Chapter 5 No.5

Hayward in Camp-The Spies-The Maiden Alibamo-The Interview with Price-The Perilous Situation.

Columbia's sons! the heavens above us

Sent angels of glory, who brought down our stars!

With part of heaven's blue

Which they gave Washington,

And through him to you,

When first you begun

To form our proud standard. Then lacking the bars,

Columbia's daughters exclaimed, "Those who love us

Must add to that portion with streams of their blood,

Binding it to the blue and the stars, though a flood

Be required." * * * * * Colonel Weeks.

It was about ten o'clock in the morning when Captain Hayward left his friends, and proceeded toward the camp of General Price, which was about four miles from the spot where the horses had been secured and the party concealed. Several of the picket guard were passed, who came at once to the shoulder arms and salute, as Hayward approached. He soon reached the guard-house. Here the inspection was a trifle more critical, although the captain passed within the lines without the slightest difficulty. He walked along as one familiar with the place, his eyes surveying each surrounding object at a single glance, and seeking, among the better class of tents, one which, by the rebel flag, he could recognize as headquarters. But he could not readily find the general's tent, concealed, as it was, among the trees. Soon, however, he met one of the rebels, wearing the shoulder-straps of captain, and his sash worn in the manner indicating an "officer of the day." Hayward saluted, and asked:

"Will you take me to the general's tent?"

"You are a stranger here?" asked the officer.

"Yes."

"You come from below?"

"From below Springfield-from McIntosh."

"Anything important?"

"Yes, but it is for the general's ear first. If he chooses to communicate with you, very well; but I shall not!"

"Oh! your pardon, sir. You will find the general's tent to the right, on the hill yonder, just in the edge of the woods. He is now examining a spy-an Indian!"

Hayward saluted the officer, and passed on toward the spot indicated. He had proceeded but a short distance, when he saw an Indian dart from among the trees, and run as if for life. Several shots were instantly fired after him, but without effect. It was but an instant before several horsemen appeared, and dashed after him at a furious speed. They passed Hayward, and were soon out of sight.

Hayward passed on, and soon reached the general's tent. He was informed by an orderly in attendance that Price had just left in pursuit of the Indian spy who had just escaped, and might be absent some time.

"These red devils are slippery as eels," said the orderly, "and I doubt if they can overtake him."

"Well, I am in no particular hurry," replied Hayward. "I come from McIntosh with messages for the general, and I will await his return here."

"Then you are a stranger in our camp?"

"Yes, I have just arrived!"

"Well, sit down. Take a cigar-and here is some excellent brandy. Help yourself."

"You appear to be well provided for," said Hayward, lighting a cigar.

"Better with drink than anything else. But I can offer you something to eat, such as it is."

"Thank you, orderly; but I was well supplied at a farm-house this morning. However, I will drink with you. Fill, and we will drink to the general, and success to our cause!"

"I will drink that in a pint bumper," said the orderly, as he drained his glass.

"That is excellent," said Hayward.

"Take another."

"I don't care if I do!"

"Still another!"

"I don't care if I do!" replied Hayward again, in a singular tone.

"Oh! you have been with McIntosh, sure," said the Orderly, who made himself very familiar with his new acquaintance. He had evidently been already very familiar with the brandy, and was getting very drunk. "I should know you had drank with Mac many a time. That is always his reply, and we use it all over the camp-Don't care if I do," and the orderly drained his glass again. Hayward pretended to drink.

"What news do you bring from Mac?" asked the orderly.

"I expect it is advice to retreat!"

"Oh! he need not have sent us that advice!"

"Why, I thought General Price had determined to make a stand here!"

"So did I. But he won't now. Mum's the word, you know, if I tell you!"

"Oh! yes, mum!" answered Hayward in a confidential tone.

"Well, you see, the general sent out spies several days ago, and he thought they were taken, or had played him false, because they didn't come back. But they did come this morning while the general was absent, and brought these papers. The general was so busy examining the Indian, that he did not see them, and I forgot to tell him they were here."

"What do the papers contain?"

"A plan of the federal camp-the names and description of all the principal officers, even General Fremont, and their entire force in round numbers-their guns-kind of rifle which the infantry use, and, in fact, all the particulars, even to where they post their pickets."

"Orderly, do you think we can successfully contend with their army?"

"I know we cannot! They have more fighting men than we, and are much better armed."

