Chapter 4 No.4

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.

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