,; they disarmed her foolish, selfish-terrors, and directed, her mind to, higher moral lessons and. nobler objects. vf The -pale and. eternal orbs-of heaven, poured down, upon her innocent and undefended head a pure atmosphere of mild and softened light—a &nowy illumination that also fell upon the white Federal and. Confederate lay side..by, side. *Mothers. and wives. would weep over both. Liberty and Slavery had its martyrs there... The God of Battles sat in His majesty ' Ter-all — CHAPTER XXIII. PHE VIVANDIERE. “Hope. moved, on. She knew that she was stray, but she felt. protected and guided. A low sobbing reached her ears. It did not, startle er much; she was expecting sounds of grief ) 8nd pain; it was the place and the hour for ‘them. Topking onward, she beheld a figure Seated beside a heap ofjslain men. It.was a fe- Male form, and. the presence of the.dead gave ter a peculiar sanctity in the eyes of Hope, who : peo her without hesitation. She was a young woman of eighteen or twen- j with. a pretty, childish face, and clad Inithe picturesque costume of a French vivan- s re, an “ss . | Miss Hurdlestone’s light step.at once drew her uttention.. She, arose quickly, and the former é @ pistol. in one of her Sez tho had. disturbed, her, sad and solitary vigil, ; e tmanifested both surprise and pleasure, and pened the dangerous .little; Weapon: to its Ocket, ~ ; . SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. at ‘You followed the Federal Army?’ . said Hope, affeeted almost.to tears. ‘“T wear the red, white, and bluée!” answered the vivandiere, in a melancholy voice... _. , Hope now observed that her eassock or froe was made of those united colors. ‘Why do.you weep ?” Hope asked... The vivandiere looked at her inquiringly. “Why do you, ask such a.question 2” she re- plied, throwing. a mournful jglance over the field...“ You, who are,a woman, young,) and with a heart in your bosom, should know. . True men lie here, unburied, slain by their brethren ! Who can refrain from weeping? It has been a dreadful day; ‘miss !’’ i ‘‘ Terrible, indeed!’ sighed Hope. | “I trem. ble at the thought of the dangers to.which you have been exposed, and I shadder at every- thing. around me. My.good girl, you: should have kept out of the red circle of battle.” Hope advanced,.and took, the passive hand of the vivandiere,: whose, fair; face expressed both sorrow and courage ‘ “Think of the poor soldiers,” murmured the girl, “fainting with heat, and thirst, Think of the wounded, too, dying for water! Is it nota work of duty, as.well as; merey, to place the drinking-cup. to their hot lips?’ The. yivan- diere touched the, canteen. that; hung at her side. Her cheeks glowed with soft melancholy. The silvery moonlight, falling on her. young face, seemed like a halo from heaven. “T have received the ‘God bless, you!’ of many a brave soldier to-day,” she adjed. “I never shall) forget what I have seen,and heard, Some of the water-carriers have been shot, by the enemy. .That was.cruel; for civilized men _| do not fire at women. You found me weeping, because it is.a day.of disaster. A dearly-bought vietory was strangely lost... Cameron; and. many gallant officers and. men, lie dead. I ery with grief and anger!” “Tears, my girl, will. not reeall them,” said Hope, soothingly. “You have questioned me ; now let me ques- tion you,” responded the girl, beginning to ex- amine Hope with more interest.‘ You, too, are young,” she went on ; “as young as I, for my half-masculine dress makes méJook more youth- ful than Iam. . Why, then, areyou here? Are you loyal?” “As yourself, young woman!” _ “That. gives me joy! It-is pleasant to see a loyal face.in a scene like this. Perhaps you have come to look for a brother or lover?” ‘‘ Neither, neither !”” answered Hope, quiekly. “My father is a rebel officer. _ He led the Black Horse wherever the battle raged.” “ Then. you may look for his body away yon. der, for I know, well the spotwhere the Black Cavalry. were cut to pieces. Come, my friend ; iy go with you, if you wish, | I have pity for a ie te wee i i i i I | | i } | 43 ately. : “T thank you, but there isno need. My fath- er lives. Lot us leave this sad place. Tell me your name.” : - : ““Margaret Moore. They ¢all me Maggie. I followed the Seventy-ninth. But when I found one moaning for water, I did not ask to what regiment he belonged, or whether he were friend or foe.. More than one rebel has drank from my eanteen,” replied the vivandiere. “T doubt it not, my friend. Loyal hearts are ever merciful. I am sure we understand each other. Let us be friends. My name is Hope Hurdlestone.” “The daughter of Colonel Hurdlestone !” ex- claimed Margaret. ‘‘ He fought bravely. Isaw him sweeping to and fro, with empty saddles at his right and left. Those who came out alive from the last charge upon the three regiments will have a story to tell.” “Speak not of it! Let us somewhere seek shelter and safety. I left friends not long ago, but fear that I cannot again findthem. You can do no good here, and remaining may expose you to new dangers; for victory makes bad men brutal.” “Tf you go toward Manassas, no; if toward the Potomac, or in any direction where we shal] be likely to fall in with Union troops, I will go with you gladly,” answered Maggie Moore. “There is