"What shall you do, orderly, if Price does make up his mind to fight?"

"You won't betray me?"

"Not if you tell me in confidence."

"Well, then, before the fight begins, I shall run like the devil, and get out of the way. Those d--d abolitionists don't take me prisoner, if I can help it!"

"Then you are convinced Price would be whipped?"

"I know it!"

"I am of your opinion, orderly. But Price has determined to fight. He has great confidence in his position here, and thinks that he can whip twice his number. Let mo look at those papers!"

The orderly passed the papers to Hayward.

"Now, let me tell you, orderly, I think it is all folly for Price to meet the federal army, even if he has a strong position. You know they have sixty-some say eighty thousand men, and four hundred big guns-and yet Price thinks he can successfully meet-What do I see! Why, this paper states that the federal forces only number thirty or thirty-five thousand, and that they have less than two hundred guns! Oh! this is a mistake. Those men who brought this information, I will swear, are Union spies, and are deceiving General Price, merely to get him to fight. Now, I know the federals have more men than represented here, and if Price has determined to meet them with their sixty thousand what will he do if led to believe there are only thirty thousand? Why, he would advance at once and lead us all to death."

"What shall we do?" asked the orderly, evidently alarmed.

"Why, Price must not see these papers!"

"How can it be prevented?"

"Let me keep them!"

"But the spies are down at their tent, and as soon as the general comes, they will return and tell him all."

"How many are there?"

"Only two!"

"They must not be permitted to deceive the general, and lead us all to certain destruction. Have them arrested at once, and put them in the outer guard-house-stay, and to prevent their communicating this false information to the men-as it would soon reach Price-have them gagged!"

"I will!" replied the orderly. He left the tent, and soon returned, saying:

"They seemed somewhat surprised when I told them they were found out. But they are properly attended to."

"I do not think that our general's position here is as strong as he thinks it to be. Have you a drawing of his defences?"

"Oh! yes," replied the orderly. "Here is one I drew for my own gratification."

"I will examine it at my leisure," remarked Hayward, as he glanced over the paper, and then placed it in his pocket. "But, now be very careful and make no mention of this matter to Price. What is that?"

"That singing?"

"Yes-that is an extraordinary voice, and is that of a female!"

"Oh! yes-that is a captive bird. But, if you will walk in that direction, I will introduce you to Captain Branch, and perhaps you can get an opportunity to converse with her."

Captain Hayward and the orderly left the tent, and proceeded in the direction from which the sound emanated. At last Hayward paused and said:

"By heaven, that will never do; she is singing the Star-spangled Banner!"

"Oh! she will do just what she pleases, in spite of any of us. You had better not say anything to her against that song, or you will get more of her tongue than will be agreeable to your feelings."

They paused before the tent, around which were lounging a number of officers. The orderly introduced Hayward to Captain Branch, and said:

"The gentleman is somewhat curious to see your beauty."

"He shall be gratified. Walk in, sir!"

Both Branch and Hayward entered the tent, and many of the officers crowded around to witness the introduction.

"Alibamo-darling-allow me to present you to a friend-an officer in our army."

"Present me anywhere, and to any one, and I will rejoice, if they will only take their presence out of my sight," replied the maiden. Then turning to Hayward she said:

"Pardon me, sir. I did not intend to be rude to you!"

"I have nothing to pardon, sweet lady," replied Hayward kindly. "Speak plainly. I admire candor, and never wish to constrain the speech of any one-more especially a lady, and one so beautiful!"

And beautiful she was, indeed. Her form was almost fairy-like. Her golden tresses fell upon a neck of spotless purity-her cheeks so clear that you could almost see the soul shine through them, leaving its tinge of beauty; and those eyes looked as if they opened first in heaven, and caught their brightness from a seraph's gaze, as flowers are fairest where the sunbeams fall. But, when she turned that gaze upon you, one could not fail to discover an expression of determination and firmness which could scarcely be expected in one so gentle in appearance.

"You are inclined to flatter," she answered, with a smile. "But if you are so willing others should express their sentiments without restraint, I may hope you were not offended because I was singing a favorite song of mine when you entered my tent."

"Not at all, dear lady. I should be pleased to listen to it again."

"Would you? Then you shall be gratified!"

And Alibamo, seizing her guitar, began the song. As she proceeded, an almost deathly silence was maintained by those around.

