_The Journey--The Cowardly Negro--Nettleton's Method--Meeting the
Rebels--He will fight--Powder discovered--The Arrival._
The devil damn thee black, thou cream-faced loon!
Where got'st thou that goose look?--_Shakespeare._
The party rode rapidly to the river, and were soon upon the opposite
shore. Turning to the east, they passed along a narrow road which wound
its course along the river's bank. For fifteen or twenty miles the
horsemen did not pause, and not a word was spoken. At last Captain
Hayward ordered a halt, and the party dismounted. The horses were
secured to the surrounding trees, and Nettleton and the negro left to
guard them.
"Come with me, comrades," said Hayward, as he took his course toward the
river's bank.
In a moment they were seated by the side of the rapid Osage, entirely
concealed by the thick growth of underbrush by which they were
surrounded.
"It is better that our servants should not hear our conversation,"
remarked Hayward. "And now, gentlemen, we must lay our plans. I wish
every one to speak freely. You know our object, of course."
"I know its nature; but perhaps you can give us details we are not
acquainted with," answered Lieut. Elsler.
"They are merely the instructions previously given, with a trifling
difference. We are to reach the camp of Price by noon to-morrow, or
to-day, as I see it is after twelve o'clock," replied Hayward. "When we
arrive within a mile of the outer pickets, we must conceal our horses,
and leave the darkey to watch them. I shall walk boldly into the camp,
and report myself to Price as an officer and messenger just arrived from
McIntosh's command. Our colonel was in the same regiment with him, the
10th regulars, before this war broke out, and has given me an exact
description of his person and peculiarities. To throw Price off his
guard, and to prevent his questioning me too closely, I shall repeat
some of the peculiar expressions of Mac, which, of course, Price will at
once recognise, and that, together with my secesh uniform, will settle
matters. I am to tell some story which will induce him to make a stand
here, or to advance upon us at Warsaw; or, at least, to give us battle
at Springfield. I shall tell Price that it is the advice of McIntosh to
meet Fremont on the Osage, if possible, and say that the reason of this
advice is, that Mac is in communication with one Marshall, an officer
high in rank in the federal army, and that Marshall tells him the exact
position of our forces. Of course our numbers are to be greatly
underrated. The federals, I shall say, profess to have thirty-five
thousand men, _all_ anxious to fight, when in reality they have not more
than twenty thousand, poorly armed, and mostly arrant cowards, who will
run at the first discharge of the confederate guns. I shall tell Price
that Mac has perfect confidence in the information received through his
friend, and sent me forward at once to communicate with him. You must
all remain concealed until I come to you. I shall remain in his camp
until evening, get such information as I can with regard to his actual
strength, and what he intends doing, and when the countersign for the
night is given out, I shall manage to procure it, and then return to
you. Our further plans we can then arrange."
"But, if there should already be some of the officers from McIntosh's
department, present, and should declare you did not belong there!"
"It is not at all probable. Mac has not received any information at
all."
"But you know Price has sent spies into our camp, and if any of them
should be present and recognise you?"
"I must take the chances. If I do not return to you by eleven o'clock,
you will know that I have been arrested."
"If ye are arrested we will go in and lick the nasty chaw-tobacker
skunks, and get you out," said Nettleton, who had approached just in
time to hear the last sentence.
"William, I told you to remain with the horses, did I not?"
"I know you did, captain, but you see I had to come and report myself
under arrest."
"What have you been doing, William?"
"I've killed the nigger!"
"Not Swasey's nigger?"
"Yes, I have!"
"Why did you do that?"
"Why, captain, ye see the black sneak got skeered and turned almost
white, and shivered like a poodle when he's going to ketch a licking.
And sez I to him, you dog or rascal, what are you skeered about? And
when he tried to speak his teeth rattled so that I thought it was a
wagon coming over the mountain. Then he jumped on one of the horses and
sez 'I'm g'wan back!' So I just tapped him on the head with the but of
my gun, and I'll be blasted if the critter didn't get right off the
horse and lay down without my telling him to do it. But, I didn't want
to kill the black skin; I didn't think his pate was so soft. Niggers
generally ain't."
"What was the fellow frightened about?"
"I don't know, captain, except it was the dark!"
The officers exchanged glances, and Hayward said in an under tone:
"It was just as I should have expected Nettleton to act!" Then turning
to William he said:
"Go back to the horses, and don't kill any one else to-night!"
"I won't, captain, unless they are enemies or cowards," replied William,
as he turned to depart.