one,” said Hope, with heightened color, “ whom I would find, who is no traitor, | but whom I left in great danger. Iam in doubt whither to direct my footsteps ; but yonder, I think, should be my way. I have been gently reared, my slightest wish being anticipated and obeyed by willing slaves ; and the vicissitudes of this day have been alike new and strange. But I ought not to murmur, when so many lose life itself for that cause which costs me but fa- tigue and a silly girl’s terrors. Your courage and devotion justly rebuke me.” “ Your words are very sweet, dear young la- dy. Maggie Moore fears not to go with you. Look at this little instrument.” The pretty vivandiere held up her pistol. It was an improved and beautiful pattern, with seven revolving eylinders. “T can use it well, Miss Hurdlestone. I will not tell you what it has done to-day ; but all things are lawful in self-defenee. Look at this small copper canister. It is the load. 1 thrust it into the em y eylinders in a moment. See how I do it. yy ere! the pistolis loaded. Now that holds seven lives, if wellaimed. Itrequires a steady hand, though. Isn’t my hand steady ? Observe me, Miss Hurdlestone.”’ While speaking, Margaret Moore loaded the empty cylinders with the percussion canisters ; and to prove the firmness of her nerves, held out her arm and leveled the pistol as deftly and steadily as a veteran. SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. The vivandiere pressed Hope’s hand af ection- = “So you need not be afraid, Miss Hope. For one or two enemies, you see, I am quite prepar- éd. It’s a good thing to know how to defend one’s self. You might as well be ayrag-baby, or a log of wood, as not to have the knowledge and courage to take care of oe person, ‘The meanest thing that ¢rawls has the instinct to turn on what turns on it. Non-resistance, among brutes, is foolishness.” i “ Very good and very true, to my simple ap- prehension,” responded Hope, surprised at the philosophy and self-possession of the vivandiere. Margaret had returned the pistol to its ap- propriate pocket, and they were moving away, mutually pleased with each other, when Hope discovered two men approaching, whose lawless bearing filled her with alarm. ‘They were dress- ed in the dingy gray of the Confederate Army, but the original color was nearly lostin dirt and tatters ; a Fit which the fitful moonlight was sufficient to reveal. Their faces were unshorn, and blotched with red, and (so far as Hope could judge, on their nearer approach) bloated with whisky, and the indices ‘of all that was coarse and revolting in the human character. Such were the observations of Hope as the men advanced and confronted them. However’ wanting in tidiness, they had no lack of arms— their leathern belts being literally crowded with weapons that they had manifestly taken from the slain and wounded. Each stood in a circle of steel made up of pistols and bowie-knives, thrust into their belts promiscuously, as gath- ered from the field. 2 ond 3 The discovery of Hope and Margaret gave them the greatest satisfaction. They-leered at each other with a species of frightful facetious- ness that struck terror to the hearts of the trem- bling girls. “T say, Peterson |” said one. The other, for a suitable response, ducked his head, put a tawny hand over bis mouth, and kicked out behind him with hia right foot. This pantomime was intended to express something too good to be believed, and to which words were inadequate. e “ Peterson !” the fellow repeated. + “Go “long!” said Peterson, now kicking at his comrade in bear-like playfulness. “Ge ‘long, sweetmeats! What’s this here? Don’t be afeard, little dears. Don’t be an artom afeard. We a’n’t grizzly b’ars, I allow.” Peterson doffed an old fatigue-cap, and made a grotesque bow to Hope and Margaret. «“ Hang me, old boy, if these a’nt some 0’ the Federal gals as have come down yer with the army! This iswhatI calls a carcumstanee. I sort of fancies’ this one in the long clothes. She’s a reg’lar good-looker !"" Haskins expreaséd his admiration by advane- ing a step, and staring and grinning in Hope's face, _ “ This one, with the queer rig on, jest about oe — a Ss Sy - SO oO , 8 shines my eyes,” replied Peterson. “Dog me if she isn’t a twelvemonth! How d’ ye do, miss?’ What ye got in your little keg ? “ Nothing for you,” said Margaret, with spirit. “Ho, ho! Plucky, eh?” chuckled Peterson. “Stand back! Don’t come too near!” said Maggie Moore, warningly. “Who are you ?” asked Hope, summoning all her firmness. “To which army do you belong?” “She speaks !” cried Haskins. “The Feder- al angel has found her tongue. I s’pose I must answer. Well, listen! We a’n’t anybody in partic’lar. If we be anybody in partie’lar, we don’t know it. As for the armies, we’re Secesh, though we don’t go into it in the ‘reg’lar stand- up-fight, but on our own hooks; and we’re allers liable to be found on the field arter a battle.” “They come like the carrion-crows,” inter- posed Midgarels “to prey on the dead. They are the miserable hangers-on of the rebel rabble. They are of that class who rob dead men’s ockets, and follow war for pillage, and not rom principle.” “]T knew she’s a smart one!” cried Peterson. All grit, she is. Come, pretty miss, let us be a marchin’, as the song says.” He