What was the meaning of this silence-this apparent thoughtfulness? Why did not the rebel hordes compel this female to cease her song of treason to them! Ah! the good old times, when their fathers and our own were fighting side by side, in freedom's holy name, and under the Union banner's folds, came freshly to the mind and heart of each, and caused them to long for just such times again, and for the glorious prosperity which was enjoyed by our country, while that "Star-spangled Banner" waved free and glorious. They thought of streams of blood-blood which had, and must still flow, mingled with tears-hot, burning mother's tears.

Perhaps, too, they were thinking of their own homes, prosperous and happy, till traitors arose, and striking down the standard which waved over them, planted in its place a treacherous emblem, reeking with the pollution of a bad cause.

Or, perhaps they were meditating a return to the dear old flag, but feared to do so. Fear that they might not, like the prodigal, be received with open arms, and fear that, in the outset, they would be overpowered and dealt with as mutineers.

Oh! come back, deluded, mistaken sons of freedom's soil! Come back, ye whose fathers shed their blood to consecrate our land to liberty, for ever! Let your base and calculating political leaders deceive you no more! Be no longer tools for their use and to be only used for their aggrandizement! Come back to the country that loved you and has so long given you its protection! Come, acknowledge your wrong-seek protection under our starry flag, and fight for it. You shall receive its protection, and be once more ranked as the sons of Columbia.

As she ceased singing, she turned to Hayward and said:

"Do you not admire the song?"

"I admire the singer, lady, but you must excuse me if I do not speak with regard to the sentiment, before you."

"You admire candor. Why not express your sentiments before me? You look like a gentleman, and I love occasionally to meet a gentleman, even in the rebel ranks."

"No doubt our views are different, lady. But I trust we will not be enemies nevertheless."

"We may not be personal enemies here. But if you will change that uniform you wear, for that of a Union officer, I will promise that we will be friends."

"I could not consistently do so at present, lady!"

"Why not?"

"When my country is in danger, do I not share it? Thus to take this off, would be to endanger myself and my country's cause."

Alibamo gazed at Hayward a moment, but it was met with a look of indifference.

"Yes, you are in danger. You belong to the so-called Southern confederacy, and you, with it, are in danger of destruction. Why not come back to the Union-the glorious old confederacy. Why not come back and fight for the cause your fathers died to win. Why not fight under the glorious stars and stripes. See I wear them as an apron, even here in this rebel camp. And I tore up a confederate flag to make this. The glorious stars and stripes-oh! how I love them. Our fathers gave them to us pure and spotless, their stars glittering brightly, and their stripes waving free. If they must be stained, it will be by the blood of our fathers' sons who are fighting to replace them on every spot where they have waved, but by traitorous hands been stricken down. And they will be placed there. They will yet wave over your home and mine!"

"Lady, you will pardon me, but I cannot longer listen to you. If I do not act as I think is right, it will be something new for Harry Hinton."

Alibamo started. She trembled violently, but recovering her self-possession, she said:

"Mr. Harry Hinton, I could not accuse you of dishonor. Forgive me if I have wounded your feelings by being rude. And to show you my esteem for you-that is so far as I can feel esteem for my country's enemy-you may kiss my cheek at parting!"

The gallant captain stepped forward, and taking the lady by the hand, the kiss echoed throughout the tent. But a very close observer would have noticed that Hayward kissed the lady on, or very near, the ear!

"Adieu! I trust to see you again!" said Alibamo, as Hayward left the tent.

"You are fortunate," remarked the orderly, as he proceeded toward the tent of Price.

"In what particular?" asked Hayward.

"In winning that lady's heart."

"Do you think I have?"

"It is very evident she is smitten with you. Ah! here is the general."

Hayward entered the tent of Price. The general merely looked up, but did not speak.

"I come to you from McIntosh, with information," said Hayward, as he saluted the general.

"Then you are welcome. Be seated, will you drink?"

"I don't care if I do?" answered Hayward, laughing.

"That sounds natural," said Price. "But how is my friend Mac?"

"Well, but very impatient."

"Why is this?"

"I would speak with you alone," said Hayward, glancing toward the orderly, who, without waiting further notice, left the tent.

"We are alone," said the general.

"The message sent is merely a verbal one, and perhaps of no very great importance, as you may have heard it from your own scouts. But, it is this. McIntosh is in constant communication with an officer of the federal army. He is informed through him, that their strength is greatly over estimated by our forces; that their available forces, if compelled to give battle at once, will be less than twenty thousand, and his advice is to meet the enemy at once."