"I would trust that fellow with my life," said Hayward, gazing after
Nettleton.
"But you were saying, captain, if you did not return by eleven o'clock,
we should know you were arrested. What shall we do in that case?"
"You can do nothing. Return to camp and leave me to my fate. However, I
apprehend no such danger. But, Harry, you spoke of a beauty whom you
love, and who is a prisoner. Have you anything to request? Perhaps we
can serve you in this matter."
"Yes, Harry, we will try," replied Elsler; "but will you not give us the
remaining portion of your adventure?"
"Have I time?" asked the adjutant, turning to the captain.
"Oh! yes, _true_ love affairs are usually short but sweet. I presume it
will not take you very long to speak of bright eyes, ruby lips, flowing
tresses, and soft whispers--sighs, and all that kind of nonsense. Go
on."
"Captain, I know _you_ think lightly of love, but wait until you have
seen Alibamo. You will love her, too. She is a being to love--beautiful
as morning--gentle as a summer evening's breeze."
"Exactly, and so on indefinitely. Young ladies are always all this, and
more, in young lovers' estimation. But give us _facts_, Harry. She is a
prisoner, and that interests me. Perhaps I can see her to-day, and give
her some message from you, which will give her hopes of liberty."
"I have very little to say, but much to do. While I was with the
scouting party some days since, I went to the camp of the rebels. I did
not seek admittance within their lines, but from a commanding point I
saw their whole army, although I could not form any correct estimate of
their strength. As I was returning I met Alibamo, in company with a
squad of soldiers who are acting as her guard. She recognized me at
once, and was about to spring forward, when I raised my finger to my
lips, in token of silence. She understood me. She knew I was not a rebel
but the soldiers supposing me, from my rough, homespun clothing, to be
one of their own friends, did not notice me, or observe the sign of
recognition and silence which passed between myself and the lady. I
spoke to the soldiers: 'Hold on a moment,' I said, 'if I am not greatly
mistaken, I have met this beauty before in New Orleans.' As I spoke
these words, I fixed my eyes upon her. I tried to look hatred. She
understood me, and replied that she had met me before. 'And I loved
you,' I said, 'but that love was of no avail. You left me. I determined
to follow you, for revenge, but I did not know where you were. And now I
meet you near my own camp. And you are a prisoner! Am I not revenged?'
"The soldiers heard every word I had spoken, and understood me just as I
spoke. She then replied to me thus:
"'It is true we have met before, and you told me of your love. I turned
from you, I scarcely knew why, but you were mistaken if you thought I
did not love you. That I left the place where we first met was
unavoidable. And because I left thus, you wish to revenge me! Well, you
have your revenge. My father and my brother, most likely, have been
murdered by rebels such as you. I am in the hands of a ruffian. I cannot
escape--I meet you, and you taunt me! Well, you _are_ revenged!'
"Thus she briefly told me her story. I asked her if she could love me
yet, and she replied she could. I pointed to a certain rock, and told
her that, as soon as my duties would permit, I would meet her there. Of
course I could not permit her to escape, and unless she would promise to
remain, and become one of us, I could do nothing for her. One of the
guard said she could not meet me there alone, as Branch would not allow
it, but she might be permitted to _walk_ if she chose to do so, in the
evening, accompanied by the present guard. I thanked them, said I would
let Alibamo know when I could come, and if they would keep the matter a
secret, I would pay them well for it. I could afford to do that, as my
father was rich. Believing me a rebel, they readily consented.
"Of course, you know my plans now, captain. Arrange all your affairs,
and then communicate with Alibamo for me. Tell her to meet me at eleven
o'clock at the place appointed. There will be a guard of twelve,
captain. What say you?"
"We will rescue her!"
"Can we do it?"
"Nettleton _alone_ could do it! Why do you ask, can _we_?"
"It is an individual hazard!"
"Your cause is ours, Harry. But come, it is time to continue our
journey. It will be daylight before we reach our destination."
As they approached the spot where the horses were tied, they saw the
negro standing erect, and Nettleton giving him advice which was as
follows:
"Now look a here, 'Swasey's nigger,' you are a mean feller any how, and
ain't much account no way. But, don't go and make a sneak of yourself by
being such a milksop of a coward. Cos why? You see, I hit you on the
head, and I thought you was killed. I didn't care much, no way, kase
you're such a mean soldier, any way. But just behave yourself, and don't
be a sneak any more, and I'll let ye live; but if you show the white
feather, as captain calls it, you will find out that the captain's
body-guard don't have any turn-tails about _him_; no, sir, Mr. Darkey!"