stretohed out his hand, and pulled the vi- vandiere by the sleeve. She réleased herself at once. “Touch me not! Back,I tell you! Go your ways, both of you. If you think I cannot de- fend myself, you are mistaken.” She drew ber pistol, and pointed it, which action was hailed with derisive ee the two men. ~‘She’s got a pistol, Haskins. Oh my! She’s got a pistol! It's about the size of a bodkin. A good deal 0’ damage she’ll do with it! Look here, miss! What do you s’pose a man cares for that thing who picks his teeth every mornin’ with an eighteen-inch bowie-knife ? You might shoot all day at my hand, and not make holes in’t big enough for a pepper-box cover !” “Don’t be too sure of that. I can hit a smaller mark than your hand!” retorted the vivandiere, oe the pistol very steadily. “The heart, eh? I say, Haskins, I like this. What a pair of ’em, to be sure! Come ; it’s no use to mince matters. You must go with us; and snivelin’ and hangin’ back won't do no manner 0’ g' Start at the word ‘Go! So do all your screamin’ and faintin’ as quick as you please.” ; « We shall do neither!” answered Margaret, with singular calmness. Hope looked at her with surprise. The confidence of the vivandiere inerensed her own, and sustained her faltering oourage. “You say,” she said, assuming all ede ty that she could, “ that you belong to the Con+ federate Army, My fatheor i # colsnel in that , army!’ BR nt NA I EOI e neatest Yankee gal I’ve seen for’ SCOTTO, THH S00UT, 49 a What regiment ?” asked Haskins, incredw- wt : “He commands the Blaek-Horse Cavalry,” “Oh, you’ré Colonel Hurdleston’s daughter ! That’s a good one! Tell another, gal; tell another! It looks likely that Colonel Hurdle- stone’s daughter would be wanderin’ round in this style in the woods, and among the dead, after dark.” Haskins said this with an insolence that was alike insulting and provoking. “Low and degraded creature!” exclaimed Hope, unable to restrain herindignation. “ Full of falsehood and guile yourself, you look for the same qualities in others. We wish to go orate undisturbed. Hinder us not, at your peri i” i She drew herself up haughtily, and waved back the ruffian. ; “ Dainty airs are nothing to me,” said Has- kins, doggedly. ‘ There’s no use in tryin’ the fine lady here. By —” (he swore a ‘frightful oath), ‘you shall go to camp with us! Come along !” : “Weve done foolin’,” put in Peterson, “and there’s an end on't.. Be movin’, gals—be mov- in’ qt “ Keep near to me!” said Margaret to Hope. “We had better die here than follow them. There is no crime they are not equal to.” Then, to the men: “ Will you go?” “Not without company !” sneered Peterson, advancing to seize the vivandiere. Margaret retreated a step, leveled her pistol steadily, and fired.’ Peterson stag ered, clapped his right hand on his breast, and fell. While Haskins stood confounded and amazed, a bullet from Margaret's little weapon struck him between the angle of the forehead and the left ear. The maledictions gathering on his lips broke into a cry of pain as he went down. “There !” exclaimed Margaret. “That is justice. Let us run!” Taking Hope by the hand, they hurried from the spot, and were soon gliding swiftly and si- lently through the forest. CHAPTER XXIV. BARNEY MALONE. 5 The dim solitude was a relief to Hope. “Her hurrying feet left the scene of her late terrors far behind. The vivandiere strengthened and en- couraged her by cheering words and brave ex- thee Every sound revived her fears, so much had her nervous system suffered by the shocks of the eventful day.’ In imagination, the vil- lains, Peterson and ins, were following their flight, furious in their baffled purpose. © -and-by, as a greater feeling of security gtadualiy stole tpon them, —_ began to affect. them—Hope, in an especial manner, her délicate person havitig never before been sub- jected'to such @ severe trial, They paused in OR eet etme sot A aes 50 sels oth « 5 + tte an oak glade, and were glad to sink upon the grass to Tesh gee o nt rein j Casting ‘their eyes upward.through the dong and;thread-like! vista formed by, the trees, that; stood. like sentinels on either side, they beheld, the mystic stars, and the mild-moon, staggering faintly on its ethereal way. To Hope, the gen- tle orb seemed to shudder at the deeds of men, and, hurried, on’ its course, pale and sorrowing. She thought of her father and ,her lover: She. wondered how it fared with them, and tried to feel that, they. were, safe, , A distant. rustling of leaves reached her, now, too-vigilant ears. Her companion: heard the same, but. with less alarm, and attributed it to the playful leaps of the ever-restless squirrel. The sounds, howey- er, drew hearer,/and became more. distinct. “Ts a beast of prey!” said Miss, Hurdle- stone; ina suppressed, yoice. “I can hear its long, light bounds.” . f st ieial “It sounds like the running of a strong. and agile animal, I confess,” answered Margaret ; “but it may prove to be a harmless rabbit, or some poor opossum on a nocturnal, ramble.” « | fear it may be something of a fiercer sort,” eontinued Hope. ‘It would be so dreadful to be. torn in spieces;by a stealthy catamount; or prowling,wolf!’