"I cannot meet even twenty thousand!" said Price, despondingly.

"Not in this stronghold?"

"Not even here, as I must count the chances of defeat. Should the enemy advance upon us, they will attack us from the rear, thus cutting off communication, and in case of defeat, our situation would not be a pleasant one."

"Of course you will not meet them, unless certain of success. Mac knows the position and strength of the enemy, but was not so fully informed with regard to your situation. He says, if you think retreat advisable, he will meet you at Springfield."

"Are you to return?" asked Price.

"That is as you may direct, general."

"You will return to-morrow, and tell Mac to join me at Cassville. I am not able to get reliable information from Warsaw, and my camp has been filled with the federal spies for the past three days. Two have just escaped this morning. I know that the bridge at Warsaw is nearly completed, and that the enemy will move in a few days. I shall march to-morrow."

"It will take five or six days to reach Cassville. Shall I tell Mac to meet you immediately on your arrival?"

"Tell him to camp near Wilson's creek, and await orders. If the army of the federals advance as they have done, that is, only one division several days' march ahead, I shall attack them at Springfield. I was a fool that I did not meet them at Warsaw, when they were thus situated."

"Fremont will be in the advance, I suppose?"

"Yes, with his famous body-guard, and the division under Sigel, in all about eight thousand. I long to meet Sigel again, and that famous body-guard."

"I believe the friend of Mac is an officer in a battalion also acting as the body-guard of Fremont."

"What battalion is that?" asked Price.

"I believe they are called the Benton cadets."

"Ah! yes. I am expecting a messenger here every moment, with the description of all the officers attached to Fremont, and among them is a captain belonging to the cadets, whom I am anxious to meet."

"What is his name?" asked Hayward.

"His name is Harry Hayward! senior captain of the battalion."

"Why do you wish to meet him more than any other officer?"

"Because I met him once face to face, and he taunted me!"

"Did he know you, general?"

"No, he did not dream who I was."

"Where did you meet him?"

"It was at a farm-house, beyond Warsaw. I was there in disguise. This captain rode up and asked for a cup of water, and as I was standing at the well, I gave it to him. I asked the strength of the army, and he replied that they were much stronger than there was any occasion for. I asked him if he thought Price would not fight, and he replied that the rebel army might possibly be induced to meet us if they had a decent general, but with such a d-d cowardly old fool as Price for their leader, we should never catch them."

"Would you know him again if you should meet him?" asked Hayward, with apparent indifference.

"I do not think that I should. He had been riding during the whole of that day, and was so completely covered with dust that his features were not visible. But when one of my men returns, he will have his exact description. I instructed him to be particular about this officer."

"How did you ascertain who he was, at the time you met him?"

"While I was conversing with him, the adjutant rode up and handed him a letter. He opened it and threw the envelope on the ground. I picked it up, and thus learned who he was."

The remaining portion of the time, until nine o'clock in the evening, was passed in ordinary conversation. Hayward did not care to show himself about camp. He well knew that the guard-house held two prisoners, bound and gagged by his order, and accused of being spies from the federals, who were in reality rebel spies, and true to their cause. He knew they had both, or at least one of them, seen him, and would recognize him at once. He had his own description in his pocket, written by one of them, which had by the merest chance been prevented from falling into the hands of Price. However, time passed on, and nothing like suspicion was manifested, that Hayward was not just what he represented himself. Nine o'clock came. The countersign was out, which the general readily gave to Hayward. Tattoo had scarcely ceased sounding, when a sergeant appeared at the tent-entrance and said:

"General, one of the prisoners accused of being a spy, wishes to see you. He says his information is of vast importance."

"I know of no person charged with being a spy whom we have as prisoner! But it is possible some of the morning prowlers have been caught."

"He says he came direct from Warsaw where you had sent him."

"Strange!" said Price, musing. "Tell him I will be at the guard-house in an hour. Stay. Bring him to my tent at ten o'clock."

The sergeant departed.

"Will you excuse me a moment?" said Price, turning to Hayward. "I have letters to write."

"Certainly!" said Hayward as he left the tent.

Hayward walked leisurely along, until he reached the outer guard-house. He was here challenged and giving the countersign, passed out. He proceeded rapidly to the place where his friends awaited him, and found them all ready for orders, and for action.

* * *