"I won't be coward no more, Massa Nettleton. Golly, don't I wish dis
chile was brabe like you. But, ye see, Massa Nettleton, when dis chile
gets in de woods, and de rebels are aroun', it makes his har stan' on
end."
"Well, don't you do it no more, or I make _you_ stand on end!"
"William Nettleton," called the captain.
"Yes, sir! want the horses?"
"Yes, William."
As the party mounted, and prepared to depart, Captain Hayward said:
"Why, William, you informed me that you had killed that gentleman of
color. I see he is alive, and apparently unhurt."
"Why ye see, captain, his skull is so thick, it ain't so easily cracked.
But, if you'll only just examine his skull, you'll find a lump there big
enough for a breastwork."
"Do you think it has improved his condition?"
"I guess it knocked some of the fear out of his woolly top-piece, and if
I have occasion to hit him again, I bet it will knock it all out."
"George, what are you afraid of?" asked Hayward, speaking to the negro.
"I'se most afeerd of Cap'n Nettleton, massa," replied the negro, as he
opened his mouth and grinned.
"Did he hurt you very much?"
"Considerable much, massa cap'n. Golly, I thought the gun crack de
skull, sure."
"But you are not afraid of the rebels, are you, George?"
"Not when I'se good way off!"
"Captain," said the adjutant, "we shall have trouble with this fellow.
Had we not better send him back?"
"Perhaps it would be the best course."
"Oh! massa cap'n, don't send dis chile back alone. De rebels catch him,
sure. And den, O Lord golly, dey whip me to strings, _sure_!"
"So they would. The best thing you can do is to keep quiet. We shall
conceal our horses when we arrive within a few miles of the camp, and
you must remain with them. If you do so, you will be safe, but if you
attempt to return alone, you will be caught and whipped to death."
"Oh! golly! massa, dis chile will do just what massa cap'n tell him. But
is ye gwan to lebe dis chile all stark, staring, breving alone?"
"All alone, George, and your only safety will be in keeping perfectly
quiet so that you will not be discovered."
"Can't Massa Nettleton stay?"
"William," said Hayward, "give that fellow a lecture."
"Yes, captain. Look a here, you disgrace of your country," said
Nettleton, as he rode up to the side of the negro, "look a here; if I
hear you open your mouth again, I'll cram the muzzle of my gun down your
throat, and then shoot it off. Lord wouldn't there be a splutterin of
nigger!"
"I'se dumb, Cap'n Nettleton."
"Well, talk no more. Come, comrades, double quick."
Captain Hayward struck his horse and dashed forward, followed by the
entire party.
It was about two o'clock in the morning, as they were riding rapidly
along, when Nettleton rode up to the side of Captain Hayward and said:
"Captain, don't you see them sneaks ahead?"
The captain looked toward the spot indicated and replied:
"_Stumps_, you mean, William."
"No, golly massa, dem's no stumps; dem's hooman beins. Dar, don't you
hear dat horse whinner?"
"Halt!" said Hayward. "Look to your pistols--have your swords
ready--there are about twenty of them. They see us, and are awaiting our
approach. It is too late to conceal ourselves. Forward!"
The party moved onward at a slackened pace. When they had arrived within
forty yards of the horsemen, Captain Hayward said:
"Halt here a moment. I will ride forward."
In an instant he had reached them. He rode up carelessly and fearlessly.
"Halt!" cried the leader, addressing Hayward.
"To what purpose, sir?" demanded Hayward.
"For examination!" was the response.
"The moon is shining brightly. You can easily examine my face and
uniform. But perhaps you prefer to examine these?" said Hayward, drawing
his revolver with one hand and his sword with the other.
"Precisely!" was the reply, "unless _you_ pass examination first."
"Well, sir, as I don't intend to submit myself to any such process, we
will commence with these at once. Forward, boys!" shouted Hayward,
turning to his own party, "_here are a set of d----d home guards_!"
Hayward was well satisfied that the party was no other than a portion of
Price's army, and his rough allusion to the "home guards" was intended
to impress them with the fact that he and his party were also of the
rebel army. The ruse succeeded. As the remainder of Hayward's party were
approaching, with drawn swords, the officer in command of the other
squad, said:
"Don't trouble them. I think we are all cut from the same piece of
cloth."
"Then you are _not_ what I suppose?" asked Hayward.
"We are of the confederate army, and have just come from camp."
"Indeed! then you need not fear us!" said Hayward, laughing. "That is,
if you will give a good account of yourselves. Halt, boys, don't
annihilate them."