....., : ; j The animal, whatever it, was, whose tread dis- turbed them, occasionally, paused; then advanc- ed with greater speed. “Bath the young, women were now thoroughly frightened. ‘The creature was fearfully mear., [ts bounds were,rapidly de- vouring the ground. It reached the glade ;, it came down it like, an arrow, straight toward them.. The vivandiere drew her little pistol, and Hope. covered -her face... A half-dozen quick bounds, and the fleet-limbed animal. was. upon them.,,.Hope. expected to feel. its hot fangs in her esh.inatead of which, two, soft, paws were laid upon her, and. the cold nose. of the hound Jule was pressed against her cheek, ‘“ Ohi!” exclaimed Margaret,; ‘it's nothing but,a,dog! And it must be yours, for it seems to know you.” rit Hope smiled faintly, and showed to Margaret avery pale face, She returned:the joyful ca- resses of the hound with genuine pleasure. Jule! Good Jule! pes glad: to see you, Jule !”’.she , said. Why didn’t you, stay with me?” Jule wagged, her tail.and frisked about. “Ah. added. her, mistress...‘If, this erea- ture conld speak, what. news. it, might tell me! Perhaps;Dagon.is seeking me!” oy), a) ‘Let, us.follow the dog;:’, suggested Maggie ; a ne to,wliich the other, willingly, as- | sented... 4 fi destinations her.course being discouragingly ers ratic, pausing, often.to,look up, at the face of her map tions. 2 ‘Where, have you been? } SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. and they followed, with increasing confidence Her actions .indicated that, she: scented .some- thing ; and, after going a few, rods further, they discovered, man. sitting atthe root of a tree. Jule stopped, and eyed the figure: with evident doubt and curiosity, while Hope and: Margaret shared the first, if not. the Jatter feeling. .On seeing the dog, which ;was some. yards, in ad- vance of the,young woman, the man arose, with a sabre in:his“hand, and; put himself, in, a defen- sive attitude. 7 : “Ts ita dog ye be?” he inquired, in the very. voice of Barney Malone...“ Perhaps it’s a wild baste.ye are! But you’re slim, for a.dog, be ja- bers! Jif ye’re.a cat, say. so.; but. if.ye’re a catamount, jist.take the, right-hand, direction, and Vl give ye.the fulljof the road,” Jule sat down upon her haunches, looked blandly at. Barney,.and answered never a word. “ It's blockadin? me, ye’re afther |... Away vid ye, yebrute!, Secade,,. ye long-nosed warmint!”’ Barney, made: a hostile motion, with his. sabre. Just, then, his.eyes, fell.on the girls, ;,.... t “ Howly mother! What's comin’ now,Lwon- der? . Hang. me, if iver.I.see the.like, of sit! Here are two faymale women as true,as I'm a good Catholic! They ’pearto be.athriflewfeard of me. , They’re, stoppin’—lookin’, for all the world, like two partridges hidin’ in the grass. Bad ’cess to me if I don’t spake to ’em! They may be -secaders 5 but divil aybit, cares, Paddy Malone!” F ; diod Barney paused; scratched, his head, then drew a dirty fragment. of a handkerchief from his pocket. “A flag o’ truce!” quoth Barney...‘ Ajflag o’ truce:is, jist the chaase.. Ill go, accordin’ to the rigulations of. belligerents, bedad !” ‘ Barney clapped the rag on, the point, of his sabre,.and raised it over his,head.) + “ Barrin’ the eolor,” he.said,”: it’s. as good a flag o’ truce as.iver was.carried.”, ‘Then, to the girls: “ Adyance, ye.faymales, and we'll ratify tr’aty in the lickin’ of a.cat's ear.” “ Surrender !” retorted Margaret. ate Lay down your, arms) and surrender |” ; “ The Sixty-ninth never surrenders! . It’s like Gin’ral, Taylor at Bony.-Vista!” replied Barney, waving his flag, 9... /. ; - “Where is the Sixty-ninth?” asked Margaret. “Tm the Sixty-ninth:intirely!, Every, divil of.’em, privates, commissioned and..non-com- missioned, officers was jist killed..where they. stood ; so that the Sixty-ninth is meself; and meself.alone,...L:m, colonel, ligutenant-colonel, major, oap’n, lieutenant, ordherly-sergeant, cor- ‘ral, private; and, me» own, quartermasther. . _Juek, to, me, it’s, the; quartermasther’s, de- artmint that-brings me to grafe ; for sorra.a_, it of ateables -has. passed my, lips: this bJissid day,” responded Barney, promptly. , dt 9 “Then you are, the, sole survivor. of the Six- efincaihen * i esently ound’s discretion became more defined, ty-ninth »” said Maggie, not much’ shoekad. by . “this intelligence. : Wa tS rot Ht erin dats oc ater eer ee 3 ‘o’ straw. The Mother of God onl; SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. “That's jist it! You may set it down as Bi- ruth,.every word of its.) And, this was! the; bled fisars of the accident; We wint up-to storm a masked-battery,of abeut two hundred riflevcan- non, more jor, less,.as.the case may be; and ivery one, 0’ them cannon was; double-barreled: —a carcumstance J never see before in me life. Well, as we marched, up,side by side, in illegant orler, they det fly at us, and:down they all wint but meself,. Iwas shot through various: parts of me body, and. afther, what.’d happened, as ye, may well. belave, 1 was -in.,trouble in me mind. ,I didn’t stay only, Jong-enough to spike a few guns, afther which L.made a. mastherly re- trate. It's a sad day. O philliloo! Ochone! Ochonel? on os qe “It's a great; lie.you're, telling, Barney Ma- lone!” at ie vivandiere, advancing, and show- ing her person more fully. “ Who spakes? «What voice is that I hear? What forrom is that I see ?. Itshould be Maggie, of the Seyenty-ninth.”” . ‘In his surprise, Barney dropped his flag of truce. “T am the vivandiere who. gave you water to-day, when you were carried to the rear im an ambulance,”, answered Margaret. “ Cushla Machree! . It’s some, kind of a.dear that-I knew you was, little dear or; viyandiere. It’s glad I am to see ye! Come closter, that I may put. my two: eyeson. something humans ‘God bress ye,.and the likes of, ye, this day! Barney Malone is better for, seein’ ye, and the ether one wid ye; but I’m hurted bad, andut’s not long I can stan’ comfortable on me feet ; so, with your lave, I'll jist clap meself down ag’in, | while ye tell me all about the battle.” ' “There’s nothing, to. tell, Barney. troops are repulsed—that’s all,” repli vet, sighing. “Ochone! My heart is heavy for it....We’d Our Marga- . a thrashed ’em, if they hadn’t, skulked in the woods, behind breastworks and big guns. » Sor- row and grafe be unto ’em! Bad whisky and bad ‘luck to the murtherin’ seeaders!, Ma they slapé with their eyes open, and wake, wit em shut! May they never know the blessin’s of p’ace, nor the satisfactions of freedom!, Lis: ten to me, Maggie Moore. Afther*ye give me the wather in the sick shay for the wounded, I re- vived sn eas ope erawlin’ euhiietoshes murechine, when, a shell. bu’st under, it. an whisked the into the air Wa te Vd a bundle far I wint up, but in me-cooler judzminty should. think about the matter.of a thousand. feet! . If I hadn’t come down jin 4, soft: place, it would been the wonder ef the world if 1t hadn’t killed me. Would ye helave it ?—the ribels had the haythenness to fire on me when J’s in the air | But I bad me revinge ; for I fell on a big-cap’n and broke his neck. Well, I picked myself up; die I'm tellin’. Knows how. |., quite freshened by the shock, and.was doin’ me 51 best to stop the retrate, when a frightened pow- der-wart, ‘\drawed" by six hofses’ runnin’ at’ the tate/of three minutes @ mile, fétehed ine“'a Wipe inthe small of me back, knocked mé‘sprawlin’, so that the-wheels-wint over ‘every part of me body. But that» misfortin was‘ the ‘luckiest thing that happened to me during'the day ;' for another shell bu’st, jist then, doin’ terrible exe- cution, and coverin’ me'with a hape of slain. Philliloo! There I was, naythur able to move hand nor fut, by v'ason of ‘them atop me. ‘Ah, Miss Maggie, imagine yourself in med place!” ' “It was very dreadful,’ Barney,” “observed ‘Margaret, i Yemay well-say that! God’ knows ‘it’s ne But I kept’ me’ self-possession wonderful. * Pull me-out,” sez I. seathehaian ‘*“Pull who out ?? sez somebody élsé,”° “Barney Malone, of the Sixty-ninth;” séz I. And with that} two soldiers got hold of ‘me, and with: much: pullin’ and haulin’, suesayded in draggin’ me out.’ Come. to’look at’ the bape that was on me, there was about the full of two wagin-loads, ‘in ‘a r’asonable estimate.” I had Mow nothin’:for arms but me revoolver, havin’ left me musket with two secadérs strung on the sabre-bayonet, like @ herrin’ on’a stick. But I might been worse off than havin’ six charges at the pullin’ of a finger.” pe" “You were fortunate in being so well pro- vided for,” said Margaret, willing’ to" listen to Barney’s adventures. «As things happened, it was’ thé luckiest thing in tlie world,” he resumed; “for I had no sooner got on-me' pins ag’in, than Iwas in dan- erof being) knocked off ‘em’ by siven of the lack Horse ‘Cavalry, who ¢ome rampin’ upon me with @ terrible ‘jinglin’ of ‘spurs, sabre- sheaths, and. ’eoutrements.’ My Tittledéar, or vivandiere — whichever ye plaze—stick ‘a ‘pin here: while I make “a r’asonable “observation. You've no coneiption, Miss Maggie, of the noise and clatter them blackguards' iiadeé as they gal- loped at ‘me: ‘It’s neck’ or nothin’!’ sez T, to meself. ‘Kape up your courage,’ sez T, to the samé person; and in-the saine way. “If ye die, now, Barney Malone, ye’ll’ never seé “Bidd ag’in, nor the littie childer' to home.’ Wit that,'I grew very stout in tlie heart andthe knees, and: blazed away at the traitors iii @ way that ’d done your eyes’ good’ to sée, for they dropped.ont of thergaddle, 6ne after the other, like so many bricke"set ee over. “ But the! throuble: wasn't séttled’ yet. Six bullets, you know, Miss Maggie,’ can’t very well do the business for more’n'six met; 86"the sev- enth was) lefton'my hands, mounted, ‘you must remimber, ‘all the while, with a sword in his hand about theslength ‘of two yardstieks, and sharper’n avbarber’s’razor. It was‘ thin that I thought Biddy’d be a widder and the little childer fatheress..; Now, the/last man that fell when I fired was about: six feet from the muzzle in’ to ye with, me own nat’ral ton 32 of me pistol,.and his -horte boundin’ forrard with him, he toppled off at my side. ' Quick as thought, I ketched the sabre from. his stiffenin’ fingers and run.as I never. run afore, with the fast gallop of a horse close at my heels, sound- in’ mighty oncomfortable to a distressed ‘Sixty- ninth on foot. I see a tree straight ahead, and never a snake left Ireland so fast as I made for: that same tree. By the help of the saints and me legs, I got behind it afore ye ¢onld tell two beads on your rosary, and down thundered sa- cesh with murther in his heart and eyes. - Thin there was a race round the trunk of the tree. A man, you see, can turn shorter than 6 ‘horse, and there was me advantage. I capered about like a clown in a circus. . "T'would been a sight to see us. “Ewas Truth afoot, and Trason a horseback. Pie “O Biddy! 0 the childer! Oh, philliloo!” Barney Malone, picked up his tattered flag of truce, and wiped large drops, of perspiration from his brow. “You were in/great danger, Barney,” said Maggie, kindly. “Go on... But first. take a drink from my canteen.” “Hould it. up, darlint, for me left arm is hurted bad.” Margaret good-naturedly placed the: canteen to his lips. He drank. Jong and: deep.’ The fluid must have been low down the wooden staves when he ceased. Bs “ Cushla machree!” exclaimed Barney, smack- ing his lips. ‘‘ Alanna machree!» Your eyes shine like stars, honey! It’s a credit to human nature ye are! There was more in it than wa- ther; it had the smack of poteen, sweetheart. Arrah! it’s me own mother’s daughter that I wish ye was. In case o’ that, it’s your own swate lips I'd be afther kissin’.” - “Never mind the lips, Barney. Let us hear whether you were killed or not?” The fair vivandiere smiled so bewitchingly on Barney, that it was several moments before: he recovered his breath and voices “ How faxcinatin’ ye makes yourself, Maggie Moore! If I was killed, how could I be sp'ak- gue? As I was an Teut round the tree, like the: divil afore howly wather. Every instant, I expict- ed to feel cowld steel. in sme back. Other- of me body was. shorter’ nor the length. of hie horse, and two: legs was “more manageable nor four ; 80, by makin’ short turns, | I gained on him, and fetched his baste a — acrost his hamstrings that brought him to the ground of a suddint. Cuttin’ the murtherin’ traitor over his eyes with me sabre, I took to the woods as fast as me trotters could carry me.” “You were very lucky... What happened then ?” asked the vivandiere. _ “More’n I could tell ye in a day, miss. It's SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. doubtin’ me I fear ye are?” andwered Barney, looking ‘at her inquistively: “It’s little ’d be afther eee if I thought oh quistion me voracity.' Well, no sooner had‘I got intel the woods than I was tackled by Johnston’s skire mishers;and if I hadn’t ent my way’ through ‘em, there'd “been an end of ‘Barney Malone. Ochone!’ ‘Howly mother! how I laid about me to the right and left! If I hadn’t cl'aned me- self in the fust runnin’ strame, I shouldn’t be dacent for your two eyes to’ look at. Another intle taste from your little barrel, honey, and Pit resarve the rest of me adventures till a more eonvanient s’ason.”—- ; Maggie tipped the canteen again, and Bar- ney’s “yintle taste” preved an exhausting li- bation. ; , CHAPTER XXY. AND THE LAST. Footsteps were heard approaching, and a mo-_, ment after Luke Scotto appeared, followed by Murch and Dagon. On the first alarm, Barney sprang up, sabre in hand. : “Don’t be afeard, girls,” he said. * Jist stan’ back and give me a chance with my weep- on, and’ I'll make an illegant’ fight. Cume on, ye blackguards—come on!”" ' “Put up’ your sword, Barney Malone!” an swered Scotto, advancing. ‘“There’s no need of ‘hackin’, “hewin’, and’ slewin’ among your friends.” , ee : “Arrah! Is it you, eap’n, jewel? It doce me good to hear your voice. Ve been think- in’ that-ye might be piled up with the dead hapes at Bull Run.’ It’s a murtherin’ thing, this war is!” Scotto addressed a few words to Hope and _*= ‘| Margaret, then asked : “ Where’s your regiment, Barney ?”” “ With the blissid saints in heaven, where we all hope to be, if we live till we die! I’m the only one that marched off the field in good or- der, havin’ fust wrapped the colors of the regi- ment round me body, and speared a few gunners at their guns. ee” E “T know what done it,” interposed Dagon. “Twas dem yer iron pots as busts and flics all ih - HtSOuOe OS J - | to bits.’ _wise Saint Patrick ordered: it. You see, the!” “Is ‘it iron pots ye ealls'em ?”” Barney look- ed'from Dagon to Scotto. “Is it shells the na- gut indnes 7 OS 29 -* oe “What odds whether you calla ‘em dinner- ots or boomb-shells ? Holler—isn’t they? A inner-pot’s holler, too — isn't it? Well, dat er’s de argyment. No use talkin’ bout dat! asy ’nough to see what dé case am.” “Spake not of dinner-pots; they hurt not, nayther do they bu’st, It’s one of. that same I wish I had before me now, full of good corn- ed-beef and peraties. It would not be the dinner- pot that would bu’st in sich a case, but meseM | | | Le r- at ES ne ee ir ob SOCOTTO, THE SCOUT. mstirely. Go away, nagur! It’s the likes of ye that's.made the trouble. If ye’d been a dacent Christian color, I shouldn't been harried round a tree by a bloody-minded sacesh! It’s worrited I've been this day for the rayson of your blackn ss.” “ Look ’e hyar!” said Murch. ‘“ There’s got to be wars and fixhtin’s onthe airth. The world gits rank with blackguardism, and rotten with ence, arter 4 time. It wants thinnin’ out, it oes. War is a thunder-storm to clear, the hu- man atmosphere. No matter whether it comes through the nig or the white man, come it must, sooner or later. So let it come! I'm willin’ to fight, I be! I likes it more than *totherwise ! I’m wild-cats in a scrimmage, and a pooty strong tea for some kinds o’ sickness !” As Murch spoke, he emerged from the shad- ow into the moonlight. Barney eyed him with great curiosity. *« Ye'd make a strong, tea, be opens, if ye’s staped without washin’! The divil might drink ye, for all me, for any sickness that me sins might bring to me mortle body!” retorted Barney, whose humor had often involved him in difficulty. Zadoc smiled grimly, and the scout, fearful that the friendly relations of the two might be interrupted at the beginning of their acquaint- ance, hastened to say : “Don’t bicker, men! Remember there’s women here ; theerfore be quiet.” Then to Miss Hurdlestone : “We've been lookin’ for ye, miss, a long time. There's been a sharp fight out in the open.” “ Well ?”’ said Hope, uneasily. friend.” “There’s a little I mought say,” answered Scotto, with embarrassment, which he tried to conceal by glancing at Margaret, and remark- ing: “ You're one o’ them vivandcrs, I see ?” “« Yes,” said Margaret, mechanically. “Captain Scotto,” exclaimed Hope, ‘ you do not speak frankly! There is something you fear to tell me.” ‘Nothin’ more than one might expect in these times. The colonel, your father, was wounded some’at in the squirmish this evenin’,” replied the scout, avoiding the questioning eyes of Miss Hurdlestone. “ Wounded !” she repeated, while a sad, sick sensation swept over her. “It may be but slightly,” said Maggie, sooth- “Go on, my gly. “In battle, all men are mortal,” gaid the scout. “Lead me to him at once!” eried Hope, in a decided voice. ‘* You fear to tell me that his wound is mortal. I must hurry to him to hear his Jast wishes, and receive his dying benedie- tion.” “ Fallow,” replied Scotto, “Mr. Murch, lend 38 your arm to Barrey. He is one of the gallant Sixty-ninth, and must be cared for.” ‘One of ’em, ecap’n dear? Shure it’s the whole of ’emIam! Where’s the tay for sick- ness? Give me your shoulder, misther, ‘less ye’re sacesh, in which eyvint I’ll none of ye,” quoth Barney Malone. “You are tired, miss,” said Scotto, kindly, to Hope. ‘Lean on an old soldier's arm, and you'll find yourself steadier for ’t; Don’t be downeast.”” The admonitions of Scotto fell on the ears of one whose mind was tossed to and fro with sus- pense; Clinging elosely to his arm, she kept pace with him, however fast he walked. They reached, presently, the glade where a dozen of the Rangers had met thrice their num- ber of the enemy’s cavalry. A little group marked the spot where her father was lying. In a moment she was at his side. -His eyes were closed, and hé was. breathing quietly. Ske grasped his hand, and was. startled at its cok|. ness. As she dropped on her knees beside him, she observed Girdwood, standing opposite, with: melancholy face. “ Father! father!” she exclaimed. The wounded man opened his eyes. His fail: ing sight fixed itself on the features of hi« daughter. That pale and beautiful countenanore recalled to his recollection a teeming, touching history of many years. He did not speak at first ; thought was toe busy with him for si- terance. “Do you not know me, father ?”” “ Know you, child? I know you now, and shall know you forever! I know and love you! Iam leaving you, Hope.” “ Leave me not! Oh, leave me not, father ?”’ sobbed Hope. / “« Phe word ‘ March’. eomes from One who may not. be disobeyed. The Commander-in-chief on high orders me to a distant and unknown peet. I know not how it will fare with me there; but I trust, dropping the errors. of earth with my body, I shalt Sud favor and merey.” “Abundant favor and abundant merey !’’ said Hope, fervently. “What. flag is that floating near me?” he asked. “ The old flag, father! The flag that floated over the head of Washington.” ‘ “Take it from his sight,” said Girdwood, softly, to Seotto. : “No; bring it nearer,” responded Hurdle. stone, quickly.‘ Let me behold it onee more. Plant the staff beside me.” , Scotto thrust the flag-staff into the earth just opposite Hope. The Stars and Stripes floated gently over the dying man, who gazed at the national banner with singular intensity. “Death clears my sight !” he murmured. “ Human selfishness and human hate are reced- ing from view. Our Revolutionary fathers were oni » motirer’s face. BA SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. right. This is the flag to die under. I retract | omy: heresy. © Io die loyal! “The time’ will ¢ome when my brothers-in-urnis will ‘wish to die the ‘stitie.© Union is thé true shibboleth‘of safety. Death’ is « plain dealer. ‘With it, dark ambi- tien, the lust of power, and’ wild aspiration, énd.” He paused a little, then asked : “Where are you, daughter ?” “Here; dear futher, holding you back, and ‘grieved that you must go¢tieved past expres- sion,” answered Hope, weeping. “ Dear, dear girl! You have your sainted I would Teould be longer with you; but the Conqueror is at hand: Where is the youngeman ? here is Girdwood? I am feeling forhim in the dark.” “Tam here,” replied Ralph, taking the hand that was groping blindly in the air. Hurdlestone pressed it with dying energy. “Let these two hands be joined,” he added, with thrilling solemnity. Hope's and Girdwood’s hands touched and elasped ; they rested across the breast of ‘the dying man, while his own cold fingers lay on both. “TI have done you wrong, young man, but I make you abundant reparation