The leader of the twenty joined in the laugh, as he saw the remaining
five approach.
"Oh! Lord! massa," said the negro as he approached, "don't--don't--if
dem's home guards we will be--"
Somehow in turning, just at that instant the gun which Nettleton
carried, came in violent contact with the darkey's nose, which checked
his further utterance.
"Yes, ye dam skunk, you maybe mighty glad them ain't home guards. If
they was, you'd catch Jerusalem, I tell ye what, ye black rascal!"
The darkey did not appear to comprehend, but dared not speak.
"Whither bound, boys?" asked Hayward.
"Well," replied the leader, "we are going to scout around the federal
camp a little, to find out what we can. I suppose we can get in, as we
shall go separately, and if surprised, we shall pass as home guards. I
fancy no difficulty, as you mistook us for such."
"Still, you must be very careful. These Yankees are very sharp, I am
informed," replied Hayward.
"Well, if we are attacked we must do our best, of course. But we may not
go as far as Warsaw. Our principal object is, to get some kegs of
powder, which are buried on the Osage, just above--let me see."
The officer took a card from his pocket and read aloud:
"_Just above Rapid creek, on the west bank, near a large oak tree, which
is marked C. S. A._"
"Powder! good! We are in need of it," answered Hayward. "By the by, I am
out of powder--so are our entire party. Have you any to spare?"
"Oh! yes, here is a flask."
Hayward reached for his second pistol, and then looking up with
surprise, he said:
"Why, I lost one of my weapons. Ah! I remember where we stopped, _about
two miles back_, in the brush, by the river's side. Elsler, you have not
ridden as far to-day as I have; won't you ride back and get it for me.
You probably will find it on the ground where I was sitting. We will
ride slow, so that you can easily overtake us."
"With pleasure, captain," replied Elsler, as he turned his horse, and
rode rapidly away.
"I would go with you, captain," said Hayward, "were it not that I have
important information to impart to General Price. By the by, captain, is
my friend Branch with you now?"
"Yes--but you must have been absent some time not to be aware of his
presence."
"Oh! I have not been with the general since the Lexington affair. I just
came up from McIntosh's command. But why would I be particularly aware
of his presence. Has Branch got himself into trouble?"
"Yes--he's caught a tartar!"
"Will a duel be the result?" asked Hayward, with apparent solicitude.
"Oh! he's already shot!"
"Injured badly?"
"O! no, that is, not mortally. He was only shot, as Mercutio says, 'with
a white wench's black eye.' That's all."
"I don't exactly understand you," replied Hayward, feigning ignorance.
"Why, you see, Branch took a young gal prisoner, and has kept her in
camp some time. At first he was harsh and done just about as he
pleased--that is, he said about what he pleased. But he never couldn't
come near the gal. She struck him once with a dagger when he tried to
kiss her, and nearly killed him. During the time he was sick he fell in
love in real earnest with the gal, and now she does anything she
pleases, _except_ leave. That she can't do, as Branch has detailed a
guard to watch her, and although they are just as much in love with her
as Branch is, they dare not let her escape."
"Indeed! She must be a fascinating creature. Is she in camp now?"
"Oh, yes; she has a tent to herself."
"What is her name?"
"I believe they call her Alibamo."
"She is a Spanish beauty, then?"
"That is her Christian name. But I believe she _is_ of Spanish origin."
"I must see this beauty," said Hayward, laughing.
"You had better look out for your heart."
"Oh! no danger. I am not susceptible. Here is a young gentleman who is,
however. How is it, Harry, do you think _you_ will love this--this--what
is her name?"
"Alibamo."
"Alibamo! Yes--soft--musical--poetical. Will you love Alibamo, Harry?"
"Very likely, captain," replied the adjutant.
"Well, we must proceed. Good-by, captain. I hope you will secure the
powder!"
The parties now separated, Captain Hayward and his friends riding
leisurely forward, until the others were no longer to be seen.
"I guess he'll git that powder over the left," said Nettleton, grinning
a smile that reminded one of a large hole in the mountain.
"Search for your revolver, captain. _Perhaps_ you have not lost it at
all."
"I brought but _one_, and that is here. But never mind."
In the course of a few hours, the captain rode into a thick cluster of
oaks, followed by his friends.
The horses were secured in a position where they were entirely concealed
from view. The negro was instructed to watch them, and the others were
to remain quiet until the return of Captain Hayward, provided he should
return by twelve o'clock the following night. If not, they were to act
as they thought best.