now. I bequeath unto-you my Hope. ' When I am dead, bear her safely from these scenes: “A great and oonquer- ing Union Army will be gathered on the Poto- mac, Pause not till you are within its cireling lines.” He stopped. “ Luke Scotto?” he said, anon. “Ross Hurdlestone !” answered with emotion. “ Are we at peace?” . “We're at péace!” respended Scotto, im- pressively. r “You have heard my wishes,” continued Hurdlestone, with wonderful clearness. “Be a father to Hope till Ralply Girdwood lias a right to take her from you. Give her away; Luke, and think of me as’ I was in Mexico.” “ Ross Hurdlestone, all this ‘shall-be done,” answered the scout. ** Your child shall be sa- cred in my eyes. I will do what you would do, were you to fies to carry out your own desires. You know Luke Scotto.” “QT know him well. Bless my daughter in my name when you give her to this man.” scout, »owHurdlestone’s breath failed him. He gasped and seemed going. “Where’s the flag?” he asked, presently, somewhat wildiy. e “ Floatin’ over you,” said Scotto, passing his hand over his eyes. “That's as it should be. God bless you, Hope! ‘God bless you, Girdwood !” He paused again, ‘and his eyelids quivered over'the sightless balls: He tried to speak. “Tel Beanregard—” be began. All present leaned intently forward. He. stopped. Be 24 gaff “ Tell Beauregard—” he stopped for the last time, and for the want of life.” Colne! Ross Hurdlestone was dead. eT * * * * _* A silence followed, broken only by the low sobs of Hope. “Gone!” sighed Scotto. “A brave man has gone.” Then to Ralph: ‘Remain with her, Girdwood, a half-hour, that she may weep over him without restraint. Men, withdraw. is ‘sacred. When the half-hour has passed, Luke Scotto will return for the orphan that was confided to him:” Hope and Girdwood were left with the dead, their hands yet clasped over the motionless breast. He gently unloosed the captive fingers, and withdrew to a little distance, where he re- mained, til] Scotto informed him that the half- hour had expired. : = * Tt’s time to go,” he said. ‘You and Mar- garet atiend to the poor gal, while I place the colonel’s body where it may be easily found by his friends.” When Ralph returned to Hope, he found her comparatively calm, but she would not listen to the proposition of the scout respecting the bur- ial of her father. i “J will not leave him,” she said, ‘till dust is consigned to its dust.” : No one had the heart to oppose this resolu- tion, A grave was hurriedly hollowed at the foot of a patriarchal oak, ani all that remained of Hurdlestone was laid tenderly in it, with tue American fiag upon his breast. Fee Dagon breathed a short, simple, yet fervent prayer over the body of his master, and the earth was replaced. But. Hope still Jingered. She'could not tear herself from the spot, and it was not till morning was near that shé was pre- vailéd-upon to mount a horse aud go. with her friends. Leaving the enemy’s country was perilous , but guided by Seotto, and protected by seviral of the Independent Rangers, Manassas was left far behind, and before many hours they were beyond the fear of pursuit. arney Malone, mount d upon a black horse taken from one of the rebel cavalry, accompa- nied them—regaling them, when the way per- mitted, with unique accounts of his adventures. The Twins, who had turned np in good pres- ervation, did not, it was observed, havea broth- erly “clinch” till Arlington Heights appeared in view. Dagon spoke often of the North Star, but de- elared a firm determination not to leave his young mistress. The hound, Jule, seemed in excellent spirits, scampering and frisking over the “sacred soil” as irreverently as though it was the commonest earth in the world. Zadoe Murch left them mysteriously on the Grief , SCOTTO, THE SCOUT. way. limpse of him, the following day, near the White House at Washington, but could not ab- Girdwood was confident that he caught a solutely identify him. Again, after the new ar- my began to pour in by thousands, and pitch their white tents on the opposite bank, late one evening he saw a burly figure crossing the Po- tomac in a boat that strongly reminded him of | the sturdy proportions of Zadoe Murch. Margaret, the vivandiere, remained with Tope. in whom she found a loved and valued friend. Luke Scotto, the scout, with his Rangers, is yet doing efficient duty in Virginia, while the Basketeers give great promise of becoming good soldie*s; although Corporal Keith is ocvasion- ally w rried by their “ pitehing-in” propensities. ‘The Rangers having been recruited to a reg- 55 ment, Girdwood has accepted its coloneley ; that honor having been stoutly declined by its former Jeader, who is much absent, and is often seen in close conference with the commander- in-chief. It is well understood that the War Department is indebted to him for information of the utmost importance. When he is observ- ed to throw his long rifle across his arm, and ge quietly from camp, the Union soldiers say to © | each other : “We shall have news from beyond the ene- my’s pickets to-night!” Miss Hurdlestone has received much attention from tie Joyal ladies at Washington; and when asuitable time has elapsed, will make Ralph Girdwood the happiest man in the world. 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